Sure, rooftop bars are all the rage once the summer scorchers start to set in. But if there’s one thing we remember from grade school science class, it’s that lesson about how heat rises. If you’re looking for a chill—and likely less crowded—substitute to the sweaty sky-high spots, these basement bars are ideal hideaways.

Anchor Bar: Beneath the bustling streets of Fells Point sits this full-service bar at the historic Admiral Fell Inn. It was recently taken over by chef Ashish Alfred, who also operates Duck Duck Goose and the new Osteria Pirata on either side of the subterranean space. Although it has changed hands, Alfred made it a point to preserve the charm of the historic Tavern at the Admiral, which still employs many of its longtime staffers. Escape the hubbub and sample one of the bar’s “long forgotten recipes,” including Manhattans, martinis, Irish coffees, and the “Knot Your Average Mule,” which fits in with the nautical theme and combines Tito’s and ginger beer with blackberry, orchid, and lime.

Avenue Kitchen & Bar: Hampden locals have seen this eatery on the Avenue change hands multiple times within the past decade. (It was home to the beloved Dogwood Restaurant and Le Garage before opening as Avenue Kitchen & Bar in 2017.) But despite the shift in concept, the general layout has remained the same. Snag a table in the downstairs dining room—equipped with dim lighting and plenty of exposed brick—to enjoy worldly dishes, craft cocktails, and weekend brunch.

Bluebird Pub: After a brief stint as a European cafe years ago, the space that sits below the Bluebird Cocktail Room in Hampden is now a handsome whiskey bar that operates on Friday and Saturday evenings. Decorated with dark woods, the candlelit space serves local beers (try the Space Jellyfish from Nepenthe Brewing Co. around the corner), killer Manhattans and Old Fashioneds, and a pub menu that lists snacks like spicy dill peanuts and a fancy grilled cheese.

The Brewer’s Art: For more than 20 years, regulars have enjoyed being able to choose their own adventure at this Mt. Vernon brewpub. Upstairs, they can feast on elevated bar fare in the posh dining room with soaring ceilings. But in the cavernous basement below, patrons sit under brick archways to enjoy the house-brewed beers (think Beazly, Resurrection, and the like) paired with orders of rosemary-garlic fries and soft pretzels with beer mustard.

Matthew’s Pizza: As a result of its reputation for having some of the best pizza in town, this Highlandtown institution is typically packed to the gills. If all of the tables are taken, slip downstairs on Friday and Saturday nights for ridiculously cheap wine, whiskey, beers at the basement bar. And no matter where you settle, always always order the crab pie.

Sugarvale: Retreat from the sunny sidewalks by stepping down into this buzzy cocktail room in Mt. Vernon. The offerings rotate with the seasons, but you can always count on the expert bartenders for a strong drink when you need it. This summer, cool off with shaken sips like the “Alien Love Call” (Stillwater saison, lychee-washed pisco, rose, cardamom, and lemon) or stirred options like the “Semi-Nefarious,” combining Bar Hill gin with chamomile vodka and allspice dram.

Venice Tavern: With roots dating back to 1933, this windowless watering hole is easily one of the oldest still standing. Husband-and-wife owners Frank and Mary DeSantis opened the Highlandtown dive bar soon after Prohibition was repealed, and it’s been cracking open cold ones ever since. (Fourth generation owner Damion DeSantis is expanded the legacy with a second Venice Tavern in Little Italy in August 2019.) Be sure to hit the ATM before stopping by the cash-only hangout, which boasts a classic chalkboard menu and age-old pool table.

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