In one nook of Dear Charles, a self-described “village tavern” on the lower level of The Study at Johns Hopkins hotel in Charles Village, hangs a collection of framed proverbs, written in cursive. Among them is one declaring, “Kind words cost nothing but are worth much.”
That’s a lovely sentiment, so here are a few more: Since opening in 2024, this understatedly stylish hotel bar has been a noted addition to a college-centric stretch of a neighborhood that needed a shot of maturity.
With its soaring ceiling and relatively open floor plan, Dear Charles is not exactly cozy, but it is welcoming. Muted lighting, round wooden tables and chairs, and eclectic artwork help establish a pub-like feel.
The drink menu finishes the job. Six signature cocktails and six classic ones are available, and everything we tried delivered. The mezcal-based Ginger Peach Smash provides a burst of smokiness that is complemented by the acidity of lime juice and sweetness of peach and agave. An Autumn Spark, with vodka, pear, cinnamon simple syrup, lemon, and prosecco warmed the bones on the cold, rainy November night we were there.
Apparently, lots of other people had the same idea we did that evening. There was a nice-sized crowd, which appeared to be a mixture of hotel guests, students, and folks from the neighborhood.
Many were certainly drawn by the bar’s extraordinarily long happy hour, which runs from 3 to 7 p.m. and features discounts on draft beers (a British pale ale and German lager made by Baltimore’s Guilford Hall Brewery were available when we visited, along with a perfect-for-the-season Southern Tier Pumking), selected house wines, and cocktails. Without question, some were lured by the Tuesday night bottomless steamed mussels special; the place smelled invitingly garlicy.
Dear Charles’ food menu focuses on small plates. Short rib sliders, roasted oysters, shrimp tacos, and even a crab cake are made for sharing. We opted for a plate of olives and pickled vegetables, which included cauliflower, carrots, beets, and an egg. It was a colorful, crunchy way to start a meal.
Entrees include a burger, filet, grilled salmon, and seafood linguini, all of which sounded intriguing. But fish and chips felt right for this London-feeling night, and the battered cod with hot, crisp fries hit the spot.
The Study at Johns Hopkins is one of four hotels in a chain that includes locations near Yale, the University of Chicago, and Penn and Drexel in Philadelphia. Dear Charles fits the upper–echelon academic feel.
On its website, the bar professes to serve “as a fixture where the community can come together to share conversations, celebrate with friends, or relax alone.” We found people there happily doing all three.