The Quest for the Holy Grain - Best Beer Bars
Baltimore

 

 

 

 

Wiley Gunters
823 E Fort Ave
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 637-3699

Wiley Gunters is a neighborhood bar located in the Locust Point neighborhood of Baltimore.

You may remember the building, which was built in 1905, as Empty Pockets, The Sky Box, or The Sly Fox...all previous watering holes housed in the same location.
Wiley's has 17 taps, about 15 of which rotate through a nice selection of regional and American craft beers.
In addition to the drafts, a Questor can choose from over 70 different bottles and cans.
Our server, Dan, was extremely helpful in explaining the beers, offering samples, and providing history of Wiley Gunters.

The S-shaped bar seats about 20 patrons, and many more can be seated at a variety of tables.

The place was comfortably crowded on a Wednesday evening, and the crowd seemed to be predominantly from the neighborhood.

The food is upscale pub grub, and the room upstairs provides people who actually want to do something, as opposed to drink and talk, with darts, Foosball, and shuffleboard.

 

 

 

 

 

Crossbar der Biergarten
18 E Cross St
Baltimore, MD 21230
443-438-4013

Crossbar der Biergarten, after four years in the making, opened in March, 2017 in Federal Hill.
Crossbar encompasses four once-vacant storefronts on East Cross Street, and seems to have been pretty popular from the get go.
Crossbar has the feel of a German Biergarten...loud, fun, and lots of open-space airiness.
And of course, plenty of good German beer.
Crossbar features 16 taps, 11 of which are Deutsch-dedicated. These do not rotate much, except to accomodate seasonals, and include brewers such as Paulaner, Warsteiner, Hacker-Pschorr, and Konig Ludwig.
The other 5 taps boast a rotation of local craft beers.
Beers are served by the half-liter, liter, or in a 3-liter glass boot.
The yellow picnic tables that supply the seating in the atrium, or biergarten, were imported from Germany, and there is a ping pong table for those who like to blow off steam while they pour down German beer.
A staircase leads to another bar in a loft area, and there are two more bars situated in the building on the left-hand side...one above the other.
We were able to glean a lot of information about Crossbar from Mary, who is a manager. She was friendly, knowledgeable, vivacious, and posessed a wealth of info about the establishment which she was glad to share.
Crossbar has got to be the largest venue in the bar-friendly neighborhood of Federal Hill.
It has the largest selection of German drafts anywhere around, and is a fun place to quench a Questor's thirst.

 

 

 

311 West Madison Craft Beer & Wine Bar
311 West Madison St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
443-938-9108

311 West Madison is a beer bar and carry out store on the western edge of Baltimore's Mount Vernon neighborhood.
One enters into the barroom in which the bar seats about 10 patrons...it was long enough to seat more, but at this particular time, there were only 10 stools.
Toward the rear of this room, more guests could be seated in couches and easy chairs.
Moving to the east, was a center section having another small bar that was dedicated to Union Craft Brewing, containing 4 of their taps.
Growlers could also be filled from this bar.
This middle section also contained more seating and an area for live music, which was being played during our visit.
The third room housed a small liquor, wine, and craft beer package goods store.
311 West Madison has a nicely mixed selection of 12 taps, pouring mostly local craft brews; half of the taps rotate.
A bottle list offered at least 40 more beers.
Lisa, the proprietor, is the person who chooses the beers, was glad to answer our questions.
The small plates menu was intriguing, and our hamburger and shrimp tacos did not disappoint.
311 West Madison puts today's hip spin on the traditional neighborhood bar, offering regional craft beers and a gastro-centric menu.
We could sure use a bar like this in Catonsville.

 

 

 

Wet City
223 W Chase St
Baltimore, MD 21201
(443) 873-6699

Wet City is a beer bar located on the west side of the Mount Vernon neighborhood.
The interior is not what one would expect to find as they step in the door from Chase Street.
Wet City is clean and economical in decor, with lots of white, blue, and light wood.
The feel is bright and cheerful, sparse but not cold...we were made to feel right at home.
Wet City's tap selection numbers 20, including a number of breweries both local and domestic with which I was unfamiliar, such as Buxton & Lervig, Wild Beer, Omni Pollo, BFM, and Handsome to name a few.
The selection was quite diverse, with the drafts, at least for today, leaning toward the sour and wild brews.
There were 10-12 more beers available in bottles.
Our bartenders, Scott and Dion, were accomodating and helpful both in providing information and samples when necessary.
The long butcher block bar seats about 14, with a variety of tables able to provide for nearly 50 more. This would still allow for ample standing room.
Although our schedule did not allow for us to eat on this beautiful Sunday afternoon in September, Wet City has an interesting and apparently tasty menu.
We were informed that Wet City has plans to add an expanded bottle menu, and may even become a brewpub in the future.


 

 

 

Das Bier Haus
1542 Light St
Baltimore, MD 21230
(443) 708-8854

Das Bier Haus is a German-style beer bar and restaurant in Federal Hill just south of Fort Avenue.
These are heady times to be a beer lover.
Craft beers abound. Most of them are ales.
Don't get me wrong...I love them.
But there are times when nothing but a German draft will do.
That's where Das Bier Haus comes in.
Their L-shaped bar seats about 16 patrons, and there is room for many more at community tables and benchs.
20 draft beers are offered, with 8 of them being German imports.
All the German bases are covered, including two helles, two hefeweizens, and two Oktoberfests.
All the German taps rotate except for the three Hofbraus.
There is also a bottle selection numbering about 20, including several meads.
The crowd was pretty much of the younger variety early on a Thursday evening, and the place was jumping.
The ambience was...loud...both from the club-style music and lively conversation of the diners and drinkers.
There were several small, unobtrusive TVs.
Our bartenders, Scott and Russel,l were welcoming and helpful with beer and food choices, as well as other information.
Das Bier Haus seems to be a great venue for neighborhood folk to socialize and have fun, as well as a destination for anyone seeking great German draft beer and food.

 

 

 

 

 

Mussel Bar & Grille
1350 Lancaster St
Baltimore, MD 21231
(410) 946-6726

Mussel Bar is located just between Harbor East and Fells Point in a section of Baltimore that is now known as Harbor Point.
The location used to be an establishment known as Townhouse Kitchen and Bar.
Mussel Bar is slick, urban, and upscale.
It has one large barroom with a long, U-shaped bar that seats 40 drinkers, as well as two sectioned-off areas that can be reserved for parties or used for larger groups.
The interior is spacious, and the variety of rooms and seating options can lead to intimate settings even when crowded.
Let's talk beer.
Mussel Bar has over 40 drafts and 100 bottles.
They serve three of their own house beers...two made in Belgium and one in the U.S.
My favorite was the Antigoon Double Blonde which was tripel-like and excellent.
The food was superb, and the mussel-lovers in our party were in heaven.
Here's hoping that Mussel Bar & Grille has a long stay in Harbor Point.

 

 

Freddie's Ale House
7209 Harford Rd
Baltimore, MD 21234
(410) 254-8373

Freddie's is another established watering hole along the Harford Road corridor with an awesome tap selection.
The venue used to be called Dead Freddie's.
The neon sign, one of Baltimore's oldest, is such a landmark, that when the bar changed ownership, they just had to keep the sign and thus the name.
Freddie's has 24 taps, well-chosen, with a fairly imaginative selection of imports, micros, and locals.
The long bar seats about 20, with other tables in the rear.
Freddie's is another example of Harford Road's expanding craft beer scene.

 


De Kleine Duivel
3602 Hickory Ave
Baltimore , MD 21211
Hampden

After several years of frustration, and attempts at two previous locations, proprietor Paul Kopchinski has delivered his baby...De Kleine Duivel.
Meaning "the little devil" in Flemish, De Kleine Duivel does not appear to be a drinking establishment from the sidewalk.
One must go inside.
Located just off The Avenue in Hampden, the interior is spacious, and has the feel of a church hall...except that the focal point in the room is a large, attractive, craft-made bar.
There is a lot of seating, and also a lot of standing and mingling room.
De Kleine Duivel becomes Baltimore's most authentic Belgian bar. They feature 8 rotating taps, and between 150 to 170 bottles...all Belgian.
With no beers of other extraction, Paul is certainly helping the town's beer drinking populace to develop their taste and appreciation for Belgian beer.
De Kleine Duivel has a full bar, but as yet, they serve no food.
No problem, because after you slake you thirst here, you can wander around the corner where there are restaurants aplenty on Hampden's Avenue.

 

 

World of Beer
1724 Whetstone Way
McHenry Row
Baltimore, MD 21230

World of Beer is one of a chain of beer bars across the U.S.
This one is located in Baltimore's Locust Point neighborhood not far from historic Ft. McHenry, in the new retail area called McHenry Row.
World of Beer exhibits an attractive array of 50 taps consisting of microbrews and imports.
For those still stymied concerning their choice, WOB also has about 500 different bottles displayed in coolers behind the bar.
The long wrap-around bar seats about 20 patrons, and the rest of the facility can seat at least 100 more.
There is lots a brick and wood, and large windows.
The place has been crowded since their opening in November, 2013, showing that Baltimore can more than support their growing craft beer scene.
We were lucky enough to visit during non-peak hours and had no trouble getting seats at the bar. Our from gleaning information from our attentive and knowledgeable bartender.
Our personable and knowledgeable bartender was able to give us information about their vast variety of beers.

 

 

Smaltimore
2522 Fait Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21224

Smaltimore occupies a nondescript building at the corner of Fait Avenue and Rose Street in Canton.
It is a difficult place to research, as they seem to have neither a phone nor a website.
Flat screen TVs surround the barroom.
As our visit took place early on a fall Saturday evening, the place was packed with college football fans, and incredibly loud.
In spite of the crowd, we were able to stand at the end of the bar, and it didn't take too long to get waited on.
Smaltimore's schtick is a large electronic board behind the bar that lists the current prices of the beers. The price of a beer rises each time one is ordered, and falls conversely.
One drawback is that the board doesn't list the name of the beer...just the brewer. To find out which beer you may wish to order, you have to go low-tech and look at a printed list.
In spite of the deafening noise and gimmickry, Smaltimore is serious about the beer.
18 of the 36 taps were pouring beers from Maryland, 12 of which were brewed in Baltimore.
We were intrigued to find the red plastic straws in sodas and mixed drinks to be about 1/2 inch in diameter, nearly as large as a gas pipe. This puzzled our party of four, until we found that we could hold a straw to our ears, and the person talking could speak into the straw.
In this fashion we were able to communicate over the crowd noise.
Smaltimore is the latest bar with an excellent beer rotation to open in Canton. It's about time to celebrate locally brewed craft beers and Smaltimore seems devoted to this goal!
I would like to give it another shot on a slow evening.


 

 

 

Birroteca
1520 Clipper Rd
Baltimore , MD 21211
(443) 708-1934

In the shadow of the Jones Falls Expressway, in a western corner of Hampden, sits Birroteca.
The premises can look somewhat desolate, especially at night, but don't let this fool you...inside is a bustling yet cozy restaurant and bar with an outstanding beer list.
The patron is greeted hospitably. Wood and stone walls give the place a rustic feel.
The squarish bar seats about 2 dozen, and there are a copious tables in two rooms.
Lighting around the bar is supplied by many retro-looking inverted lightbulbs.
Our barkeep quickly handed us a printed beer list which featured 24 carefully selected drafts and about 16 bottles. These choices were also displayed in chalk on large mural-sized wall signs. Between the two listings, patrons could find out ABV, IBU, and price. Nice.
Many of the beers were from this region, with 5 from eVolution brewing in Salisbury, and 4 from right around the corner at the Union Craft Brewery.
The staff was friendly and helpful, and informed us that the majority of customers first come in for the beer. Many, however, were dining.
There is also another smaller bar and dining room upstairs.
Birroteca is far removed from the brightly-lit downtown scene, and we plan to return for some more great beer and pizza.



 

 

The Fork & Wrench
2322 Boston Street  
Baltimore, Maryland 21224
(443) 759-9360

The Fork & Wrench, located in Canton, is what you call one of your gastropubs. Much of the pub's interior uses reclaimed wood and other previously used items.
The overall effect is one of coziness...even though Fork & Wrench is not a small place, each room feels intimate and secluded.
It's a fine venue in which to enjoy a beer.
There were six well-chosen taps...two from the local brewery Stillwater.
A selection of about 30 bottles and cans rounded out what appears to be a carefully selected list.
The bar seats nine patrons, and the bar room includes several tables as well as 3 upholstered banquettes. There are several more dining rooms, both upstairs and down, and a small courtyard.
I plan to return to The Fork & Wrench for a few more beers and something to eat.

 

 

Of Love & Regret
1028 S. Conkling Street
Baltimore, MD
410-327-0760

Baltimore's beer lovers had been waiting for this venue to open, and with ample justification.
Of Love & Regret is a collaboration between Brian Strumke, brewer of Stillwater Artisanal Ales, and Ted Stelzenmuller of Jack's Bistro fame.
Of Love & Regret is situated in Brewer's Hill, just south of Highlandtown and east of Canton, and sits in the shadow of the old National Brewery and the winking, iconic Mr. Boh sign.
Locals knew that both the beer and food would be imaginative and top-notch.
We Questors, naturally, were there for the beer.
Of Love & Regret offers 20 taps, about half of which are Stillwater creations. Needless to say, the beers are unusual, tasty, and served in a variety of glasses. Prices range from $7 up. The bottle list numbers about 30, with all beer bases covered.
The bar is staple-shaped and seats about 20 patrons. There are maybe 8 tables, and one long, laquered plank table that in itself seats another 20.
The bar seemed cozy, with not a lot of distractions other than talking, eating, and drinking. The background music stayed in the background, and did not impact on conversation.
Of Love & Regret does credit to Charm City's beer scene, and is a must stop on the local brew trail.

 

Brewer's Cask
1236 Light St
Baltimore MD 21230
410-brewers

Brewer's Cask took over in the venue that used to house two other beer bars...Muggsy's, and the venerable Sean Bolan's.
When one enters they see the sizeable bar on the left side with 20 taps. These taps are constantly rotating (3 were changed just during our visit) and feature a great variety of beers. In addition there is a nice bottle list (50 or so) to choose from, if the tap list does not meet your needs.
On the main level there are bar tables and stools that allow for plenty of seating. In addition there is a dining room upstairs with more seating and another small bar area. Food is served in both areas. Both the bartenders and the patrons were quite pleasant and beer-knowledgeable. If you haven't been convinced to visit yet, how about this....3 for $6 drafts every day until 7:30 pm. Can't beat that!


 

 

Heavy Seas Alehouse
1300 Bank St.
Baltimore
410-522-0850

Heavy Seas Alehouse, which opened February, 2012, is located in the area on the cusp of Little Italy, Harbor East, and Fells Point.

The Alehouse is dedicated to serving Baltimore's flagship craft beer, the diverse and ever-growing Heavy Seas. From what we gleaned on this visit, the eight taps will be pouring mostly from the brewery's Clipper Fleet line, with perhaps some Loose Cannon, and a rotating seasonal. The rotating beers will come from Heavy Seas robust and swaggering Pyrate Fleet and Mutiny Fleet selections.
Aside from these 8 taps, there are two hand engines.

A well-chosen bottle list of guest beers was also on the menu. At some point in the future, Heavy Seas hopes to offer their own creations in bottles as well.

The Alehouse is spacious without losing it's intimacy. There's lots of wood and exposed brick, and an economy of other artifacts. The main bar seats about 15, and a long substantial table where 24 other patrons can sit face-to-face. 24 booths round out the seating in the bar area. There is a small adjoining dining room and an enclosed Captain's Lounge.

Our hostess, and Will the bartender, were helpful in explaining about the place and answering questions.

Heavy Seas Alehouse is a welcome addition to Baltimore's vibrant, growing beer scene.

 

 

Leinenkugel's Beer Garden
Power Plant Live
34 Market Place
Baltimore

We went to Leinenkugel's at Power Plant Live expecting lots of young people, tourists, and difficulty parking. What we didn't expect to find was not to be able to get in!
Seems like there was a private party going on and the establishment was closed to the general public. This was not advertised on the website, nor was it mentioned on the site listing events for Baltimore Beer Week. An email sent to the only address on their website was immediately returned as undeliverable. I could find no phone number on the site.
Anyhow, they did let us in to take pictures. They offer 30 taps, most micros, about 6 of which were Leinenkugel products. The place is glass-enclosed and some of the seating is outside if weather permits.

 

Joe Squared
133 W. North Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410 545 0444

Joe Squared is hip, hep, and happenin'. Joe provides a refreshing anchor to the up and coming bar scene in Station North. Lots of red, and chicks in black. Yes, you can have elegant dining in a casual atmosphere. The crowd is young, urban, artsy, and diverse...and...must be here for the music...and the beer! Joe featured six very carefully selected taps (but one had kicked; if you only have six, you must be able to reload quickly).
But of the remaining five we had an O'Hara's stout, a Czech Krušovice Lager and a Chimay Tripel...not too shabby. The bottles numbered about fifty and all styles were covered.
The wait staff was clad in black, professional, and very friendly. Made us feel welcome, even though two of us were the oldest guys in there. I'll be back.
As Huey Lewis said, "It's hip to be squared."

 

 

 

 

Alonso's
413-415 W Cold Spring Lane
Baltimore , MD 21210
410-235-3433

Alonso's has been a fixture in Baltimore since 1931, but has recently put together an impressive beer portfolio. They offer 12 taps, 9 of which rotate, and also stock over 200 bottles. On our visit, the drafts included several locals, and Belgian styles seemed to be prevalent. The bartenders were plentiful and helpful. The crowd was a varied neighborhood Baltimore mix and the decor included Orioles, Colts, and Ravens jerseys ranging from Berry to McCrary. TV's were visible, but not overwhelming...this is not a sports bar, but there will be sports on television. Adjoining Alonso's is Loco Hombre, a Mexican restaurant. The bar serves both places.
Firkins are offered about every two weeks.

 

 

Hudson Street Stackhouse
2624 Hudson St
Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 342-0592

Located in Canton just about a block and a half from beer-destination Mahaffey's, is the
Hudson Street Stackhouse. Recently renovated, this neighborhood bar features lots of artifacts from its previous tavern incarnations. The large 3-sided bar seats about 25, with about a dozen tables. There are 35 taps, which have been carefully selected and lean towards the Belgians.
The more than 40 bottles cover all the styles and include some imaginative choices.
Our barmaid was friendly and informative.
Any of the aforementioned features is reason enough to amble a few blocks west of the Square and have a few at the Stackhouse.

 

 

Hamilton Tavern
5517 Harford Rd
Baltimore, MD 21214
(410) 426-1930

With the exception of Racer's, the Harford Rd. corridor used to be a beer wasteland. This is no longer the case with the re-opening of the Hamilton Tavern. One of the owners, Tom Creegan, is also a part owner of Brewer's Art, so it is not surprising that the fine beer is of primary concern. Specializing in American microbrews, Hamilton Tavern offers four taps and a stellar selection of about 20 bottles. The interior is unpretentious with an intriguing agrarian motif. The place was packed on a Saturday evening, indicating that the beer-appreciating populace of the region was waiting for a place like this. Cruise the corridor and check it out.

 

 

 

Bertha's
734 South Broadway
Fells Point, MD 21231
(410) 327-5795

Bertha's is a great bar, pure Baltimore, and classic Fells Point.
And speaking of Fells Point, Bertha's was the first sit-down restaurant in this historic, iconic district.
They have a tap selection of about 10 good ones, and several bottles. They don't bother trying to be a great beer bar as such, but there are always a few good locals and the well-rounded selection is always fresh.
Try a best bitter.
Bertha's is world-famous for mussels, and you'll see their bumper stickers all over the nation...and maybe the world!
Great bar food, and an adjoining restaurant that is famous for it's fine food round out the Bertha's experience...oh yes...they have the most awesome urinal in the city.

 

 

Grand Cru
527 East Belvedere Avenue
Baltimore 21212
410.464.1944

Grand Cru is not a beer bar; it's a wine bar that's a great beer venue, and therefore merits inclusion here. Just look at their 6 taps, and you will see that they have been thoughtfully chosen. Just sample one, such as a Bitburger Pils or a Belgian, and you will agree that they are meticulously cared for. In the cooler, the Questor will find about a dozen 750-ml bottles of hard-to-find brews, and maybe six 12-oz. bottles of the same. The selection leans toward Belgians.
The staff is very helpful, professional and knowledgeable.
Grand Cru additionally sponsors beer tastings and brings in firkins.

 

 

Ale Mary's

1939 Fleet Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21231
(410) 276-2044

Opened in March, 2005, Ale Mary's was a beer bar from its inception.
Bill and Tom Rivers (right) and wife Mary, offer Guinness and five well-selected micros on tap, augmented with a generous list of about 35 bottles.
The food is excellent.
Located on the cusp of Canton and the fringe of Fells Point, a stop at Ale Mary's is a mandate on your next brew-hunting excursion.

 

 

No Idea Tavern
1649 SOUTH HANOVER STREET FEDERAL HILL, MD 21230
410.814.0342

No Idea is a friendly neighborhood tavern with 12 taps pouring predominantly craft beer.
Two of the constant beers are Guinness and Terrapin Hi 5 IPA.
The other 6 taps rotate and dispense craft beers from all over the nation.
The new owners want to bring back the concept of the neighborhood corner tavern that focuses on craft beer and fine food.
The shuffleboard table has been sacrificed for more dining space.
The new owners “want people to feel welcome, and for everyone to be involved. To get people in here, we listen.”
To underscore this attitude, No Idea is sponsoring a contest for the patrons to choose a new name for the establishment.
So it may not be No Idea for long.

 

 

 

Max's Taphouse
737 South Broadway
Baltimore, MD
888-674-6297

Max's is a steady fixture in Historic Fells Point on the corner of Broadway and Lancaster Street. At the time of this writing, Max's has over 100 rotating drafts, five hand engines, and nearly 2000 different bottled beers.
Max's is one of the top beer destinations on the East Coast.
Draft Magazine has named it one of the 100 top beer bars in the country, and Ratebeer.com consistently has it in the top 25 beer destinations in the world.
The taps are generally well-cared for too. This is due to the efforts of general manager and beer guru Casey Hard.
The crowd? Mostly young, but with a healthy mix of true beer enthusiasts of all ages.
Want to escape? Walk upstairs to the Mobtown Lounge. A laid-back, more relaxed atmosphere with numerous taps and bottles.
Max's also features special events, like Belgian and German festivals, and Tuesday Beer Socials.

 

Mahaffey's Pub

2706 Dillon St
Canton, MD 21224
410-276-9899

Wayne Mahaffey set out to run the best beer bar in Canton, and most patrons would agree that he has succeeded. With around 20 taps, a coupla hand engines, and maybe 50 different bottles, Wayne not only provides variety, but different and ever-changing variety. He moves unusual kegs through the establishment with astonishing rapidity and regularity. Most of the taps rotate. There is a 100-Beer Club, Bomber Night, and a staff that is friendly and knowledgeable about the beer. Food specials draw large crowds on many evenings.

 

 

The Wharf Rat
801 S. Ann Street
Fells Point

The Wharf Rat is a bar with true character, embodied in its nautical memorabilia of Old Baltimore.
Wharf rat pours beer from 20 different taps, about half of which are Oliver's beers, and the rest well-chosen guest taps
If that's not enough, they can come up with about 30 different bottled beers.
Two hand engines. The beer is superior, and they are served in 20-oz. Imperial Pints.
Good jukebox, decent food, and a men's room you won't forget.
Raw oysters the size of Big Macs.
The Oliver's beers are brewed at the Oliver's Brewery east of town.
Wharf Rat features some cask-conditioned ales, fine pub food, and a special of 3 half pints for $8.

R.I.P. Capt. Frank

 

 

 

 

Ropewalk Tavern

1209 S. Charles St.
Federal Hill
410-727-1298

 

Ropewalk Tavern has come a long way from the days when it was a one-room saloon. It now boasts numerous rooms, multi-levels, and more bars than I can sit at. Ropewalk offers a chance for customers to earn their Masters of Beer Appreciation, and brass plaques on the wall list those who have taken advantage.

With 17 taps and 155 bottles, Ropewalk is a great beer bar as well as one of Federal Hill's liveliest night spots. The eclectic decor sports pool tables, murals, and statues of sailors, Indians, and republicans. The food is good, and the owners and staff will make you feel at home.

 

 

 

Growler's Pub
now: Baltimore Taphouse

Fleet St.& Potomac
Canton

410-276-7553

When John Bates left Racers to open his own bar, he brought with him the desire to provide a diverse and delicious variety of beers.
He has done so. With 10 well-cared for taps and about 30 bottles,
The Taphouse is a friendly neighborhood pub, that makes it well-worth venturing a few blocks North of Canton's square.

Sadly, John Bates passed away in July, 2017.
John will be missed by all who knew him.

 

 

 

Racers' Cafe
7732 Harford Rd. Parkville
410-882-5212

Racers' may have been Baltimore's first true beer bar.
In the late 90's they made the decision (a brainchild of the late great John bates) to eliminate all pedestrian bottles and serve good beer at reasonable prices.
Taps rotate quickly, selection is diverse, and they have a 3-for-$6 special during Happy Hour.
Beers are ordered by number (see chalkboard at left).
Draft beers are micros and imports and they now have a selection of Belgian ales in bottles.
Racers' is unpretentious and substantial, like the neighborhood of Parkville in which it resides.
From time to time, Racers' hosts a beer tasting or brewfest.
Racers' doesn't serve food, but you can bring your own, or order from nearby.

 

 

 

Duda's Tavern

1600 Thames St. Fells Point
(410) 276-9719

A true neighborhood establishment, Duda's is nothing if it's not unpretentious.
It's a super beer bar without even trying to be.
Duda's has 16 taps featuring several locals, and about 70 bottles, including a number of specialty beers.
The emphasis seems to be on their fine food, especially the hamburgers and seafood, but the staff is wise to the beer, too.
Free pretzels with mustard...I also like the chalkboard listing draft beers with ABV's.

 

 

The Owl Bar

One East Chase Street
Baltimore Maryland 21202
Phone: (410) 347-0888

 

What do William Howard Taft, Chaing Kai-Shek, Cab Calloway, and Henry Fonda have in common? They've all been to the Owl Bar.
You won't see it advertised...you have to know it's in the back of the lobby of the historic Belvedere Hotel.
As a speakeasy during prohibition, the two owls over the bar served to warn patrons when it was safe to drink.

The Owl Bar has about 18 taps, leaning toward regional brews, and another 12 or so bottles.
It may not be your quintessential beer bar...but its a darn good bar with plenty of interesting choices.
It oozes with atmosphere of old Baltimore.

While leaving, ride up to the 13th floor just to get a gargoyle's-eye view of the town.
Still thirsty? The Brewer's Art is just across Charles St.

 

Pub Dog
20 East Cross St.
Federal Hill

410-727-6077

If you are looking for one of the most fun and friendly beer bars in Baltimore, look no farther than Pub Dog.
Once known as Thirsty Dog, Pub Dog has at least 10 different beers on tap, plus one seasonal. Fresh beer has always been a hallmark of Pub Dog, as founded by Steve Osmond, and now they make their own beer in Westminster.
There should be a draft here to satisfy the taste of any beer drinker. If not, several bottles are available. The staff is always knowledgeable, helpful, and gregarious; and often very busy.
The bar is dog-friendly, the pizza is excellent and diverse, and the beer is above average...what more do you need?