Looking to the second half of 2012, there are many exciting openings and reopenings coming to the Baltimore area. Grab a pen and start adding these hot spots to your list of places to check out in the coming months.

Canton Beer Exchange: This fall, in the former Lager’s Pub location, Jason Zink of No Idea Tavern is expected to open the long awaited Canton Beer Exchange. The concept is simple supply and demand economics; draft beer prices change according to consumption. Expect anywhere from 24–40 draft lines that focus on Mid-Atlantic beers, according to  The Baltimore Sun (2522 Fait Ave.).

Columbia Ale House: The owners of popular Pratt Street Ale House are slated to open their second location in Columbia, MD this fall in the former Rocky Run Tavern location. Patrons can expect draft lines full of Oliver Ales, a superb bottle selection, an abundance of sports games and a spacious patio area (8775 Cloudleap Ct.; 410-730-7221).

Fleet Street Kitchen: Set to open its doors on September 20, Fleet Street Kitchen is a contemporary American restaurant that boasts an impressive staff, including executive chef Chris Becker, formerly of The Wine Market. The menu features locally sourced produce — primarily from nearby Cunningham Farms — and a wide offering of artisanal wines, beers and specialty cocktails (1012 Fleet St.; 410-244-5830).

Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant: After many months of speculation, consensus has been reached, according to Baltimore Magazine, that the new spacious location in Harbor East will be a Gordon Biersch 300-seat brewery and restaurant. The official opening is scheduled for October 22, and patrons can expect fresh, primarily German-style beers brewed on premise along with quality brewpub food (Lancaster St.).

Mt. Washington Tavern: This popular northwestern Baltimore bar will reopen in November of 2012, almost a year after the devastating fire that caused it to shut down. Mt Washington Tavern features four distinctly different bars that appeal to a wide variety of patrons: a raw bar, main bar, garden bar and the windowless sky bar (5700 Newbury St.; 410-367-6903).

Ouzo Bay: This new Greek restaurant opened it’s doors the last week in August for dinner and is still new enough to deserve a spot here. With authentic cuisine, a custom-made interior and an impressive selection of drinks, this Harbor East locale is sure to impress when you are looking for a high-quality night out (1006 Lancaster St.; 443-708-5818).

The Admiral’s Cup: Owned by the same group that runs Mezze, this Fells Point waterfront restaurant is slated to finally reopen its doors sometime this fall ,after years of whisperings of new ownership (1647 Thames St.; 410-534-5555).

Top photo via Fleet Street Kitchen