Whether it’s on the waterfront with seafood and crushes or on a dog-friendly deck with whiskey, outdoor drinking is a staple in this city. Now that spring has finally sprung, it’s time to sip in the sunshine.

 

 

BoatHouse Canton
Even in so-so weather, BoatHouse is the ideal waterfront spot, with a water view from nearly every table inside the restaurant. However, the outdoor Dockbar is the place to be when warm weather arrives. Settle in on the loungy outdoor seats or in the cover of the bar area and order from the dedicated Dockbar menu focused on small plates, sandwiches, and seafood. There’s also outdoor waterfront dining with the regular menu just outside of the main dining room. (2809 Boston St.; 410-773-9795)

 

One of the most sophisticated spots in Brewer’s Hill, Blue Hill has a gorgeous indoor seating space, but outdoor seating is an option as well. (938 S Conkling St,; 443-388-9363)

 

Bo Brooks Restaurant
Crabs and daily happy hour on the Canton waterfront – what more could you ask for in Baltimore? (2780 Lighthouse Point; 410-558-0202)

 

This Irish pub is known for being the place to hunker down inside at the bar for soccer games from EPL to Bundesliga and more. However, they also have a somewhat secluded area for al fresco dining and drinking in their courtyard off of the main dining room in addition to tables in front of the restaurant as well. (2918 O'Donnell St; 410-522-4220)

 

As fans of Huck’s pretzel pizzas and Frito Pie, we’d be fairly disappointed to not score a seat at the popular Brewer’s Hill bar. Fortunately, the spot wisely added a few tables outside that are ideal on their quiet corner in the temperate months. (3728 Hudson St; 443-438-3380)

 

This beautiful Brewer’s Hill restaurant and bar evokes the feeling of being outside with its living wall in the dining room. However, their actual outdoor patio is equally visually interesting, as are the cocktails. The Tiki Libations are particularly perfect for sipping outside. (3650 Toone St; 443-869-6874)

 

Umbrella-covered tables line the side of Kislings adjacent to Chester Street in the warmer months and are the perfect place to plow through a pile of their popular wings. (2100 Fleet St; 410-327-5477)

 

A few steps from the Square, this seafood-focused restaurant has a handful of outdoor tables. However, even though the al fresco tables may be in short supply, Lee’s cleverly installed garage-style windows so diners and drinkers at bar high-tops can feel like they’re outdoors as well. (2844 Hudson St; 410-327-2883)

 

This mainstay on the Square has a number of streetside tables under the cover of an awning and features food and drink specials every day of the week. (2900 O'Donnell St; 410-675-9235)

 

Mama’s on the Half Shell
Nestled in one corner of Canton Square, Mama’s is known for seafood, but the drinks are equally enticing. As a bonus, this outdoor seating offers some of the best weekend people watching in Baltimore. (2901 O’Donnell St.; 410-276-3160)

 

Plug Ugly’s Publick House
This Canton spot, located right on the Square in Canton, has an upstairs deck where revelers can enjoy a Pirate Juice (the bar’s specialty) or other beverages while outside, but away from street level. (2908 O’Donnell St.; 410-563-8459)

 

This corner bar in Canton sports two levels of outdoor seating, the lower one offering the view of large flat screen perfect for watching O’s and Ravens games. (2840 O'Donnell St; 410-276-2977)

 

 

Leinenkugel’s Beer Garden
Even if you can’t sit outside, sitting in Leinie’s feels like you’re outside in the glass enclosed building. However, there is outdoor lounge seating as well, and it’s equipped with a fireplace for those nights that still get a little brisk. (34 Market Pl.; 443-208-3316)

 

Pickles
If it’s time for baseball, it’s time for Pickles. Pre-gaming before going to an O’s game is popular at this downtown watering hole. (520 Washington Blvd.; 410-752-1784)

 

Pratt Street Ale House
Close enough to walk to Camden Yards, this place fills up fast on game day or if there’s an event at the Convention Center. (206 W Pratt St.; 410-244-8900)

 

Sliders
Expect this spot to be busy on game day as well, with plenty of O’s fans ready to throw back some brews before and after the game. (504 Washington Blvd.; 410-547-8891)

 

This rooftop bar on the 19th floor of the Lord Baltimore hotel offers a sprawling view of the city from its classy yet comfortable lounge-style seating. In its second season, Skybar is offering a menu of small bites, shareable plates, pizzas, and grilled items like sliders and soft tacos that can be washed down with local spirits, wine, and craft brews. (20 W. Baltimore Street)

This creative, veggie-focused restaurant offers a few outdoor tables at its location upstairs at the American Visionary Arts Museum. Wash down dishes like Nashville Cauliflower or Deviled Turnips (faux deviled eggs) with quirky craft cocktails like the color-changing Cheshire Cat. Feeling less adventurous? Not to worry - there’s steak, fish, shrimp, and duck on the food menu, and plenty of local brews and classic cocktails, too. (800 Key Hwy; 410-752-1000)

 

Little Havana
Whether it’s Bloody Marys during Sunday brunch or mojitos for happy hour, we love sipping outside at this waterfront spot. (1325 Key Hwy.; 410-837-9903)

 

Mother's
Purple Patio during football season is the place to be, but this popular Fed Hill bar doesn’t reserve the outdoor spot only for the fall months. (1113 S Charles St.; 410-244-8686)

 

Nick’s Fish House
Drinking and dining on the deck at Nick’s Fish House is a lot like kicking back at your buddy’s place - if your buddy has an amazingly large deck with an incredible water view. It’s one of the most laid-back waterfront spots in Baltimore, with a quality list of happy hour specials for both food and drinks. (2600 Insulator Dr.; 410-347-4123)

 

Ryleigh’s Oyster Bar
Nothing says summer like slurping oysters and sipping crushes in the great urban outdoors like you can at this favorite oyster spot in Federal Hill. (36 E Cross St.; 410-539-2093)

 

The Tiki Barge
Drink tropical drinks on the water... or become a pool member and drink tropical drinks in the water. (500 Harborview Dr.; 443-695-2659)

 

 

Admiral’s Cup
Right on the corner of Thames and Broadway, Admiral’s Cup’s outdoor seating overlooks the water but doesn’t skimp on the people watching opportunities either. Enjoy local beer, wine and cocktails, and even sounds of the indoor live music, outside at the comfy outdoor tables. (1647 Thames St.; 410-534-5555)

 

This upscale waterfront restaurant and bar serves brunch, lunch, and dinner with one of the most expansive water views in Fells. (1417 Thames St.; 443-681-5310)

 

Even without the gorgeous water view, we’d welcome the chance to nosh on Barcocina’s guacamole and wash it down with their impressive blackberry sangria or paloma caliente every day of the week at any of their numerous outdoor tables. Speaking of every day of the week… Barcocina does brunch. Every. Day. (1629 Thames St; 410-563-8800)

 

Kooper’s Tavern
Known for its burgers, this is a perfect place to grab a burger and a brew at the tables situated right on Thames Street. We particularly love their burger night that features a variety of mix and match meats and toppings. (1702 Thames St.; 410-563-5423)

 

One Eyed Mike’s
This popular Grand Marnier bar sneakily hides its outdoor seating in the back of the restaurant, making it a great deck-style location to enjoy cocktails without the street noise that urban outdoor dining and drinking can bring. On nights with a slight chill, there are kerosene heaters to warm you until the booze does. (708 S Bond St.; 410-327-0445)

 

This tavern with tacos offers two options for outdoor dining. Grab a streetside seat in front of the restaurant or, for a more secluded spot, pop out back to their pretty patio. (1703 Aliceanna St; 410-299-8480)

 

Slainte
Grab some Irish food and brews here and you’ll also get a view across the Belgian-blocked street of the swanky Sagamore Pendry- the old “Homicide” police building recently renovated into Kevin Plank’s upscale boutique hotel on the waterfront. (1700 Thames St.; 410-563-6600)

 

Thames Street Oyster House
Lots of local beer and wine choices with a lengthy list of oyster options are the draw at this popular place in Fell’s Point that often requires a reservation to snag seating inside. The newest draw for us, though, is the addition of Jay Calvert, known for impressive craft and creativity behind the bar for years at Fork and Wrench, to their team. (1728 Thames St.; 443-449-7726)

 

The Point in Fells
High top tables outside are a prime spot for dining and drinking at this corner bar overlooking the water. (1738 Thames St.; 410-327-7264)

 

TC’s has plenty of seating in its lively bar and dining area, but tables outside of this spot at the corner of Aliceanna and Broadway are perfect for people watching. While the kitchen is one of the smallest we’ve seen, food is impressive - their burgers are some of the best we’ve had, and don’t sleep on that mac and cheese. Seasonal cocktails are creative while the wine and beer lists are both interesting and affordable. (700 S Broadway; 410-537-5005)

 

V-No
Situated right on the water, this well-organized bottle shop also serves glasses and bottles inside and out of their spot. It’s not easy to secure a seat al fresco on a pretty day, but perseverance pays off if you manage to snag a seat on a night when you also have the opportunity to see the Urban Pirates’ Bring-Your-Own-Grog boat tour disembark. (905 S Ann St.; 410-342-8466)

 

 

BBQ, whiskey, and a dog friendly outdoor patio - what else do you need? (1601 Union Ave; 443-948-5590)

 

This elegant Italian restaurant serves up some delectable Sicilian-style dishes. Enjoy them on the patio with cocktails, wine, beer, and an inspiring view of the Jones Falls. (3000 Falls Rd; 443-708-7352)

 

This Basque eatery with a focus on pintxos has a number of comfortable outdoor tables to enjoy the warm weather. (3600 Clipper Mill Rd; 443-708-3838)

 

 

James Joyce Irish Pub and Restaurant
James Joyce’s patio features many tables in a garden-like setting separated from the street and sidewalk by stylish rail fencing where you can dine or drink. (616 S President St.; 410-727-5107)

 

This Hawaiian fusion restaurant in Harbor East is so popular we sometimes struggle to find a bar seat during Aloha Hour. Now, with outdoor seating we can sip our Hawaiian martinis al fresco. (720 Aliceanna St; 410-659-0099)

 

Wit and Wisdom at the Four Seasons opens its upscale loungy patio each year to enjoy the warm weather while waterfront. The outdoor waterfront space has a bar of its own and Zack Mills is known for crafting a creative menu each year. (200 International Drive; 410-576-5800)

 

This Harbor Point beach bar reopens in May with seafood-focused casual fare as well as beer, slushies, and bottled cocktails. (1000 Wills St)

 

 

The Laughing Pint
On a cute corner near popular DiPasquale’s, The Laughing Pint offers several outdoor tables at which to enjoy their popular cocktails. (3531 Gough St.; 410-342-6544)

 

Hard Rock Cafe
Sit waterside on their deck and enjoy seasonal cocktails alongside live music. (601 E Pratt St.; 410-347-7625)

 

McCormick and Schmick
Right on the pier, there are tons of tables for outdoor diners to enjoy seafood and cocktails. (711 Eastern Ave.; 410-234-1300)

 

Tir Na Nog
This Irish joint at the Inner Harbor is a perfect place to sip on favorites like Guinness and Smithwicks (or maybe some Jameson) while taking in the gorgeous water view from their outdoor seats. It’s also within a stone’s throw of the USS Constellation. (201 E Pratt St.; 410-483-8968)

 

 

City Cafe
An award-winning mainstay in the area, this creative restaurant and bar has an impressive list of signature and classic cocktails as well as a wide array of beer and wine choices. (1001 Cathedral St.; 410-539-4252)

 

This upscale spot at the Ivy Hotel recently opened a small patio with a new bar menu and live music on Thursdays. (205 E Biddle St; 410-514-0303)