Must-Visit Cocktail Bars in 9 Baltimore Neighborhoods

by Liz Rapoport in Roundups

From ryes and whiskeys to gins and more, Baltimore is brimming with new cocktail creations and we cannot get enough. Seeking to spread the good word of boozy beverages, we sipped our way through the city to present the best cocktail offerings from each neighborhood.

Canton — Fredericks on Fleet: This new Fleet Street bar walks the line between Canton and Fells Point and impresses with an inventive cocktail menu, separated into vintage and modern options. We love the idea of sipping a Ritz Side Car, c. 1912 Paris, in the middle of Baltimore. Make sure you ask about the tour when you go to catch a glimpse at a different side of the city (2112 Fleet St.; 443-438-4572).

Downtown — Alewife: The best pairing to a Hippodrome show or downtown daytime hangout is a beverage (preferably a cocktail) at this contemporary artsy restaurant and bar across the street from the theater. Our interest was piqued by the Bacon Bloody Bry(i)an (bacon-infused Sloop Betty vodka, housemade smoked Bloody Mary mix, maple syrup and bacon dust rim, candied bacon garnish; $8.50) and every visit since we first tried the drink, it has tickled our taste buds further (21 N. Eutaw St.; 410-545-5112).

Druid Park/Woodberry — Woodberry Kitchen: Treat yourself with a trip to this farm-to-table Baltimore mainstay. Sip one of the high quality cocktails from the spacious dining area or on the beautiful patio; whatever the location the drinks are truly impressive and worth the price (2010 Clipper Park Rd.; 410-464-8000).

Fells Point — Bad Decisions: The massive book of notepaper with drink recipes scrawled on each page is wildly captivating and makes choosing between cocktails near impossible. Our suggestion is to give the bartenders a liquor that you prefer and allow them the opportunity to impress you (1928 Fleet St.; 410-979-5161).

Federal Hill — Mr. Rain’s Fun House: Every time you turn around in this American Visionary Arts Museum bar and restaurant your eyes are drawn to another captivating piece of art, including the bartenders’ cocktail masterpieces. If you suffer from drink indecision, or just crave options, order a flight of craft cocktails at the bar (800 Key Hwy.; 443-524-7379).

Hampden — The Food Market: In the heart of the Avenue lies a new Baltimore favorite with a rotating cocktail menu that rocks our world. On the list now is the Silk Road (Tito’s vodka, Dancing Pines chai liqueur, muddled orange, splash Grand Marnier; $11) which highlights the innovation poured into every glass (1017 W 36th St.; 410-366-0606).

Harbor East — Wit and Wisdom: The fantastic view of the harbor from this Four Seasons bar is only sweetened by the creative creations made behind the bar. From classics like the Aviation to highlights such as the Sticky Wickett (Jim Beam, Fernet Branca, smoked maple syrup, soda; $12) the list is carefully chosen and guaranteed to please (200 International Dr.; 410-576-5800).

Locust Point — The Wine Market: Better known for its wide variety of wines, this South Baltimore bar also has a roster of bartenders who continue to experiment, making the chalkboard behind the bar come to life with cocktail options we adore (921 E. Fort Ave.; 410-244-6166).

Mount Vernon — B&O Brasserie: Each seasonal cocktail list from this Charles Street hot spot seems to top the previous. Head mixologist Brandon Dorr engineers only the highest quality sips and during happy hour there's a $5 cocktail of the day, which allows you to try some of his most delicious concoctions for a fraction of the cost (2 North Charles St.; 443-692-6172).