Where to Drink Outside in Baltimore This Summer
In a city filled with nearly endless options for enthusiastic outdoor imbibing, we make an annual effort to whittle down a tremendously long list of restaurants and bars to create a compilation that does not invoke the likes of TL;DR comments. This year, we mixed some standard standbys not previously mentioned with some favorite newcomers that are offering the al fresco atmosphere.
Even when this space was occupied by a divey joint with a disjointed menu, drinkers and diners flocked here for the copious amount of tables with one of the best water views in Fells Point giving credence to its legitimacy as a prime location for al fresco imbibing. Several years ago, the owners of Barcocina moved in and breathed new life into the structure with a total rehab that transformed the space along with the introduction of an impressive Mexican-inspired food and drink menu. While the multitude of outdoor tables are still at a premium even on Baltimore’s most humid afternoons, the spot sports garage-door style windows that allow indoor diners and imbibers to enjoy a semi-outdoor experience as well. Points awarded for the awning that allows for outdoor dining even during those pop-up summer storms. (1629 Thames St, 410-563-8800)
This cozy Italian eatery in Hampden/Woodberry just opened their peaceful patio for the season. Sip creative cocktails or wine from their impressive list and nosh on pizzas and other Mediterranean menu items. (Mill No. 1, 3000 Falls Rd, 443-708-7352)
This veggie-focused venue atop the quirky American Visionary Arts Museum shakes and stirs some sips that are perfect for al fresco imbibing on their comfy outdoor patio. We adore their brunch, but lunch and dinner are on point, too. Don’t miss the color-changing Cheshire Cat cocktail. (800 Key Hwy, 410-752-1000)
The brick-tiled patio at the casual Fells Point Tavern is street-side but its flower-lined low-wall enclosure invokes coziness against the backdrop of busy Thames Street. (1606 Thames St, 410-276-4700)
This popular Brewer’s Hill purveyor of upscale cocktails also offers a quality beer and wine selection on their pretty patio. (3650 Toone St, 443-869-6874)
Baltimore’s only open-air rooftop bar recently opened for its second season and we couldn’t be more excited to settle into their loungy wicker seating with some sangria and signature cocktails. This year’s menu for the Skybar is enticing, too, with noshes like shrimp salad sliders, paninis, and cheese and charcuterie. (20 West Baltimore Street, 855-539-1928)
This seafood-heavy spot is just off the Square in Canton and offers one of the key elements of successful spring outdoor seating options - the propane heater. Windows are garage-style, so even indoor drinkers can feel like they’re outside. Check out happy hour for incredibly priced specials (50 cent oysters!) and generous wine pours. (2844 Hudson St, 410-327-2883)
This new popular collective in Remington has plenty of indoor seating for sipping on the crafty cocktails right at R. Bar, the centerpiece of the spot, or throughout the space for also drinking and dining on dishes from the variety of vendors, but there are a number of open-air tables as well. Can’t snag one on a particularly pretty day? Tables on the interior perimeter are adjacent to garage-style windows/walls. (301 W 29th St, 443-347-3570)
This Baltimore mainstay serving seafood for over 30 years is situated in the Inner Harbor area making it ideal for visitors to the city who are staying downtown, but it’s also loved by locals. The upscale menus are perfect for special occasions but the affordable lunch, happy hour, and Sunday Funday summer events put the spot at an accessible price point for anyone to enjoy the restaurant’s expansive view of the Harbor waterfront. (402 Key Hwy, 410-727-3678)