Mimi Cooper and her friend Steve Stegner had never eaten at Birroteca, the popular pizza and pasta restaurant in Hampden, so they decided to drop in on a cold night in January. Although their stomachs were growling after seeing Macbeth at The Charles Theatre, they didn’t feel like fussing with the formality of being seated then served at a table in the dining room, which was sparsely occupied. So, to glean the true flavor of the place, they grabbed two stools and bellied up to the bar.

“When we go out, we like to sit at the bar,” Cooper, 79, says. “It’s fun to be close to each other. I think bartenders are sort of fun. They give you quite a bit of attention. It’s cozy.”

After the bartender offers Cooper a taste of a lager she was considering, a courtesy that comes from sitting at the bar, Sam Frank, 31, joins the conversation. He and his fiancée, Grace Jacoby, are sitting catty-corner at the bar sharing a mushroom pizza—the same variety Cooper and Stegner are splitting. The four begin an impromptu chat.

“ALL THE GREAT CULTURES OF HISTORY HAVE HAD A VERY STRONG BAR CULTURE.”

“That is a testament to eating at the bar,” Frank says. “Isn’t it wonderful?” replies Cooper, who dives headfirst into a conversation with her fellow patron. “I love it. I just talked with the couple that preceded you. They were going to Seattle, and we were talking about their trip out West. I love talking to people.”

“You’re not going to have this experience if you’re sitting at a table,” Frank says. “This is why we eat at the bar.”

Ask a person chowing down at a bar why they prefer their perch to a seat in a dining room and you’ll hear a surprising array of answers. My first drink arrives faster. So does my second one, for that matter. The food is served a tad bit quicker. I’m closer to the action. Bartenders make fascinating conversation. It’s a more relaxed setting. As for Cooper and Stegner, they say that when they sit side by side rather than across from one another, they hear each other more clearly.

But after these practical advantages are rattled off, almost always another, more primal idea is expressed: Eating at a bar is a communal activity.

“It’s at the very core of what we do as humans, which is be together,” says Enrique Pallares, owner of The Wine Collective in Hampden. “This has political, social, and cultural implications. All the great cultures of history have had a very strong bar culture. They create community.”

Although eating at a bar has been a practice for decades, its popularity has exploded in the last generation, says Gino Cardinale, co-owner of Tark’s Grill & Bar in Lutherville-Timonium and former owner of the late great City Café in Mt. Vernon.

“I think it goes to how dining has evolved…it’s very social now,” he says. “A couple comes in for dinner, they’re not necessarily looking to be by themselves. They like to strike up conversations with other people and interact with the bar staff. I think it has a lot to do with that conviviality of being among other people. I saw this at City Café over the years. The bar was once a place just for drinking, maybe after-work happy hours. It started to segue into [being] more about actual dining. We sell a lot of bottles of our finer wines at the bar. You never used to see that. It’s really taken off.”

Brad Barnes is director of consulting and industry programs at the Culinary Institute of America. The Baltimore native has worked in the business for decades and is bullish on the future of eating at the bar as the pandemic (hopefully) wanes.

“As we come out of COVID, the blending of social and food opportunities will be more and more powerful,” he says. “So I think it’s worthwhile for people to have [the option to] eat in less formal settings.”

From the fanciest of white-tablecloth bistros to a hyper-casual neighborhood joint, walk into almost any restaurant in town around dinnertime and you’re likely to see people with plates, not just glasses, in front of them at the bar. It’s the perfect way to try a dish or two at a new restaurant without committing to multiple courses. The sense of pressure to order, eat, pay, and promptly leave is decidedly lighter at the bar than in the dining room.

They’re different ecosystems coexisting in the same world.

“If you’re going to go to a decent restaurant, when you have a table, you’re kind of buying that table,” says Jackie Pestka, a chef instructor at Stratford University’s Baltimore campus. “If you’re sitting there and you’ve got three people, and two people order something and one doesn’t, that’s not really a good thing for the restaurant. You can feel self-conscious. You’re almost pushed to get more than you normally would. If you’re sitting at the bar, you can just have an appetizer. I can go to three or four different restaurants in an evening and just grab an app or a small entree and not feel guilty about it.”

Eating at the bar, which has always been a popular option for solo diners, provides a radically different spatial orientation for parties of two or more than sitting around a table. It can create a more casual context for conversation or make periods of silence less awkward. A bartender mixing a colorful cocktail makes for intoxicating theater. A stranger can be invited into a discussion (just don’t talk politics) or you can veg out and watch a game.

T. Cole Newton is vice president of the United States Bartenders’ Guild. The Washington, D.C., native now lives in New Orleans, where he owns two bars. He’s spent countless hours on both sides of bars.

“When you’re at a table, especially if it’s just one or two people, you’re very much alone for the duration of your meal,” he says. “To dine at the bar, not only are you sharing the bartender’s space, but you’re also sharing that space with everyone else at the bar. It’s essentially like being at one really long table. So there’s a lot more opportunity to have a shared experience. If you’re sitting at a table and you talk to somebody at the table next to you, that’s a very strange thing to do culturally. That’s not the expectation, to lean over to the person at the next table and be like, ‘Hey, what are you eating?’ But if you do that to somebody at the bar, that’s part of what the expectation is.”

That’s exactly what happened at Birroteca. A spontaneous interaction between a young couple and strangers at least a generation older left all with a warm, however brief, memory. It never would have happened in a dining room.

“The bar provides an opportunity to connect with people,” Newton says. “Bars are one of the very few places where those types of random human connections are encouraged.”

Baltimore has no shortage of fantastic restaurants where dining at the bar is welcomed, and provides an entirely different experience than eating in the dining room. Here are eight of our many favorites.

→ Birroteca

Hampden

When it opened in 2012, Birroteca became an instant draw for people in Hampden and beyond. Diners flocked there for its terrific pizzas, pastas, and cocktails, but also because of its inviting atmosphere. Full meals are often enjoyed at its large, four-sided bar.

“We have a pretty regular crowd that comes in and doesn’t even entertain the option of sitting at a table,” owner-operator Mike Moran says. “The bartender often forms a connection with the person they are serving.”

Frank and Jacoby always sit at the bar when they eat at Birroteca. “We don’t like sitting across from each other, it feels like an interrogation,” Jacoby says. “I like touching knees and cuddling up, and the conversations you can have with your neighbors and your bartenders are special.”

Birroteca serves pastas, risottos, and inventive appetizers like beet bruschetta, but it is best known for its pizzas. The Duck Duck Goose, with duck confit, fig-onion jam, fontina, Asiago, balsamic, and duck egg is particularly delicious. Eating one at the bar is a breeze.

Pizzas arrive on elevated metal trays with a spatula that makes helping yourself to a slice easy. There are two TVs, one of which usually is tuned to a (muted) movie. Moran is not a sports fan, and when he eats elsewhere at a bar, he appreciates some non-ball-related programming.

On that recent Wednesday night, Frank and Jacoby were sitting with their backs to the screens, engaged in conversation with each other and occasionally their bartender and their neighbors.

“We had our first date at a bar,” Frank said, “and I’m hoping that even when we get old, we will never get away from sitting at the bar.”

→ Charleston

Harbor East

Eating at the bar is not an option that most people consider when they think of a renowned fancy restaurant. This Harbor East legend is certainly that, but dining at its smallish but attractive bar is a popular pick for regulars, says co-owner Tony Foreman.

“It’s a different social engagement for sure,” he says. “You have dedicated staff that’s not out of your eyesight, and that’s comforting to some people. People have strict rules about whether they want to sit in the dining room or not. There are some that never do. There are some that only do with their spouse. Some guys, when they come in with their spouse, they eat at the bar, but when they come in with friends, they sit at a table.”

Regardless of where you sit, Charleston is not cheap. But whereas in the dining room there is a three-course minimum, at the bar dishes are available a la carte. In theory.

IN THE DINING ROOM AT CHARLESTON, THERE IS A
THREE- COURSE MINIMUM. AT THE BAR, DISHES ARE AVAILABLE
A LA CARTE.

“Most people have the full menu at the bar,” Foreman says. “The reality is once you have one dish, it makes you want another.”

Service is just as polished at the bar as in the dining room. After ordering, folded napkins and tableware are placed on the bar and a complimentary snack—pastry puffs with artichoke and Gruyère soup on a recent night—is served.

Foreman often encourages people who haven’t been to the restaurant to sit at the bar and enjoy a glass of Champagne and a plate of cornmeal-fried oysters during their first visit to acclimate themselves to the kitchen’s style. Although we’ve eaten there often, we took his suggestion on a recent Thursday evening.

His advice—like everything at Charleston—was spot on.

→ Costas Inn

Dundalk

The term “crab feast” usually conjures images of people seated at picnic tables, booths, or long communal tables cracking Maryland’s favorite crustacean. But at this Dundalk restaurant, many people prefer to take mallet to shell while sitting at the bar.

“It’s very common here,” says general manager Peter Triantafilos, whose father, Costas, has owned the place for more than 50 years. “We’ve got a lot of regulars that prefer to eat crabs at the bar. It’s like second nature. Eating crabs is always a social thing. We lay the paper down, give them a couple mallets and they’re good to go.”

Costas Triantafilos estimates that about 10 percent of his customers eat crabs at the bar. That may not sound like a lot, but when you consider that 40 to 50 people can comfortably sit around the massive 12-foot-wide, 42-foot- long wooden bar, that adds up to a lot of blue crabs. The restaurant serves crabs from Louisiana and Texas virtually year-round (just to be safe, in the winter call to check availability before you go), and in the summer can steam 11,000 crabs in a week.

“You might have somebody eating a filet mignon and the person next to them is cracking crabs,” Peter says. “Everybody is going with the flow.”

→ Maggie’s Farm

Hamilton

Want proof of the popularity of the small bar in the back of this Hamilton favorite? When it’s full, regulars often choose a table within eyeshot of the eight stools.

“[They] have a couple drinks and maybe an appetizer, and they wait until it’s empty and then they move,” says chef Abdul Saeed, who owns the restaurant with his wife, Dana.

Tristan Gilbert and his girlfriend, Erin, took friends from out of town to Maggie’s Farm on a Friday night in January. They sat at the bar, where they all devoured Saeed’s delectable Korean pig wings. The appeal is multifaceted, he says.

“It’s quicker to get seated. We can see the taps. We’re beer lovers, so going into a place and being able to shop with your eyes before you even see the menu, that’s always appealing. If I have a question about something, the bartender is usually much more readily available than a server would be.”

And Gilbert just likes the vibe. “It’s definitely a cozy bar,” he says. “It feels like you’re hanging in somebody’s living room.”

THE PRIME RIB HAS A MENU WITH ITEMS, INCLUDING A PRIME RIB SANDWICH, ONLY AVAILABLE TO THOSE SITTING ON STOOLS.

→ The Prime Rib

Mt. Vernon 

Don Ervin and his wife, Lachele, arrived at their favorite downtown steakhouse at precisely 5:01, a minute after it opened. As regulars, they know the popularity of eating at its elegant bar, and they were determined to secure their favorite two stools in the corner.

“You meet some interesting people sitting here,” Lachele says. “People that like to eat at the bar are interested in people. Not that you’re looking to meet them, but you’re a little more open to engaging.”

The Prime Rib serves its full menu at the bar, but also has a special menu with items, including a prime rib sandwich and burgers, that are available only to those sitting on stools. Mark “Chavez” Linzey has been bartending there for 15 years.

“We have some people who come in five nights a week and eat at the bar,” he says. “It’s nice having people eat at the bar. They talk to me or watch a game. They talk to the couple next to them. There’s a camaraderie at the bar.”

On one weekday night in January, roughly half the restaurant’s food orders stemmed from the bar, assistant manager Dan Buceti says. The Ervins enjoyed cocktails while they waited for their butterfly shrimp and oysters casino.

“This is our spot,” Lachele says of the restaurant and their regular perches. “It’s a fine dining experience at the bar.”

→ Rec Pier Chop House 

Fells Point 

Anyone who’s traveled for business knows that the road can be a lonely place. Perhaps that’s one reason why many solo diners choose to eat at hotel bars.

“Because it’s a hotel we do get more individuals that come in and eat at the bar,” says Rec Pier Chop House manager Gabriella Taylor.

The upscale steakhouse is located inside the Sagamore Pendry Baltimore hotel in Fells Point. Some get the tasty, pricey steaks that emerge from new executive chef Colin King’s kitchen, but others order lighter.

“We do get a lot of people that won’t eat a full three-course meal,” Taylor says. “They’ll order a couple [antipasti], or a side and an entree.”

There are two TV screens behind the gorgeous Patrick Sutton-designed bar, but often solo diners are in the mood to chat, says bartender Daniel Summers.

“A lot of times they might be interested in something they can do [in the area], or they’re just blowing off steam because they’re finally getting away,” he says. “It doesn’t bother me at all. Personally, when I go out to drink, I want to be able to eat something. I think they go hand in hand. It’s a better experience overall for the guests.”

→ Tark’s Grill & Bar 

Green Spring Station

As it is almost every night, the bar at this wildly popular restaurant in Green Spring Station is bustling. Every seat at the bar is taken, and almost everyone has both a plate of food and a glass of wine in front of them. Conversations, among other things, are flowing. The crowd skews older, and couples who look like they’re dating sit intertwined with those who seem as if they’ve been married for decades.

“Tark’s is a very approachable restaurant still with an upscale nature, so a lot of people do come there for first dates. We hear that a lot,” co-owner Gino Cardinale says. “It’s a little more relaxed. Bar dining is good for that. You can have a nice dinner and a drink and interact, and you still have other people around you, and it doesn’t seem like you’re too formal.

“Bar dining also works for people who have been together for a very long time. They want to come out and have a good time. They’ve been together for 30 years and they’ve already done all the romantic stuff.”

The restaurant is a favorite of WJZ anchor Marty Bass and his wife, Sharon, who live about 10 minutes away and eat at the bar once every week and a half or so.

“It’s a very relaxed way to dine,” he says. “Generally speaking, you meet like-minded people, people who like the casual ambiance of a bar. Bartenders are fascinating people. You always get into great conversations, whether it be about craft cocktails or whatever’s happening that day.”

Although the bar is first come, first served, the restaurant will accept reservations for the high-top tables in the bar area. They’re quite popular, Cardinale says, because they combine elements of both the bar and the dining room.

The restaurant features a large and diverse menu. Among Bass’s favorites are the French dip sandwich and the seafood Cobb salad, which he calls a Cobb salad “on steroids.”

“Back that up with a cold beer and you’re living large,” he says. “Tark’s is beautiful because it’s organic. We don’t really plan [our visits] there. It just happens. And that’s another joy of eating at the bar.”

→ The Wine Collective 

Hampden 

Does any food pair better with wine than a charcuterie board? At The Wine Collective inside Union Collective in Hampden, plates of sliced meats, cheeses, and smoked fish are the top-seller, and many people enjoy eating them at the bar.

“One of our ideas behind the menu is we are inspired by Spanish [restaurants],” says owner Enrique Pallares. “All the food we serve is trying to bring the octopus and the Iberico ham from the white tablecloth to the bar top, to make it a casual activity that doesn’t sacrifice quality.”

The restaurant serves some of the best tinned fish in the city. Many of its foods are imported, while others are hyper-local. The torched bread on the charcuterie plate is made at Cunningham’s Bakery a few miles away.

The actual bar in the cavernous, warehouse-like space is a beauty; it’s copper-topped, and its face is decorated with green tiles imported from Portugal.

“The paradox of the outdoor being a very industrial, somewhat grungy feel, then you come inside and see all this stainless steel and wood and copper, it’s sort of a metaphor for the heart of gold of Baltimore,” Pallares says.

Rules for Eating at the Bar

• Don’t be a space invader: If you’re seated at the bar, the stool next to you isn’t for your purse or jacket. Keep your personal belongings in your dedicated space or look for a handbag hook under the bar.
• Mute your phone: Even if you’re dining by yourself, your phone should always be muted. If you need to make or take a call, step outside.
• Be cordial: You’re in closer quarters with fellow patrons than you are in the dining room, so this is not the time to spout off your political opinions.
• Hands off: Not everything on the bar is yours to touch. If there’s a garnish or fruit bowl, don’t reach into it and help yourself to an olive. If you want something, ask your bartender.
• Gauge your gab: Don’t assume that the person next to you wants to talk. Gauge their desire to gab and go from there.
• Don’t loom: Whenever possible, if someone is eating at the bar, don’t stand behind them and try to order a drink. Respect a diner’s personal space.
• Make room: If you’re in the middle of a row and two people are looking for stools together, slide down one if you can.
• Tip big: Tip your bar staff as generously as you would a server in the dining room.

Even during a global pandemic, Charm City continues to live up to its name. A constant light in this socially distant darkness is seeing how Baltimoreans have stepped up to help those in need. And right now, many of those good deeds revolve around food—the universal language that brings people together even in the most challenging times.

Whether organizing donation drives or providing resources to the hospitality industry, the local food scene remains dedicated to lifting each other up as the quarantine continues. This week, we’re dedicating our food column to some of the many praiseworthy groups, as well as providing information on how to support their causes:

Baltimore Hunger Project: During a normal week, the Baltimore Hunger Project (BHP) spends about $3,500 to feed students at its supported schools throughout the city and county. Now, the organization is increasing those efforts to help serve the thousands of students who are learning from home. Volunteers have been hard at work stocking the BHP warehouse (donations of ready-to-eat canned goods, granola bars, and other snacks are welcomed), organizing deliveries, and collecting notes of encouragement to distribute along with the food. Plus, other local partners including H&S Bakery, which has donated hundreds of loaves of bread, and Kona Ice, which has used its truck to help with distribution, have come on board to lend a hand.

Baltimore Restaurant Relief Group: Local restaurant publicist and hospitality advocate Dave Seel continues to provide resources and push for industry relief with his Baltimore Restaurant Relief Facebook group, which now has nearly 2,000 members. “My mom is a life coach,” Seel recently told us. “She always said, ‘Put your anxiety into action.’ That’s what I’m doing here.” Read more about his efforts, here.

Cocina Luchadoras: Devastated by the hit that the restaurant industry has taken due to the spread of the virus, Cocina Luchadoras co-owner Rosalyn Vera established a new pay-it-forward system for diners to add an extra taco, drink, or meal to their takeout orders, which will later be donated to industry workers who have been laid off. Vera started the system by contributing 50 tacos, and will continue to offer any of the pay-it-forward meals to those in need.

Ed Reed Foundation: When principal Mischa Scott of Booker T. Washington Middle School in West Baltimore reached out to the Ed Reed Foundation about quickly emptying the boxes of perishable goods at its food pantry, volunteers came out in droves to help. The foundation looped in Nick Schauman and his team at The Local Oyster, and within a matter of hours, it was able to redistribute a few hundred boxes of fruits, vegetables, and milk using bags donated by John Minandakis of Jimmy’s Famous Seafood.

With the help of community school director Mariel Pfiester and the school’s kitchen director, Mrs. Travers, all of the items were donated to the Outcast Food Network and the Ruth M. Kirk Recreation Center, which distributed them to families in need.

Foraged: Before this Hampden favorite closed its doors earlier this week, chef/owner Chris Amendola provided curbside family meals for service industry workers, as well as Baltimore police, firefighters, medical professionals, and other essential personnel. The restaurant plans to reopen soon, and currently offers merch and gift card sales online.

Horseshoe Casino: Earlier this week, the team at the South Baltimore casino came together to donate nearly 7,500 pounds of milk, cheese, vegetables, and other foods to Baltimoreans in need. The donations were distributed among congregants and Head Start families at New Psalmist Baptist Church, students and families connected with Thread, and the Maryland Food Bank.

Hotel Revival: In addition to offering its unused first-floor kitchen to local food startups in need of a prep space to organize delivery orders, this Mt. Vernon gem also hosted a food and supply drive earlier this week for service industry workers who have been laid off. The hotel partnered with Dave Seel, as well as Jason Bass and Ryan Rhodes of Kiss Tomorrow Hello and The Night Brunch to hand out care packages full of Hungry Harvest and Coastal Sunbelt produce. The team plans to continue these efforts—a bagged lunch drive is planned for Friday, March 27 at 12 p.m.—and you can learn more about how to lend a hand to the Baltimore Service Industry Fund, here.

Jimmy’s Famous Seafood: In partnership with Tito’s vodka and Baltimore-based animal nonprofit Show Your Soft Side, this Dundalk staple is offering free meals for members of the bar and restaurant industries. Hospitality workers can enjoy the complimentary eats by presenting a 2020 paystub when ordering.

Juliet Ames: If you’re not familiar with Juliet Ames’ artwork, which repurposes vintage dishes into custom jewelry and framed pieces, do yourself a favor and follow @thebrokenplate. Earlier this week, Charleston’s chef Cindy Wolf donated one of her signature textured plates to Ames for a new design. Once it’s finished, Ames plans to donate the proceeds from the piece to the Virtual Tip Jar.

McCormick for Chefs: This initiative from the famous Baltimore spice purveyor provided free condiment packets for local restaurants to include in their carryout orders. In addition to the Frank’s Red Hot and French’s mustard and ketchup packets, the company is also offering free cases of Cattleman’s barbecue sauce to eateries in need.

Mera Kitchen Collective: During these trying times, this local worker-owned cooperative, which focuses on the empowerment of immigrants and refugees, is doing what it does best—helping to bring the community together through food. Throughout the past week, Mera Kitchen Collective has prepared and distributed more than 1,000 free meals to families across Baltimore. The group is accepting monetary and bulk food donations to aid in continuing its efforts for weeks to come.

Saval Foodservice: Adding to its efforts to provide meals to the community during this difficult time, local distributor Saval Foodservice set up a donation drive in partnership with Atlas Restaurant Group at The Choptank in Fells Point on Thursday. Using a contactless pickup model, vice president Brian Saval gave out food packages to service industry workers who had been recently laid off. The drive will occur once again on Thursday, April 2 from 12-2 p.m.

Virtual Tip Jar: After Governor Hogan signed an executive order indefinitely closing dining rooms at restaurants throughout the state, hospitality veteran Abby Hopper created this resource for diners to send a few dollars to their favorite servers, bartenders, and baristas while they are out of work. The names of more than 1,800 workers, as well as their Venmo, Paypal, and CashApp information, are now included on the spreadsheet.

Wilde Thyme Baltimore and Black Yield: Perhaps one of the most beautiful stories of neighborhood unity that has come from these circumstances is the work of food truck Wilde Thyme Baltimore, nonprofit Black Yield, and other community partners in Cherry Hill. Throughout the past two weeks, the teams have merged with volunteers to provide 250 free dinners each night to those in need in the South Baltimore community. Joining forces with others including Mexican on the Run, Kitchen Girl Farm, The Sporty Dog, Casalag Pop-Up, Real Food Farm, Beth El Temple, and Broadway Market, the project continues to distribute food and toiletries at the Cherry Hill resource and shopping centers.

Gift Card Donations: We’d be remiss without mentioning organizations such as Foreman Wolf Restaurant Group, Atlas Restaurant Group, and White Oak Hospitality—the team behind Bandito’s Bar & Kitchen and 101 Baltimore—who are all donating 100 percent of gift card sales to support staff members during this difficult time. Atlas is also matching all gift card donations dollar for dollar, and donating crops from its new farm in Finksburg to the Maryland Food Bank.

There’s a running joke in my family, albeit straight from the Borscht Belt school of ba-da-bump! humor. And it goes like this: “What’s mom’s favorite thing to make for dinner?” “Reservations!” say my three kids in unison.

Corny, I know, but it makes me smile because it’s true, After all, I am the food and dining editor at Baltimore magazine.

Depending on the month, I eat out between three and five times a week, whether for business or for pleasure—and for a dining obsessive like me, most times those borders blend. It’s the best job in the world, though there have been times when I’ve longed to just stay at home and scramble up some eggs.

Several months ago, a former Baltimore food editor told me that after hanging up her hat at the magazine, she vowed to eat at home for an entire year (which she did).

I could relate. Having come off a particularly gut-busting bender—five dinners out in one week, foie gras, followed by several dishes drowning in cream sauces—I looked at her with envy. “That sounds like heaven,” I said.

Now, that sounds like hell.

Last week, Governor Hogan closed all restaurants and bars, with the exception of carryout to keep the hospitality industry from completely imploding in the wake of the COVID-19 virus. It was a remarkable move that shook many of us to the core. It was the final stroke, a serious statement, that moved me from a sense of growing unease to serious alarm.

Like many of us, even before that, I was concerned, but there were so many mixed messages out there—and this has been unprecedented territory for the world at large. In the first week of March, while washing my hands, I sang happy birthday in my head—ironically, one of those days was my actual birthday—but I was still dining out. I stocked my pantry with dry goods and bought prepared foods I’d normally never eat, but I continued to consider places to review and carried on with my usual restaurant-reporting routine.

The night after President Trump banned flights coming from Europe to America, I watched executive chef Chris Scanga at work in the kitchen at Petit Louis Bistro. During menu meeting, the staff had been briefed about taking precautions (disposable menus, extra wearing of gloves, and sanitizing of surfaces), word came down that Disney World was closing, the NBA had suspended its season, and Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, had just come out of the Corona closet.

It seemed surreal, but back in the kitchen, as onion soup was topped with cheese and placed in the oven for maximum melting, plates of grilled salmon with pomme purée moved down the line, and the comforting din of the dining room found its way into the kitchen, everything felt normal.

That night now feels like another lifetime.

As recently as Saturday, March 14, I debated about honoring my reservation at Cookhouse, a new spot in Bolton Hill. With a bottle of Purell in tow, my husband and I decided to go and were careful to ask for a table set apart from the others to practice “social distancing.” It felt great just walking into the space on the site of the former B Bistro, because as long as I could do my job, it felt like business as usual.

The space was breathlessly beautiful with its teal banquettes and mirrored backlit bar. The food needed some work, but the place was in its fourth week of business, and I know that this can be a typical trajectory.

As I always do, I made notes throughout the meal. The Dover sole was pricey and too upscale for a neighborhood spot. The burger, on the other hand, was just right. The boiled peanuts were a mushy mess, but the roasted carrots with horseradish earned plus points. Several people congregated at the bar. The ambiance was warm and convivial. We looked out the window at burgeoning blossoms on the trees, while wondering if we should be sitting there at all. It was the calm before the storm.

The owner/chef made the rounds and asked how we liked our meal. We told him we were looking forward to coming back. “That’s if we’re still here,” he said, his voice catching.

Though I didn’t know it at the time, it would be my last meal in a restaurant for the foreseeable future.

Less than 48 hours later, thousands of service-industry workers were laid off. And in the days that followed, restaurant owners were emptying out their walk-ins and freezers to feed their employee’s families.

“It just hurts me to know that these people who have worked so hard for me to live my dreams are suddenly insecure about where their next meal is coming from through no fault of their own,” Duck Duck Goose’s Ashish Alfred said to me of his staff, echoing what others have expressed, too.

There’s an implicit irony in the hospitality business: Those who choose it as a career often have the need to nurture, even though the wages are low, the hours are long, and the job can be thankless. But many people who pick it, pick it for this sole reason—feeding us feeds them.

Right now, I could kill for a crock of that onion soup from Petit Louis. I’m on the verge of making a Draconian deal with whatever higher power exists (take my pinkie toe!) to enjoy a plate of lentils and labneh at Le Comptoir du Vin. I’d do anything for the Tilghman Island Crab Pot at Woodberry Kitchen.

But in a world where the first quarter of 2020 has basically been cancelled, the body count continues to mount, and we fight a situation that’s been compared to World War II and 9/11, why should restaurants, of all things, matter?

But in fact, they matter now more than ever.

Restaurants, an $836 billion-dollar industry in the United States in 2019, are as necessary as food itself. We dine out to be nurtured, to get respite, to refuel, to reset, and share a common cause—the love of eating and drinking together. In France, where the first restaurants originated, the word “restaurant” comes from the word “restore.”

In my work, I spend a great deal of time considering what makes a restaurant great. Of course, there are the elements of food, ambiance, and service to consider, but what makes a restaurant memorable transcends the table. I can’t always remember what I ate—and taste is subjective, anyway—but I always remember how I felt sitting in a particular space.

Dining out not only provides a restorative escape, but it gives us a sense of kinship and community. When all goes well, it feels sacred, celebratory, and special. It fills us physically, yes, but it feeds us spiritually, too. What’s on the plate is paramount, but it’s only part of the bigger picture. At a time when there’s a need for so much healing, what better place to do that than in a restaurant?

Right now, we have no idea how long it will be before we resume our regularly scheduled lives. At this point, it feels like we’re facing many months of “social distancing” and self-isolation. When this is over, many restaurants will be added to the list of casualties. Some fledgling spots will never get the chance they needed to take root. And even old stalwarts are at risk—just as we all are.

But some restaurants will be back, while new ones will open and thrive. And our desire to commune over a meal will be stronger than ever. When that time comes, I’ll be there making my favorite thing for dinner.

[1/1/21: Editor’s Note: This piece was originally published when the first restaurant shutdown went into effect in March of 2020. Though many of the establishments listed below are still offering to-go service, some of their specials may be outdated. For an updated list of restaurants offering takeout, please visit our Restaurant Directory.]

If there is any good that can come of the mandatory bar and restaurant closures across the state—aside from, of course, slowing the spread of COVID-19—it’s seeing how the resilient hospitality industry has come together to support one another during these surreal times.

Longtime restaurant publicist and industry advocate Dave Seel has started a Facebook group to share resources and propose relief efforts for culinary professionals. Industry veteran Abby Hopper has created a Virtual Tip Jar for locals to send a few dollars to their favorite servers, bartenders, and baristas while dining rooms remain closed.

But above all, supporters of the city’s dining scene have come out in droves to promote carryout and delivery service, which makes it easy to support your favorite small businesses when they need it the most. Can’t decide what you’re feeling for your next meal? Here’s an easy-access guide with some of the many spots offering carryout and delivery, and more information on how to order:

Breweries, Wineries, and Liquor Stores

At one of his many public announcements, Governor Larry Hogan declared that he has signed an executive order allowing for alcohol delivery in an effort to help support the industry while encouraging citizens to stay home. Though this is permitted at all establishments, here are a few favorites to consider:

Bin 604: The experts at this Harbor East headquarters are offering curbside pick-up and free delivery services from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.. Browse the store’s inventory and order online, here.

Canton Crossing Wine + Spirits: Not only is this neighborhood shop offering its regular delivery service, it’s also offering work to industry professionals in need. More information here.

Diamondback Beer: Diamondback is offering hot pizza and cold packaged products to-go in order to limit contact and put safety first. Online orders can be placed through Toast Tab or DoorDash, where curbside pickup can be requested.

Full Tilt Brewing: This Towson brewery on York Road will be offering curbside pickup for its cans and crowlers, and a 25-percent discount on them all from 3-7 p.m. this week.

Grand Cru Bottle Shop: Visit this Belvedere Square staple’s online bottle shop to find tons of wine, beer, and spirits available for delivery and curbside pickup. Be sure to check out the “Staff Picks” section for practical suggestions (think boxed wine and local craft beer) perfect for hunkering down at home.

Guinness Open Gate Brewery: Customers can now order a range of Baltimore-brewed experimental beers, as well as Dublin classics, for curbside pickup at the Halethorpe facility. Guinness Blonde and Over the Moon milk stout are among the options available for to-go service. All proceeds will benefit the Maryland Food Bank’s COVID-19 response efforts.

Mr. Nice Guy Cocktails: Mr. Nice Guy Cocktails is a group of bartenders offering takeout and delivery eats and drinks in Canton and the surrounding Baltimore area. Menu items include snacks, craft cocktails, and nonalcoholic drinks with frequent collaboration with local bars and restaurants. Run by bartenders impacted by the virus, 10 percent of all profits will be donated to the Baltimore Bartenders’ Guild Relief Fund. The kitchen is open Monday through Saturday and the bar runs daily from 12-8 p.m.

Monument City Brewing: Show your support for this Highlandtown brewery by grabbing cold cans from its curbside station from 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, and 12-7 p.m. on weekends. Online ordering is now also available.

Nepenthe Brewing Co.: Though its doors are closed, this Falls Road hangout is offering pickup orders for crowlers, food, and homebrew supplies. The team has even started bottling their house cocktails. More information here.

Union Craft Brewing: Union is offering online beer orders for pickup or carryout. Customers can purchase a six-pack, case, or specialty growler.

Union’s taproom neighbor Well Crafted Kitchen is orchestrating pickup for its pizzas, shareables, and snacks, as well as other goodies from its farm partners and fellow Union Collective tenants. Visit the kitchen’s website to bundle The Charmery ice cream, Baltimore Spirits Company liquors, Vent Coffee beans, and more with your pizza order.

Waverly Brewing Company: Waverly is operating on modified to-go hours so that customers can still enjoy the beer in crowlers and growlers. The team is currently featuring six different brews, with two more coming later this week. Hours are 4-7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 12-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Wild Kombucha: This homegrown fermentation facility is offering free home delivery (within Baltimore city and county limits) on 12-packs of its signature kombucha and Icaro Yerba Mate. All orders can be placed online or by phone and will be delivered to your doorstep within three days.

Looking to support local vineyards? Check out a handy guide to wineries open for curbside pickup from Vino 301 and the Maryland Wineries Association, here.

Neighborhood Spots

AJ’s on Hanover: AJ’s is offering all food and drink for curbside pickup from 4-9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday for brunch. Orders can be called in at 410-800-2657, and will be brought straight to the curb with your receipt.

Alexander’s Tavern: This Fells Point favorite, along with its sister spots Papi’s Tacos, Wicked Sisters, and Huck’s American Craft, is offering meals to-go and through delivery providers.

Annabel Lee Tavern: The hand-written menus are still available for walk-up and carryout at this Canton corner bar. Daily specials, such as the $5-off crab cake deal on Thursday, continue to be offered.

Abbey Burger Bistro: Locations in Federal Hill and Mt. Washington are open for curbside carryout from 5-9 p.m, as well as delivery via Grubhub, Doordash, and Uber Eats. Food, beer, and wine are all available to order.

Arthouse Pizza Bar: Delivery, carryout, and gift certificates on all food and alcohol are available from 5-9 p.m. and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Avenue Kitchen & Bar: Hampden’s Avenue Kitchen & Bar is now offering carryout and delivery daily from 3-8 p.m. Carryout orders can be placed by calling 443-961-8515, and delivery orders can be placed through DoorDash and GrubHub. Gift cards can be bought on Toast Tab, where 50 percent of all proceeds will be contributed to helping employees currently out of work.

Barracuda’s: Did someone say to-go Crushes? In addition the the famous Maryland cocktail, the Locust Point Tavern is featuring a special “Quarantine” menu that highlights its signature Maryland crab soup, crab cakes, and pizzas, all available in various sizes if you’re feeding a group.

The Backyard Uptown: This brand new concept, now open in the former home of The Greene Turtle in Towson, is open for contact-free carryout and delivery. Every day from 12-8 p.m., The Backyard Uptown offers its full menu of burgers, sammies, pub snacks, and larger entrees like barbecue ribs and lemon pepper chicken. Be on the lookout for special drink deals and family packages offered weekly.

Blue Agave: Food, margarita mix, and nonalcoholic beverages are available for carryout at Blue Agave in Federal Hill. Updated business hours are 5-10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 12-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Blue Agave is also available for delivery on GrubHub and DoorDash.

Blue Hill Tavern: Enjoy favorites from this Canton staple in the comfort of your own home by ordering curbside pickup. Check out the restaurant’s Instagram for a new menu and carry-out specials (like boozy snowballs) weekly. In addition, 100 percent of all food and gift card sales will be divided amongst the tavern’s hard-working staff. The restaurant is also offering an option to donate a prepared lunch to emergency room staff and front line workers for $10.

The Bluebird Cocktail Room and Pub: The Hampden bar is offering a special curbside carryout menu including bottled versions of its famous Old Fashioneds and Manhattans. Its downstairs pub will be boxing up eats including cheeseburgers, fish and chips, and lamb meatballs.

Blue Pit BBQ & Whiskey Bar: Curbside pickup and delivery via Chownow are offered from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 4-9 p.m. on Sundays. Options include the full barbecue menu, as well as bottled mules and single-barrel bourbons, six-packs of beer, gift cards, and Blue Pit merch.

The Brass Tap: The Brass Tap in Midtown is offering carryout of select food, beer, and wine. Enjoy 15 percent-off carryout food, 50 percent-off select bottles and cans of beer, 25 percent-off bottles of wine, and 10 percent-off of everything between 2 and 4 p.m. for happy hour. Customers can call 888-901-BEER or place an order through the website.

Charmed Kitchen: In Butcher’s Hill, this neighborhood go-to is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aside from its all-day menu, the restaurant offers Ceremony Coffee, beer, wine, and cocktails to-go. If you’re in need of other essentials, Charmed Kitchen’s market offers items such as sugar, flour, and marinara sauce. Carryout orders can be placed online or by phone.

Clark Burger: Clark Burger’s York Road and downtown locations are both still open and running. Near Belvedere Square, customers can place their burger and poutine orders online for carryout. Downtown diners closer to the location just outside of Harbor East can also order online, as well as place an order for delivery through Grubhub.

Dutch Courage: The bar may be closed, but Dutch Courage’s new Bottle Shoppe is open for business. From 12 to 6 p.m, pick up beer, wine, and spirits at the Old Goucher spot, which is offering batched cocktails to-go in sealed containers. The “Stay @ Home Sour,” made with gin, Strega, strawberry, and lemon, serves four.

El Bufalo Tequila Bar: The special menu at this Canton hotspot is available for carryout, delivery, and curbside pickup. Order tacos, sandwiches, burritos, and, of course, booze to-go by calling 410-814-0594. Plus, the restaurant has partnered with local artist Lynn Cipollone to provide personalized tequila kits, which make excellent gifts. Customers are encouraged to check El Bufalo’s social media channels for daily specials.

Grano Pasta Bar: Aside from offering daily specials and beloved pasta dishes for pickup or delivery within a 10-mile radius, this Hampden hotspot is also selling packaged foods to be frozen or eaten as a family meal. Other offerings include Italian rice, antipasto, tomato sauces, and Neapolitan ricotta cheese cake.

Hair of the Dog: This South Hanover Street pub is offering GrubHub deliveries to your home. Plus, you can order online and pick up your food at the South Baltimore spot from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Holy Frijoles: This Hampden dining favorite is open for carryout, although it plans to offer online ordering and delivery in the coming weeks. Open Monday through Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m. and Friday through Sunday, from 12 to 9 p.m, pick up cocktails to-go and other items from a new carryout menu.

Homeslyce: In addition to curb-side pickup and delivery to extended locations, Homeslyce is currently offering cook-at-home-kits. Each comes with the pizza bar’s award-winning dough and all the ingredients to make your own pie.

Johnny’s: In Roland Park, this neighborhood staple is offering its full cocktail menu. Pair your drink of choice with a la carte soups, salads, snacks, famous seafood dishes, and meal kits for two to prepare at home. Foreman Wolf is also hosting a pop-up market at Johnny’s Sunday mornings from 8 to 11 a.m. featuring fresh pasta and sauces from Cinghiale, empanadas from Bar Vasquez, produce from Mexico, breakfast and coffee from Johnny’s, and wines picked by Tony Foreman and sommelier Lindsay Willey. The restaurant group is also hosting farmers’ produce from AgriBerry Farm, Two Boots Farm, and Richfield Farms, as well as crafts and art from Foreman Wolf employees.

Koco’s Pub: Got a hankering for a classic crab cake? This Harford Road staple is offering curbside takeout, including its full menu and cocktails to-go, Wednesday-Sunday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. The team is also shipping its crab cakes to out-of-towners who need their fix.

Lee’s Pint & Shell: Continuing its daily food and drink deals, Lee’s is providing carryout, curbside, and delivery in Canton and Brewer’s Hill. Among the specials are $10 growler fills and a 16-inch pizza, 25 wings, and a case of beer for $50.

Mahaffey’s Pub: Local beer bar Mahaffey’s Pub in Canton is open for carryout food, beer, wine, and cocktails. Take advantage of deals like 50 cent wings with the purchase of a bottle of beer, canned cocktails, and bottles of liquor. Orders can be called or texted in at 443-695-3485, and hours can be seen here.

Mick O’Sheas Irish Pub: Choose your favorite Irish cuisine and pub grub from the full menu, as Mick O’Sheas offers curbside pickup daily starting at 5 p.m. Looking for a drink? The spot also offers bottled cocktails including margaritas, as well as mix-and-match 6 or 12-packs of craft beer, all to go.

No Land Beyond: This recently relocated gaming bar in Old Goucher is offering carryout and delivery on select beer, cocktails, and board games. No Land Beyond is open everyday from 12-8 p.m., and orders can be placed through its website. All delivery orders are $20 minimum and will be dropped off within five miles of the bar.

Papi’s Tacos: Both Papi’s Tacos locations in Fells Point and Hampden are now available for delivery. Papi’s Fells Point location will deliver through GrubHub, and Hampden through DoorDash.

Pen & Quill: Though we’re unable to hang out in the bar or dining room of this Station North gem, the restaurant is offering carryout food and cocktails to hold us over until it’s safe to return. The limited menu features to-go Grapefruit Crushes and basil lemonades, along with homemade focaccia, sandwiches, burgers, and lasagna for two.

Refocused Vegan: Open for carryout and delivery, this vegan concept offers its plant-based dishes and desserts, as well as specialty 16-oz. bottled cocktails. Try the “Peach Potent Potion” sangria, “Ravens Purple Reign” vodka cocktail, or Hennessy “HEN-demic Punch.”

Taco Fiesta: Taco Fiesta in Harbor East is serving eats and drinks for carryout and delivery. Enjoy tacos, dips, tequila, and “Fiesta-ritas” from its standard menu. Orders can be called in or placed through GrubHub or Uber Eats.

Topside: Hotel Revival’s rooftop bar and restaurant is offering delivery through Uber Eats. But to further do its part in these challenging times, the hotel is offering its unused first-floor restaurant space to local food startups without a brick-and-mortar location free of charge. Known as the “Pop-Up and Pick-Up” initiative, the project allows small businesses the space to take orders, prepare food, and offer carryout.

Additionally, Hotel Revival is partnering with Kiss Tomorrow Hello and The Night Brunch to collect resources such as money, supplies, and fresh produce from Healthy Harvest for service industry workers who have been recently laid off.

Wet City: House beers, guest beers, canned wines, bottled cocktails, hot Cheeto-fried deviled eggs, confit chicken wings—this Mt. Vernon hangout is offering it all for pickup and delivery. Be sure to grab some merch (including the popular Spagett t-shirt) to further show your support.

Wicked Sisters: Wicked Sisters is offering it’s full menu for delivery or curbside pickup via Grubhub. Customers can also call in their orders.

Produce and Groceries

Copper Kitchen: Caroll Park’s Copper Kitchen is open for curbside pickup and doorstep delivery for those who live within a 10-mile radius. Their menu features soups, salads, sides, entrees, and desserts. Customers can also purchase fresh organic produce and mix- -and-match beer kits to pair. Orders can be placed by calling 410-244-7152 or by sending an email. All orders must be placed by 3 p.m. and at a 48-hour notice.

Culinary Architecture: In the wake of COVID-19, Culinary Architecture has refocused its services and is now a reliable neighborhood source for food and grocery needs in Southwest Baltimore. All orders can be placed via email for guaranteed contactless transactions.

Chuck’s Trading Post: Enjoy carryout, curbside, or delivery from this Hampden bodega and saloon. Chuck’s continues to offer its full menu, as well as grocery items including eggs, milk, produce, beef, butcher boxes, and meal kits. Carryout beer, wine, and liquor are also a plus.

La Cuchara: La Cuchara is now operating as a curbside grocery store, providing neighbors with fresh fruits, vegetables, and proteins from suppliers, as well breads baked fresh in-house. Beyond that, the team is peddling household items such as bleach, gloves, and garden seeds. There are also some prepared meals easy to heat up at home. Orders are accepted Tuesday through Saturday to be picked up the following day. A 10-percent gratuity is added to orders to support hourly staff who are unable to work.

Table Field Catering: With special events canceled for the foreseeable future, Table Field Catering has pivoted to delivering locally sourced organic vegetables. For just $35, 10 pounds of freshly picked produce will be delivered right to your door weekly, biweekly, or monthly. They are also a community partner of The Maryland Foodbank and every order supports a food-insecure Marylander.

Woodberry Kitchen: Woodberry Kitchen’s expansive “Here for Us Market” menu includes its own recipes (think wood-fired meatballs and maple-glazed sweet potatoes), as well as items from other local purveyors. Among the goods to-go are ice cream pints from The Charmery, salsas from Papi’s Tacos, loaves from Motzi Bread, and produce from Karma and Liberty Delight Farms.

Additionally, restaurant partner Corey Polyoka has created a signature line of curbside cocktails that will act as a fundraiser to maintain health benefits for Woodberry Kitchen and Artifact Coffee employees. The first release is a barrel-aged Black Manhattan featuring Catoctin Creek rye and local kumquats.

Food Hall Hubs

Baltimore Public Markets has made the decision to close Lexington, Avenue, Broadway, Hollins, and Northeast markets in an effort to prohibit patrons from congregating to make purchases and to keep its merchants safe and healthy. However, other market and food hall tenants inside Cross Street Market, Belvedere Square Market, and R. House (beginning Friday) are offering curbside, takeout window, and delivery service.

Amano Taco: R. House has made it easy to enjoy all of its food hall staples, including Amano Taco. Amano is available for delivery through DoorDash, GrubHub, Postmates, and Uber Eats, as well as for takeout and it’s selling gift cards through Toast Tab. New hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

BeBim: BeBim Korean at R. House is available for carryout daily from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Gift cards can be purchased here to support the business now while treating yourself to a DIY rice bowl in the future.

Between 2 Buns: This Mount Vernon Marketplace mainstay will be offering its entire menu of burgers, poutine, and milkshakes for curbside pickup every day from 12-7 p.m. Call ahead with your order and the make of your vehicle and the team will meet you outside the marketplace with your food.

BRD: BRD’s flagship location at R. House in Remington is offering curbside pickup by ordering online or calling in. BRD is also delivering through DoorDash, GrubHub, Postmates, and Uber Eats. Updated hours of operation are Monday through Friday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday 11a.m. to 10 p.m. Gift cards can be purchased here.

Gangster Vegan Organics: This vegan hub inside Cross Street Market will be taking orders from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Call 410-617-8903 to place orders.

Gundalow Gourmet: This local caterer, which will soon open a homebase inside the forthcoming Whitehall Market in Hampden, is offering a menu of prepared items to stock your fridge and freezer. Follow updates on Gundalow’s Instagram, which boasts offerings such as family-style lasagnas, shepherd’s pie, and summer squash quiche.

Fishnet: You can still head to Mount Vernon Marketplace for your seafood fix. Fishnet is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12 to 7 p.m. for pickup and delivery via UberEats.

Neopol Savory Smokery: Get all of your favorite smoked snacks and bulk-order deli items delivered via Uber Eats, Doordash, and Grubhub, or the Neopol team will bring it all to you directly during two daily delivery windows. In addition, online ordering and pickup from Belvedere Square is available.

Pizza di Joey: Access to Pizza di Joey in Cross Street Market will be available through its carry-out window from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Place orders online, over the phone, or at the window.

The Pizza Trust: The Pizza Trust is currently open Wednesday through Saturday from 3 to 8 p.m. Order for delivery via GrubHub or UberEats or head to the restaurant’s pickup window at PlantBar in Belvedere Square.

Vikki’s Fells Point Deli: After closing briefly this month, Vikki’s has re-opened to offer carryout and curbside delivery, as well as delivery via GrubHub, DoorDash and Postmates. The Broadway Market deli is not accepting cash payments. Pull up to receive your prepaid, online order and check Vikki’s Facebook page for daily soups and specials.

Fine Dining

Aldo’s Italian Ristorante: Aldo’s famous Italian cuisine is now available for delivery and takeout from 5-8 p.m. daily. Orders can be placed by calling 410-727-0700, and customers receive 25 percent-off any gift card after their first online order.

Alma Cocina Latina: Alma has started an arepa ordering service for pickup. All arepas are $15 and can be ordered by calling 667-212-4273 after 3 p.m. daily. Pick up will be available from 5-8 p.m. with Sundays excluded.

Amicci’s: This Little Italy staple is accepting carryout orders, which can be called in at 410-528-1096. Amicci’s is also available for delivery through DoorDash, GrubHub, Uber Eats, and Postmates.

Ananda: Beginning Friday, March 20, this Howard County gem will be offering carryout service from 12-8 p.m. daily. Favorites including the crispy Gobinda cauliflower, Kerala crab cakes, and lamb vindaloo are all featured on the takeaway menu.

Bar Vasquez: Chef Mario Cano Catalán is offering tacos, tapas, meats, fish, and suggested wine pairings at Brazilian steakhouse. In addition, you can pre-order a special meal kit with proteins to throw on the grill at home.

Cafe Gia: Little Italy’s Cafe Gia is offering takeout and delivery of its classic pizzas, pastas, family-sized entrees, and bottles of wine. Orders can be placed by calling 410-685-6727.

Citron: This Pikesville restaurant at Quarry Lake is offering curbside pickup for their New American eats. Call the restaurant to order all of your menu favorites along with selections from their award-winning wine list. Use promo code “Citron To Go” for 20 percent-off all carry-out orders.

Cosima: Treat yourself to a Sicilian feast in the comfort of your own home with offerings including oven-fired pizzas, pastas, fish dishes, sides, and decadent desserts. You can’t go wrong with grilled salmon over saffron risotto, black roasted garlic chicken, or classic spaghetti and meatballs with house garlic bread.

Clavel: Move over, McDonald’s. Clavel has created its own drive-thru outside of the restaurant for fans to pick up tacos and bottled cocktails everyday from noon to 7 p.m. Text your order in at 443-900-8983, wait for confirmation, and send payment via Venmo, Paypal, or CashApp.

Charleston: Chef Cindy Wolf is back in her kitchen at this Harbor East hotspot, whipping up a limited menu of à la carte dishes. Pull out the candlesticks, set the dining room table, and enjoy dishes such as rich lobster soup, sweetbread empanadas, pan-roasted sea scallops, grilled black sea bass, and a half rack of roasted Colorado lamb. There are also cheeses and sweets, as well as discounted to-go bottles from the restaurant’s cellar. Please note take-away must be ordered for next day pick-up.

Cinghiale: Take a drive to Harbor East to grab curbside pickup from this Italian classic. The dinner menu includes the restaurant’s famous pastas, including tagliatelle with forest mushrooms, ricotta-filled mezzaluna, and spaghetti with Gulf shrimp, garlic, and capers. Be sure to also check out the Roman-style pizzas, desserts, and suggested bottled wine pairings.

Chez Hugo Bistro: Between 5 and 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Chez Hugo will be offering curbside pickup. Place your order off of the special to-go menu, which features French Onion soup, a croque monsieur, and whole roasted chicken, by calling the restaurant and pre-ordering Wednesday-Saturday from 1-8 p.m.

Coal Fire Pizza: Coal Fire Pizza in Baltimore, Ellicott City, Hunt Valley, and Gambrills is offering its full menu for carryout and delivery. Customers can enjoy fresh pizzas, pastas, wings, and more. Coal Fire is offering pizza kits for families to make at home, and BWL. To give back to the community, Coal Fire is offering complimentary food to restaurant workers in need and running a program to help feed healthcare workers fighting on the frontlines.

Cookhouse: If you haven’t yet tried this Bolton Hill newbie, order online and pick up your food from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

Dylan’s Oyster Cellar: Dylan’s is offering a smaller takeout menu with classics for customers to enjoy. Call 443-759-6595 or email to place an order for pick-up between 3 and 9 p.m. Both in-store and curbside pick-up are available.

The Food Market: Order the signature Amish soft pretzels, “Big ‘Ole” mozzarella sticks, and Baltimore club sandwich to pick up curbside from 4-9 p.m.

Germano’s Piattini: Curbside pickup and delivery orders can be placed daily from 2-9 p.m via phone or by emailing piattini.germanos@gmail.com. Since Germano’s has also had to stop operations of its upstairs cabaret, each order will include a CD of music performed by artists who have frequented the stage.

The Helmand: This traditional Afghani restaurant is open for lunch and dinner from 12-8 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Diners can place carryout orders of the famous “Kaddo Borwani” (baked pumpkin with yogurt sauce), kabobs, and vegetarian entrees, or order delivery via Grubhub and Doordash.

Hersh’s: Beginning at 4 p.m., swing by this South Baltimore staple for antipasti, wood-fired pizzas, and booze to-go. There’s also a section of prepared foods, which includes options like housemade mozzarella and take-and-bake lasagna with Hersh’s homemade pasta.

Ida B’s Table: Chef David Thomas’ soul food spot is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. for delivery and curbside pickup. Healthcare workers who visit the Holliday Street restaurant will receive 15 percent-off curbside orders with hospital ID. Call 410-844-0444 to place pick-up orders.

Koco’s Pub: Koco’s Pub is open for curbside takeout Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Famous Koco Crab Cakes along with the full menu are available, and speciality cocktails. Crab cakes are also being shipped to customers out of town, and orders can be called in at 410-624-5044.

Le Comptoir du Vin: For those who are going through French lentil withdrawal, Le Comptoir in Station North has began offering contactless carryout. In addition to the lentils, the owners are offering their beloved house sourdough, chicken liver pâté, wine by the bottle, and cocktail kits.

Little Italy Restaurants: Aldo’s owner Sergio Vitale and Cafe Gia owner Gia Fracassetti have created a website for patrons to order takeout and delivery from their favorite Little Italy restaurants.

The Milton Inn: The Northern Baltimore County mainstay has officially reopened for curbside and delivery, offering special “Butcher Boxes,” platters, pizza kits, and booze to-go. The classic menu of fine-dining favorites is also available, with options including braised beef short ribs, 6-oz. crab imperial, clams casino, and fried jumbo shrimp.

Orto: Takeout dishes including rotating appetizers, pastas, and main dishes are available for pickup from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

Petit Louis Bistro: Create your own French feast to remember with take-away dishes from this Roland Park mainstay. Favorites on the limited menu include steak frites, trout amandine, traditional Quiche Lorraine, and a croque monsieur on brioche. Now offering outdoor seating, Petit Louis is a great spot to enjoy the summer weather while dining al fresco.

Peter’s Inn: Pull up to this Fells Point gem from 12-7 p.m. to grab thick slices of garlic bread, sweet sausage lasagna, braised pork shank with cheesy grits, and more.

Restaurante Tio Pepe: To get a taste of authentic Spanish cuisine at home, order carry-out by calling 410-539-4675 from noon to 8 p.m. The team will also offer delivery through DoorDash, UberEats, and Postmates within a limited radius from the restaurant.

Sammy’s Trattoria: Sammy’s Trattoria is Station North is offering curbside pickup and delivery through Uber Eats, GrubHub, Postmates, and Slice. They are also partnering with local NPO’s & Under Armor to deliver large quantity orders to families and first responders in need.

Sobo Cafe: This Federal Hill staple is ready to serve all of your needs with delivery via Doordash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats, as well as individually packaged catered meals available via contactless delivery. Browse the menu full of comfort foods including stuffed eggplant, seared salmon, and a family-size chorizo mac and cheese. There’s also keto and paleo-friendly meals, weekly specials such as Burger Nights on Thursdays, and plenty of growlers and adult beverages to-go.

Tapas Teatro: Break away from your typical takeout routine and plan a menu of small plates to pair with sangria and wine from this Station North gem. Order for carryout or delivery via ChowNow for lunch and dinner Tuesday-Saturday.

True Chesapeake Oyster Co.: While the restaurant is closed, you can still pick up wine, liquor, six-packs, and swag from True Chesapeake, where general manager and beverage director Chelsea Gregoire will be busy hand-picking and packing orders. Email chelsea@truechesapeake.com to see selections from the restaurant’s daily price list, available for drive-thru pickup.

Verde Pizza: Verde Pizza in Canton is serving takeout and delivery, including cocktail kits, from 12-8:30 p.m. daily. Be sure to have your home pizza cutters ready, as the team has stopped slicing its pies in an effort to reduce any additional handling of the food. Place your orders through the restaurant’s website, Uber Eats, or Grubhub.

Cafes and Coffee Shops

Attman’s Delicatessen: Attman’s is open for carryout and curbside pickup. Ten people are allowed inside at a time, but the shop is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. everyday. Curbside orders can be called in at 410-563-2666 or placed online.

Atwater’s: All five of Atwaters’ locations are open for takeout and delivery through GrubHub and Uber Eats, with updated business hours. The Belvedere location is open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, Canton and Catonsville are open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, Hopkins is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Kenilworth is open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Aveley Farms Coffee: Stop by to get coffee, merch, and grinds to-go from 8-12 p.m. on weekdays and 8-2 p.m. on weekends.

Baby’s on Fire: Both locations in Mt. Vernon and Fells Point are offering online takeout orders on coffee, breakfast, lunch, and merch.

Bottoms Up Bagels: This fan-favorite bagel purveyor is offering standard menu items to be ordered through its website, with specials once a week. Sandwiches, bulk bagels, lox, and spreads are all available for home delivery on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Orders can be placed through Waverly Farmers Market on Saturdays, and orders through Bmore Kitchen can be placed here.

Ceremony Coffee Roasters: All three Ceremony locations at Harbor Point, Cross Street Market, and in Mt Vernon now offer carryout and gift cards for purchase. The shop’s mobile ordering app is up and running for all cafes, and first-time users will receive 25 percent-off their entire order. Bottles of wine are available for carryout at the Harbor Point location only.

Charmed Kitchen: In addition to breakfast, lunch, and wine to-go, Charmed Kitchen is currently offering grocery essentials. Stock up on milk, butter, and other pantry staples between your next grocery delivery and grab a bite to-go from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Charmery: This beloved Baltimore sweets staple is accepting online orders 24/7. Pick up from 2 to 8 p.m. at The Charmery’s Towson and Hampden locations, which are offering deliveries from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

Cheese Galore and More: To encourage social distancing, Cheese Galore and More is only allowing 1-2 customers in at a time. However, you can still stop into the gourmet cheese shop, which offers made-to-order paninis and necessities like coffee and olive oil. Grab wine and beer to-go and call 410-244-5515 for curbside and takeout, which is available 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and 12 to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Common Ground: Curbside pickup and local delivery in Hampden will be available from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. daily.

The Corner Pantry: This Mt. Washington haunt has come up with a variety of family-style dinners available for carryout. Among them are vegetarian lasagna, lemon chicken with basmati rice, and French toast casserole. Gift cards are also available.

Dangerously Delicious Pies: Visit the Canton location for carryout or curbside delivery every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy a $5 discount when purchasing a whole pie, and the $22 date-night deal still stands. Orders can be placed by calling 410-522-7437 or though GrubHub or Uber Eats.

The Daily Grind: Grab-and-go eats and drinks will be available from 7 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily.

Earthshake: Earthshake in Fells Point is offering curbside delivery and delivery through DoorDash so you can enjoy an acai bowl from home. Call 410-276-0777 to place your order.

Felici Cafe: Felici Cafe and Catering in Govans has a boxed lunch menu available for delivery or carryout from its kitchen. Orders can be called in or placed on the website. Felici is also donating boxed lunches to a local soup kitchen to give back to the community.

Golden West Cafe: This Hampden go-to is now offering carryout, curbside pickup, and delivery of its updated food, drink, and merchandise menus. Orders can be called in at 410-889-8891, or placed for delivery through Uber Eats. Customers can also enjoy free door-to-door delivery when they order through the Toast Takeout app.

HomeMaid: Call ahead to order off of this Key Highway spot’s full supper menu for curbside pickup. The signature brunch menu will also be available to-go throughout the weekend.

LB Bakery: Grab-and-go service from 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m. includes coffee, housemade pastries, grilled salmon and chicken breast, lox platters, and side orders of mac and cheese. From 11 a.m.-7 p.m., the cafe will also offer $3 local craft beer cans and $12 bottles of wine.

Lenny’s Deli: Get your delicatessen fix with curbside pickup, carryout, and delivery from Lenny’s. The Baltimore mainstay is offering its full menu, including the famous corned beef sandwiches, breakfast options, deli counter offerings, and bakery items. Call 410-363-3353 to order.

Love Puddin’: Love Puddin’ is open for delivery from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Although pop-ups are closed, you can still enjoy flavors like lemon drop and butter crunch, brought right to your door (limit 3 per flavor.)

Miss Shirley’s Cafe: Satisfy all of your breakfast, lunch, and dinner needs with offerings from Miss Shirley’s, which will offer delivery through DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber Eats, and Postmates, as well as online, phone, and walk-in orders.

Nalley Fresh: With a little determination and ingenuity, a drive-thru was just created in Nalley Fresh’s Hunt Valley location, allowing you to pick from more than 100 toppings for your salad or bowl from the safety of your own car. Don’t have time to drive? Nalley Fresh has you covered, offering GrubHub delivery straight to your doorstep.

Order & Chaos Coffee: Swing by the Key Highway shop for carryout eats and drinks from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Customers can place orders by phone (410-244-1111) or order online through the shop’s website.

Plantbar: Get a bit of fresh air by visiting the Towson and Brewers Hill locations of this local juice bar and cafe, which are open for carryout. Delivery is also available via Grubhub and Postmates.

Pure Raw Juice: All four of Pure Raw Juice’s locations in Towson, Hampden, Federal Hill, and Bel Air are open for carryout only. Towson, Hampden, and Bel Air are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The Federal Hill location is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Rosina Gourmet: Operating solely out of its Thames Street location for the time being, Rosina Gourmet is offering catering and carryout while also working with partners at Our Daily Bread to provide meals to those in need. Owner Jim Lancaster hopes to reopen the Lombard Street location downtown soon (with special deals on carryout orders), but, until then, customers can enjoy sandwiches, soups, salads, and more from Thames Street.

Stone Mill Bakery & Cafe: Stone Mill has amped up its carryout business with its sumptuous selection of soups, sandwiches, and salads, plus daily specials like lobster rolls and brisket. Grocery items such as milk, eggs, and bread are also on offer. Customers can order online or call in for curbside pickup or carryout during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The $20 dinner, including soup or salad, a main course, two sides, and a dessert, is one of the best deals in town.

Teavolve Cafe: Open from Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Teavolve Cafe is still serving customer favorites. Menu staples like spiced chai, red velvet pancakes, omelettes, and sangria pouches are available for curbside pickup and local delivery. Orders can be placed on its website or called in at 410-522-1907.

THB Bagels & Deli: All locations of this beloved Baltimore cafe are offering 50 percent-off to-go orders for all hospital employees and first responders. THB is also fulfilling curbside orders placed on its website and mobile app.

Vagrant Coffee: Both Vagrant Coffee locations, Milk & Honey Market and 3 Bean Coffee, are open everyday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Waffie Waffle:Waffie in Hampden is offering curbside pickup through its website and delivery with Uber Eats. Customer-favorite desserts like “Chicken and Waffles,” “The Netflix and Chill Box,” and “Chicken Sliders by the Bay” remain on the menu to enjoy.

Zeke’s Coffee: Step up to the carryout window at this Harford Road hangout to fuel up while properly social distancing. The window will be open daily from 8 p.m.-4 p.m.

Seafood Spots

The Urban Oyster: Quell all seafood hankerings with the oysters, sandwiches, and snacks at this Locust Point spot, which is offering curbside service via online ordering Friday through Sunday.

Nick’s Fish House: This waterfront hangout has plenty of crab cakes to go around. Order all menu items to-go from 12-6 p.m. daily.

Worldly Eats

Baltimore Chef Shop: Hampden culinary school Baltimore Chef Shop is offering two new ways to dine, with prepared dinners and make-at-home kits. Prepared dinners range from Moroccan to vegetarian Indian, and serve two for $27.99. They are available for curbside pickup from 3-5 p.m. this Friday through Sunday, and orders must be placed 8 p.m. the previous day. Additionally, bake-at-home kits are $13.99, with recipes including coffee cake and chocolate chip scones.

Curbside pickup for these meals are from 3-5 p.m. on Friday and Sunday. Baltimore Chef Shop is contributing to relief efforts by donating a portion of all wages to the One Fair Wage’s Coronavirus Emergency Tipped and Service Worker Support Fund.

Cocina Luchadoras: Cocina Luchadoras in Upper Fells Point will be offering carryout and delivery through Uber Eats. Customers can expect both new and staple dishes to enjoy.

Ekiben: While Ekiben has decided to temporarily close its Fells Point location for one week to give its staff some much-needed rest, its new Hampden carryout is serving up steamed buns, rice bowls, and plenty of tempura broccoli to-go. Order online or via the Ekiben app.

Helmand Kabobi: The fast-casual, little-sister version of The Helmand in Mt. Vernon offers traditional Afghani salads, bowls, wraps, soups, and desserts. Customers can order carryout or delivery via Grubhub and Doordash.

Joe Benny’s: Joe Benny’s “Meatball Window” is open and ready to serve curbside orders of the restuarant’s famous meatballs and fresh foccacia pizzas. Pickup or delivery for all menu items is offered daily from 4-9 p.m.

Naked Grill Sushi: Naked Grill Sushi in Canton is offering carryout and delivery through GrubHub, DoorDash, and Uber Eats. Customers can enjoy Japanese and Thai food and sushi, with updated business hours here.

Mexican On The Run: Owner Jimmy Longoria has you covered with tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and weekly specials served from his fan-favorite food truck. Customers are encouraged to pre-order online and schedule their pickup times, but Longoria is also accepting call-ahead and walk-up orders on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Nepal House: Nepal House in Mt. Vernon has expanded its delivery hours from 9:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Puerto 511: Got a hankering for some authentic ceviche? This Peruvian gem is offering its dishes via online ordering for carryout or delivery.

Tony Loco’s Bar & Restaurant: This Italian and Puerto Rican restaurant in Howard County is giving away one free roll of toilet paper with every carryout order. Plus, 10 percent of all restaurant proceeds will be donated to charitable causes.

Trinacria Ristorante & Bar: For all of the makings of an Italian feast, carry out from Trinacria in Mt. Vernon, which is fully stocked with prepped meals to-go. Plus, carry out pizzas, pastas, and beer and wine.

The Local Fry: Order your favorite fries, wings, bowls, and banh-mi sandwiches from The Local Fry online or for delivery via Uber Eats.

The Verandah Kitchen: The Verandah Kitchen is offering family-style meals to-go. Head to the restaurant’s Hampden location from 4-7 p.m for favorites like chicken curry and paneer tikka masala (each come with a side of basmati rice and serve 4-5.)

Zaatar Mediterranean Cuisine: Online ordering for takeout and delivery from this Federal Hill spot is up and running. Favorite dishes include falafel, grape leaves, shawarma, and spinach pie.

*Additional reporting by Grace Hebron, Sarah Raymond, and Ally Wade.

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It was a scene that surely was playing out in thousands of bars around the country. People perched on stools, washing down a late dinner or early midnight snack with an ice-cold beer while watching the World Series.

But at the newest contender to fill the ever-revolving space between Canton stalwarts Nacho Mama’s and Mama’s on the Half Shell, the baseball wasn’t accompanied by burgers and Bud Lights. Inside, the smell of naan bread baking in a tandoor oven filled Spice Squared.

Chicken momos (traditional Nepalese dumplings), not chicken wings, were the appetizer of choice, and they were washed down with a 22-ounce bottle of Taj Mahal Premium Lager.

I’ve been to dozens of Indian restaurants, most of which have small bars, but until that rainy Halloween Eve, I’d never been to a bar that specializes in Indian food. And make no mistake—while Spice Squared does have a dining room, it’s more bar than restaurant.

Eight large TVs hanging behind the spacious rectangular bar make it an ideal spot to park, watch games, and enjoy a drink. Live music is featured on Wednesday and Friday nights, and all beer, wine, and liquor offerings are half off during happy hour.

There’s a large selection of domestic, imported, and craft brews, as well as a food menu that includes non-Indian staples such as nachos, quesadillas, mozzarella sticks, and a quirky cocktail list.

The pumpkin mule, made with vanilla vodka, pumpkin purée and spice, and ginger
beer, was the perfect concoction for a chilly fall night. An apple cider mojito also warmed both the bones and the soul, but not nearly as much as the malai kabob, a plate of chicken pieces marinated in sour-cream butter sauce that was served sizzling.

When we ordered shrimp karahi, our bartender, Maverick (yes that’s his real name, and, yes, he’s named after Tom Cruise’s character in Top Gun), asked us if we wanted it mild, medium, hot, or exotic. That’s not a question one usually has to answer after ordering potato skins.

Co-owners and brothers Dhiraj and Vijay Kunwar serve authentic food in a lively atmosphere that’s welcoming to all. As singer Grey Smith wailed a Johnny Cash tune while strumming his guitar, I popped a shrimp pakora into my mouth, took a swig of beer, glanced at the ballgame, and thought, what could be more American than this?

[Editor’s Note: Though Spice Squared has announced plans to rebrand as Good Life Cafe later this year, the restaurant will maintain its current concept through February.]

Whether you’re participating in “Dry January” as your resolution for the New Year, don’t feel like shelling out the cash for an Uber ride home, or abstain from alcohol altogether, it’s always nice to at least have the option of a non-alcoholic cocktail, aka “mocktails,” which are becoming increasingly common on beverage menus. “We are definitely headed in a direction where every cocktail menu will have something without alcohol in it,” says Chelsea Gregoire of True Chesapeake Oyster Co. “People are slowing down more.”

Ark and Dove at True Chesapeake Oyster Co.
With Giffard aperitif syrup, cardamom, rhubarb, and an Asian pear garnish, this booze-free drink created by lead bartender Ashley McMichael and named for the two historic ships that brought the first colonists to Maryland is almost too pretty to drink. Almost. 3300 Clipper Mill Rd.

Cherry Limeade at Black Eyed Suzie’s
With a blend of fresh limeade and Sierra Mist, topped with a garnish of maraschino cherries, this off-menu item from Black Eyed Suzie’s proves that when it comes to mocktails, simple but sweet just works. 119 S. Main St., Bel Air

We Got The Beets at Woodberry Kitchen
Even before mocktail was a term, for more than 10 years, this farm-to-fork James Beard winner has been serving boozeless beverages. Anyone might consider converting to teetotalism with WK’s inventive mocktails, including this cleverly named concoction consisting of beet shrub, hibiscus, and chamomile honey. 2010 Clipper Park Rd.

Gucci Lemonade at The Food Market
The name says it all. Although many places try to jazz up their lemonade, this recipe for house lemonade paired with blueberry, mint, and lemongrass—the latter of which is known to relieve anxiety—stands out amongst similarly citrusy rivals. 1017 W. 36th St.

Not So Shirley Temple at Fishnet
This classic ode to the starlet of Hollywood’s Golden Age gets an upgrade at this Mt. Vernon Marketplace stall. Infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, this pink drink pairs well with their seafood sandwiches——and will de nitely liven up your Instagram feed. 520 Park Ave.

Lady Sings the Booze at R. House
At this food hall’s main bar, R Bar, several cocktails are available sans-spirit, but this Billie Holiday-inspired drink with ginger beer, spiced pear syrup, lemon, and black walnut bitters is the ultimate mocktail. 301 W. 29th St.

Verdolaga at Clavel
You’d never guess that this Remington taqueria, known for its acclaimed bar program, would have a sizeable sampling of spirit-free beverages as well. This drink is an amalgam of honeydew melon, cilantro honey, lime, and mint—we promise that you’ll never miss the mezcal. 225 W. 23rd St.

The Baltimore Ravens are giving purple pride an entirely new meaning this season. The Lamar Jackson-led flock—which has been undefeated since October and subsequently inspired a heightened sense of hometown pride—is heading into its first playoff game against the Tennessee Titans on Saturday, January 11. Of course, there will be plenty of “Big Truss”-themed watch parties and food-and-drink deals on game night. But if you’re looking to get into the spirit well ahead of time, the team is hosting a number of community rallies leading up the first AFC divisional round. So throw on a jersey, crack open a beer, and celebrate the Ravens’ stellar season at these community events and purple parties this week.

FLOCK FESTIVITIES

1/8: Car Stenciling in Canton
Pull up to the Safeway on Boston Street from 6-7 p.m. to have your car decorated with an official Ravens decal. Former players Adalius Thomas and Cary Williams will also be on hand to sign autographs and hype up the crowd.

1/9: Flock Party at White Marsh Mall
Beginning at 4 p.m., the section of White Marsh Mall near the Macy’s Home Court will transform into a full-blown Ravens headquarters—complete with spirited cheerleaders, former players, marching band performances, and a visit from Poe himself. Snap selfies with all of the attendees while entering into contests and giveaways.

1/9: Ravens “Pup” Rally at Checkerspot Brewing Company
In what we’re sure will be one of the most adorable Ravens events ever, Checkerspot Brewing—located just a stone’s throw away from M&T Bank Stadium—is hosting this “pup” rally for dogs to come decked out in their purple bandanas, bowties, and jerseys. From 5-8 p.m., pups will enjoy dog treats from Sweet Paws Dog Bakery while running around on their own mini football field. Plus, humans can take advantage of $5 pints of Checkerspot beer and shop signature Dogs of Charm City merch. A portion of all proceeds will be donated to The Humane Way Animal Rescue and its work for dogs in need.

1/9: Bud Light Rallies in Federal Hill
Former Raven Jarret Johnson will be bouncing around bars on South Charles Street in Federal Hill on Thursday night from 6-8 p.m. Head to spots including Ropewalk Tavern, Wayward Smokehouse, The Charles, Mother’s Grille, Bandito’s Bar + Kitchen, and Don’t Know Tavern on Light Street to catch the legendary linebacker and enter to win tickets to Saturday’s playoff game. There will also be bar bingo, autographed merchandise, and, of course, discounted Bud Lights.

1/10: Purple Friday Fuel Up
Start your Purple Friday off right with this morning tailgate in Lot D at M&T Bank Stadium. From 6-10 a.m., enjoy car stenciling, food, and a live broadcast with 98 Rock’s morning show. Former players Edwin Mulitalo and Chris McAlister will be on site to give away a pair of tickets to the divisional round.

PLAYOFF PARTIES

Alexander’s Tavern: Starting at 7:15 p.m., one hour before kickoff, this Fells Point staple will be backing the birds with tons of drink specials. Watch the game on one of the many big screens while taking advantage of $3 Bud Light drafts, $15 hard seltzer and microbrew beer buckets, $5 wings, and half-priced orders of Alexanders’ famous tots.

Purple Postgame at The Admiral’s Cup: Depending on the final score, prepare to celebrate a victory or dance away your sorrows at this post-game party in Fells Point. Local cover band In Too Deep will take the stage following the game at 11:15 p.m. to perform its roster of early-aughts hits by the likes of Weezer and Blink 182.

Cardinal Tavern: What’s a Ravens watch party without flowing pints of Natty Boh? Gather with fellow fans at this Canton corner bar to enjoy $4 Boh drafts, as well as $4 rail drinks, $6 appetizers, and $6 craft drafts during all-night happy hour. There will also $3 Narragansett and Bud Light beers and $10 Bud Light buckets if you’re drinking with a crew.

Charles Village Pub Towson: Grab a spot at this popular Towson haunt to share discounted beer buckets while digging in to an array of tailgate-themed food specials. Among them are $5 buckets of fries or tots, $8 boneless Buffalo bites, and $10 crab pretzels, chicken tender baskets, and all-American burgers.

The Charmery: It should come as no surprise that this fan-favorite ice cream shop has dreamed up a whimsical flavor to celebrate the team. Stop by one of the locations in Hampden or Towson to sample the “Lamarshmallow Twirl,” a tribute to our MVP featuring Nutella, graham crackers, and cereal marshmallows.

Playoff Purple Patio at Mother’s Grille: Mother’s in Federal Hill is starting game day with brunch service at 9 a.m. before opening its famed Purple Patio at 12 p.m. Show up early to grab a grape-flavored “Ravens Crush” and claim your spot in front of the massive outdoor projector. The bar’s popular all-you-can-drink package starts at 4 p.m.

Nacho Mama’s: Both the Canton and Towson locations of this Elvis-themed cantina will be offering cleverly named specials in honor of the playoff run. Chow down on nachos and quesadillas while sipping $5 “Lamar-garitas,” “Gus ‘The Bus’ Crushes,” and “Judon Juices.” To make the evening even more fun, bartenders will also be pouring free shots for every Ravens touchdown.

Ottobar: If you’re planning to cheer on the birds from Remington, head upstairs at the Ottobar to sip discounted drinks while watching the game on a giant HD screen. In true tailgate style, there will also be a potluck—so come equipped with your favorite game-day dish.

Papi’s Hampden: Belly up to the bar at this Falls Road hangout to enjoy a combo of three crunchy-shell tacos and a draft beer for $8 during the game. Other specials will include $1.50 Naturdays cans, $3.50 Loose Cannon IPAs, and $5 Ravens bombs that mix Deep Eddy’s lemon vodka with blueberry Red Bull.

The Sporty Dog Pop-Up Party at Safari: Hot dogs are essential at any tailgate, and local pop-up The Sporty Dog will be slinging its signature franks with outside-of-the-box toppings at this game-day takeover in Canton. Stop by to dance to live DJ music and get in the spirit with the “Ravens Dog,” which is topped with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and red cabbage curry slaw to give it a festive purple color. Other party highlights will include raffles, open bar access, and “Lamar-velous” swag by This Sporting Life.

As the sun beats down on Baltimore in these dog days of summer, everyone could use an excuse to cool off. And spots all across Charm City are offering unbeatable drink specials on Wednesday, July 24 in honor of one of our country’s most arbitrary holidays: National Tequila Day.

Taking the cake for, perhaps, the most creative drink we’ve seen in tequila’s honor is one that seems to intoxicate and re-hydrate you at the same time: a frozen Patron Pedialyte margarita (Patron Silver, strawberry or blue raspberry pedialyte, lime, and agave) created by bar manager Liz Jankiewicz of Ouzo Bay and Ouzo Beach.

“Not only is it good to throw some electrolytes at the guest while it’s hot out,” Jankiewicz says, “but it actually pairs really well with the tequila because of the level of salinity in it. Just like if you’re having your margarita with salt on the rim.”

And this holiday will be a chance for those who haven’t made it out of town this summer to get a taste of an island vacation: “Having a margarita taps into the idea of a destination,” Jankiewicz says. “It turns your normal watering hole turns into a getaway.”

Whether you want to sip on a frozen margarita, or throw back shots like it’s your day job, there are plenty of places to partake. So get your sliced limes and salted rims ready, and check out some of the best spots to spend the holiday.

Blue Agave: Named after tequila’s essential ingredient, this Federal Hill destination is certainly ringing in the holiday with cheer. The bar will feature $2 discounts on all-things tequila-related, including margaritas, flights, and shots, as well as discounted bottle club membership offers. And with their featured tequila of the month being Casamigos, no one will leave unsatisfied.

Canton Crossing Wine & Spirits: If you’re looking for a bargain, this Canton spirits shop will offer free—yes, we said free—samples of various Rooster Rojo tequilas, which are made from 100 percent Blue Weber agave. Make sure to swing by between 4 and 6 p.m. to try blanco, reposado, and anejo varieties.

El Bufalo Tequila Bar & Kitchen: Wondering why this Canton spot is a rightful place to celebrate the Mexican spirit? The name speaks for itself. El Bufalo’s specials include $6 shots and $8 margaritas that make use of the restaurant’s catalog of more than 50 tequila brands. Any purchase of a Casamigos, Don Julio, or Olmeca Altos drinks will get you a raffle ticket for a Bottle Club giveaway.

Lee’s Pint & Shell: This Canton haunt is the place to be for Don Julio fans. Lee’s is offering a $10 deal that includes two 5-oz. margaritas, a shot of anejo, and a shot of blanco—all of the Don Julio variety.

Nacho Mama’s: Both the Towson and Canton locations of this Elvis-themed cantina will feature all-day specials for tequila lovers. Flights of Casamigos, Patron, and Herradura will be served along with presentation mats and tasting notes. If you’re not up for that, try a special shot in one of the bar’s renowned hubcap margaritas. We recommend the “Pama Sunset” (Pomegranate liqueur, house tequila, and homemade lime mix), the “Blue Suede Shoes” (El Jimador, Blue Curacao, and homemade lime mix), or the “King” (Don Julio Reposado, Limeade, and Grand Marnier float).

Ouzo Bay: Harbor East’s Mediterranean mainstay is offering a lineup of can’t-miss cocktails for the holiday. Mention this very write-up for $9 drinks like the “Aleppo Pines” made with Patron Roca Silver, yellow chartreuse, retsina reduction, oregano honey, and lemon. Or, head across the street to it’s outdoor sister bar Ouzo Beach for the frozen Pedialyte margarita or a “Paloma Collins” (Patron Roca Silver, pamplemousse, honey, lime, club soda, and salt and a tri-peppercorn rim). All frozen Patron drinks at Ouzo Beach are blended using a stationary bike, so be prepared to bike your own drink if you choose.

Vida Taco Bar: Casamigos is the tequila of choice at this fan-favorite taco joint. Locations in Annapolis, Severna Park, and Harbor Point will serve $10 Casamigos cocktails all day long. Specials include the “Basic” (Casamigos Reposado, Fever-Tree citrus tonic, and fresh lime), the “Mexican Spa Day” (Casamigos Blanco, Fever-Tree cucumber tonic, and fresh mint), and the “Smokey Ginger” (Casamigos Mezcal and Fever-Tree smokey ginger ale).

We’re not going to lie: Pulling up to the Sagamore Pendry Baltimore and seeing the beautiful people step out of Maseratis and Porsches at the valet station can feel a touch, well, intimidating. But if you walk past the hotel’s luxe lobby and stylish whiskey bar, then through the airy courtyard built on historic Recreation Pier, there’s a welcoming space for all: the pool bar.

Many locals don’t realize that the swanky patio at the Pendry is open to non-guests from Memorial Day Weekend through October 4, though the actual pool is off-limits. The main attraction is a shipping-container-turned-bar that cranks out a menu of tropical and frozen drinks and equally delicious snacks.

While the prices skew more upscale ($13 cocktails, $12-15 wine, $7 beer), the drinks pack a punch and the views—both of the harbor and ample people watching—can’t be beat. There are a number of seating options: Grab a stool at the marble-topped bar, waterside two-tops, or cushy couches to make believe you’re on vacation.

Pendry bar manager Kat Webster assembled a fun menu for the season, adding the playfully named Tropic Like It’s Hot, a mix of Casamigos Reposado Tequila, crème de banana liqueur, lime, and coconut that’s an earthy take on a piña colada. When in a Kevin Plank-owned property, one must try something with his locally distilled rye whiskey, so we indulged in the Sagamore Crush. Though not made with signature crushed ice, we loved the use of blood orange juice as opposed to the more acidic orange or bitter grapefruit. And the picturesque flower garnish was a nice touch.

Thanks to newly appointed Rec Pier Chop House chef Robert McGrattan, an Asheville native who is eager to show off Maryland seafood, the menu at this pool is much more elevated than snack-shack fare. Don’t miss the flavorful and chipotle-laced Thames Street Tacos with tequila-marinated rockfish, charred pineapple slaw, and cotija cheese. For something a bit lighter, try the tuna poke with spicy aioli, which is served with some of the best house-made, Old Bay-dusted chips we’ve ever had. (Sorry, Utz.)

And the fun doesn’t end there. This summer, the outdoor pool will feature Champagne spritzers on Mondays, live music every Thursday, and end the week with tableside oyster-shucking on Fridays. But, if the sun’s out, anyone can enjoy the perks of hanging at the Pendry without the hefty price tag.

Though its future location hangs in the balance, we can definitively say that, for now, the Preakness Stakes are a Baltimore tradition. And local bars, restaurants, and party professionals are celebrating the Charm City spectacle in characteristic style.

From cocktail specials to bus parties and everything in between, here are the best ways to celebrate the middle jewel of the Triple Crown.

Support thoroughbred care at Mt. Washington Tavern.
For the sixth year in a row, America’s Best Racing will hold a pre-Preakness party at Mt. Washington Tavern. On Wednesday, May 15, guests can enjoy Triple Crown-themed cocktails, a buffet of bar snacks, and a silent auction all to benefit the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, which awards grants to aftercare organizations around the country.

Sip on a slushie at Wet City.
Our favorite personified frozen drink machine is getting in the Preakness spirit this year at Wet City in Mt. Vernon. Decked out in an eyepatch, Blinky will be churning out frozen Black-Eyed Susan cocktails with rum, vodka, pineapple juice, orange juice, and coconut. The safest bet of the day? You’ll be wearing the eyepatch after a few of these.

Go downtown for al fresco happy hours.
All week long, Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts will be hosting events to celebrate the lead up to Preakness. There are events for kids, lunchtime markets, and even a fireworks show, but we’re mostly excited for their Monday-Thursday happy hours featuring vendors like Clavel, Charm City Pops, and Connie’s Chicken and Waffles.

Start the pregame party bright and early.
Get into the true infield spirit with tailgate pros Bmore Around Town, which will be hosting pregame parties at Mother’s and Southern Provisions starting at 8 a.m. on Preakness day. Tickets get you an unlimited brunch menu, bus transportation to Pimlico, a commemorative beer mug, and a general admission ticket to the infield. Just remember: pace yourself.

Imbibe a beautiful cocktail at The Elephant.
Now that The Elephant is officially staying open on North Charles Street, celebrate by trying their elegant cocktail Grandma Suzie. This horse-race-inspired drink is made with Hendrick’s gin, Grand Marnier, herbal liqueur, tonic, seasonal fruit, and edible flowers. With its elaborate garnish, it’s kind of like the Preakness hat of cocktails.

Go traditional with a Black-Eyed Susan.
As much as we love creative twists on classics, sometimes you really just want the original. Stop into the Grille at Harryman House for a no-fuss, Black-Eyed Susan made with Bare Knuckle bourbon, vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and sour mix served over crushed ice. It’s the official drink of Preakness for a reason.

When you’re headed out on a date with someone you’ve never met, as is commonplace in the age of dating apps, there are certain criteria. Not only do you want to like the person you’re sharing appetizers with, but you also want to like the appetizers themselves.

The thing about first dates is that your comfort level can make or break them. You don’t want something too formal, or else it will feel like a business meeting, but you want something casual enough to keep the whole thing feeling breezy.

Luckily, in Baltimore, you don’t have to go a five-star restaurant to find stellar atmosphere, a good meal, and a couple of tasty drinks. Here are some of the best first date-spots around.

Wicked Sisters
There are a few reasons why I try and steer all of my first dates towards Wicked Sisters. The Hampden spot has great atmosphere filled with intimate corners that are great for, at the very least, cozying up to a bottle of wine. The whole place has good vibes but, come springtime, the outdoor patio is where it’s at. Appetizers are big enough to share and you should never leave without trying the sweet and spicy Brussels sprouts. 3845 Falls Rd., 410-878-0884

Belvedere Square Market
When you’re planning to meet someone for the first time, you probably have no idea what food they’re into. Luckily, Belvedere Square Market has everything from smoked fish and quick-fired pizza to hearty sandwiches and spicy ramen. Afterwards, if the date lasts that long, head over to Grand Cru for some cocktails and light bites. The whole marketplace has outdoor seating, too, which is perfect for the warmer weather. 529 E. Belvedere Ave., 410-464-9773

Nepenthe Brewing Co.
It’s the perfect time to make a date at the brewery just off of The Avenue in Hampden. Check out the new peach and raspberry sour beer or the Something Pithy Pale Ale with grapefruit while the spring breeze rolls through the open garage-door windows. Talk about keepin’ it breezy! You know the beers will be delicious but the food is on point, too. And if it all starts to go south, there are plenty of nearby places to escape (aka bar hop with your friends). 3626 Falls Rd., 443-438-4846

Nick’s Fish House
If you’re looking for relaxing, you can’t really beat sitting out on the deck at Nick’s Fish House overlooking the Patapsco River. Sure, you’ll probably wind up covered in Old Bay from picking crabs and sucking down many more Orange Crushes than you had planned, but it’s all in good fun. Make sure to check the music schedule and bring your energy because jammy music is the thing at Nick’s every Thursday-Sunday. As long as your date can get down, you’re in for a night filled with seafood, dance moves, and all-around good vibes. 2600 Insulator Dr., 410- 347-4123

R. House
With new spring drinks on the menu and ample outdoor seating, you can’t beat a date at R. House. Clever new drink creations like the new Mean Green Mother from Outer Space cocktail and the Rebel Dentist will be sure to help rid you of the first-date jitters. You can find tacos, spicy chicken sandwiches, and scrumptious hot dogs from new stand, On Top Hot, just to name a few. The patio is tons of fun this time of year, but, maybe more importantly, it provides a speedy exit when absolutely necessary. 301 W 29th St., 443- 347-3570

29th Street Tavern
We all love to sit outside and soak up the sun this time of year, but spring still has a few chilly days in store. For those rainy date nights, hunker down at the ultra cozy 29th Street Tavern and load up on the spicy wings and beers. Blast some tunes on the jukebox and, if you aren’t having fun yet, well, you’re definitely on the wrong date. 398 W 29th St., 410-235-2426

The Sandlot
You don’t have to head downy ocean to put your toes in the sand. Just head towards Harbor Point to this seasonal waterfront bar. Opening day is just around the corner on May 3, making this the perfect warm-weather date spot. Word on the street is there will be a bit more shade than last year so you won’t wind-up sundrunk, though maybe just regular drunk. Sun, sand, boozy beverages, and crab-corn fritters? At this point, halfway decent conversation would just be an added bonus. 1000 Wills St., 410-568-4916

Of Love & Regret
This unique, hidden gem in Brewer’s Hill has some of the best cocktails around, making it just a touch easier to fall in love, at least for the evening. You can sample liquor from all over the globe while munching delicious shareables like grilled smoked meatballs or calamari. The lobster mac and cheese is a must-have but they have tons of vegetarian options in case your date is an omnivore. With such amazing menu options and a cozy first-date atmosphere, Of Love & Regret boasts a price point that’s totally reasonable. Let’s hope your date is, too. 1028 S. Conkling St., 410-327-0760

Blue Pit BBQ and Whiskey Bar
Blue Pit’s laid-back vibes make for a great first date no matter what. But in the springtime, you can head out to the patio, which means your dog can come, too (your dog’s instincts about your date may even be more accurate than yours). With $2 off drafts, $1 off wine, $7 house Old Fashioneds and Manhattans, and $5 for a shot and a beer, the happy hour is a near steal. But don’t forget to fill up on pulled pork and addictive potato salad. If you don’t, the whiskey might get the best of you. And then it’s just you and the dog . . . 1601 Union Ave., 443- 948-5590

Last year was last year. This season marks the beginning of a new era of Orioles baseball, one defined by exciting young players and a front office on the analytical vanguard. Though expectations may be tempered, excitement still abounds for the Orioles’ April 4 home opener against the notorious New York Yankees. And while nothing quite compares to sitting in the outfield bleachers, nursing a drink from the newly minted Flying Dog Taphouse in Camden Yards, and thanking God for making you a country boy, these food and drink specials are the next best thing.

101 Baltimore
The battle between Baltimore and New York will not solely be contained to the baseball field. This Fed Hill hangout is staging a hot dog faceoff between iconic New York hot doggery Nathan’s Famous Hotdogs, which you might recognize as the fourth best food option at any given Six Flags or highway rest stop, and our very own Polock Johnny’s. Wash down all of the eats with $5 Union drafts and $15 buckets of Boh. Before you know it, it’ll be time for another dog. 1118 S Charles St. #101, 443-682-9480

Banditos
Mere blocks from the iconic B&O Warehouse, this lively Mexican cantina is the perfect place to root, root, root for the home team. The beer will be cheap and plenty ($5 32oz big beers, $15 buckets of Natty Boh), and nothing pairs better with a triumphant victory—or is more palliative to a post-loss broken heart—than a plate of tacos. 1118 S Charles St., 443-835-1517

BMore Around Town
Dying to drink in a parking lot? If so, you’re in luck. Tailgating pros BMore Around Town are hosting a traditional tailgate in the Camden Yards lot, with an open bar, boozy snowballs, an open buffet, and freshly shucked oysters. Tickets range from $50 to $125. 152 W Ostend St., 443-865-5935

Don’t Know Tavern
This neighborhood sports bar is known to get pretty lively for O’s games. Sip on their drink specials ($5 22 oz. Miller Lite Drafts, $ 15 Miller Lite or Coors Light Buckets, $3 Blue Moons), grab a barstool next to one of the regulars, and admire the majesty of a well-framed pitch, a quickly-turned double play, and the other minor beauties of America’s past-time. 1453 Light St., 410-539-0231

Flying Dog Pregame at the Hilton Baltimore
An annual staple, this pre-game celebration will prove that the best part of waking up is a full beer in your cup. Organized by Flying Dog Brewery, the festivities begin at 10 a.m., when you can get an early start by sampling an array of the area’s finest craft beers with hundreds of new friends. 401 W Pratt St., 443-573-8700

Gameday Firehouse
While the bar’s proprietors may be firefighters by day, this Pigtown bar-cum-firehouse is aflame with O’s pride. Baltimore’s bravest will be serving up $5 Absolut Vodka crushes, $3 16-oz. domestic cans, and $2 Budweiser and Bud Light drafts. To wit, a power hour will be held from 10 a.m.-11 a.m.—let’s hope Chris Davis can learn a thing or two. 1202 Ridgely St., 410-234-0734

Jimmy’s Seafood
Although this Dundalk institution is more known for their Ravens events, their opening day bash is equally impressive, boasting an open bar, a full buffet, and three hours of live music. Tickets start at $25 for kids and go up to $180 for a full VIP experience. 6526 Holabird Ave., 410-633-4040

Max’s Taphouse
This Fells Point drinking hole’s party is the most fun you can with orange and black clothes on. More than 15 specialty beers will be on tap, complemented by a menu of ballpark favorites. Be warned, the pregame will quickly transition to the post-game, as the revelry is an all-day affair. If you can withstand the full day, even Cal Ripken, Jr. would be impressed. 737 S Broadway, 410-675-6297

Nando’s
Don’t chicken out on Baltimore’s unofficial holiday. Instead, head to this downtown temple of poultry, order a $3 foamer, and go to town on 24 wings, a towering plate of fries, or hummus, covered in their world-renowned Peri-Peri sauce. 421 West Baltimore St., 443-681 3675

Pep Rally in the Plaza
From noon to 2 p.m., Downtown Partnership will turn Center Plaza into the capital of Birdland, replete with lawn games, food trucks, and free beer courtesy of iHeartRadio while supplies last (don’t fret, this will be supplemented by another bar with wine and beer, since the free beer will invariably be drank dry). 120 W Fayette St., 410-244-1030

Pickles Pub
Surprisingly this is one of two places that you can drink during a 6 a.m. breakfast buffet on Thursday. Spitting distance from the Brooks Robinson statue, Pickles will feature free food until 8 a.m., and $3 Deep Eddy cocktails and Orange Crushes until 9 a.m. 520 Washington Blvd., 410-752-1784

Red Star
Located in the shadow of the Homewood Campus in Charles Village, this recently opened bistro presents a more mellow option, away from the hoi polloi. You’re an adult, after all, and drinking before the sun comes up would require months of preparation to steel your body for battle. Instead, swill $3 pints of Guinness Blonde and $5 orange and grapefruit crushes in relative tranquility. 3224 St Paul St., 443-948-5539

Sliders
For the 27th consecutive year, Baltimoreans will rouse themselves from the warm embrace of sleep and make the pre-dawn pilgrimage to 771 feet away from Camden Yards to start the day off right. Drink specials (be sure to try the new Fancy Clancy Pilsner!) will be served at all 10 of the bars on location. Food is free from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and ante-meridiem drink specials abound. 504 Washington Blvd., 410-547-8891

Wayward Smokehouse
Barbecue, baseball, and beer are the holy trinity of spring. Luckily, this Federal Hill hotspot has all three in spades. Come join the Orioles faithful for $5 Miller Light and Coors Lights pounders, $5 Union Craft Brewing drafts, and $6 specialty Oriole bombs. 1117 S Charles St., 410-223-2269

This time of year, sports fans typically have three things on the brain: basketball, brackets, and booze. As March Madness gets underway, tons of neighborhood bars are offering discounted eats and drinks during tournament games. So polish up your bracket, throw on a jersey, and take advantage of these specials while seeing how your bets play out. (To find the best spots to cheer on your alma mater, check out our Ultimate Sports Bar Guide.)

Delia Foley’s: Immediately after this Irish pub—also a popular University of Michigan hangout—winds down from its St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans, it’s rolling right into March Madness. From March 18-20, the first 64 people to purchase a Miller Lite pitcher will be randomly picked and entered into a special Delia Foley’s bracket. Prizes will be given out to the elite eight, final four, and grand prize bracket winner. Beyond that, there will also be game-day beer and food specials during every matchup. 1439 S. Charles St. 443-682-9141

Five & Dime Ale House: Hampden locals will be heading to this sports bar on the Avenue to tune in while tipping back $3 Bud Light, Miller Lite, and Michelob Ultra bottles. Other noteworthy discounts include 16-oz. pours of Oliver Brewing’s Balls to the Wall IPA and Founders’ Solid Gold lager for $4. Plus, there will be extra food and drink deals if your team happens to be playing during happy hour. 901 W. 36th St. 443-835-2179

Il Palio: If you need a spot to cheer on your team from Owings Mills, this Italian restaurant in Foundry Row is offering all-day happy hour specials at the bar. Gather around one of the three massive screens to enjoy half-price appetizers, beer, select cocktails, and wines by the glass throughout the final game on April 8. 10090 Reisterstown Rd., Owings Mills. 888-456-3463

Johnny’s: This Roland Park mainstay is getting creative with a basketball-inspired menu offered throughout the tournament. Watch all of the action unfold while sipping specialty cocktails like the “Alley-Oop” (Natty Boh, cointreau, housemade lemonade, and ginger beer) and the “Slam Dunk,” which mixes Woodford Reserve with vermouth, Campari, and blood orange juice. The snacks also stay on theme, with featured “baskets” of mac-and-cheese balls, crab balls, and cauliflower-potato balls drizzled with ranch and Old Bay Buffalo sauces. 4800 Roland Ave. 410-773-0777

Mt. Washington Tavern: All of the bars inside this multi-level Mt. Washington bar will be cracking open $2 Narragansett cans and pouring $6 Tito’s drinks to celebrate the games. Additionally, fans will be able to choose from a selection of $4 small plates like cheese curds, pretzels with beer cheese, boneless wings, and nachos with pico, queso, and guacamole. 5700 Newbury St. 410-367-6903

The Red Star Charles Village: Johns Hopkins students and Charles Village locals will be making this neighborhood spot their headquarters for NCAA games. Catch every upset and buzzer beater on one of the many screens while sipping $5 pints at the bar. There will also be daily food specials (you can’t go wrong with the cheesy crab dip), and a fun beer bracket challenge to see which of Red Star’s 16 top-ranked beers reigns supreme. Local favorites like Union and Monument City will face off against domestics including Bell’s Brewery and Brooklyn Brewery. 3224 St. Paul St. 443-948-9539

Todd Conner’s in Fells Point may be known as a Pittsburgh Steelers fan bar, but its new menu embraces its Ravens roots. Get ready for creamy crab dip, Maryland crab cakes, shrimp steamed in Natty Boh, Berger Cookies, and cocktails such as the Egg Custard, an alcoholic twist on Charm City’s favorite snowball.

Christian Wilkins, who owns the bar with his parents, Robert and Debbie Barker, wanted to make the fare “simpler, Baltimore, pub-style,” he says. The newest revision, under the guidance of consulting chef Michael Smearman, condensed the number of items on the menu while delivering a sense of place to customers. Before Wilkins joined the bar in 2015, original owner Nikki Popovich, a staunch black-and-gold fan, encouraged game-day gatherings. When she left the restaurant, Wilkins had no plans to turn away Steelers supporters. “What was I going to do? Kick them out?” he says. “It’s only 16 Sundays.”

In deference to our northern rivals, Wilkins included Pittsburgh pierogis on the menu—half-moon dumplings stuffed with potato and cheese and enveloped in a tangle of sautéed onions. But the Pigtown pierogis we also sampled brought the focus back to Fells Point, where Polish immigrants once flocked to work on the ships of yore. This version got a boost from shards of bacon, tomato relish, and sour cream spiked with seafood seasoning.

The front area of the corner space presents coziness with a 12-seat wooden bar and several high-top tables. A side entrance leads to a separate dining room, ideal if you’re looking for a place to take the kids.

Service is casual, with patrons ordering food at the bar. The evening we stopped by, ska-inspired music like “Old Friend” by Rancid and “Gangsters” by The Special A.K.A. provided a carefree island lilt.

A bratwurst from Baltimore-based Roma added a comforting vibe, too. The plump sausage, poached in Natty Boh and grilled, was nestled in a soft roll with a blanket of sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.

Todd Conner’s has long featured mac and cheese, but since the kitchen uses bowtie pasta, Wilkins renamed the dish “Fells Bohtie Mac.” It’s a sumptuous portion that could easily satisfy three or more diners. We added applewood-smoked bacon, for an additional fee, to our cheesy mound. Other extras include hot peppers, fried egg, and lump crab.

Baltimore’s German heritage makes an appearance for dessert. A rectangle of smearcase, a lighter-style cheesecake, hails from Hoehn’s Bakery in Highlandtown, which has been making the family recipe since it opened in 1927. Berger Cookies are another sweet choice. They, too, descended from the hands of German immigrants.

The book The Pittsburgh Steelers Fans’ Bucket List by Scott Brown called Todd Conner’s “one of the most well-known havens” for the team’s enthusiasts. But Baltimoreans shouldn’t throw in the (terrible) towel. There’s a lot for locals to love about this bar.

Valentine’s Day is upon us, and there’s no time to lose. Not sure where to start? We’ve got the down-low on today’s top dating apps and where to take your match. Whether you’re a tried and true dating app pro or you’ve had one too many mismatches, Baltimore abounds with date-night spots for every level commitment.

Best if you’re up for anything: Tinder

The O.G. of dating apps, Tinder is where swiping left for “no” and swiping right for “yes” all began. It’s the virtual land of possibilities. Just select your radius and get swiping. Find a match, send a message (or wait for them), and let fate take it from there! Perks: if you and your squad are looking for a group of new friends, just use Tinder Groups and match with others nearby.

Date idea: Drinks at a neighborhood bar—easy to ditch if the night goes sour, or end up out all night if you hit it off. Try Max’s Taphouse, Southern Provisions, or the upstairs of the Ottobar.

Best for easy conversation: Hinge

Known as a slightly more serious in the dating app arena, Hinge is all about connecting with people with whom you have actual interests in common. Set up your profile using your most authentically “you” selfies, and get honest about your hopes, dreams, or quirky stories with the app’s sentence starters. You’ll set your radius and have a pool of Hinge users to swipe. If you match someone, start the conversation or pass it to them.

Date idea: Happy hour trivia is a great way to see if your common interests have a spark. Try Five and Dime Ale House (Wednesdays), Sláinte (also on Wednesdays), and fun Birroteca theme nights (Mondays).

Best for daring women: Bumble

Women-forward and time-sensitive, Bumble is all about filtering out what isn’t meant to be. You each have your best selfies and most clever bios set, but the ladies call the shots—it’s up to the women to make the match and start the conversation within 24 hours. If it’s meant to be, you’ll both be chatting away within hours.

Date idea: Get out of your comfort zone with fun and unique dinner spots like Ekiben, the various food stalls at R. House, and bivalves by the dozen at The Local Oyster in Mount Vernon Marketplace.

Best for no-BS: Coffee Meets Bagel

Not into the whole meeting strangers in public thing? Coffee Meets Bagel pairs you with people with whom you have mutual Facebook friends. Men get 21 bagels to swipe through every day at noon and then the ball is in the ladies’ court. Women can only see a round-up of people who’ve already “liked” them and meet their set criteria. But, the catch is women only get five matches per day and have only 24-hours to respond. For same-sex couples, you only get to see one best match a day. It’s probably the most restrictive dating app, but it works for those looking for connections already close to their circle of friends.

Date idea: Seems a bit on the nose, but might we suggest these area coffee spots to start? Try 3 Bean, Ceremony Coffee, or Dovecote Cafe.

Best for women looking for women: Her

More than your average dating app, Her is a source of LGBTQ+ news and events designed for lesbian, bisexual, and queer women. Looking for a match? Simply select a profile and like. But the limit doesn’t end there, besides plenty of date potentials, there’s endless opportunity to find your community nearby.

Date idea: See if you two are musically compatible at these spots around town—Metro Gallery, The Crown, and Flavor (for Queeraoke Fridays).

Best for the missed opportunity: Happn

We admit that this concept is a little creepy, but Happn uses GPS tracking to show you various matches that you’ve crossed paths with geographically. Missed the name of the person you were chatting up in the grocery line? No worries. If they’re also on Happn, you yourself can align the stars.

Date idea: Clearly you both lead an active and cultured lifestyle, so why not check out our local museum guide and visit places like the Baltimore Museum of Art, The Reginald F. Lewis Museum, or American Visionary Art Museum.

Best for an instant match-maker: Plenty of Fish

A dating app that threatens to give matchmakers a run for their money, Plenty of Fish has people swearing by the solid connections they’ve made from this ope pool of matches. In-depth personality questions and chemistry assessments help to pair you up with your most compatible partner.

Date idea: IPA or Stout? You can learn so much about your date while tasting craft beers. There are plenty of places to try in town, but check out the fun events in the taprooms of Monument City Brewing, Charm City Meadworks, and Union Craft Brewing.

For some, an eternal, undying hate for Tom Brady and the New England Patriots is sufficient fuel to make it through the Super Bowl. Still, man cannot live on hate alone; he needs beer and bar grub—and plenty of it. Luckily, with a raft of Super Bowl events all around the area, some of Baltimore’s finest eateries and drinkeries are more than willing to oblige. Whether you’re a face-painting zealot or a gridiron agnostic, these nine specials promise sweet victory. Even if the Patriots win.

Jimmy’s Famous Seafood
This Dundalk restaurant’s Super Bowl party is a Baltimore staple. For the 28th consecutive year, Jimmy’s will be host to an open bar and an oyster and bull roast. What’s more, there will be a silent auction and appearances from past and present Baltimore Ravens. Oh, and 30 (!) televisions. While this year’s special guests have not yet been announced, Steve Smith Sr., CJ Mosley, and Torrey Smith have attended in the past. Tickets are $70 and going fast.

R. House
To celebrate the Big Game—well, big games, depending on how much you wagered on the Puppy Bowl—this Remington establishment is rolling out the green carpet. The food hall will be decked with wall-to-wall astroturf for a family-friendly and pet-inclusive Puppy-Bowl-cum-Super-Bowl watch party. R. House is also offering food and drink specials: $5 cups of punch, buck-a-shuck oysters from The Urban Oyster, and $3 Michelob Ultra and Natty Boh. Oh boy, what a deal.

Bunzzz Sports Bar & Grill
Located in a space in The Gallery formerly occupied by a Brooks Brothers—or Brookzzz Brotherzzz—this recently opened Inner Harbor spot has quickly become a sports-watching haven. As such, it’s commemorating its inaugural Super Bowl with an open bar and specials on wings, pizza, and sliders. Door prizes, namely $25 gift cards, will be awarded at the end of each quarter. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door.

Mother’s Federal Hill Grille
Although there will be no tailgate on the famous Purple Patio until next fall, when Lamar Jackson—please, let it be Lamar Jackson—and the rest of the Ravens take the field, that doesn’t mean that this Federal Hill favorite will lie fallow on Sunday. For just $25, you can watch the game, play free video games, and strive to find the bottom of the bottomless wings, draft beer, and rail cocktails.

GAME
Equal parts arcade, night club, and sports bar, this massive Federal Hill mainstay will fill its 10,000 square feet with not only 30 televisions, but six high-definition projectors as well. For those looking for an early kick-off, the drink specials begin at 2 p.m., leaving ample time to indulge in $4 domestic beers and tin cup spritzers, $5 Absolut bombs, and $6 cups of super punch. During halftime, wings will be just 50 cents a pop.

The Port Public House
Have you ever dreamed of watching the Super Bowl alongside some of Baltimore’s elite (yes, elite) football players? Now’s your shot. This 118-year-old Locust Point institution’s Super Bowl party, hosted by the Baltimore Nighthawks (Baltimore’s women’s tackle football team), will display the game on a goliath 168-inch projector. Portions of the proceeds from the Super Bowl Squares pool and the night’s food and drink specials will go toward covering the Nighthawks’ travel expenses this upcoming season.

Johnny’s
As great as a traditional Sunday football experience can be, sometimes you need a respite from two long-lost Sobotka cousins working their way through a rack of Natty Boh and grunting that it’s so stupid—pronounced stew-pid—that you can’t even touch the quarterback anymore. Enter Johnny’s. While some other specials are mere vehicles for copious amounts of fat and salt and beer, this Roland Park restaurant provides a more elevated option: $14 for crab dip in a bread bowl; $18 for a burger piled high with pulled pork, pepper jack cheese, bacon, coleslaw, crispy onions, and an Old Bay barbecue sauce.

The Mt. Washington Tavern
Closing out the football season in style, this Mount Washington, uh, tavern is cheffing up its own spin on classic ballpark fare. These party plates—$4 for a choice of a plate of buffalo bites, two hot dogs, soft pretzel bites with beer cheese dip, or cheese curds—will be served in the restaurant’s SkyBar (which is PR-speak for “up a few stairs” bar). And lest you forget that this, after all, it is a bar, there will also be $2 cans of Narrangasett, $4 drafts of Old Hilltop, and $6 cocktails made of Tito’s Vodka.

The Brass Tap
The Baltimore City location of this chain gets most of the attention, but the county one has fun, too. Namely, this Towson venue has established itself as a game-day go-to way out in that pastoral idyll we call Baltimore County. Food and drink specials abound—$2 Jell-O shots for $2, $15 buckets of beers entire bucket of beers for $15, $4 glasses of house wine, and, most exciting, $5 for pizza fries.

We’ve always loved the idea of descending stairs to enter bars—especially in the winter. There’s something cozy and, yes, a little bit clandestine about these buried treasures.

And once you enter the doors of Sugarvale (4 W. Madison St., 410-609-3162), the city’s grit and grime become a distant memory. The truly beautiful candlelit space with polygon-patterned tile floors features a pleasant post-punk soundtrack and rotating ceiling décor that will keep you staring skyward at flowers in the springtime and snowflakes in the colder months.

But look down and you’ll notice that the creativity carries over to the menu, as well. This comes as no surprise once you discover renaissance man Phil Han—of Dooby’s, Sundays, and Noona’s fame—owns this bar, too. (In fact, he named it after the street he grew up on.) Back when it opened in 2015, cocktail bars like this, featuring local spirits and craft beers as much as possible, still felt like pioneers in the city.

The cocktail menu changes often, and we love the way in which it’s always cleverly divided into “shaken” and “stirred” options. On our visit, this was especially apropos, since the bar was playing a Goldfinger VHS on a tiny TV in the corner. We decided on the Beauvoir, a well-balanced and hearty mix of bourbon, madeira, amaro, and pineapple-cinnamon cane syrup. Most of the dozen or so drinks on the menu contain house-made tinctures and syrups, which lend a culinary feel to the menu.

If it’s real food you’re after, there’s a menu of small bites that includes many varieties of Dooby’s-style signature buns, such as the popular Korean fried chicken (KFC for short) with daikon, purple cabbage, and sweet pickles.

And while Sugarvale is a fun place to experiment and try new things, we also appreciate the old standbys such as the simple negroni, gimlet, or Manhattan—which are all on special during the bar’s generous happy hour (Monday-Saturday, 5-7 p.m. and a dangerous Sunday 3 p.m.-close).

Whatever drink you order, whichever VHS tape is playing that night, or however the ceiling is decorated that season, it’s hard to have a bad night at the bottom of the Sugarvale stairs.

Perhaps it’s because this particular bar reviewer isn’t getting any younger, but we sure appreciated this year’s national trend toward lower-proof spirits, session beers, and health-conscious cocktail ingredients. While the stresses of 2018 did still inspire us to throw a few back, it was nice that our mornings after weren’t quite as harsh.

Baltimore also saw the rise of natural wines and welcomed the opening of some outside-of-the-box bars and breweries this year. In no particular order, here were 10 of our favorite ways to imbibe in 2018.

Aperol Spritz at Little Bird Coffee Bar
We dare you to find anything more refreshing than sipping an Aperol Spritz on the terrace of the newly opened Little Bird Coffee Bar in Hampden. From the owners of the cocktail gurus at Bluebird just upstairs, this cafe is quaint and charming in all the right places. Our absolute favorite part is the menu of spritzes (a welcome trend at other bars and restaurants), which come in Aperol, Campari, Cynar, and Elderflower varieties—simply a balanced ratio of each base spirit mixed with crisp Primaterra Prosecco, club soda, and an orange twist. Ah, total relaxation.

Epoch Rye by Baltimore Spirits Company
Okay, granted, this does not qualify as a low-proof spirit, but we had to give a shout to Baltimore Spirits Company for finally releasing its whiskey (and a few other distillations to follow) after it had been aging in American oak barrels since 2015. As with many whiskies, it turns out it was worth the wait since Epoch has a perfect balance of spicy rye notes like clove, cinnamon, and tropical fruit with the sweeter flavors of vanilla and honey imparted from the barrels. This was made all the better inside the distillery’s new tasting room at Union Collective, which opened its doors in September.

Gose O’s by DuClaw Brewing
This past year, thanks to the addition of brewing legend Ernie Igot (formerly of Peabody Heights), DuClaw Brewing in Rosedale has been putting out some of its tastiest beers since it was founded in 1996. (Be sure to check out the “Sour Me” series in peach, mojito, and dry-hopped versions or its recent barrel-aged Retribution releases.) But the latest iteration of Gose O’s—released in time for Orioles season—had even crisper notes of cantaloupe and sea salt, making it the perfect accompaniment to a summer game, no matter the score.

Midori Highball from Regal Beagle
One of our favorite new bar additions of the year, Regal Beagle opened its doors in Canton at the beginning of May and we soon wondered how we lived for so long without its vintage, tiki vibes. Inspired by the Three’s Company era, the bar has a distinct late ’70s/early ’80s feel and the fun and colorful cocktails reflect that. One of our initial favorites was the Midori Highball with with Nikka Japanese gin, Green Chartreuse, yuzu juice, fresh honeydew, and salt. We love a good liquid time machine.

Duck Season Old Fashioned at Wit & Wisdom
It is with a bittersweet palate that we recognize how Wit & Wisdom has revolutionized the Baltimore cocktail scene since it opened in the Four Seasons hotel in 2011. Though the bar will pour its last drink on December 31, Wit is going out with a bang as newly hired Gina Netisingha brought the program to an entirely new level this year. Take the Duck Season Old Fashioned in which Four Roses Yellow Label Bourbon was carefully infused with duck fat and rosemary to give it an incredibly silky texture and finished off with simple additions of sugar and bitters. Classic, just how we’ll remember the place itself.

Hello by Wet City
This Mt. Vernon bar has been a go-to place to try experimental beer styles since it opened a couple years back. But this year, finally, we were able to see what the Sullivan brothers could do with their own, newly built brewery system. Wet City’s first release, aptly dubbed Hello, was a perfect example of how a popular New England-style IPA should be: tropical pineapple on the nose, thick in body from flaked oats and barley, and super piney and citrusy tasting notes. We were sure glad to be introduced to this one.

Autumn Cider by Old Line Spirits
This was also the year that Baltimore welcomed its first bar inside a distillery, as Old Line Spirits opened The Ready Room at its Highlandtown facility. The bar menu was clever and made use of Old Line’s single-malt scotch and aged Caribbean rum, but we were particularly excited about this autumn cider by bar director Steve Lamb. A combination of the American Single Malt Whiskey, apple cider, chai tea, cinnamon, star anise, clove, and lemon, the cocktail was cozy and felt like our official drink of fall.

Chrysalis by Monument City Brewing
While Monument City is known more for its classic beer styles like rye IPA and brown ale, the brewers went a bit outside the box with the purple-hued Chrysalis. Brewed in collaboration with veteran organic food producer Hex Ferments, they used the company’s butterfly-lime kombucha to create the 3.5 percent (!) gose. The butterfly pea flower gave the beer its unique color and tart, refreshing flavor. We love how this brew got us to think about beer in a whole new way.

Pétillant-Natural Piquette by Old Westminster Winery
In 2018, we learned all about the versatility and funky flavors of natural wine, thanks to the opening of Fadensonnen, a wine bar and beer garden in Old Goucher. One of the best (and local!) varieties we tried at the bar was the Pétillant-Natural Piquette by Old Westminster Winery, which is spritzy, lower in alcohol, and a natural byproduct of the sustainable winemaking program out in Western Maryland. And, damn, if it isn’t juicy, refreshing, and beautiful in color. You’ll surely want more than one glass.

Keeper Stout (Nitro) by Checkerspot Brewing
The long-awaited Checkerspot Brewing Company debuted in South Baltimore this year and we were stoked to try their home-brew recipes on a larger scale. Known for its genre-defying styles and unique, local ingredients, Checkerspot kept us on our toes with every new release. Most recently, the Keeper Stout on nitro, a beer that’s fortified with crab shells from J.M. Clayton Seafood Company in Cambridge, has been the most satisfying winter pour.

In 1979, Baltimore magazine wrote about the changing city of Baltimore. “New bars will all look the same,” we opined, “and how a drinker is to tell one hanging-fern/exposed-brick/butcher-block-tabled spot from another escapes [us].”

Though nearly 40 years have passed, we are having the same conversation—over drinks, no doubt—about the state of city nightlife. As shiny cocktail bars move in, bona fide dives, which used to dot this city like Keno squares, are going the way of the dodo bird.

And we’ve poured many a cheap beer out for fallen institutions (see below), which is all the more reason to hold close the bastions of glass-block windows, sticky bar tops, and buzzing neon that remain.

Whether you’re obsessed with playing HQ Trivia, are harboring a secret love for Steve Harvey, or can’t stop binge-watching reruns of Jeopardy!, we can all agree that there’s something exhilarating about using your know-how to earn prizes.

But you don’t have to go on TV to earn the big bucks. Head to these Baltimore bars and restaurants for trivia that’ll be sure to put your mind to the test. And with special drink promotions, food deals, cash prizes, and creative theme nights, these bars will have everyone feeling like a winner. Grab a pint, pick a clever team name, recruit your smartest teammates, and get ready for some friendly competition.

Sunday

Homeslyce: At Homeslyce’s Federal Hill location, the fun and games start at 7 p.m., but the drink specials go all night long. Get $4 Deep Eddy drinks, $4 Coppola wines, $3.50 seasonal beer, $5 craft draft beer, and $2.50 Miller Lite, Bud Light, and Natty Boh bottles and cans. Or split a $12 seasonal pitcher with your teammates and prepare to dominate. 1741 Light St., 443-501-4000

The Brass Tap: This Towson bar hosts a themed trivia night that starts at 7 p.m. And with categories ranging from The Big Bang Theory and the Fresh Prince of Bel Air to the Ravens and James Bond, no game night is ever boring. The weekly winners walk away with gift cards, brewery glassware, free draughts, and a bartender’s choice of free shots. Visit the bar’s Facebook page for upcoming themes for each week. 825 Dulaney Valley Rd., 410-842-6041

Kooper’s Tavern: Kooper’s Tavern is known for its BYOB (build your own burger) menu. And nothing pairs better with a burger than a bucket of beers and some friendly competition. Kooper’s trivia starts at 8 p.m., it’s free to play, and the happy hour specials last all night. There’s only one rule: No Sunday Scaries allowed. 1702 Thames St., 410-563-5423

Monday

El Bufalo Tequila Bar & Kitchen: Charm City Trivia hosts a weekly game night at this Canton restaurant starting at 8 p.m. There’s a variety of tequila drinks, specialty house salsas, and family-style nachos—perfect for sharing with your team. And with so many delicious plates, are there really any losers? 2921 O’Donnell St., 410-814-0594

Black Eyed Suzie’s: This Bel Air bar mourns Mondays in the best way—by offering $5 martinis all day. Grab a glass (or three) and stay for the weekly trivia game at 7 p.m., hosted by Charm City Trivia. The toss-up winners get free Suzie Bombs.119 South Main St., 443-271-799

Cafe Hon: Hosted by Charm City Trivia, Cafe Hon’s trivia night starts at 8 p.m. Earn a $20 gift certificate for first place, a $15 gift certificate for second, and a $10 gift certificate for third. There’s also weekly drawings for more chances to win and tons of drinks specials.1002 W 36th St., 410-243-1230

Tuesday

Frazier’s on the Avenue: Head over to Frazier’s on the Avenue for a weekly trivia night that starts at 8 p.m. The Hampden dive will be serving up deals like $2.50 domestic bottles and $5 tots all night long. Order your toasty tots plain or dip them in chipotle ketchup or Sriracha ranch. 919 W 36th St., 410-662-4914

The Laughing Pint: This bar’s happy hours specials run from 3-6 p.m on Tuesdays and are the perfect pregame for the trivia competition at 8 p.m. The drink deals include $2 Natty Boh drafts, $3 cans of All Day IPA, $4 Union Duckpin, and $4 Union Anthem. 351 Gough St., 410-342-6544

Myth & Moonshine: Hosted by Charm City Trivia, this game night brings everyone together, from the competitive geeks to beer-loving bros. Myth & Moonshine offers drink promotions like $2 tall Natty Boh cans, $3 domestics, $4 rail drinks, and $5 drafts all night long. 2300 Boston St., 410-777-5502

Wednesday

Maxie’s Pizza, Bar & Grill: Get your game face on and head to this neighborhood bar at 7:30 p.m. In addition to weekly trivia, Maxie’s also hosts special themed nights. There’s an upcoming spooky trivia night on Halloween, featuring a midnight costume contest, live DJ, and halloween cocktails. 3003 N Charles St., 410-880-1113

Ottobar: Check out the upstairs of this Remington bar from 7-9 p.m. for trivia hosted by Showtime Trivia. There’s weekly prizes for the winning teams and cash prizes for the top teams in the region at the end of the season. The best part? After trivia, you can stay at the Ottobar for late-night karaoke at 10 p.m. 2549 North Howard St., 410-662-0069

Looney’s Pub: This Canton pub hosts a 7 p.m trivia night every Wednesday with awesome drinks deals, including $3 Jim Beam, Malibu, and Deep Eddy drinks and $9 Yuengling and Miller Lite pitchers. Pair the drinks with their $6.99 chicken sandwich served on a freshly baked brioche roll and crispy french fries. 2900 O’Donnell St., 410-675-9235

Molly’s Irish Pub: Bring your ‘A’ game to this local trivia night. The game goes from 7:30-10:30 p.m., and the winners get more than just bragging rights: The round winners get free shots, the runner up wins $10, and the game winner claims the cash prize of $25. 1053 Rte 3 North, 410-451-4222

Brewer’s Cask: With 20 rotating draft lines and an expansive bottle collection, Brewer’s Cask boasts one of the most eclectic beer lineups in Baltimore. So enjoy the brews and get in on the buffoonery at ‘Greg’s Shitty Trivia’ from 8-11 p.m., hosted by the entertaining Greg Parker. 1236 Light St., 410-273-9377

Crossbar: Get rid of the hump day blues at Baltimore’s favorite biergarten for trivia every Wednesday. Starting at 8 p.m., this sud-soaked trivia night features chances to win up to $50 in cash, free shots, and fun prizes. There’s also $3 Miller Lites, $1 off drafts, $4 rail drinks, and $5 Jager drinks. 18 East Cross St., 443-438-4013

Thursday

Ye Olde Emerald Tavern: Locals love to hit up this Baltimore pub for the food specials every Thursday, like one pound of chicken wings for $7.50 or a half-pound of shrimp for $7.99. Indulge in the finger-lickin’ food while playing a round of trivia, hosted by Charm City Trivia. The game starts at 8 p.m. 8300 Harford Rd., 410-870-3821

Mother’s Federal Hill Grille: The competition is fierce at this trivia night hosted by Charm City Trivia. The games start at 7:30 p.m, and from the know-it-alls to the novices, the weekly game night is open to everyone. 1113 S Charles St., 410-244-8686

Max’s Taphouse: There’s no better place to show off your knowledge of useless information than at Max’s Taphouse. Starting at 8 p.m., Charm City Trivia hosts game night in Max’s upstairs Mobtown Lounge. There’s free shots for the toss-up winners, so bring your nerdiest friends and get ready for a boozy bout. 737 South Broadway, 410-675-6297

Pups are our BFFs. They cuddle us when we’re sad, lick us when we’re sweaty, and they love to go outside and explore. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite pup-friendly spots in Baltimore so that you never have to leave your furry friend behind. These restaurants offer complimentary dog treats and water bowls, give pets free rein of patio seating, and some even host special events that encourage you to bring your dog as your plus-one. Wherever you go, these spots are totally paw-esome.

Pup-Friendly Patios

Riptide by the Bay: This waterfront eatery is smack-dab in middle of Fells Point and has earned a reputation as a popular pup hangout. The outdoor patio is dog-friendly and offers scenic views that both you and your pup will enjoy. Try ordering the Maryland crab cakes, local oysters, or BBQ ribs. 1718 Thames Street, 410-732-3474

Pratt Street Ale House: The Pratt Street Ale House patio is totally furball friendly. You can indulge in great food and craft beers while lounging with your pup at the numerous outdoor tables. There’s nothing better than beer and belly rubs. 206 W Pratt St., 410-244-8900

Atwater’s at Belvedere Square Market: This local cafe has a large patio perfect for dog-watching. There’s tons of umbrellas to stay out of the sun and plenty of space for you and your dog-owning friends to meet up. And you’ll love Atwaters’ hearty soups, decadent sandwiches, and hearth baked pastries just as much as we do. 529 E Belvedere Ave., 410-323-2396

Sam’s Canterbury Cafe: Guilford locals flock to this neighborhood cafe for the brunch menu, featuring fare like the jalapeño cheddar waffles and unique flatbreads named after Baltimore spots, “The Charles,” “The Hopkins,” and “The Calvert.” Surrounded by trees and greenery, Sam’s Canterbury Cafe’s patio is a true oasis for families, friends, and pets alike. 3811 Canterbury Rd., 443-438-4545

Miss Shirley’s Cafe: Baltimoreans agree that Miss Shirley’s Cafe has some of The Charm City’s best brunch food, like the infamous funky monkey bread, broiled grapefruit brûlée, or grandpa’s cornbread squares. And the outdoor patios are pet-friendly at all Miss Shirley’s locations. Multiple locations including 750 E. Pratt Street, 410-528-5373

Dining with Dog Treats

Bmore Licks: This family-owned ice cream shop is one of Canton’s most-loved spots for a sweet treat. They offer more than 100 flavors of homemade ice cream and dozens of milkshake, sundae, and snowball creations. The best part? Bmore Licks serves dog-friendly ice cream, too, with tasty flavors ranging from Cookies & Cream to Fruity Pebbles. 2437 Eastern Ave., 410-732-5425

The Dog Chef Cafe: Handmade frozen yogurt, sweet potato fries, kale pretzels, and donuts . . . these are just a few of the dog-friendly goodies you can buy at The Dog Chef Cafe. The cafe sells tons of healthy, fresh dog food, and they emphasize locally sourced ingredients and organic meals. These treats look so good, you might be the one begging for once. 863 North Howard St., 301-785-2998

Patterson Perk: Head to this canine coffee shop, located in Canton, for plenty of pup-friendly perks. Grab your BFF a free dog treat and head outside to soak up the sun on the patio. For a sweet snack, order a blueberry scone, or try the artichoke and goat cheese panini for a savory bite. 2501 Eastern Ave., 410-534-1286

Furry Fun

DogWatch Tavern: DogWatch Tavern is a fun-house for adults, with tons of happy hour specials and bar games like Skee-Ball and pinball. And don’t worry, your dog will have fun, too. DogWatch offers free treats and water bowls for all pups, and pets are more than welcome to hang at the outdoor tables. 709 S. Broadway, 410-276-6030

The Admiral’s Cup: The Admiral’s Cup doesn’t just allow dogs, they love dogs. The lively saloon hosts frequent #DrinkWithYourDog events where they offer free pup portraits and discounts on beers from Flying Dog and Full Tilt. Check out the Admiral’s Cup Facebook page for more information about upcoming dog-friendly events. 1647 Thames St., 410-534-5555

Blue Pit BBQ: This laid-back hangout has tons of dog-friendly outdoor seating, perfect for big parties, as well as an extensive whiskey collection, an array of smoked meats, and tons of hefty sandwiches. They’ve hosted events like Yappy Hour, a specially tailored party for people who love drinking with their dogs, and many of their proceeds benefit local animal shelters. 1601 Union Ave., 443-948-5590

The start of fall means colored foliage, sweater weather, pumpkin spice lattes, and the sound of birds overhead flying south. But in Baltimore, fall is bird season as Joe Flacco and his flock hit the field. Whether you are a die-hard Ravens fan who watches every game or just someone who loves to eat those pre-game burgers and dogs, it’s always fun to get friends together to watch the Ravens dominate—just like they did in game one. And with special game-day food and drink deals, these Baltimore bars make it easy to celebrate, chant, and cheer on the Ravens all season long.

Tipsy Tailgates

Mother’s Grille: Mother’s Purple Patio hosts a rowdy party for every Sunday Ravens game. The festive outdoor area is painted like a football field, and the space hosts two bars, a huge grill, and 20 HD TVs so you can be sure not to miss any of the game-time magic. And with $35 all-you-can-drink Bloody Marys, crushes, and beers along with an assortment of on-the-grill classics, this purple party isn’t one you’ll want to miss. 1113 S Charles St., 410-244-8686

Jimmy’s Seafood: Dubbed “America’s Best Tailgate”, Jimmy’s Famous Seafood has everything a Ravens fan needs to make the most of game day this season. Buy tickets for each game (prices vary) or buy a VIP season pass (10 games for $350) and get access to a three-hour open bar, a live DJ spinning the hottest tracks, beer pong, giant Jenga, corn hole, and tons of free swag. Don’t miss the full buffet catered by the restaurant’s beloved Chef Tony. The best part? The party is just one block away from M&T Bank Stadium. 1300 Russell St.

BMore Around Town: This Baltimore tailgate has it all: An extensive open bar, BBQ meats, homemade sides, a “Mother Shucker” Oyster Bar, and live entertainment. And there’s also tons of tailgate games and giveaways. You can grab a VIP pass for $250 that’ll give you access to the eight home game events as well as the annual Adam Jones #StayHungry Purple Tailgate. So don your festive purple gear and join the party alongside Baltimore’s biggest fans. 152 W Ostend St., 410-276-6030

Game Day Grub

Grotto Pizza: Though many locals associate Grotto with the beach, check out the Columbia location for game-day specials, featuring a personal cheese pizza for $6, loaded nachos for $6.99, a pulled chicken BBQ sandwich for $7.99, soft pretzel sticks for $6.99, and a hot dog topped with Grotto Pizza’s award-winning chili for only $5.99. And with a long wooden bar perfect for large groups, you’ll get a chance to bring the party while escaping the stadium crowds. 7075 Minstrel Way, 443-583-8200

Fish Head Cantina: With $2.50 Natty Boh drafts and cans, $2.75 domestic bottles and drafts, $3.50 Coronas, $4 craft drafts, and $5 crushes, this Arbutus tiki bar is a neighborhood favorite. Plus, the entire pub and sushi menus are 25 percent off, so you can get your foodie fill without missing a moment. 4802 Benson Ave, Halethorpe, 410-247-2474

Ristorante Firenze: Equipped with fire pits, live music, bocce ball, and corn hole, this Reisterstown restaurant’s newly opened Peroni Beer Garden is a great place to watch the action unfold this football season. On September 13th, you can tailgate the day away from 5-7 p.m. with live music, grilling, and $3.75 Miller Lites. And if you’re feeling particularly festive, order the $4 purple punch and cocktail shooters. Fans can pair these drinks with classic Italian dishes like the Tre Formaggi pizza or Gemelli Margherita pasta. 2 Hanover Rd., 410-394-5577

Dogwatch Tavern: Pull up a chair at this Fells Point sports bar and grab $7 wings, $5 22-oz. Miller Lite drafts, and $15 Miller Lite and Coors Light buckets. Or, if you think you can handle it, try one the bar’s signature 100-oz. beer towers for $20. And during the commercial breaks, you can challenge a friend to a game of pool, beer pong, or Skee-Ball. 709 S. Broadway, 410-276-6030

Southern Provisions: Grab a group of friends and head to this Canton restaurant to indulge in crispy Southern fare mixed with good ole’ game-watching classics. Try the Bucket o’ Beer and Chicken sliders (five beers with four Nashville chicken sliders) for $20, the Brisket Chili Bowl served with cornbread for $7, along with deals on mozzarella sticks, hotdogs, pull pork tacos, and SpPro nachos. 3000 O’Donnell St., 410-675-4029

Wit & Wisdom: There’s no better place to watch the Ravens in style than at Wit & Wisdom inside the Four Seasons Baltimore. They’ll be serving up a special “Game Day Dog”, topped with caramelized onions, chipotle ketchup, brown sugar mustard, pickled fresno peppers, and tobacco fried onions, and a special purple and orange Corvus Crush. This upscale bar takes game day grub to a whole new level. 200 International Dr., 410-576-5800

Italian Disco: Equipped with multiple flat screens, a lengthy draft list, and tons of game-day snacks (always order the mozzarella sticks), this Harbor East hangout is an ideal bird-watching spot. During every Ravens game, the bar will offer $10 pitchers of domestic beers, $8 pizzas (pepperoni, margherita, or primavera), and $8 orders of wings. 1006 Fleet St. 410-605-0444

Banging Bars

Hightopps Backstage Grille: Grab your bird-watching gear and check out Hightopps Backstage Grille every Friday for some serious drink deals. Sip on $1 Miller Lite and Coors Light drafts, and $2 Blue Moon drafts while relaxing on the bar’s signature outdoor deck. Or, you can indulge in the A.C. and catch the game from the numerous bars inside. 2306 York Road, Timonium, 410-560-7101

Looney’s Pub: This Canton Square bar has some of Baltimore’s best pub fare. And when paired with its can’t-beat drink specials, Looney’s hosts some of Baltimore’s craziest fans. Get your game-day on with $12 Orange Crush buckets, $5 Maryland craft beers, $3.75 Bud Light drafts, and $3.50 12-oz. Miller Lite or Coors Light bottles. Fans can take advantage of these boozy deals while filling up on orders of Crabby Fries, Looney’s Bang N’ Shrimp, and BBQ Pork Sliders. 2900 O’Donnell Street, 410-675-9235

Charles Village Pub & Patio: Get your Sunday Funday started for only $11.99 with bottomless Blood Marys, mimosas, and Natty Boh drafts from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. This multi-level Towson hangout has flat screen TVs on virtually every wall, making it an ideal place to bring your buddies to watch the game. So pull up a bar stool and enjoy the bottomless drinks all game long—this Ravens nest is sure to get rowdy. 19 West Pennsylvania Ave., 410-821-8155

Alexander’s Tavern: You can’t go wrong bringing a group of buddies to cheer on the Ravens at this Fells Point staple. This season, get Bloody Marys, mimosas, and screwdrivers for $3.50 each or choose to do it big with $15 bottomless every Sunday. And if you’re a firm believer that real fans watch football with beers in hand, Alexander’s also offers $15 microbrew buckets. 710 South Broadway, 410-522-0000

Kisling’s Tavern: Kisling’s is celebrating football season with 22-oz. Orange Crushes for $6 whenever the Ravens play. Catch the game on one of their numerous TVs and be ready to cheer whenever the Ravens score a touchdown. And no trip to Kisling’s would be complete without an order of its famous chicken wings, made with their signature Buffalo sauce and Parmesan coating. 2100 Fleet Street, 410-327-5477

Mt. Washington Tavern: With $2 Narraganset Lager cans, $4 Old Hilltop drafts, and $6 Tito’s vodka drinks, this neighborhood bar is popular for Ravens fans. And here, bar fare is taken to the next level: Try the $15 loaded nachos or the $8 slow roasted Buffalo wings. Hang on the outdoor patio or stay inside and meet other fans at the bar. 5700 Newbury St., 410-367-6903

JD’s Smokehouse: If you haven’t had a chance to check out this bar’s new Canton location, this football season is the perfect opportunity. Swing by JD’s every Sunday for game-day happy hour from 2-7 p.m., featuring $2 domestic bottles, $2 off all craft drafts, $3 rail drinks, and $4 glasses of wine. Other specials include $2 off decadent appetizers like the Smokehouse Nachos, onion rings, or baskets of hush puppies. 623 S. Luzerne Ave., 410-522-2266

Game Sports Bar: This verifiable adult playground is known for its collection and variety of games. But with 20 TVs and jaw-dropping drink deals like $3 Coors Light and Miller Lite, $4 Malibu cocktails, $6 Absolut cocktails, $10 Orange Crush buckets, and $10 32-oz. Natty Boh drafts every home game, this bar is conveniently located right near the stadium. Plus, there’s no better way to cheer on the Ravens than with a room full of hyper-competitive, game-loving fans. 1400 Warner Street, 410-385-0100

Working in the restaurant industry has long been known to be a pressure cooker, but the recent deaths of Anthony Bourdain to suicide; Miami’s Sweet Liberty bar co-founder John Lermayer, who was found dead in his apartment in June; and, closer to home, former CEO for Bagby Restaurant Group Chris Becker—who allegedly lost a long battle with drug addiction—have all served as tragic reminders.

“It’s high stress and late nights,” says Blue Fork Marketing founder Dave Seel, who worked with Chris Becker at Bagby. “If you’ve ever stood in the line of the kitchen in a busy restaurant, it’s boom, boom, boom. It’s go, go, go, go for three, four, five hours, and you’re firing off stuff and always have to be on point.”

Those not working “the line” have pressures, too, says Cyrus Keefer, who has worked at several restaurants in Baltimore and is currently chef du cuisine at Cunningham’s.

“Once you get a title or become management, the stresses are worse,” says Keefer. “It’s all about the bottom line for the owner. And if that means cutting a few people to keep costs down, the chef has to work the hours to make the difference. When I was at Fork & Wrench, I worked 30 to 40 days straight without a break because half the staff had left as I was taking the job there.”

Sadly, abuse of alcohol and drugs is a far too common coping mechanism in kitchen culture—and addiction is rampant. In fact, a 2015 study by the Rockville-based Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported that the hospitality and food service industry has the highest rates of substance use disorders and the third-highest rates of heavy alcohol use of all employment sectors.

“In past jobs, from Adderall to cocaine to heroin, I’ve worked with people who’ve been on every drug in the business,” says Keefer, as he ticks off a list of well-known chefs who’ve struggled, not to mention the bartender he knew in Rehoboth who died of a heart attack after using “bad cocaine.”

“[Husk’s] Sean Brock went to rehab,” he says. “[Cockscomb’s] Chris Consentino came out and talked about his struggles with mental illness. I don’t know one chef who doesn’t have a therapist. When Bourdain’s book came out, people thought it was amusing, but this stuff is real and ugly.”

Seel says that, to some extent, some of those who choose kitchen work are already vulnerable. “One of the great things about the restaurant industry is that it’s all-inclusive of these culturally fringe human beings,” he says. “Young, blue collar kids are drawn to working in restaurants—it’s a communal atmosphere, you’re dating servers, you’re part of a team, you can have a whole bunch of tattoos that are not going to fly in the corporate world. But with that there come these realities.”

Of course, it’s an irony of the service industry that those whose job it is to take care of others are not necessarily good at taking care of themselves, though that seems to be changing.

Seel says that he’s also known people in the industry to be proactive about making better choices, as was the case with a cook who recently left a stressful kitchen job. “He switched lifestyles,” says Seel. “Now he’s up early in the morning and leads much more of a meditative lifestyle—it works for him. I know a lot of people who don’t want to work the line.”

Three years ago, executive chef Sarah Acconcia decided to take a stand by leaving her demanding job at a trendy Baltimore cocktail bar to take care of herself.

“Stress-wise, I was really finding the environment to be unmanageable,” says Acconcia. “And I had health issues on top of it.”

Though it wasn’t easy to walk away from a high-profile gig, Acconcia did some serious soul-searching. “I came to the conclusion that I needed to take a break from being at the executive management level,” she says. “A small restaurant did not have the resources to support their staff in having a work-life balance. I was working 60 hours a week. Every day was like fight or flight, not general work stress but that heart-racing flight or flight stress—the kind of stress that I think a lot of chefs feel every day.”

Making matters worse was the machismo culture of the kitchen. “I’d be too embarrassed saying that it was too stressful or too unmanageable,” Acconcia says. “That’s not accepted, that’s the culture teaching me that I’m weak.” Acconcia acknowledges that in some ways, she, too, contributed to that culture.

“I have some regrets about the way that I managed kitchens,” she says. “I was part of that culture that said you can’t take a day off just because you have a cold—‘Here’s a bottle of DayQuil, now get back to your station.’”

These days, Acconcia runs Juniper Culinary Apothecary, an e-business that takes a holistic approach to spices. Recently, she also became the general manager of 13.5% Wine Bar in Hampden, a job she says offers a “good work-life balance.”

Given her own struggles and former management style, Acconcia wants to help others and right some wrongs with her newfound wisdom. She created Self-Care for the Service Industry, a private Facebook discussion group, offering self-care tips and even meal planning for those in hospitality.

“There are so many toxic restaurant groups in Baltimore,” she says. “If I could reach out and grab them, that would be great. I want to inspire a young cook who struggles. I want to show them how to make their place and learn and let them know that putting everything aside for work is not life. I just want people to know that it’s 2018—it doesn’t have to be like that anymore.”

Restaurateur Tony Foreman of the Foreman Wolf Restaurant Group also adheres to the open-door policy with the thousands of employees he’s hired in his decades working in the industry.

“I feel the same way about mental health as I do about my own cardiac health,” says Foreman. “Everyone has something that could kill them. Those things need to be treated and people need to be cared for. Just listening to them is a gigantic thing—so many people are relieved to tell someone that they have this stuff going on and are vulnerable. Sometimes just having done that empowers them to seek the treatment that they need.”

As these issues come to the fore, a number of support groups have sprung up around the country such as Ben’s Friends, an open forum for discussing the difficulties of working in the restaurant industry and a sort of AA tailored to restaurant workers. The group was founded after South Carolina’s Charleston Grill chef Ben Murray died by suicide after struggling with addiction and depression.

Bartenders, in particular, have their own set of issues that are unique to their craft.

“Customers will sometimes tell you a lot of things about their lives that you shouldn’t know,” says Amie Ward, beverage director at R. Bar. “At one of my jobs, a couple of regulars were having an affair with each other and I kept that a secret for many years—that didn’t exactly make me feel like a great person. I’ve had to kick people out of bars, I’ve had barstools thrown at me—the job can take a lot out on you, especially if you don’t understand the basic premise of self-care.”

Other industry leaders, such as Lindsey Johnson, of Louisville, Kentucky-based Lush Life Productions points to the problems.

“With the way that the current landscape is set up for bartenders, there are a million occasions to have a drink and to maybe make choices that aren’t the best for their long- or short-term health,” says Johnson, who runs bartending education classes all over the country while also emphasizing mental health. “Almost every day, there’s an opportunity to go to a sponsored event at someone else’s bar where alcohol and drugs are flowing freely. There’s a lot of social pressure that goes along with these events, not only to be open to trying the drinks presented, but to take every one of the shots that’s put in front of you—there’s a deep-seated social pressure that we see is pervasive.”

But Johnson also sees the tide turning.

“I’m seeing this less and less with this new generation of bartenders,” she says. “The deaths and suicides and overdoses have prompted bartenders to look at what we’re doing to ourselves and make better choices every day. You have to set boundaries. If someone is pouring you all these shots, give some to a friend or just leave it. You have not failed your community—you’ve propped up your community and helped yourself by saying no.”

Ward, who studied exercise physiology, travels across the country with Johnson offering healthy lifestyle advice to bartenders.

She shares what she has seen, including plenty of cautionary tales like the time at a former restaurant when “one of the line cooks accidentally overdosed and it crushed the kitchen.”

“I encourage people to rethink what it means to be a bartender,” she says. “Why does it mean that you have to be out every night until four in the morning?”

Locally, she has become a healthy lifestyle warrior in the bartending community, offering free weekly workout classes at Movement Lab to those working in the service industry.

“We do lots of core work so that people have the strength to stand up all day long and have good posture,” she says. “We make it fun and do things like trampoline rebounding that helps increase circulation in areas of trauma, especially our feet and hips and back.”

Ward also keeps healthy snacks at the bar to help her “bar children” get through a shift during which thousands of drinks are often made. In a previous job, she says, “I’d drink while I was at work the entire time. We only got paid in tips, so the balance was being able to drink. I wasn’t trying to get drunk, but if you’re taking a shot once an hour for eight hours or more with your favorite guests, it adds up. And there’s a culture of greeting your fellow bartender with a shot.”

At R. Bar, full-time bartenders only work four days a week and, with the exception of one night, the bar closes by midnight. Ward does not allow shift drinks and forbids drinking on the job. “When my kids clock out, they can change their clothes and buy a drink at the bar if that’s what they want. But I remove the temptation.”

And when one bartender quit so that he could go to rehab, Ward was supportive. “I encouraged him,” she says. “It was the best inconvenience I could have. You have to set people up for healthy habits and provide the right environment if anything is going to change. These are the only children I’m ever going to have—I want them to be healthy and happy and safe and here for a very long time.”

In an ordinary game of golf, the sound of a ball hitting the water usually results in a penalty shot—and a groan from the swinger. But when players tee off at a Splash City Golf driving range, that sound signals dinnertime for schools of fish in the Inner Harbor.

Since 2016, friends and co-founders Daniel Bucci, Shawn Flaherty, and Jamie Hodges have been bringing pop-up driving ranges to waterfront establishments across Baltimore (think Sandlot, Barcocina, and Rye Street Tavern), where both veteran linksmen and first-time putters attempt to score a hole in one on floating targets using golf balls made of fish food.

As a golf enthusiast, Flaherty was inspired by his waterfront job at the Living Classrooms Foundation to create an urban driving range that was both environmentally friendly and fun for city residents. He brought the idea to Bucci and, shortly thereafter, the duo launched the company with a target prototype: a rowboat outfitted with a cinder-block-weighted flag.

With help from Hodges, a mechanical engineer and patented inventor, the team has upgraded to a GPS-positioned inflatable target that is kept steady by an app. “[The concept] fits in Baltimore particularly well because it’s outside of the box,” says Flaherty, “and this town is very much that.”

The golf balls—which are manufactured in Barcelona, Spain, and sold in baskets of five, 15, or 30—biodegrade within 72 hours of hitting the water. Last year, Baltimoreans hit more than 10,000 balls into the harbor, and this summer, Splash City Golf will expand to new locations across Charm City, Washington, D.C., and the Eastern Shore, setting up courses at restaurants, bars, and private events such as weddings (including Flaherty’s this month).

The self-funded startup hopes to grow by making the balls locally and securing partnership locations across the county, while sticking to their Baltimore roots. “There’s a body of water in every city,” says Bucci. “Eventually, we want to be in all of them.”

While there’s a lot to boast about within Baltimore’s nightlife scene, there is one thing lacking: a plethora of rooftop bars. After all, there’s nothing quite like enjoying an after-work cocktail while taking in panoramic skyline views.

So, when the San Francisco-based Joie de Vivre Hospitality Group took over the Peabody Court Hotel in Mt. Vernon, they were smart to take advantage of the panoramic windows on the 14th floor with views of the Washington Monument, Beaux Arts architecture, and downtown.

The resulting bar restaurant, Topside, feels airy and modern with its light woods and geometric accents. There’s a loose beer-garden theme, and bar manager Chelsea Gregoire—who earned her chops at Dooby’s, Pen & Quill, and Ida B’s Table—is the right person to oversee the program. The bar offers 13 beers on tap and a selection of more than 60 bottles and cans from local breweries such as Union Craft, Dogfish Head, and Monument City. Local brewery Peabody Heights even custom-brewed a pale ale called Thirstay (the second syllable is a punny nod to the hotel).

Gregoire also flexes her creative muscle when it comes to cocktails. There’s a twist on a traditional shandy (beer-soda cocktail) that combines bourbon, pine-flavored Génépy des Alpes, lemon, bitters, and the Thirstay pale ale garnished with macerated cherries. There’s also the acidic and gorgeous Shrubs n’ Rosés with gin, strawberry-dill shrub, rosé vermouth, lemon, egg white, and pink peppercorns served in a coupe glass.

Topside top brass was also smart to hire local chef Wilbur Cox (culinary creds include Charleston and B&O American Brasserie) to execute a seafood-focused menu with standouts including crispy fried oysters with spicy mayo and a refreshing local fluke ceviche.

There are plenty of ways to appreciate Topside. Maybe you’ll sip on a delicious old fashioned (made with Maryland rum), play a game of foosball in the corner, or simply delight in your front-row seat to a beautiful Baltimore sunset.