The historic Federal Hill section of Baltimore, Maryland, is a charming place to shop, dine, drink and wander, its red-brick 19th-century buildings preserved and rehabbed by homeowners and commercial establishments. If it's bars you're looking for, Federal Hill offers a number of fun drinking spots, where you'll find locally brewed beers, big-screen TVs and a lively, young crowd. This is a neighborhood that knows the meaning of the word "party."
Mother's is one of the better-known Federal Hill haunts and has managed to get quite a bit of attention for its party atmosphere and its famous deep-fried, cheddar cheese-stuffed burger, also known as the Heart Attack on a Plate. Mother's throws some pretty big parties, particularly in the warmer weather, out on its Purple Patio. But you can also play pool and foosball there, and the food gets rave reviews. Besides the burgers, Mother's serves up Maryland crabcakes, ribs, seafood, salads and overstuffed sandwiches. In the front of the place, you'll find a long bar, and beyond the bar, a quieter restaurant.
Mother's Federal Hill Grille
1113 S. Charles St.
Baltimore, MD 21230
410-244-8686
mothersgrille.com/
There are more than 150 beers available at Ropewalk Tavern, one of the oldest taverns in Federal Hill, dating back to before the Prohibition. Located where 18th- and 19th-century shipbuilders made ropes for their ships, the tavern is decorated with cigar-store Indians and an antique bar. The Ropewalk also offers an extensive menu of burgers, wings, quesadillas, and daily specials. Drink specials include $2 draft beers each day of the week and Happy Hour discounts. You can find parking at the West Street Parking Garage.
Ropewalk Tavern
1209 S. Charles St.
Baltimore, MD 21230
410-727-1298
ropewalktavern.com/4901.html
It's not every day that you can enjoy a cocktail and some magic, but at Illusions, which occupies a former magic shop, owner and magician Spencer Horsman entertains the clientele every weekend with a comedy magic show, card tricks and even a straitjacket escape act. The bar is decorated like a Roaring 1920s cocktail lounge, complete with an Art Deco bar. Spencer performs Fridays at 9 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 p.m.
Illusions Magic Bar and Lounge
1025 S. Charles St.
Baltimore, MD 21230
410-727-5811
illusionsmagicbar.com/
This is a popular late-night spot for pizza and beer after partying at some of Federal Hill's other bars. According to many Baltimore locals, Pub Dog serves some of the yummiest individual 10-inch pizzas around, not to mention a long list of locally brewed beers. Pub Dog serves food nightly until 1:30 a.m. and is open until 2 a.m. Its thin-crust pizzas run the gamut, with everything from the Old Yeller (tomato sauce, mozzarella, grilled chicken, smoked bacon, tomatoes, red onion and spinach) to the Atomic Dog (hot sauce, cherry peppers, smoked gouda, mozzarella, smoked bacon, pepperoni and red onion). Pub Dog also bottles and sells its own house beers.
Pub Dog Pizza & Drafthouse
20 E. Cross St.
Baltimore, MD 21230
410-727-6077
dogpub.net/
This is a place that began in Philadelphia, so be forewarned: They love the Eagles here. As you would expect, MaGerk's specializes in Philadelphia-style cheese steaks and other tasty sandwiches, all in a neighborhood atmosphere. You'll find three different bars, 14 plasma-screen TVs for football watching, and a patio that's popular among the college set. MaGerk's has an extensive menu, which includes the cheesesteaks, hot and cold sandwiches, salads and, believe it or not, sushi. On Thursdays through Sundays, MaGerk's hosts a disc jockey upstairs, where you can dance. MaGerk's is open until 2 a.m. daily.
MaGerk's Pub & Grille
1061 S. Charles St.
Baltimore, MD 21230
410-576-9230
magerks.com
