Harold Black

We visited Annapolis for a long weekend and made a Saturday night reservation at HB. We were slightly confused at first on how to enter, because yes the place is supposed to be a bit hidden but a few more signs could've helped (or info when we made the reservation). I do agree with another reviewer that the music was way too loud. We were there at 6pm for pre-dinner drinks and the music volume definitely felt more like late evening club tunes. Hard to communicate even just for our party of 2. We were seated at a booth which was nice. Our server, Gabriel, was very attentive and very friendly. We enjoyed our selection of cocktails and thought the prices were fair. We also ordered some of the French fries which were good. We left to tend to our reservation upstairs, however, we probably would have stayed at HB to eat had the Acqua menu been offered. Feels like a veteran move to be able to order from that menu and we were first timers. Overall, I would say we will definitely be back when visiting Annapolis again. The ambiance (aside from music) and service were spot on.

My brother and I found Harold Black on a Saturday night and were thrilled to get a table without a reservation! It's a very cozy and dimly lit space under Acqua. Definitely recommend for a night cap or even getting the night started!I had a buffalo trace Manhattan which honestly tasted more like an old fashion- but I wasn't complaining haha. They definitely make their drinks alcohol forward and I found their pricing to be very reasonable.I'll definitely be stopping by again!

My first speak easy experience. We sat at the bar and were able to order dinner from the full Italian restaurant menu. The place has a really cool vibe and the bartenders were fun to watch and chat with. I don't drink alcohol but they made me a virgin mojito. The place has great ambience and I loved the decor too -- especially the glass and metal screen at the back of the bar.

Nice speakeasy. Visit here after dinner and had a good time. It's pretty small and if you don't have a reservation be prepared to wait, the place is small so if you arrive on a night that's busy you will have a wait. It's pretty dark (I guess to keep up with the whole speakeasy theme) but it is a pretty cozy spot. The food isn't too bad, but nothing to really brag about. The drinks are good as well. To be honest I'll probably be back when I'm the area and I just want a cocktail with someone.

For DC people, visiting Harold Black again is such a special experience as this was a long-time favorite of ours on Capitol Hill. The added bonus of this new location is that you can order the full Acqua al 2 menu from upstairs. We thoroughly enjoyed a dinner of the pesto gnocchi and linguine and clams (both favorites from their days in DC). The service was super quick and the atmosphere was almost as good (although much bigger) than its predecessor.

Very nice speak easy venue. Decor is nice. Would never knew this place exist unless the staff of Aqua Al 2 mention it. Drinks good. Haven't try the food here yet. 2 different venue run by the same owner with 2 different theme. Love it. Will be back.

An expensive and very disappointing dinner. Music was loud and not conducive to conversation and we had to ask that it be lowered to avoid screaming at our table. Our server lowered the music, but the management put it back up a few minutes later to an inappropriate volume. Song being played were more for a dance club than dinner (B-52 Roam, Prince Purple Rain, Fine Young Cannibals You Drive Me Crazy). Food was ala carte and portions were very small. Cocktails were average and there was zero speak-easy appeal. Salt was stuck in the shaker, we were told that butter was not normally served with the bread, and the tables were metal and freezing. Our server stated that she was 20 and had no experience with the cocktail menu. The restrooms were large and nice. Overall, a very disappointing and not worth the money experience. Not even sure why this is called a speak-easy other than the only sign was on a typed piece of paper on the outside of the door. Not worth the hype. They also do not validate parking.

Speaking easy....super cute spot that plays 90's hip hop. The service is awesome - I wish I could remember our server's name - and everyone is super cool while they bob heads to the music. Grab some friends and chill at this hidden gem !

In the basement below Acqua Al 2, Harold Black is a bar/speakeasy for a fun late night spot. I was definitely expecting "more" when you call yourself a speakeasy, but it was fine enough for an after dinner drink. The bartender didn't seem to know much of drink making and was confused when we shared the ingredients of a drink. Ended up getting poured enough port for three glasses so it all worked out in the end. Will probably try another place next time.

If you where a Fan of the Old Harold black, when it was in DC, then you will be extremely Disappointed.Although the ambiance is "quaint"in its own right; this iteration of Harold Black is less "mystique" than its predecessor. The Good:It's placement in the back basement of the restaurant gives it the Speakeasy vibe that it was going for.You will be pleasantly surprised by the menu and the skills of the bartender.As much as I enjoyed the skills, my one complaint was how tight the restaurant was.There is not a lot of standing room and when the place gets a little crowded it feels like people are standing right on top of you.I live the is place with an average size crowd but on a weekend it isn't the place for you if don't like people right next to you getting loud.Additionally, the music gets turned up to compensate for the noise, and hard to hear your conversation... hence the removal of the star. If I could give 3.5 I would, but it was an easy round up.