Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Baltimore / Maryland

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Baltimore / Maryland? 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 (520)

$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

Joseph Lvip

Dined on Aug 2, 2024

New chef turning out great dishes. Drinks and service excellent as always.

B-Side Cocktails & Karaoke

4.8

4.8 (105)

$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

Jacquelyn

Dined on Aug 24, 2024

Love the specialty cocktails and the music selection is always great. It's always a great time and everyone I bring to visit, really enjoy the atmosphere and entire experience.

Anejo Rose Cantina & Tequila Bar

4.7

4.7 (145)

$30 and under

Mexican

Hanover

About the restaurant

** We will be open at 11am on Cinco de Mayo (5/5/24). We will not be accepting reservations. We will be taking walk-ins only.**

High energy, contemporary, sophisticated Mexican Restaurant offering a taste of Mexico within a fun and festive environment.

We aim to exceed guests expectations in all areas, food, beverage and ambiance. Personal connections bloom fueled by the effects of extraordinary food, curated cocktails & a lengthy tequila list create an experience that will arouse and excite our guests senses.

With deep influence by regional Mexican cooking, dishes made from scratch with authenticity in mind.

The bar offers a creative cocktail program with a large selection of signature hand crafted margaritas and Mexican cocktails along with Mexican and craft beers. A focused selection of wines will also be available.

Tequila is the show stopper at Anejo Rose and a staggering selection of Blanco, Repasado and Anejo along with Mezcals will be featured at the bar.

Top review

Sandravip

Dined on Aug 30, 2024

Awesome ambiance… food is super tasty and pomegranate margarita is delicious !!!

Mr. Bill's Terrace Inn

4.7

4.7 (105)

$50 and over

American

Essex

About the restaurant

Mr. Bill's has been a Local sensation since 1954. Family owned and operated for 68 years! Casual family dining with a full-service bar/restaurant. Amazing food, refreshing cocktails, and the Baltimore's best steamed crabs smothered in our homemade seasoning.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Aug 25, 2024

This was our first time here and we were hoping the other reviews were true. They definitely were. The food was very good, we had a wonderful server who took care of our party of 15 and the crabs were fantastic!! We highly recommend Mr. Bill’s.

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!

Victoria Gastro Pub

4.6

4.6 (3058)

$30 and under

International

Columbia

About the restaurant

Since 2007, Victoria Gastro Pub has provided an inviting pub atmosphere serving sophisticated, yet unpretentious food. The main objective of our kitchen is to serve innovative twists on classic pub fare that stress quality and freshness with every recipe, and every ingredient. The menu items draw from both national and international cooking traditions and remain in harmony with the seasonal availability of high-quality ingredients with many of the herbs and vegetables coming from our very own garden at Manor Hill Farm.

Top review

Carolyn

Dined on Aug 19, 2024

It was a delightful evening, we all cleaned our plates and plan to go back soon!

Watershed

4.6

4.6 (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!

Discover more

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

Carisa

Dined on Sep 1, 2024

I love The Garden Rooftop, I always have a great experience. This was actually my second time going. The first time I went to the rooftop at night and it was such a fun lounge/club experience. We got bottle service and the service and attendant were amazing and seemed to want us to have a good time. This time I went during the day for Sunday Brunch and Day party. We had brunch in the downstairs restaurant and then went upstairs to the rooftop. The food was SO GOOD. The hostess and servers have positive attitudes. Management here seems to be really good. Im ready to go back for my third time next month. Thanks everyone at Garden Rooftop!

Discover more

Experience

The Dinner Party Experience

Park Tavern

4.5

4.5 (905)

$30 and under

American

Severna Park

About the restaurant

Reinventing The Neighborhood Tavern

Please contact the restaurant directly for parties larger than 4. Park Tavern will always try its best to honor all requests, however Bar, Booth, and Patio seating is limited and may be subject to availability

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Jul 27, 2024

Amazingggg brunch + menu! Cannot wait to go back; would definitely recommend

Fallston Barrel House

4.5

4.5 (524)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Fallston

About the restaurant

A new Local Favorite, we bring you craft spirits & provisions. Join us in our Bar or comfortable Dining Room for Lunch, Dinner, or any special occasion to enjoy our Chef's masterpiece menu, featuring local favorites & a modern twist on classic comfort food, paired with small batch craft distills & brews. Congratulations to our very own "Amanda Wiley"who won Best Server of the Year for 2022 at the Restaurant Association Gala.....................................

PLEASE MAKE A NOTE IF YOU ARE HERE TO SEE A BAND..................................................................
PLEASE CHECK WITH THE RESTAURANT TO SEE IF THIS IS A TICKETED EVENT & CALL THE RESTAURANT -
DO NOT MAKE RESERVATIONS ONLINE. THANK YOU

Top review

Michael

Dined on Sep 2, 2024

Great Service, Great People & Great Live Music: SOLID!..

Explore Diners' Choice best of Baltimore / Maryland

Explore more Diners' Choice lists