The Best Bars for Foodies in Baltimore

Located in Baltimore County on the grounds of the historic Calvert Distillery, Guinness Open Gate Brewery and Barrel House is a totally unique place to get a drink. It’s the first Guinness Brewery in the states since the 1950s! You can tour the working 10 barrel brewery, sample beers brewed on-site and indulge in the awesome cuisine at 1817. It features an incredible gastropub menu of specialties like Crispy Pork Belly, Fried Brussel Sprouts and Tuna Tartare.

Michael’s Cafe, located on Concourse Circle as part of the Greenleigh at Crossroads development near White Marsh, is a cool, casual bar and restaurant featuring tasty American food. It is the second location of Michael’s, opened after the first one in Timonium became so popular! They have an awesome menu of homemade cuisine, including their famous homemade crab cakes. They also serve steak, seafood, salads, sandwiches and more. Come in for a col drink during happy hour and try to catch some live music on the first Friday of each month!

Bygone, located on International Drive in the Harbor East neighborhood, offers a fusion of the old, the new and the best of Baltimore. It is an American gastro bistro that blends modern energy with a classic, luxury feel. It’s a popular gathering place for after-work drinks, dates, and an elevated dining experience. And, they offer pretty fantastic views of the beautiful city. The warm and welcoming atmosphere is the perfect spot to indulge in their whiskey bar and craft cocktails.

Located on Merchants Blvd in Abingdon, Bacco Italian and Wine Bar is a lovely spot to dine and drink in Baltimore. The restaurant serves authentic Italian dishes that adhere to the Italian way of cooking and serving. It offers a creative-yet-classic preparation and craftsmanship and an overall experience that diners love. The bar has an amazing, top-rated wine list in addition to a self-serve wine system that allows you to sample a variety of wines if you can’t decide on just one.

Hotel Revival might be one of the prettiest bars in the city. Overlooking Baltimore’s historic Mount Vernon neighborhood is Topside, a buzzing rooftop restaurant and garden bar that locals love. The menu celebrates the Chesapeake Bay and all of its bounty with offerings like resh-from-the-sea dishes designed to pair with a rotating selection of craft beers from regional breweries. They have an awesome and lively happy hour and a fantastic Sunday brunch.

Mutiny Pirate Bar and Island Grille, located on Troy Hill Drive in Elkridge, is a totally fun and laid back bar to check out when you’re in the mood to cut loose! They offer amazing scratch food created by their professional chefs and inventive cocktails prepared with exotic rum, like the Rum Punch and the Watermelon Cilantro Mojito. Come in for happy hour and enjoy specials on these cocktails as well as beer, wine and a selection of bar bites. The menu features items like the Tender Taco, Jerk Chicken Taco and Cajun Gumbo.

Located on Frederick Road in Catonsville, State Fare is a bustling bar and restaurant featuring an elevated take on Maryland comfort food. It’s a family-friendly, yet stylish joint, with a large, eclectic menu of elevated comfort foods and a lively bar scene. The food here is distinctively local, with options like chicken and waffles with chives and Gouda, the crab cakes and Old Bay chicken wings. They also serve local beers, including some from Union Craft Brewing. And, the owners are aiming to have one of the best bourbon and whiskey collections in the state.

Xenia Greek Kouzina, located on Columbia 100 Parkway in Columbia, is a perfect choice for those looking for a bar scene where they can enjoy delicious Greek food. The menu emphasizes Greek fare and fresh seafood and the atmosphere is upscale and elegant. The great combo of authentic Greek cuisine, top-notch service and a welcoming environment has already caught the eye of local foodies. Try the grilled halloumi cheese and the Thesauros Tou Aigaiou pasta with clams and shrimp paired with a glass of wine from their extensive list.

CURED Table and Tap, located on Grantchester Way in Columbia, is an exciting new restaurant and bar in the area. The vibes here feel just like a neighborhood corner bar should - warm, welcoming and super friendly. The relaxing atmosphere makes it a great place to meet up with friends for great drinks and comfort food. They feature a list of exceptional craft beers, creative cocktails and awesome food choices. Menu favorites include the Classic Burger, Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich and the Pulled BBQ Pork Sandwich.

Located on Wolfe Street in Baltimore’s charming Charles Village, 16 on the Park Rooftop Bar and Grille features a breathtaking view of Johns Hopkins campus and the gorgeous Baltimore skyline. The bar features a complex and wide variety of locally-sourced cocktails, a variety of beer options from the area and a curated and seasonally-focused wine list. The food options here are also excellent. They have happy hour small bites like crab and corn fritters and sliders, a raw bar, and entrees including Atlantic Salmon and a Baltimore Cobb salad.

Michael’s Cafe, located on York Road in Timonium, is a family-owned and operated restaurant in Baltimore County. Opened in 1984, it quickly became so popular that the owners opened a new outpost in White Marsh. They feature high-quality food, great service and a classy, elegant atmosphere. The menu focuses on homemade recipes and super fresh seafood and they always strive to use local ingredients. Recently renovated, this location now has a new indoor lounge and outdoor patio in addition to the large dining room, original bar and conference room.

18th and 21st is an awesome Prohibition Era supper club located on Grantchester Way in Columbia. Named after the Constitutional Amendment that enacted Prohibition and the one following that repealed it, this bar brings back a bygone era. The food and cocktails here evoke the feel of prohibition supper clubs and the bar also features live music at night!Their handcrafted cocktails are amazing - try the Bee’s Knees, made with Barr Hill Gin, Honey Syrup and Lemon Juice.

For a great date night in Baltimore, head to Liberatore’s Ristorante. The intimate ambiance and five-star food make for a great Italian date night in Sykesville. The menu features delicious Italian food with plenty of fresh and healthy items to choose from. And the bar serves a great selection of beer and wine to go with your meal. The interior features two spacious dining rooms and a cozy lounge, so come in, grab a seat and enjoy the friendly service and great drinks any night of the week.