[Editor’s Note: Since press time, Raw & Refined has closed for the season, but will remain open for private parties and events until it resumes regular hours in April.]

The overlaps between Raw Bar and Raw & Refined—two Canton waterfront establishments that opened within days and feet of each other earlier this year—run even deeper than their comically similar names.

For starters, both put an emphasis on raw seafood, from oysters to ceviche. Then there are the cocktail menus, which each include a Paloma, sangria, and several other sweet, tropical libations that people tend to crave when they’re drinking in the great outdoors. (In this case, at Lighthouse Point along the Patapsco River.) Both are trying to succeed in locations where previous restaurants died, pinning their hopes on what the former inhabitants did as well: the irresistible allure of eating and drinking outside near the water.

Raw Bar (2809 Boston St., 443-708-7961) brought to you by the team that runs Barcocina and Bond Street Social, is in the home of the former Boathouse Canton. It’s a sprawling complex that includes ample outdoor seating, a semi-enclosed outdoor bar, and indoor dining room and bar. In addition to its namesake, Raw Bar offers shared plates and an array of New England-style seafood sandwiches. On our visits, twenty and thirty-somethings sat at the outdoor bar, while music competed with loud conversations.

During one outing in July, our friendly server offered a blank stare when we asked what differentiated the oysters available that night, which struck us as odd for a place named Raw Bar. A beer, one Sagamore lemonade—a whiskey, honey, simple syrup, mint, and lemonade concoction that was unremarkable but inoffensive—and a half-dozen oysters cost $44, including tax and tip; a setting this sublime doesn’t come cheaply.

Nor does it at the nearly adjacent Raw & Refined (2723 Lighthouse Pte., 410-387- 4377) where the cocktails are meticulously made. The indoor space is cheerful, and the restaurant’s delightful outdoor bar is adjacent to a pool and overlooks a marina.

It doesn’t get more nautical than that. Most of the cocktails we’ve tried have been quite refreshing, including Telly’s melon seltzer ($11), a combination of watermelon vodka, watermelon, basil, simple syrup, and lime. While the restaurant is better run than Button, the space’s previous inhabitant, the food can be hit or miss. Best to sit outside, soak up the scene, and stick to dishes like tuna tartare, which, of course, is served raw.

COMING SOON

Aveley Farms Coffee: Come spring, Harbor East locals will have a new spot to get their caffeine fix. Towson native Corey Voelkel is planning to open Aveley Farms Coffee in 2019, offering global grinds and pastries sourced from local purveyors. Inspired by his time living in San Diego, Voelkel wants the space to have a West Coast feel mixed with touches of Baltimore’s old-school industrial charm. “All of the roastery operations will be visible to engage people to ask questions and get involved,” he explains. The 900-square-foot space will feature high ceilings and large warehouse windows overlooking the neighborhood skyline. Aside from highlighting his own blends, Voelkel plans to collaborate with other local roasters including Keffa Coffee downtown. “If you have a high-grade cup of coffee, you can drink it black,” he says. “I really want to build on that and celebrate the coffee scene here.” 1400 Aliceanna St.

Fenwick’s Choice Meats: Cross Street Market regulars were saddened when this longtime butcher closed up shop last spring as the public market began its ongoing renovation process. But now, meat master Henry Reisinger has vowed to reopen his stall this winter. Since debuting in 1952, Fenwick’s has become a go-to for products such as quality lamb chops to house-made brats. In addition to veteran vendors like Fenwick’s and Steve’s Lunch, the reinvigorated market will welcome a batch of new businesses in 2019. Be on the lookout for Sobeachy Haitian Cuisine, Vietnamese soup and sub shop Phubs, and a burger concept from the owners of Southside Diner in Locust Point. 1065 S. Charles St.

OPEN

Poke Bowl: Poke bowls have become all the rage lately, and Federal Hill diners now have a spot to dig in. This new eatery premiered on Light Street last month, offering colorful bowls filled with rice, raw fish, and customizable toppings ranging from kale and kimchi to pineapple and purple cabbage. The spot also specializes in sushi burritos in varieties like the “Salmon Bomb” (salmon, edamame, scallions, and cucumber) and the “Dancing Jack,” filled with tuna, yellowtail, cream cheese, and sweet corn. Owner Yun Jiang also serves the trendy dishes at Poke Bowl locations in Cockeysville, Lutherville, Bel Air, and downtown on North Calvert Street. A sixth shop in Owings Mills is currently in the works. 1040 Light St. 443-759-6229

EPICUREAN EVENTS

11/1-4: International Stout Day at Guinness
Now that the new Guinness Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House is up and running in Relay, the global beer behemoth can officially celebrate International Stout Day for the first time on American soil. Head brewer Hollie Stephenson and her team are toasting the holiday with a new beer, Guinness Small Stout, which will debut on tap on Thursday, November 1. At a 4.5-percent ABV, the beer uses a double-mash brewing method and has notes of chocolate and coffee with a tart finish. Throughout the weekend, $1 of all Small Stout sales will be donated to the Maryland Food Bank. 5001 Washington Blvd, Halethorpe, 800-909-2645

11/6: The Outpost Battle Royale Part One
This late-night chef throwdown series kicks off next week at The Outpost American Tavern in Riverside. Outpost chef Jesse Sandlin will welcome Ben Lefenfeld of La Cuchara and Doug Wetzel of Gertrude’s into her kitchen to see whose dishes reign supreme. The event will feature food and half-off drink deals for all hospitality industry professionals. 1032 Riverside Ave., 10 p.m.-12 a.m. 443-388-9113. Free.

SHUT

Boathouse Canton: Canton neighbors took to social media earlier this week to mourn the loss of this waterfront hangout, which has closed for good. Signs posted to its doors Wednesday indicated that the restaurant had shuttered, and thanked all of the “wonderful guests throughout the years.” Management has not yet disclosed the reasons behind the closure. Since the dockside spot opened in the spring of 2014, it became a go-to for seafood specialties, private parties, and neighborhood gatherings. We’ll especially miss the summer afternoons spent sipping Orange Crushes and swaying to live music on the dog-friendly DockBar. 2809 Boston St.

The end of summer used to come with some crushing disappointments (so long, beach waves). But for those of us with children in the house, it feels like a good time to breathe a sigh of relief because back to school season is before us (so long, kids). The glory of back to school means you don’t have to balance as much when it comes to work and parenting, or shell out hundreds of dollars for camps, or worry with just how the heck to keep your rambunctious mess-makers occupied all day, every day. My, how you’ve aged.

No matter what the beginning of the school year means for you—more time to work or more time for keeping up with the day to day tasks of running a family home—it’s totally okay to relish the start of school. Maybe even celebrate it a little. Here are things you should definitely do to embrace the kids being back in school:

Grab a drink by the water at Boathouse Canton.
If there were ever a reason to sit by the water with a drink in your hand until you tip over (just kidding!), back to school week is it. Boathouse in Canton is much loved for its beautiful views, outdoor patio, tasty bites, and solid drink choices, making it the perfect place to celebrate, whether noon or night. While the restaurant is open year round, the smaller, down-to-earth dock bar is only open through October. So, if you’re planning to hit up a happy hour, complete with live music, fruity crushes, and beautiful outdoor weather, back to school season is the perfect time of year. Sans kids, of course.

Try a new workout at The Movement Lab.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock (or a couple of wild children, more than likely), you’ve probably heard about the amazing workout classes happening at The Movement Lab in Remington. With so many options like kickboxing, jazz dance, various kinds of yoga, and antigravity suspension classes, it will be tough to pick just one. No worries, though: You can utilize the $99 Fall Reset Special for new students and try them all.

Get some work done at Zeke’s.
The much-loved coffee joint, which expanded to a larger spot on Harford Road in Hamilton last year, is still the home of Baltimore’s best cup of joe. Go for the coffee, stay for the pastries and laptop-friendly atmosphere. And while you’re at it, take home a refillable cold brew growler. Whether you just need a quick coffee, a place to hang out, a spot to schedule a meeting, or to spend the day typing away, Zeke’s has everything you need for all those not-so-lonesome, kid-free school days.

Enjoy a cut and a color at Tease Salon.
The start of a new school year means new clothes, shoes, and hair cuts for the kids. But what about for you? If you haven’t gotten your tresses chopped by the amazing hair-artists at Tease Salon on York Road in Cockeysville yet, now is the perfect time to book your first appointment. Owner Jenny Newberger is a master stylist, who will make your hair do all the right things. But the artists at the shop don’t shy away from funky cuts and all kinds of color, either. So, if you want some red hot streaks to start the school year off right, don’t be afraid to ask.

Meet a friend at The Handlebar Cafe.
Baltimoreans love their bikes. But they also love a great local spot to grab a bite with a pal, complete with quality brews, The Handlebar Cafe in Fells Point, with it’s cool, bike-savvy vibe, has it all. With a built-in bike shop, a badass bar, and a delicious menu filled with tons of healthy options and a dozen wood-fired pizza options to choose from, there’s something for everyone (and no training wheels necessary).

Embrace self-care with Zeel.
If you’ve been telling yourself you’re going to finally get that massage you’ve been dreaming of for months, wait no more. Zeel, a new massage-on-demand app that caters to the Baltimore area, lets you book an at-home massage with just a couple of swipes. The price, including tip, is quite reasonable and you can even book a same day massage, so it truly is “on-demand.” You massuer will bring their own table and when you’re massage is done, they’ll be out the door in minutes. We can think of no better way to ring in the new school year.

A visit to The Boathouse Canton provides many options. Maybe you’ll wander indoors to the dining room to slurp oysters. Maybe you’ll grab a seat on the deck overlooking the docked boats bobbing in the harbor. Or, as of this summer, maybe you’ll make a right at the entrance and head into The DockBar, an outdoor space replete with a dedicated food-and-drink menu, games of cornhole, and plenty of crushes to spare.

The DockBar (2809 Boston St., 410-773-9795) is the latest in a trend of breakout bars—a way for drinking establishments to re-brand sections of their spaces, offering exclusive menus, signature events, and, in many cases, the best views of the city.

Such is the case with DockBar, with its dog-friendly patio, pavilion bar, and seating area that’s open from April through October. The outside area features a station for smoking and shucking, and for watching O’s games on TV. We recommend fare such as tasty ahi tuna tacos with pickled red onions and refreshing orange crushes (just $5 during weekday happy hours).

If you want to make a night of it, head uptown (both geographically and in altitude) to experience The Lord Baltimore Hotel’s outpost, the LB Sky Bar (20 W. Baltimore St., 855-539-8400). Located on the 19th floor of the French Renaissance-style hotel, the sky bar offers impeccable views of the downtown skyline, and an up-close look at the art deco NationsBank building. Open Wednesday through Saturday evenings (when weather permits), the rooftop space seats 65 at high-top tables and lounge chairs.

Though the bar offers a selection of sushi, we were intrigued by the “trilogy” menu (three small plates) and opted for the Italian, comprised of Parma ham and dried figs, eggplant caponata, and a Caprese salad. On what was a balmy day, we went with a refreshing Sky Collins (Hendrick’s gin, muddled cucumber and honey, lemon, cranberry, and club soda).

End your bar crawl by meandering a few blocks north to Ware House 518’s Louie Bar (518 N. Charles St., 443-869-3382), which pays homage to the building’s former occupant, Louie’s Bookstore Café. The literary-themed space, which was re-branded last fall, is dedicated to from-scratch craft cocktails and is open Friday and Saturday nights.

Louie Bar’s menu is divided into bookish “chapters.” Among them: Adaptations (twists on classics like a Sazerac), Short Prose (served up in rocks glasses), and Tall Tales (served over ice in Collins glasses). We went the “when in Rome” route and tried The Vernon with Leblon Cachaça, Fernet-Branca, and lavender bitters. The drink was just as a cocktail should be: three ingredients that ideally balance fruit, bitter, and aromatics.