Unlike dive bars, cocktail bars specialize in creating intricate concoctions with fresh ingredients and home-made recipes. Each cocktail bar has an assortment of basics, sure, but the good stuff comes when the mixologist lets their creativity loose. Discover the flavors of Maryland’s best at the following 6 bars.
Level is a multi-award winning “small plates lounge,” serving cocktails and, as you may have guessed, small plates. They use seasonal ingredients in their cocktails and entrees, many sourced from the nearby Chesapeake Bay. Cocktails include many classic-inspired drinks with a Level twist.
Blossom is a cocktail bar in the MGM National Harbor Hotel. This trendy spot is decorated to pay homage to the blooming cherry blossom trees in the area. They invite you to “relax and enjoy sophisticated cocktails, freshly mixed drinks, micro and macro brews, and creative shots.”
Perry’s Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge is “a truly friendly restaurant and bar that offers something for everyone,” according to Suburban Scene Magazine. They have a Happy Hour every Monday-Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and half price wine on Monday.
Market Tavern, a gourmet market and neighborhood bar, is located in historic Sykesville, and stocks local beer, tapas, and classic cocktails. They serve specialty foods like salted chocolate, artisan spreads, and gourmet snacks. The cocktails are mostly the classics done just right.
The Cellar Door offers “American-Casual cuisine” with robust nightlife offerings almost every night of the week. The food is great on its own, but the main attraction is the cocktail menu. Try their seasonal cocktails or bourbon cocktails: You can’t go wrong with anything on either menu.
Bolder in Airy, Maryland “focused on local flavors in a relaxing atmosphere.” They’re proud of their intimate atmosphere and seasonal ingredients. Every cocktail is handcrafted with premium liquors. We recommend the Twisted Peach Crush, made with Van Gogh cool peach, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, and prosecco.