10 Best Baltimore Bars for Summer

by Liz Rapoport in Roundups

The warm temperatures of summertime beg for outdoor fun, sunglasses, shorts and of course, refreshing drinks in all varieties. Baltimore is certainly not lacking in establishments that support that summer vibe. Check out our picks for the 10 best bars for summer and get ready to enjoy the season.

Bay Cafe: To the untrained eye, this brick warehouse is hardly a visual standout. But a second look around the corner at the outdoor palm trees, sand, live entertainment and large outdoor bar will certainly change your tune. Grab one of the fantastic frozen drinks at this Canton waterfront hot spot and enjoy the sunshine with some sand in your toes (2809 Boston St; 410-522-3377).

Heavy Seas Ale House: With the newest beer garden in town, this hotspot doesn’t disappoint on the drink, food or atmosphere front. Choose between the brews on the seasonally-changing list of Heavy Seas beers, or taste one of our favorite beer cocktails, the Summer Shandy (1300 Bank St, 410-522-0850).

Little Havana: The night lights at this Federal Hill staple will put you in the right mood for summer drinking. Enjoy a fresh house mojito and Cuban-inspired cuisine while sitting on the water and enjoy the cool Baltimore nights (1325 Key Hwy; 410-837-9903).

Nick’s Fish House: A bit off the typical path, this waterfront gem will make you feel like you’re on a vacation. If you haven’t ever had a Baltimore steamed crab (gasp!), this the place to check that off your bucket list, with a cold one on the side (2600 Insulator Dr; 410-347-4123).

One Eyed Mike’s: This Fells Point bar on a Belgian block street is home to the world’s first Grand Marnier Club. Walk past the endless rows of bottles to get to the tucked-away back patio with a cozy feel that’s great for small get-togethers. To experience one of our favorite ways to end the night, stay until close for a “shot in the dark” (708 South Bond St; 410-327-0445).

Pratt Street Ale House: Ever since the addition was completed this April, this spacious brewpub has been the place to be. If you’re a people-watching fan, grab one of the many Oliver Ales options and sit on the large outdoor patio before an Orioles game to oversee the migration towards Camden Yards (206 W. Pratt St.; 410-244-8900).

Schuckers: Located on the Broadway Pier right on the water in Fells Point, this bar combines fresh seafood with great drink specials. Snag a seat outdoors on the weekend and enjoy the spicy build-your-own Bloody Marys and a delicious selection from the raw bar (1627 Thames St; 410-522-5820).

Tiki Barge: The novelty of a tiki bar in the summer doesn’t wear thin, and the Tiki Barge brings that Hawaiian-inspired atmosphere right to the city. Located on an actual barge in the harbor, you can lay by the water and drink without the long drive back from the ocean (500 Harborview Dr, 443-695-2659).

The Wine Market: Sit in the courtyard patio at this Locust Point bistro and enjoy one of the 900 bottles from the shop. If wine’s not your thing, try one of the many seasonal cocktails mixed up by some of the friendliest and most knowledgeable bartenders in the city (921 E. Fort Ave; 410-244-6166).

Woody’s Rum Bar and Island Grill: Hidden above two other bars, the third floor patio at this Caribbean establishment provides a great view of the harbor and Fells Point happenings. Order a drink off their long list of rum-based cocktails or test out their superfruit sangria to get you in a warm weather mood (1700 Thames St; 410-563-6800).