[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.

A batch of new beach bars are joining the city’s open-air dining scene this summer, which means it’s the perfect time to throw on a pair of shades and head out for a sun-soaked day drink. Whether you’re into boozy slushies, rum punches, classic daiquiris, or trendy tiki cocktails, these new (and returning) seasonal spots have something to please all palates. In between visits to our coveted dockside destinations and sky-high rooftop bars, enjoy a little change of scenery at one of these outdoor hangouts.

El Tigre: Not only has the Dooby’s team graced us with Old Boy and Fat Tiger inside the new Broadway Market, but they’ve also launched El Tigre—a pan-Latin-inspired tiki bar that expands cocktail service outside onto Broadway Square. Beneath the twinkling lights on the market’s patio, beverage director Tyler DiMarco pours thoughtful creations including the cachaça-forward “Muito Bom,” a classic Planter’s Punch, and the “Viracocha”—a flagship cocktail made with Peruvian pisco, dry gin, tropical fruit juices, and cinnamon. “It embodies who we are and what our mission is,” DiMarco says of the Viracocha, which is named after the ancient Peruvian Incan god of the sun.

Standout sip: The “El Teniente,” an agave-infused riff on the classic Navy Grog that combines Ilegal Mezcal Joven, reposado tequila, aperol, passion fruit puree, baking spices, absinthe, and star anise. 1640 Aliceanna St.

Long Beach Marina: The recently renovated bar and restaurant at this full-service marina in Bowleys Quarters has all of the essentials for an island staycation. In addition to the palm trees and frequent performances by reggae and steel drum bands, the refreshed menu features summer staples like sesame ahi tuna and massive crab cakes. Pair the eats with fruity cocktails including the “Bananarama” (banana rum, peach schnapps, and pineapple juice) and the “Coconut Concussion”—a mix of coconut rum, Sprite, and muddled lime.

Standout sip: The “Mermaid Water” with Captain Morgan spiced rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, and blue curacao. 800 Chester Rd., Bowleys Quarters. 410-335-8602

Ouzo Beach: Ouzo Bay in Harbor East is expanding its footprint across Lancaster Street with this sister venue expected to open next week. Decked out with blue stone, palm trees, a wooden trellis, and tons of tropical plants, the streetside oasis is meant to resemble the courtyard of a Mediterranean-style villa. The bar team is rolling out some creative cocktails for the new concept, including a “Gin & Juice” cocktail made with Baltimore Spirits Company’s Shot Tower Gin and a frozen “Cold Fashioned.”

Standout sip: The “Rose All Day” mixed with ginger and rose water. 1000 Lancaster St. 443-708-5818

Raw Bar: After sitting vacant since last fall, Boathouse Canton has been brought back to life by the team behind Bond Street Social and Barcocina. As its name suggests, the waterfront social spot offers a seafood-focused menu emphasizing raw oysters, rockfish tacos, crab cakes, and lobster rolls. While taking in the harborside sites from the patio and outdoor gazebo, enjoy island-inspired cocktails like hibiscus margaritas, blackberry sangria, Sagamore whiskey lemonade, a classic Bee’s Knees, and a rum runner on tap.

Standout sip: The “Smokin Pyrat” with Pyrat rum, pineapple juice, sour mix, and agave nectar in a cinnamon-smoked glass with a brown sugar rim. 2908 Boston St. 443-708-7961

Raw & Refined: Not to be confused with its neighbor Raw Bar, this Boston Street hideaway adjacent to Swim Club recently debuted with a Caribbean- and Latin American-inspired seafood menu. (Think dishes like tuna tartare cannoli, an open-faced Cubano, and elote-inspired grilled oysters with chili lime butter and cotija.) The eatery’s outdoor patio is ideal for sipping cocktails while watching boats sail across the water at Lighthouse Point. Options include refreshing Grapefruit Crushes, the “Bull & the Berry” (Ketel One botanical cucumber, coconut-berry Red Bull, simple syrup, and fresh berries), and the “Poolside Paloma” with jalapeño-infused tequila and grapefruit.

Standout sip: The “Rude Buoy” made with Tanqueray Ten, St. Germain, pressed lemon, agave, and soda. 2723 Lighthouse Point.

Sandlot: Baltimore’s beach is back for the season with a full schedule of live music, community barbecues, DJ dance parties, salsa lessons, sunset yoga, and much more. Head to Harbor Point to lounge on one of Sandlot’s shaded cabanas while sipping a Spanish G&T, classic Dark & Stormy, or a bitter spritz with prosecco and strawberries. Local breweries and wineries have also made exclusives for the harborside hangout, including Heavy Seas’ “Stay Cay” wheat ale and the sparkling, canned “Bay Rose” from Old Westminster Winery.

Standout sip: The “Sandia Fria” slushie with local rosé, limoncello, watermelon, and honey. 1000 Wills St.

South Point: With a killer view of the Hanover Street Bridge, this Port Covington venue is one of the most beautiful sunset-watching spots in the city. Last summer, the community hub became requisite stop on dog-walking routes, a go-to for life-sized Jenga and Connect Four, and a place to sip cold cocktails and canned wine while listening to live music played on a custom-built stage. It’s expected to officially debut for the season later this month, offering Crushes squeezed to order, 40 different varieties of beer and wine, and a new array of low-carb and gluten-free drinks.

Standout sip: The fresh-squeezed lemonade Crush. 101 W. Dickman St.

Tiki Lee’s Dock Bar: Boaters were delighted by the opening of this nautical newbie at North Point Cove in Sparrows Point, which is equipped with 100 free boat slips. The spinoff of Lee’s Pint & Shell in Canton features strung lights, shaded wooden tables, palm trees, and plenty of sand outside. The island vibe also permeates to the menu, which offers summer eats like jerk chicken and pulled pork alongside a lengthy list of libations. In addition to canned beer and wine, the bar also serves watermelon and creamsicle Crushes, fruity Smirnoff bombs, and a signature “Bayside Tiki” with Rumhaven and coconut cream.

Standout sip: A frozen strawberry daiquiri and pina colada “Pain in the Ass” topped with an additional floater of Captain Morgan black rum. 4309 Shore Drive, Sparrows Point. 443-242-6698

OPEN

Sophomore Coffee: This inviting coffee shop is the latest concept to debut at Socle—the Old Goucher food and beverage complex from the team behind W.C. Harlan and Clavel. Joining natural wine bar Fadensonnen and yet-to-open cafe Larder, Sophomore Coffee will offer a single-origin house drip, espresso drinks, and flash brew options when it officially opens its doors to the public this Saturday, April 13. Owners Kris Fulton and Ann Travers Fortune, two of the original founders of Charmington’s in Remington, created the inclusive space with amenities for working, an area for small gatherings, retail shelves stocked with goods from Hunting Ground in Hampden, and a courtyard shared with Fadensonnen.

The inclusive vibe goes along with the shop’s mission to combat the snobby stigmas in coffee culture: “If there isn’t an overarching energy that promotes discovery and learning, it can be very off-putting,” Fulton told us last summer. “But if you create an environment that is inviting, people are going to feel comfortable taking that journey with you.” 2223 Maryland Ave.

The Urban Oyster: In only a few short months, chef/owner Jasmine Norton has transformed the old Ruby 8 space in Locust Point from a trendy sushi spot into a bright, airy homebase for her seafood pop-up The Urban Oyster. Boasting white walls, pops of bronze, and beautiful oyster canvas paintings by Annapolis artist Kim Hovell, the McHenry Row eatery will offer Norton’s famous raw and chargrilled oysters alongside other oceanic fare. Officially debuting on Friday, April 12, the spot will feature shrimp tacos, burgers topped with crab dip, fried cod sandwiches, and a hyper-local drink menu. (Look out for cans of Union Skipjack, a rosé spritzer from Old Westminster Winery, and cocktails curated by local bartender Aaron Joseph.) “A lot of things we’re incorporating in our menu are from local businesses that have opened their platforms for us to do pop-ups in the past,” Norton says. “It’s nice that we now have the opportunity to return the favor.” 1704 Whetstone Way.

Akira Ramen & Izakaya: From barbecue bites to Greek gyros, The Shops at Canton Crossing already offers plenty of dining diversity. But this week, the development added even more to love with the premiere of this Rockville-based ramen spot. Now operating in soft-opening mode, Akira’s second location specializes in steamy bowls filled with house-made noodles, bean sprouts, scallions, pork, fish cakes, eggs, and Wood Ear mushrooms. The menu also offers other snacks like pork gyoza, vegetable spring rolls, and yellowtail carpaccio. 3501 Boston St.

Garden Party: Now that it’s finally starting to feel like spring, it’s high time that this outdoor bar made its return to The Rotunda in Hampden. The team behind Avenue Kitchen & Bar has officially reopened Garden Party, which debuted last summer and quickly became a go-to for adults in need of a refresher while watching little ones run around the Rotunda’s green space. Returning menu highlights include Avenue Kitchen’s signature frosé, wines by the glass, Orange Crushes, crab cakes, charcuterie, and salads. 711 W. 40th St.

TinyBrickOven: This new Federal Hill pizza shop gives the term “fast-casual” a whole new meaning. Owner Will Fagg fires up the artisan pies using his titular invention—a portable brick oven that cooks personal-size pizzas in less than two minutes. Taking over the former home of Grilled Cheese & Co. on Light Street, the spot offers customizable vegan and non-vegan pizzas, as well as authentic gelato. Save room for flavors including strawberry, pistachio, dulce de leche, and vegan vanilla. 1036 Light St.

COMING SOON

Raw Bar: Canton locals will be happy to hear that the former Boathouse space at Tindeco Wharf is getting reactivated this summer. Pending liquor board approval, the team from Bond Street Social and Barcocina in Fells Point will be opening this new seafood spot on the dockside property, which features a massive outdoor patio and modern-industrial interior. According to a statement from Bond Street Social general manager Shane Gerken, Raw Bar will offer fresh takes on seafood dishes in an “upscale, yet approachable social environment.” 2809 Boston St.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

4/12: Harbor Market Kickoff
This seasonal lunch market, which assembles at McKeldin Square on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., is starting up three weeks earlier than usual this year. Launching in conjunction with Maryland Food Truck Week, the inaugural event will feature free food samples, live music, dessert options, and, of course, plenty of outdoor lawn games to make your lunch break feel more like recess. Throughout the season, be on the lookout for food trucks including Farm to Charm, The Smoking Swine, Mexican on the Run, The Green Bowl, Wild Thyme, and more. 101 E. Pratt St.

4/13: Wild Kombucha UpBeet Flavor Release Party
It’s been an exciting year for this local kombucha purveyor, which recently moved into a new 13,000-square-foot production space in northwest Baltimore and is now distributing across the Mid-Atlantic. To celebrate its latest flavor UpBeet—fermented with organic beets apple, ginger, and lime juice—the brand is teaming up with Mouth Party Caramel and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to host a celebration at Mobtown Ballroom this weekend. Swing by to sip UpBeet cocktails while enjoying eats from Pablo’s Toc O’s and live music by Bedlam Brass. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s mission to reduce pollution in our waterways. Mobtown Ballroom, 861 Washington Blvd. 7-11 p.m. $12

SHUT

Smoke: When this Cockeysville spot landed on the scene four years ago, it quickly became known for putting a creative spin on classic barbecue. Chef Josh White captivated diners—not only with his catchy music videos promoting daily specials—but also with frequent pop-ups and fingerlickin’ fare including sticky spare ribs and smoked wings with thyme bleu cheese. Sadly, Smoke served its final meal last week. “The decision to close was not an easy one, and comes with a very heavy heart,” White and co-owner Hope Seidl announced last week. “We are trying to focus on all the happiness we were able to bring our community over the last 3.5 years, rather than on how heartbreaking it truly is.” The post goes on to thank the local dining community for its support, and teases that this won’t be the last we see of Smoke in the future. “This is not goodbye,” the owners write. “This is thank you, we love you, and we’ll see you later.”