The best venues for sake sipping in Baltimore are concentrated in such a close area that you could easily create your own sake crawl, or perhaps stage a sake-and-sushi marathon. For the best of this potent Japanese rice-wine in Charm City, downtown is your destination. Whether your gather a group of friends or head out solo, you’ll find a welcoming staff at any of these Asian destinations. Kampai!

Geisha Sushi & Sake Bar: This wonderful, intimate spot is quite literally underground and has gained fans from all over the region. At last count, Geisha listed nearly 40 different sakes. The knowledgeable servers have been around the rice paddy more than once, ask them for suggestions. Geisha’s house sake, the least expensive on the menu, is hot and delightful (201 N. Charles St.; 410-685-2099).

RA Sushi Bar Restaurant: This big, bustling, hip bar is manned by a fun staff and the music is nonstop. It’s a great place to meet up with a big group of friends. Try their sake flight: two-oz. pours of Kizakura Pure,  Sho Chiku Bai Nigori Crème de Sake and Kizakura Pure Stars – the brews range from sweet, dry to sparkling (1390 Lancaster St.; 410-522-3200).

Kona Grill: The new kid on the block, Kona Grill is sleek, sexy, and a great place to chill. A flight of sake changes seasonally, and the “Sake Bomber” is billed as an event: a glass of Kirin or Kirin Light spiked with a bit of stronger rice spirit. If some in your party aren’t into the sake scene, fear not – Kona also has a full bar and outstanding happy hours (1 E. Pratt St.; 410-244-8994).

Edo Sushi: If you’re looking for a little scenery with your sake, head to Edo’s Inner Harbor location. Often on top 10 lists, this is a clean, sleek location to watch boat traffic on the harbor. Cool off with Zipang, a Junmai Sparkling Sake, or a carafe of house sake, hot or cold, with a flavored liqueur (try butterscotch) added for an additional kick (201 East Pratt St,; 410-843-9804).

TATU: At TATU, the scenery is on the inside. Sumptuous and extravagantly decorated with rich fabrics, deep hues and moody lighting, this is a perfect place to take a date. Visit the Zen Sake Lounge or the Tatami Room and relax in comfort. For a special treat, order sake sangria: sake and plum wine muddled with lychee fruit and tangerines (614 Water St,; 410-244-7385).

Photo courtesy RA Sushi