Some of the media focus, of late, on Baltimore’s bars and restaurants has been on the closures around the city. However, there is, as always, an abundance of openings to even out the bar scene seesaw. Here’s a handful of some of the newest spots to swill.

 

Where Waterfront Kitchen was last housed is now the new Ampersea. With a kitchen led by Nelson Morton, the restaurant aims to utilize its community collaborations to create Maryland-inspired dishes like its oyster fritters, blue crab dip, Chesapeake rockfish, and chicken and dumplings. The reasonably priced drinks list, from cocktails to wine and local beer, is only outshined by one of the most spectacular water views from a bar, or restaurant, in Baltimore. (1417 Thames St; 443-681-5310)

 

Shortly after shuttering the doors of locally loved Jack’s Bistro in January, Ted Stelzenmuller opened Blair’s On Hudson, a tavern whose namesake is Stelzenmuller’s mother, but whose initials also spell out the iconic Baltimore beer (though it is not, however, still brewed in Baltimore). The new spot sports some of Jack’s fan favorites like mac and cheese with dark chocolate and the Guinness filet alongside burgers, tacos, mussels, and a few Asian inspired dishes. Wine is a focus at the bar (get ½ off bottles everyday between 5 and 6 pm), but there’s no shortage of other options, and the late night happy hour starts relatively early at 9 pm. (2822 Hudson St; 443-939-2440)

 

This members-only cigar, gin, and martini bar is taking the place of The Other Corner Charcuterie bar (though the owner remains the same). The space will be a welcome respite for those seeking a private, comfortable venue largely devoid of visible portable devices and the vice grip of social media. Plainly stating on their homepage that “What happens at Elmwood stays at Elmwood”, the spot prohibits picture taking, social media, “excessive cell phone use”, and reviewing or tagging online. The $25 annual membership cost seems a small price to pay for that kind of peace and privacy in public if that’s your thing. (860 W 36th St; 443-857-3219)

 

This new Hampden eatery, in the space that previously housed Aromes, recently opened under the leadership of local chef Chris Amendola. Billed as “hyper-seasonal”, the creative menu changes frequently, but rest assured you can always find pig parts. Drinks focus on primarily wine though there are a few brews, mainly of local origin. (3520 Chestnut Ave; 410-235-0035)

 

To mention the closing of Jack’s Bistro and not to mention the bar imminently replacing it, though it is not yet open, would be irresponsible at best. This new Canton corner bar, with another shoutout to the 80’s sitcom Three’s Company as its name, will be led by talented local bartender Ryan Sparks. While details are sparse, we do know that Stelzenmuller’s influence will be informing the food menu and that Sparks’ drinks will likely be creative updated versions of cocktails popular during the sitcom’s heyday. When they open, go and knock on their door… they’ve been waiting for you. (3123 Elliott St)

Photo via Ampersea on Facebook