Forget everything you’ve heard about Baltimore being an industrial town. Federal Hill and the Orioles used to be the main attractions, but there’s so much more to explore these days. I recently took the short Marc train from D.C. and uncovered some awesome gems that have popped up in recent years. Speakeasies! Boutique hotels! Parisian cafes! I already can’t wait to go back.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Revival: This Joie de Vivre boutique hotel is a refreshing and super modern addition to Baltimore’s up-and-coming Mount Vernon neighborhood. It’s a 20-minute walk south from Penn Station (FYI) and makes you feel welcome the moment you walk in! The lobby is a super cute with library vibes, neon inspirational signs, funky wallpaper and a Square Meal cafe. The restaurant at the top, appropriately called Topside, offers amazing city views, American fare, and awesome cocktails. The room was huge with lots of natural light, high-tech capabilities to connect your phone to music, and a sleek modern shower.
Where to Eat and Drink around Charm City:
The Bygone: If you’re a fan of all things Great Gatsby, this is your bar. Once you shoot to the top of the Four Seasons, you are transported right into the roaring 20s. There’s feather plumes, velvet seating, and glittering gold accents everywhere. The best part is the insane view of the harbor below! When we went everyone was dressed to the nines, so pack accordingly.
The Elk Room: The word “speakeasy” is way overused these days, but this hidden leather-lined drinking lair that sits behind an Italian restaurant is the real deal. Be prepared for theatrical cocktails that take extra time (fire and jackfruit were involved in one). Enjoy the moment and leave your phone alone — they don’t encourage photos. Fun fact: Elk, named a top new bar by Esquire, is also owned by the team behind Bygone (Atlas Group). And guess what? They’re opening their first bars in D.C. this spring at the Moxy Hotel!
The Charleston: Wow! If Baltimore had a Michelin guide, I feel like this uber fancy restaurant should definitely be on it. The beautifully-decorated Baltimore staple has been around for decades, but its waterfront neighborhood has only recently become a hot spot thanks to lots of new scene-y restaurants and bars. Chef Cindy Wolf’s Charleston has ultimate staying power: It’s run by a female chef, has cheese carts to die for, and has a famous curry lobster soup. Be sure to saddle up to its historic wood-lined bar with a glass of bubbly.
Woodberry Kitchen: Celebrity chef Spike Gjerde has carved out an amazing piece of culinary real estate in this artsy niche of Baltimore. If his name sounds familiar, it should! He recently opened his first D.C. restaurant in The Line Hotel in Adams Morgan. In his OG Baltimore spot, he’s serving super local fare like crab dip (he even freezes it so it’s ready to go in the winter), local honey-and-yogurt, and Bloody Marys that knock your socks off. The brick interior looks like a historic mansion, and its vine-covered exterior is a super secret garden that’s begging for a picture. After brunch or dinner head next door to check out some glass-blown sculptures made by local talent.
Union Craft Brewing: This new-ish brewpub is nearby Woodberry. But beware: We tried to make the walk and it was an epic fail lol. There are lots of windy roads (plus a bridge) you need to deal with, so be sure to order an Uber. The team is super friendly and accommodating inside the huge space. This isn’t your typical brewery: The colorful Rye Baby IPA cans lining the storage center are basically works of pop art and their photo booth is housed inside a converted Silverstream. How cool is that! Also check out the colorful graffiti mural outside.
Little Bird Coffee: This subterranean spot is one of the cutest cafes I’ve ever stepped into! If I didn’t know any better I’d think I was in Paris…there’s dainty lace curtains, hand-painted plates, and they don’t judge if you want to order an Aperol Spritz any hour of the day! Even though it’s tiny, the kitchen churns out some seriously good food, like pastas, salads, and cheese boards. The staff is super friendly, and chances are they’ll perk you up with a double espresso. If you’re there past 5 p.m., head upstairs to their sister spot called Blue Bird. The classy cocktail bar features vintage vibes, flickering candles, and of course, blue details everywhere.
24 hours was def not enough time to explore Charm City but hope to come back soon and enjoy a bit more of their art scene. Follow more of my foodie adventures via IG @spicycandydc
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