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Home - City Guide - Baltimore - Nightlife | ||
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Nightlife As for so much in Baltimore, when looking for somewhere to eat, drink or dance, head initially for the waterfront districts, such as the Inner Harbor, Little Italy, Fells Point and Federal Hill, as well as the more upmarket area of Mount Vernon. With a combination of student clientele and prosperous businesspeople, this is a lively town, offering the full range of cuisine (the local speciality being seafood and crabs in particular), music from jazz to rock and reggae to classical and clubs reflecting sport, the gay scene, cigars and wine. If you are keen on the English equivalent of real ale and want to discover 'real' beer from specialist brewers then find a brew-pub and ask for 'micro-brew' beers. Tipping is always an unnecessarily stressful area, particularly for the British. The general rules are 15% for restaurant servers and bartenders. The minimum drinking age is 21 years. Always carry some photo ID (identification) with you. Bars and nightclubs tend to open 1100-0200, although some 'underground' clubs may close later. Bars: Many bars are also good places to eat and have a casual atmosphere, for example Kooper's Tavern, 1702 Thames Street, Fells Point. America is renowned for quantity and Max's on Broadway, Fells Point, boasts 68 draught beers that rotate and 15 satellite receivers for the classic TV-lined American sports wallpaper. If you enjoy decor as much as food and drink, the Explorer's Lounge, Harbor Court Hotel, Inner Harbor, has animal-print murals and furnishings; the Brewer's Art, North Charles Street, Midtown Area, has an Old-World dining room and a bar with magnificent pillars and chandeliers, and specialises in Belgian beers. If you are dying for a stylish smoke go to the upmarket Havana Club (top floor, Ruth's Chris Steak House, 600 Water Street), otherwise the more English pub-style Fader's of Baltimore, 12 South Calvert Street, might appeal more. For micro-brews, a good starting point is the Capitol City Brewing Company, 301 Light Street, Inner Harbor. Always look out for 'Happy Hour' times, which vary around the town and can be strung together to make a half-price evening. For a locally patronised crab house, try OBrycki's, 1727 East Pratt Street. Casinos: Commercial casinos are illegal in Baltimore, so locals head about 45 minutes' east to Dover in the state of Delaware. Dover Downs, 1131 North DuPont Highway (tel: (302) 674 4600 or (800) 711 5882, toll free in USA and Canada; website: www.doverdowns.com) is a massive entertainment complex, which includes a casino (minimum age 21 years). Clubs: All types of dance can be experienced, from Latin American at the Latin Palace, 509 South Broadway, Fells Point, to 1950s and 60s rock'n'roll at Bumper's Dance Bar, Marriott Hotel, 110 South Eutaw Street. Bohager's Bar & Grill, South Eden Street, Fells Point, has live music both indoors and outdoors, as well as a popular disco. Hurricane's, Sheraton International Hotel, 7032 Elm Road, prides itself on covering the 1980s and 90s, although 'proper dress' is required - ie no beachwear. The Happy Hour Buffet actually lasts four hours 1600-2000. Live music: Away from the Inner Harbor area, Buddies Pub and Jazz Club, 313 North Charles Street, offers a local pub atmosphere with 'Live Straight-Ahead Jazz' at the weekends. The Harbor Cruises company offers the chance to dine and dance on water viewing the impressive, illuminated Baltimore skyline as you twirl. Many of the bars have different nights and styles of live music too, such as the Full Moon Saloon, 1710 Aliceanna Street, featuring seven nights a week of blues. The blues, with occasional alternative rock, make the joint jump at 8x10, 8 East Cross Street. The Harbor Club @ Pier 5, 711 Eastern Avenue, Fells Point, promises to 'blow you away' with both its live dance music and its views of the harbour. |