Best Bars: Alewife

This serious beer bar, just a few blocks north of Camden Yards, pours 40 brews on draft and pops over twice that number in bottles beneath the vertigo-inducing ceilings of the historic Eutaw Savings building. Since Alewife’s within spitting distance of the Hippodrome, pint-draining pre- and post-show crowds can get thick quick, but kick around long enough to land a stool and you’ll be in pole position to thumb through the heavily American craft beer selection. Brewfiends take note: if you make it through 150 different pours 75 different drafts and 75 assorted bottles (and then jump on the bar to sing a cappella), you'll get a personalized mug, stored above the taps.

The able barkeeps can also fix you a Hemingway Daiquiri or Sazerac, which you should save room for; same goes for chef Chad Wells’ famous Smoke Burger, made with a blend of ribeye, skirt steak, brisket and filet (if you send him an advance tweet asking for an “Evil Twin,” Wells will stuff a lump of addictive crab dip in the middle of the patty). Happy hour runs daily from 4–7 PM (21 N. Eutaw St.; 410-545-5112).