Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Baltimore

OpenTable

Updated January 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 (13)

$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

AshleyVIP

Dined on Nov 30, 2024

Very lovely space with live music, drinks were good, the snack we ordered was good, vibe was great. Will def visit again.

Barcocina - Baltimore

4.7

4.7 (873)

$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

Mel

Dined on Jan 1, 2025

Absolutely outstanding experience. Love the ambiance and view here. Drinks and food are always fantastic!! Our server was excellent as well! Can’t wait to go back!!

True Chesapeake

4.7

4.7 (564)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Hampden

About the restaurant

True Chesapeake is a Baltimore restaurant born of an oyster farm. Executive Chef Zack Mills creates a seasonal menu that showcases oysters from our farm in St. Jerome’s Creek, Southern Maryland — raw, roasted, and in signature dishes like Classic Rockefeller and French Onion Oysters. But, the oysters are just the beginning. Our award winning menu celebrates the bounty of the Chesapeake region by using locally sourced seafood, meat, and produce to create exquisite dishes that evolve with the seasons. Chef Mills has been featured extensively for his use of invasive seafood species, a very delicious way to help the Chesapeake Bay. Don't forget to order the Blue Crab and Bone Marrow dip or handmade pasta. We have an expertly curated wine list, beer selection, and cocktails - both classic and creative. Ample bar, high-top, and terrace seating available for walk-ins on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Top review

TinaVIP

Dined 4 days ago

We have been here 4 times or more now. The food and drinks are always very good. The only complaint this time was the amount of time it took to get our food. We went with another couple. We ordered our dinners 10 to 15 minutes before them. Their food came out first, they finished their meals and we still hadn't gotten ours yet. I said something to the server and then the food came out shortly. Not sure what the problem was. Will still go back as the food and happy hour specials are really good.

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4.7

4.7 (1128)

$30 and under

Latin American

Inner Harbor

About the restaurant

Experience the incredible range and romance of Latin American culture at Maximón,
Stop by for food and drink menus inspired by South American and Mexican cuisines, perfectly complemented by stunning stone architecture, wood and marble furniture, and lush greenery throughout the space.

Stay awhile—listen to live music acts from all across the nation, or blend your own bottle in our tequila tasting room. Even better, spend a gorgeous day at our Spanish-style courtyard, featuring fountains, an outdoor bar, and Inner Harbor views.

Named for a protective Mayan deity, Maximón brings exciting Latin flavor and flair to beautiful Harbor East. Come eat, drink, and enjoy.

Top review

Kiani

Dined 1 day ago

They honored my requests for my special occasion and communicated about my preferences, the food was delicious, and the service was above and beyond.

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4.7

4.7 (540)

$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

LindseyVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Cocktails were fantastic and the food is delicious. Loved the Tartare and the Chicken Pot Pie!

Unity Bar & Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (198)

$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

Esther

Dined on Dec 15, 2024

The apple pie waffle, omelettes, and turkey bacon and sausage were delicious. The music was great. We were also able to watch the football game on the big screen tvs.

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4.4

4.4 (267)

$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

RyanVIP

Dined on Jan 4, 2025

Always love Watershed before Ravens games. Appreciate the flexibility with our party size and love the service and vibe.

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4.3

4.3 (855)

$31 to $50

American

Hampden

About the restaurant

High energy and gracious, Avenue Kitchen and Bar is a place where one can enjoy terrific cocktails and comforting, Latin-American inspired cuisine from Executive Chef Audiel Vera and his seasoned and attentive staff. Our food offers flavors & technique that will welcome and excite you.
We have seating available in our large dining room, our bar & lounge, a seasonally-opened outdoor area, and a small private dining space available for intimate dinner parties.
We are conveniently located on 36th Street, commonly known as "the Avenue" in Hampden. Metered parking is available in a full lot in the rear of the restaurant as well as the front and surrounding streets. Entrances are located at both the front and rear and are easily accessible for all.

Top review

Jimitra

Dined on Dec 28, 2024

My family and I had a great time! We were greeted right away , seated as soon as we confirmed our reservations. “PM B” Tiff was great ! Truly a great time and amazing atmosphere. Food AMAZING, drink AMAZING! I will return again and again. Actually I did I came back 2 days in row lol Thank yooou!

Hard Rock Cafe - Baltimore

3.7

3.7 (677)

$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

Melanie

Dined 7 days ago

I hadn’t been to a Hard Rock Cafe in years but we decided to give it a try while in town for a work trade show. They easily accommodated our party of 11 and the service was wonderful! Our food was tasty as well - I got veggie fajitas which were delicious! And of course, great music was playing the whole time, which added to the experience. I hope more people give this place a try!

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Experience

2 X $25

Miracle at Power Plant Live!

3.5

3.5 (63)

$30 and under

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Miracle at Power Plant Live!, serving holiday cocktails in a festive setting, will officially open on November 30. Leinie’s Lodge & Beer Garden will transform into a unique immersive holiday experience, including floor-to-ceiling Christmas décor, holiday-inspired cocktails and small bites, and unmatched nostalgic energy.

Reservations are for 90 minutes and are now only $15 per person, this will be applied towards your bill!
Reservations are not required before 4PM every day. Sunday's require reservation at all times.

Top review

Aeboni

Dined on Dec 22, 2024

I read previous reviews that spoke about long wait times for food and miscommunication on reservation times. However my mom and I had a great experience. My reservation was I presume at a great time because all drinks and foods were still in stock. Others that came after me weren’t so lucky. I enjoyed the food and drinks- all were great! Wish there were more hot drinks like hot cocoa. But overall a great experience and the decor was nice and enjoyable!

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