Mouthwatering Dive Bars in Baltimore

Club Charles

★★★★☆ 4.1 (89) • $

"Fun dive bar! Felt so exclusive! You had to get buzzed in to enter. Plenty of bar and lounge seating. The drinks were great. The service was a bit slow and they only had one bar tender until about 10pm and then they had a 2nd bartender for the 2nd bar upstairs. Fun place though!"

Paradise Tavern

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (10)

"Like a bar right out of a Charles Bukowski novel this bar is the essence of a dive. Cheap pool tables and a jukebox. Same ole' regulars, same cheap drinks."

Duke's Tavern

★★★★☆ 3.6 (12) • $

"Upon arrival it looked sketchy because it was really dark around the place. My friend said it looks sketchy when we arrived , my friend said its probably going to be whole bunch of rednecks in there , but when we walked in the customers(locals) and the people working there were actually nice they spoke to us and try to have a conversation and asked if we was from this area, well I'm not lol. They don't serve food here but the bartender told me that the next door has food . So next door it is' ! Lol This place has only drinks , chips and pizza and pool tables. This place is small to . We left because they didn't serve food and the local said awww you guys leaving already. Despite our race I was relieved it wasn't an awkward silence or moment when we walked in because we wasn't from the area . It's good to know friendly people exists . Because I'm friendly"

Griffith's Tavern

★★★★☆ 4 (8)

"We stumbled upon this place on our way back to the car and decided to check it out. As soon as we walked in, I felt like I had somehow been transported back to 1995 -- maybe earlier. The crowd seemed like regulars. Mostly older, but we sat down next to a man who looked like he was close to my age. If you're hoping to get craft beer, you'll have to venture elsewhere. This is a Yuengling, Bud & Miller type of establishment. They do have a decent selection of liquor, so I chose to go the spirited route instead. The best part, as I'm sure you can imagine, was the price of everything. They're more than reasonable. The bar tender was friendly enough, but she was more interactive with the said regulars I mentioned earlier. I'm not huge into dive bars, but I'm always down to try somewhere new. If you want to experience the local scene, I'd recommend this spot."

The Players Lounge

★★★★☆ 3.8 (61) • $$

"It's a little old fashion and may need to be updated a bit but the food is clean and delicious! l like the way that the food is delivered and it taste so good, especially the spaghetti and the potatoes or Western fries. It's a good place to get a great meal."

Fattie's Bar & Grill

★★★★☆ 3.9 (18) • $

"Was aiming for 4.5, but you can't do half stars. It's 5 stars for the kind of business that it is. Super-friendly, very welcoming, and great and affordable food. They even have good events like karaoke a lot! Used to come here all the time before I moved from the Baltimore County area. When I visited over Christmas, I got the Fatties Cheeseburger Steak Sub with corn on the cob and a sweet tea. I intentionally got the most expensive Fatties Sub because it wasn't that expensive; total of all that was about $17 (including the $3 drink that almost all bars charge that for)."

The Depot

★★★★☆ 3.6 (29) • $$

"it's 1:30am, Saturday Night, a stranger to baltimore. Rolling deep with 4 friends, lost and thirsty. Drove downtown to the powerplant area, only to find the place infested with d-bags, got on a taxi and told him "go!"he dropped us off at the depot. It was dark, fun and cheap. Friendly bartender service, a drinking crowd worthy for a visit."

Venice Tavern

★★★★★ 4.6 (30) • $

"So typically I wouldn't even write a review for a bar like this because if you look up the definition of dive bar then you pretty much have it. We were looking to grab a drink nearby but wasn't able to get a seat so we wandered off in search of something different and stumbled upon this place. You can tell everyone else knew each other and we were the clear outsiders. Between a regular playing hai favorites on the jukebox, the pool table never being empty and folks sitting at the slots the place was full of energy. The bartender was really personable and had a heavy hand so drinks were great and cheap. They are cash only and don't run tabs so be prepared but enjoy."

The Drinkery

★★★★☆ 3.8 (33) • $

"I used to frequent The Drinkery regularly with my little brother when I lived in the area. It's usually a little cramped but always a good time.I stopped in again last weekend with my bro for a few drinks. We found a spot at the far end the bar and chatted with the owner, bartender and a couple of other patrons. My bro is a regular so he knows a lot of people. OZ, the bartender, was super cool. He chatted with us for quite awhile and made some pretty good drinks too. The drinks are STRONG and well worth the money because they're pretty cheap.It was pretty late so there wasn't any karaoke but that's usually a pretty good time too. I've had some of the best laughs drinking and watching people sing karaoke there.The bar is normally crowded and last weekend was no exception. But the crowd is low key and friendly. There's never any drama or off the wall behavior. The bar clearly caters to the LGBT community but everyone is welcome. Being a straight female, i have always felt welcome and included."

Mount Royal Tavern

★★★★☆ 4.3 (69) • $

"Baltimore you beautiful and charming city! Mount Royal Tavern was no exception! AKA the Dirt Church! We arrived on the bolt bus after 3 and 1/2 hours. Noticing that this super rad dive was already open made it an easy decision to get a breakfast beer. We dragged our bags and found the place. There was a fair amount of older fellas which is what I like to see when I walk into a dive bar. The surprise here was the hand painted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. I've seen the real Sistine Chapel and let me tell you this was a great second choice. And now you get the nickname, Dirt Church. The bartender Ben Franklin was an absolute doll. He even gave us some bar swag, a business card you put on top of your drink if you need to leave it, a postcard and a sticker. My friend asked what the beer handle with the guy wearing a monocle was. The response from Franklin was "you're not from around there, huh?". Natty Boh is the Baltimore staple (National Bohemian Beer), it's cheap and light. We got a couple of Natty Boh's leaned back and relaxed. Some clients were relaxing more than others. Nap time. Thanks to the Dirt Church for the warm Baltimore welcome."

Duda's Tavern

★★★★☆ 4 (213) • $$

"Recommended by a local and he was spot on. This is a relaxed, neighborhood bar and restaurant known for their crab cakes. They prepare your meal when you order it, so it takes time to arrive and worth the wait. Located in the historic Fells Point section of town, the building has been here for centuries. The Duda family took it over in the 40's, first as a bar, later adding the kitchen. The great-grandson of the original owners man's the kitchen, so this truly is a family business. When his wife and son arrived we got talking about travels and had a very enjoyable conversation. Very nice people.The barman (Dave) is also the waiter. He's very friendly, comfortable and capable. We learned a lot about local business and the neighborhood during our interactions with him. He really made our visit a pleasure. Our salads were fresh and lightly dressed which I appreciate. When we mentioned my appreciation to Dave we were assured if anyone wants more dressing they are happy to provide more. It's just easier to add dressing than it is to remove it! ;D.The crab dip is smooth and creamy and I just love the fried pita triangles. Firm enough to scoop up all that crabby deliciousness. And the melted cheese on top is a good compliment to the dish. This would make a wonderful app for four. For us two, it was too much, but we are light eaters in the evenings.I saved room for one of their walnut brownies. Served warm, this thing is big. Definitely enough for us to share. Loaded with walnuts on top it's a fudgy, cake like brownie that isn't too dense or over sweet. It really hit the spot.My dear husband informed Dave after our meal that it was my birthday without my knowing. Oblivious me didn't see this, but apparently Dave went round to all the guests letting them know and on our way out the door the entire restaurant sang Happy Birthday to me. Wow! That was so amazing. Especially because I am away from family, it means very much to me that a room full of strangers would go out of their way to make my birthday feel special. Again I say Thank You to everyone at Duda's for a wonderful (birthday) visit!"

Jerry's Belvedere Tavern

★★★★☆ 4.1 (24) • $$

"This place is pretty solid for dinner. Came here on a Friday, got some pasta in tomato sauce, and it was delicious. The shrimp bisque is also really good. I have to also give a shout out to the decor. Very old and outdated, but it adds to the charm of this place. Food and drinks are cheap. My Yuengling was under $2, or was just $2. Either way I will not argue with that. Give this place a try, you'll like it."

Henny Macks

★★★★☆ 3.6 (8)

"Everything you would want in a dive bar. Ample parking, decent restroom, cheap drinks, good jukebox, pleasant bartenders, good patrons, it's somewhat close to the airport, etc.No patio for the smokers. Neighborhood is okay by Baltimore standards. Would definitely go back."

St Marys Restaurant & Bar

★★★☆☆ 2.7 (111) • $$

"Went to a pop up business event to support local entrepreneurs and was hungry after. Decided to try this spot. It was pretty crowded so I was very optimistic about the food. I ordered brown stew chicken and my daughter ordered curry chicken. The flavor was outstanding for both. Brown stew sauce was rich and chicken was tender. I loved that it was all white meat. Cabbage and rice and peas are standard as a side. We also asked for a small mac and cheese. My daughter really enjoyed the curry chicken. We ordered size large for both entrees. The portions were disappointing as we had more rice than anything and although we waited 15 minutes for cabbage to cook we only got about a spoon or two full. Mac and cheese was mainly noodles no cheese. The location is easy to find and there is metered street parking. You can eat inside the restaurant and there is also an upstairs. They have a full bar selection and bar seating. You can see the food being prepared and the kitchen looks very clean and the cooks wore gloves and hair coverings."

The Horse You Came In On Saloon

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (437) • $$

"Was looking for things 2 do in Baltimore.. so I decided to come to the oldest bar in the country.. I came in on July 3rd, so the place was pretty empty..but so was every other place.. but hitting up the oldest bar in the country is an easy future Icebreaker..The bar was nice though, right by the water.. They were playing live music and the chairs were in the shape of a horseshoe.."

Morsberger's Tavern

★★★★☆ 3.6 (19) • $

"Yes, still open! Still a dive bar, with (mostly :-) great customers and great staff, pool tables, hot dogs during the day, and sometimes chips or free peanuts in-the-shell. Regular drinks and a wide selection of mostly regular beers. Also a package store. Smoking on the deck out back, not indoors. No karaoke yet. Excellent jukebox because it pulls from the internet. By the way, sometimes they do run the A/C, but it's never an icebox."

The Dive

★★★★★ 4.5 (46) • $$

"One of the best bars in Baltimore! Delicious food, great cocktails, adorable decor, incredibly friendly staff."

Iampieri's Westway Bar & Lounge

★★★★☆ 3.7 (10)

"It takes a certain type of person to appreciate Iampiere's. I have several Baltimore comrades who refuse to go here. The reason? It's trashy, lacks women and isn't the most happening place on a Friday or Saturday night. Yes, all of this is true, but the place has character - a lot of it.Ridiculously cheap drinks, friendly 'tenders and a slew of questionable, sometimes frightening locals. What more could you want? Go here, but keep your spirits high and your expectations very low.Some good things:- Cheap drinks all day every day- It's so gritty, so grimy, so local- Great bartenders - Willie! Chuck!- $1.50 "Bohronas" (Natty Boh + Lime)- Free foosball in the back- Access to/from the liquor store next door- Iampsfest summer music festival- Annual Christmas party - depressing? maybeTwo bad things:- Location (questionable edge of the city)- Parking, but you should walk/cab if you are serious"

BAR

★★★☆☆ 3.1 (33) • $

"If you're going to a place called Bar, are you really going to expected Sagamore Pendry service? No. You're going to drink your Natty Boh and enjoy a chill night with your friends.My interaction with the bartender was fine. The drinks were cheap, the crowd was cool, and the atmosphere (very Stranger Things-esque) was something I could appreciate. I believe it was a pretty hot summer night when I had stopped by, and it was well A/Ced.There are nights in Fell's where you want to bar hop with swanky music and fancy cocktails. And then there are nights where you can just come to Bar. Don't get the two twisted and you'll have a fine time."

Clipper Mill Lounge

★★★☆☆ 2.8 (5) • $

"I love a good dive bar, as you know, and the Clipper Mill Lounge definitely qualifies as a dive bar, but it's much more than that. It's got the traditional spotty history, fights and colourful clientele that any good dive bar has, but it's also a neighbourhood bar. It may be somewhat hard to spot for the uninitiated from the outside (don't look for a sign, there isn't one), but once inside it wears its colours well, plenty of bar neon, football and NASCAR posters and even a decent pool table with appropriately stained felt. But it's the clientele that rise above the average dive bar patrons. Everyone has a story and is willing to tell it to you, it's probably the happiest group of day drinkers I've met in a dive bar. I met the current owner, Rob, when he offered me his stool at the bar. He explained a little of the bar's history to me (yes, it got the name, "The Bloody Bucket" unofficially due to the number of fights the establishment endured before his tenure). He seemed like a genuinely nice guy who liked the bar biz (hard to find in dive bar owners) and more importantly, his clientele. It's got the standard dive bar menu; strong drinks, cheap prices, but I really can't over emphasize the neighbourhood feel of the bar. It took me back to the days when bars were meeting places for the locals and where the great inventions/ideas of the day were thought up over a tasty beverage. So whether you call it The Bloody Bucket, The Bottom (because it's at the bottom of a hill) or the Clipper Lounge, it's a great little dive bar that deserves a visit from anyone who likes a cheap drink and a good story."

The Reservoir

★★★★☆ 4.2 (5)

"Let's not pretend that your getting pampered here.That's not happening Have a cocktail.... See some people ...... enjoy yourself...... The good time here is created by your vibes which they embrace....If you want to expand your positive attitude that's what their looking to enhance....enjoy you Real life Who loves Kislings Tavern"

Idle Hour

★★★★☆ 4.2 (50) • $

"This place is still awesome and was lucky enough to bring a group of friends over this past weekend. Being near Fed Hill sometimes one can struggle to find a bar that has a more relaxed ambiance and feel to it. Idle Hour is definitely one of those places for me, the DJ spinning vinyls on the weekends doesn't hurt at all either. They are known for their Chartreuse and really good cocktails but they also carry a decent beer and wine list. Many of the beers are from some of our local breweries and favorites so that was much appreciated."

Myke’s Bar & Lounge

★★★★☆ 4.3 (4)

"Good old beer and shot ,dive bar.Patrons are friendly and the food is reasonable. Not a large selection but the specials are listed on a board at the bar.Parking and entrance is in the rear.Local hangout. Don't go if you are expecting the Ritz."

Dicks Halfway Inn

★★★☆☆ 2.6 (10) • $

"C'Mon C'Mon get the giggles out.... I'll wait.....Now, I have to rate this place at least 4 stars for name alone! Any place willing to subject itself to so many jokes has my respect and my business any day of the week!The food and drinks are what you come to expect from a dive bar. Dick's has daily drink and food specials for Lunch and DInner and a great ladies night and live music on a regular basis. I used to live in White Marsh and this place was the perfect getaway from the typical Fridays, Della Roses on the Avenue, Red Brick Station crowd if you wanted someplace that was more fun then should be legal on a week night and made you feel like Norm when you sat down!"

Kenny B's Blue Marlin

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (5)

"This is a very cool and chilled kinda dive bar. They ONLY accept cash! I HATE that! However, that's how they keep their prices down. It's in Dundalk, I went for a birthday party, otherwise I would have never knew of their existence. The place is as basic as basic gets. HOWEVER! The people there are all very friendly and it was a pretty diverse group of people, so I didn't feel unsafe or awkward. If you want a drink.Would I recommend this bar...maybe if you live in dundalk, have cash, wants some peace, and just want to chill after a long day at work or just in general. Otherwise, this is not a good turn up location."