With a new year comes the opportunity to top all of the Baltimore-based bar and restaurant opening success from 2012. So far this year we can look forward to delicious pizza, more Irish music, another addition to the Tack factory and a tribute to moonshine. To say we cannot wait would certainly be an understatement.

J Patrick’s: This popular Locust Point bar was recently put up for auction and sold to Steven O’Donnell who plans to reopen the bar with little to no changes. Famous for its live music and Irish pub atmosphere it will be back in action early this year (1371 Andre St.; 410-244-8613).

Moonshine Tavern: By the end of January, Moonshine Tavern will be moving into the old Gin Mill space on Boston Street in Canton. Paying tribute to the history of moonshine, this bar will focus on craft cocktails and classic comfort food influenced by Louisiana Creole, all made with local, fresh ingredients. According to the Baltimore Sun, five or six brands of moonshine to be incorporated in the tavern's cocktails and shots (2300 Boston St.; 877-636-6086).

My Thai: A few years after their last location in Mt Vernon burned down, this delicious Thai restaurant will be joining Heavy Seas in the old Tack Factory in Little Italy. Known for having a good martini and Mai Thai menu, we definitely look forward to any location that brings more delicious cocktails to Baltimore (1300 Bank St.).

Paulie Gee’s Pizza: Popular Brooklyn pizzeria owner Paul Giannone has teamed up with Pizzablogger to bring a great new restaurant to Hampden in early summer 2013. The two are planning to keep a lot of the charm of the former Hampden Republican Club that used to occupy the space, but will make some changes to the dining area in order to accommodate the large pizza ovens. There will also still be a separate back bar area for patrons to enjoy (3535 Chestnut Ave.).