Baltimore Bars

For all you bar lovers out there, here is a list of the top five places to get a drink in Baltimore. Whether your taste is simple or eclectic there is a bar in Baltimore for you. Here is a list of bars that stretch from Fell's Point to Mount Vernon. Each bar is given a ranking from 1 to 10 based on the following criteria: quality of service, value, bar size, beer selection, ambiance, elbow room and bathroom.

This place is always packed, but the bartenders surprisingly do a great job of keeping your drinks coming.  Don't be intimidated by the 140 beers on tap or the 1,200 bottled beers in stock, the bartenders are very helpful when it comes to finding a beer that suits your taste buds.  If you're not a fan of talking to people, you can always get your hands on one of the beer reference sheets that are scattered around the tap house, but be mindful of your spending, these rarities come with a cost.  When you've had enough beer to force you to break the seal you may find yourself waiting in line for a stall, but the pink flamingo on the wall will keep your mind occupied and the automatic sinks, though low pressure, are pretty nifty.  This taphouse is popular so if you don't do well with crowds find a bar that isn't as well known.  

Woody's Rum Bar and Island Grill:

Woody's is a hidden oasis and the closest thing you'll get to the beach while roaming the city streets of Baltimore.  Located right across the street from the Fell's Point ports you can enjoy a drink while feeling the cool breeze off the water and watching the boats pass by.  This hidden paradise, though quite cozy, packs a big punch.  Its size adds to the quality of service.  As long as the place isn't swarming with people, you and your friends can sit comfortably at one of the artsy, decorative tables or along the railing at one of the two seater high tops.  Woody's summer beer list is extensive, but it could use some work in satisfying customers' winter cravings.  The bathroom is small and its a bit of a hike to get there. 

The Abbey Burger Bistro:

Tucked away in an alley along side Cross Street Market The Abbey Burger surprises you with it's classy yet low key atmosphere. Paired with the good service, is the great beer selection that includes various delicious craft brews on tap. The bar is average in size, but with two bartenders everyone is well tended to. The bathrooms are well updated and very clean. Much like Max's, great beer doesn't come without the cost. So if cheep beer is what you desire, maybe try somewhere else. If big crowds are what you're trying to avoid, but still looking to enjoy a great beer in a great bar, then maybe Abbey Burger is for you. Get a move on because this secret won't be kept for too much longer.

Ryleigh's Oyster Bar:

Known for its delicious seafood, especially the raw oysters, Ryleigh's brings other overlooked qualities to the table. The old wood flooring and wall decor make you feel as if you're actually on a ship, sailing the blue sea. When the weather is nice the full length windows in the bar area are opened up so you can choose to enjoy your drinks inside the ship-like setting or outside in the sun. This bar is well-known so the crowds pour in on nights and weekends. Even with three bars it can be difficult to get a drink at this place. First-timers may want to go when its not as packed so they can get the full experience. A good variety of beer ensures all beer lovers taste buds to be satisfied, but you won't find the rarities here. The layout of the place is pretty weird, the dining is positioned in the middle of two separate bars causing bar hoppers to ruin many customers' dining experiences. The bathrooms are spacious and clean.

The Brewer's Art:

This small bar is located in the heart of Mount Vernon.  Featured on tap are a variety of quality home brewed beers that are worth the trip alone for any beer lover. Unfortunately, if you aren't a regular here you'll be bombarded with unwelcoming stares from the moment you walk in the door until the moment you stumble down the abnormally large step outside the front door.  The bartenders are friendly and when you can make your way through the overprotective, artsy crowd the service is pretty prompt.  I can't say the same about the red headed hostess who stomps around in the back dining area, she is as unpleasant and unwelcoming as the occupants of the front bar. The single toilet bathrooms are unisex, which is convenient, but there are only two so you may have to wait. Overall the bar has great beer, but an awful vibe that has the potential of turning off many customers.

The Midtown Yacht Club:

Located between Mount Vernon and the Inner Harbor, unlike Brewer's Art, the Midtown Yacht Club has a very welcoming vibe and offers customers a totally different experience.  Who can knock a bar that offers barrels of complimentary peanuts where you can freely chuck the shells on the floor? From the laid back bartenders to the mediocre, yet inexpensive beer they serve, the Midtown Yacht Club seems like a down to earth family friendly bar.  The single toilet bathrooms are well kept, but if its crowed you may have to wait in line.  The bar area is big, but there isn't much wondering room, so the place gets uncomfortably crowded on nights and weekends.

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