Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Baltimore

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Baltimore? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Dutch Courage

4.9

4.9 (521)

$31 to $50

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Charles Village

About the restaurant

Dutch Courage is a gin-centric cocktail bar located in the historic Baltimore neighborhood of Old Goucher. Whether you are looking for an adventuresome cocktail or need a cold beer, our staff has you covered. With 150 bottles of Gin, Genever, Old Tom and Barreled Gin, along with a full spirit selections, there is always something new to explore and help you discover your courage.
The Dutch Courage kitchen team lead by Chef Alec Jacobsen has a variety of food for you to enjoy while sipping beverages. From delightful boards of cheese, charcuterie and tinned seafood to small and large plates, the food at Dutch Courage is always a culinary adventure.

Top review

Christine

Dined 6 days ago

Absolutely excellent service. Beautiful drinks, delicious food.

B-Side Cocktails & Karaoke

4.8

4.8 (106)

$31 to $50

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Mt. Vernon

About the restaurant

Hidden in plain sight, B-Side is a spirit-forward speakeasy with best-in-class cocktails, bar snacks and private karaoke rooms located in the Mount Vernon neighborhood.

A Hi-Fi vinyl listening micro-bar with seasonal drinks and inspired playlists, B-Side is a dimly-lit, intimate option for date night, a special celebration, or a low-key nightcap.

To find your way to B-Side, simply choose a song on the jukebox in the basement of Hotel Revival — the experience will unveil itself to you.

Located across the lounge, groups of 4 to 8 guests can also reserve one of three private karaoke rooms with cocktail service (prices listed below) — start getting your practice runs in now.

120 minutes (2 hours) of singing
$300 Food & Beverage Minimum
Plus tax and gratuity
Everyone must be 21++

*Please arrive within 15 minutes of your reservation time. Failure to do so may result in cancellation.*

Top review

Tamia

Dined on Sep 12, 2024

The ambiance was everything i hoped for. The cocktails were perfect and the food was delicious. & the music playlist was the cherry on top. I will be returning to enjoy more evening here.

The Food Market - Hampden

4.7

4.7 (5243)

$30 and under

American

Hampden

About the restaurant

Consistently The Best of Baltimore...The Food Market focuses on brilliant basics, delicious food, and attentive service in a smartly designed industrial-modern space, featuring an open kitchen. Award-winning Chef Chad Gauss’ value-driven menu offers guests a complete dining experience by combining recognizable ingredients with unparalleled technique. The Food Market strives to provide great service in a comfortable environment, where both staff & diners can be themselves.
We invite you to come relax, enjoy, and allow us to do what we do best, for you.

Top review

Joshua

Dined 6 days ago

We loved eating here for our anniversary! The food was great. The service was incredible. Our only “complaint” was that the tables were a bit close to each other. That said, we will be back to enjoy this excellent restaurant!

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Popular dish

Heathbar Crunch Bread Pudding

4.7

4.7 (1148)

$50 and over

French

Harbor East

About the restaurant

Atlas Restaurant Group presents Monarque, a French brasserie located in Baltimore’s Harbor East neighborhood. Monarque is inspired by the French era of prosperity when culture boomed and extravagance flourished. The food menu is perfectly complemented by a beverage program with over 500 French wine labels and an extensive collection of cognac and armagnac.

Striking a balance between transporting guests to another time and place while being rooted in the present, Monarque hosts an exciting rotation of acts on stage every weekend including dancers, singers, musicians, contortionists, sword swallowers, poets and more.

Monarque welcomes guests of all ages Sunday through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday our entertainment is suited for guests 18 years of age and older, and only adults are permitted to dine.

Top review

Kimmy

Dined 7 days ago

I sat at the bar. Ambience is great. HH prices are reasonable. Great jazz band. Nice group of patrons who were friendly. Service was spectacular.

Kabuto

4.7

4.7 (62)

$30 and under

Hibachi

Parkville

About the restaurant

We are committed to serving an authentic Japanese experience to each and every one of our guests. From the atmosphere of our dining room to the dishes we make, we have constructed a Japanese-inspired restaurant people want to visit.
Whether you prefer the excitement of our chefs cooking in front of you on our hibachi grill or the bursts of tangy flavor from our sushi rolls, you’ll have a dine-in experience that is unlike any other.

Top review

MichaelC

Dined on Jul 28, 2024

Decent food. Fairly expensive for what it is, but you go for the show - which was great!

Barcocina - Baltimore

4.6

4.6 (864)

$30 and under

Contemporary Mexican

Fells Point

About the restaurant

Barcocina features Mexican inspired cuisine with fresh ingredients and original twists meant to share among friends. Barcocina's cocktail list emphasizes fresh squeezed juices for next level freshness and taste. With amazing open air spaces and uninhibited views of the harbor, Barcocina is the premier place to eat, drink and socialize. The glass and aluminum garage door walls open to a panoramic view of the harbor. Each seat, indoor and outdoor, makes the harbor view a part of the Barcocina experience. Open for Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner daily, as well as late night with live DJs on Friday & Saturday nights makes Barcocina the go to place for all your dining and entertainment needs.

Top review

DavidT

Dined 2 days ago

I had a table of 20 people some have never been here before and some have like myself. I made a reservation for 12 online but my group grew to 20. I arrived at the Restaurant 30 minutes early to let the staff know. The manager was very friendly and said he would accommodate my party. That was Griff. I was very impressed with the hospitality. Then he assigned Bernadette to be our waitress. She was amazing to wait on such a large group and did not miss a beat. Thank you so very much. I will be back soon. David P. Tooma

Loch Bar - Baltimore

4.6

4.6 (1416)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Harbor East

About the restaurant

Located in Four Seasons Hotel overlooking Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Loch Bar is a classic seafood tavern. Centered around one of the region’s largest raw bars, Loch Bar features classic seafood dishes with a modern flair. Loch Bar's beverage menu includes local craft beers, hand-crafted cocktails & an extensive whiskey list with selections from around the world. Loch Bar's interior has an antique design with a nautical-influenced style which features live music every night.

The suggested dress is business casual. We kindly ask our guests to abide by these suggestions to create an enjoyable environment for all guests.

The following items are prohibited however:
• Gentlemen’s tank tops or sleeveless shirts
• No exposed undergarments
• Clothing with language or graphics that are vulgar or sexually explicit
• Footwear is required, however there is no restriction on the style
*Children accompanied by an adult are not subject to the Dress Policy*

Top review

Kathryn

Dined on Sep 11, 2024

My colleagues and I frequently bring our treasured clients to LB very often. We sat outside by choice on the most beautiful afternoon. The food, the suggested oysters and above all the service - 100% absolutely amazing. Thank you all for your commitment to providing the most consistent impeccable service!

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4.6

4.6 (114)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Welcome to the Garden Rooftop, a hidden gem located in the heart of Mt. Vernon! Immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience where elegance meets excitement. On the first floor, indulge in a classy dinner savoring delectable cuisine and crafted cocktails.

DRESS CODE
“Upscale Chic”

NOT ALLOWED:
Offensive, vulgar, or Inappropriate attire
Athletic attire (sweat pants, sweat suits)
Tank tops (men)
Slides & flip flops
Exposed undergarments
Full face mask
Skull caps
Man bags
Backpacks

NO SPLIT CHECKS all parties can pay using up to 3 forms of payment!!

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Aug 30, 2024

Best steak I’ve ever ever had. Customer service was excellent from the beginning to end. Would definitely come again.!!!

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Experience

The Dinner Party Experience

Watershed

4.5

4.5 (258)

$30 and under

Seafood

Federal Hill

About the restaurant

Now open in the newly remodeled Cross Street Market, Watershed is a classic Maryland seafood house serving some of the region’s signature dishes, including steamed hard-shell crabs. An expansive rooftop deck provides an intimate outdoor experience in the heart of Federal Hill, complete with a covered bar, gaming area and an abundance of televisions for sports viewing.

Top review

Nicolevip

Dined on Aug 24, 2024

Food and service was great! We will return! The lime crush was great!

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4.2

4.2 (168)

$31 to $50

American

Port Covington

About the restaurant

Rye Street Tavern's menu is thoughtfully created featuring seasonal changes, locally sourced ingredients, & a diverse selection that caters to every palate, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. From fresh seafood & house-made pastas to southern-inspired dishes, each meal is crafted to perfection. Rye Street Tavern promises an exceptional lunch, dinner, or brunch (begins Aug 10) dining experience for locals & visitors alike. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining environments, including an open kitchen with U-shaped leather booths, a stylish bar and oyster bar with panoramic Patapsco River waterfront views, & a spectacular outdoor dining area with a 75-seat island bar. Happy Hour offered Monday through Friday with half off of oysters on the half shell plus discounted beers, wines, & select cocktails. Live Music performed on the patio Thursday through Sunday - schedule on www.ryestreettavern.com/events/

Top review

Foodie4Life

Dined 3 days ago

I had an absolute awesome experience at Rye Street Tavern, thanks to the wonderful accommodations of the staff, and Rye’s amazing waiter, Nick, who gave my friend and I such an amazing experience. We dined at the restaurant celebrate a birthday and Nick helped us select awesome choices and all of food he suggested was amazing! Nick has great taste and knows good food and made sure that we got to experience all Rye had to offer. Our appetizers, Sea-cuterie, was so delicious and fresh, our entrées (1. Steak 2. Rockfish) were perfect and their warm blueberry cobbler dessert was DIVINE! On the drive home, we could not stop talking about how peaceful and delicious the experience was, so we’ll be coming back again! Nick was kind, funny, patient and focused on giving us a memorable dining experience. Thanks so much Nick! :)

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