Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Baltimore

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

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!

Order of the Ace

4.8

4.8 (20)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Harbor East

About the restaurant

In the Order of the Ace, certain truths are revealed. Like the power of your person being equal to the place you find yourself present. And the quality of a cocktail being bettered by the craft of its creator. Slip into a space of music and mystique. A mood of intimacy and intrigue. A night where essential truths are served straight up. Or however else you would like.

Top review

Shi

Dined on May 18, 2025

Order of the Ace exceeded every expectation. From the moment we walked in, the ambiance was unmatched—live music from a saxophonist, pianist, and strings instrumentalist created a luxurious, romantic vibe. The cocktails were perfectly crafted, the crab cakes were fresh and flavorful, the steak was cooked to perfection, and the butter cake dessert was rich and unforgettable. Every dish hit the mark. Service was top-tier—attentive, warm, and professional. This spot is a full-sensory experience and a must-visit. We’ll definitely be back!

B-Side Cocktails & Karaoke

4.7

4.7 (122)

$31 to $50

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Mt. Vernon

About the restaurant

Reservations available Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays
WALK-INS ONLY ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHTS

Hidden in plain sight, B-Side is a spirit-forward cocktail lounge 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 2 to 8 guests can also reserve one of three private karaoke rooms with bottle service. Please see the karaoke menu for pricing and reservations.

Everyone must be 21++
Please arrive within 15 minutes of your reservation time. Failure to do so may result in cancellation

Top review

Adrian

Dined on Feb 1, 2025

First time going here & the hidden door wouldn’t open with the jukebox. We got seated pretty quickly but it took about an hour to get a drink here. Ambiance was lovely & noise was just loud enough to not hear other people’s conversations. I would try it again

The Garden Rooftop

4.7

4.7 (191)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Garden Rooftop, a hidden gem in the heart of the Bromo Arts District in Downtown Baltimore! Step into an unforgettable experience where elegance and excitement blend seamlessly. Begin your evening with a refined dinner on the first floor, enjoying exquisite cuisine and handcrafted cocktails. Afterward, head to the second floor to unwind in our Hookah and Cigar Lounge (please note, reservations are not available for the lounge).

DRESS CODE
“Upscale Chic”

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

Top review

melissa

Dined 7 days ago

Great food and ambiance. Just wish they shared that water isn't free.

Monarque

4.6

4.6 (1271)

$50 and over

French

Harbor East

About the restaurant

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

Transporting guests to another time and place while being rooted in the present, Monarque hosts a rotation of acts every weekend, with Baltimore's best jazz musicians, cabaret vocalists, burlesque dancers, and more.

Monarque welcomes guests of all ages Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the experience is suited for guests 18 years of age and older, and only adults are permitted to dine.

When making your weekend reservations, note that parties of 1-5 guests will have two hours to enjoy our cuisine and entertainment, parties of 5-8 will dine for two hours and 30 minutes, and parties of 9 and more can enjoy seating for three hours.

Top review

Tia

Dined 6 days ago

Expensive but great ambiance and atmosphere. Food can be an acquired taste for some.

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Experience

The Monarque Entertainment Experience for Two

James Joyce Irish Pub and Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (146)

$30 and under

Irish

Harbor East

About the restaurant

Experience an authentic Irish pub experience in Baltimore with our cozy and inviting atmosphere that has welcomed locals and tourists alike for over 18 years. With its decor and furnishings imported directly from Ireland, James Joyce will transport you across thousands of miles of ocean to The Emerald Isle.

With a menu featuring traditional Irish fare and a large selection of draft beers, James Joyce will complete the true Irish pub experience by hosting live music 7 nights a week.

Top review

JaneVIP

Dined on May 17, 2025

Delicious food, great service, beautiful outdoor space.

Loch Bar - Baltimore

4.5

4.5 (1481)

$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

DeniseVIP

Dined 4 days ago

The atmosphere was nice, live music, the food was good, my froze was tasty and refreshing, my sister didn’t care for her drink. We enjoyed our meal, even the rolls were delicious. We ordered the chocolate mousse cake, but were disappointed because it was very dry, but the waitress compensated us. Overall our dinner experience was very good

Unity Bar & Restaurant

4.5

4.5 (212)

$31 to $50

American

Bolton Hill

About the restaurant

Friends new and old get together here. We are centrally located—literally on Centre Street—in the heart of Baltimore’s lively cultural district, Mt. Vernon. Our diverse, vibrant clientele creates our atmosphere—and we create a memorable experience for each visitor, in each visit!

From our creatively crafted food and cocktail menus to our casually elegant décor, our aim is to welcome YOU. And here you will encounter a “little of everybody.”

Here, we dine, drink, and meet in Unity!

Top review

Joy

Dined 2 days ago

Omg,, it was the AMBIANCE for my ,, beautifully design, I happen to come on a slow evening , nonetheless it was a lovely experience,, I could only imagine what a night out with THE GIRLS would be like ,, FIVE STAR my server was very attentive.. an overall great experience 💙💙👍🏾

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4.4

4.4 (2367)

$31 to $50

American

Harbor East

About the restaurant

A restaurant concept curated by our Award-winning Executive Chef, Saon Brice, Blk Swan offers a uniquely crafted, "New American" menu, which features exciting, tasty, and comfortable food options presented in a creative culinary approach.

**Parties 8+ please contact us at events@eatatblkswan.com or 443-326-2783 for more reservation information. Thank You!

Top review

Sabrina

Dined 4 days ago

Food and service were amazing. The cinnamon appetizer is everything! DJ was good too for Sunday brunch!

Hard Rock Cafe - Baltimore

3.9

3.9 (695)

$31 to $50

American

Inner Harbor

About the restaurant

Hard Rock Cafe is a global phenomenon with 185 cafes that are visited by nearly 80 million guests each year. The first Hard Rock Cafe opened on June 14, 1971, in London, England, and from there the brand has expanded to major cities and exotic locations around the world.

Top review

Kyle

Dined 3 days ago

Josh the server was great above and beyond service. Food prices weren’t terrible for the area and food quality was really good

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Experience

Happy Hour 3-6pm Monday- Friday

Experience

Happy Hour Monday- Friday 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Experience

TIKI + TACOS TUESDAYS 🌮

Kona Grill - Baltimore

3.4

3.4 (2532)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Inner Harbor

About the restaurant

Welcome to Kona Grill Baltimore, at the Inner Harbor downtown, next door to the Baltimore Convention Center. Kona Grill is a classic American Grill with great steak and seafood - complemented by the best choice of sushi and margaritas at any grill in America. Kona Grill features a global menu of contemporary American favorites, award-winning sushi, and specialty craft cocktails in a polished, casual atmosphere. From brunch & lunch to dinner & happy hour, the restaurant offers a range of freshly prepared dishes from the grill, seasonal menu items and fan-favorite dishes across all dayparts. Kona Grill offers both indoor and outdoor patio dining at all its locations, $3, $6, $9 happy hour offered weekdays & NEW weekend brunch, guided by a passion for quality food and exceptional service.

Top review

Mike

Dined 6 days ago

Always a good time at Kona Grill. Aisha was great. Food was delicious.

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Popular dish

Sushi Tacos

Experience

Taste of Kona: 3-Course Prix Fixe Menu

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