Happy Hour Crawl: Historic Charles Street
Baltimore’s diverse neighborhoods give you dozens of intoxicating options for a fun happy hour crawl. But don’t overlook downtown. Walking in the center of the city is easy and public transportation abounds.
On Charles Street – one of the oldest byways in the country – you can mix architecture and history with some pretty heady cocktails. It all comes together to create a fascinating night. All the locations listed here are casual, but it wouldn’t be out of place to consider dressing up a little and making the evening downtown even more special.
B&O American Brasserie – In the former headquarters of the B&O Railroad, built in 1906, begin your evening by drinking like a tycoon at an award-winning happy hour, with drafts, wine and champagne for just $3. Or, splurge on a Daddy Warbucks (Remy Martin VS, Cointreau, Peychaud’s, Gruet Brut; $13) and walk the marble halls of the Hotel Monaco (2 North Charles St.;443-692-6172).
Lord Baltimore Lobby Bar – Hit up specials like $3 drafts and wine, or ask the bartender to make you a perfect Manhattan, settle into a leather club chair and look for the ghosts of Carol Channing, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, or Snoop Dog. They’ve all stayed there (20 West Baltimore St.;410-539-8400).
Maizy’s – Request a table by the windows or by the exposed brick walls. Daily specials are $3 drafts, $4 cocktails and $5 wines, but give their outstanding Long Island Iced Tea a try. It’s delicious, yet won’t throw you under the bus (313 North Charles St.; 443-220-0150).
Mick O’Shea’s – Downtown Baltimore’s oldest Irish pub makes the best Irish Coffee in town, or check out the wide array of happy hour drink deals, including $2.50 rail/$3 call cocktails, $4 20-oz. Guinness pours, $3.50 craft drafts and more. If you’re hungry, you can’t go wrong with O’Shea’s Fish and Chips (328 N Charles St.; 410-539-7504).
The Owl Bar – Round out your evening with an Old Fashioned or a Brandy at this Prohibition Era watering hole (or take advantage of $3 wines, draft and rail drinks from 5–7 PM). Sit at the bar and ask the bartender about the history of the bar and the Belvedere Hotel. The stories are many; the bartenders like to talk and are mightily entertaining (1 East Chase St.; 410-347-0888).
Photo via Flicker user sneakerdog
