A tour through 4 of Baltimore’s best going-out spots

“Good Morning Baltimore,” Tracy Turnblad famously sang in Hairspray, a musical inspired by Maryland native John Waters’ campy 1988 film. But while we love show tunes, Ricki Lake, and Divine, a day on vacation stretches far past the daybreak.

So, where does one go when they’re looking for a Good Evening (in) Baltimore?

In between museums, restaurants, and shopping on a recent trip to the city, I made it my (and my extremely patient partner’s) mission to find the best spot for snagging a drink when the sun goes down.

To my surprise, we didn’t just find one, we encountered a quartet, each with their own unique appeal. They don’t call it Charm City for nothing!

Below, join us on a tour through 4 of the best LGBTQ+ (and queer-friendly!) going-out spots in Baltimore.

For a familiar feeling

Leon’s of Baltimore is the oldest continuously-run gay bar in the city, and it’s got the crowd, vibes, and literal skeleton decorations to prove it. This Charm City fave is open 365 days a year, and famously advertises no cover charge — ever.

According to their Instagram, Leon’s has gone through “a lotta facelifts,” from 1890s taproom, to prohibition speakeasy, and eventually a dedicated watering hole for the LGBTQ+ community in 1957. Now, its glowing pink neon on Chase Street is a beacon for those looking for strong cocktails, drag queen sightings, peoplewatching near the bear flag, or to commandeer the digital jukebox in the backroom. (The singalong that occurred when “Drift Away” by Uncle Kracker played was positively inspiring.)

Leon’s will resonate with any visitor who’s got a favorite gay bar in their hometown, with its friendly bartenders, spacious seating, and a steady flow of LGBTQ+ locals wandering in throughout the night.

For a romantic evening

The B-Side Cocktail Lounge at Hotel Revival is perhaps the romantic spot to grab a drink in Baltimore. If you can find the entrance, that is.

The speakeasy is tucked away on the boutique hotel’s bottom floor, behind one of the most delightful entrances I’ve ever seen. Patrons wander over to a working jukebox at the end of a dimly lit hall, where they can insert a coin and play a song — I chose Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” naturally — or press the return slot, prompting a secret door to eject out. (Yes, I scoped out how the confused couple in front of me navigated the situation before making my confident entrance.)

Inside, visitors will find a dark room with an elegant and classic aesthetic: tassel-lined chairs, cozy booths, and chic, candlelit tables. Behind a micro-bar, a team of experienced and passionate bartenders whip up gourmet cocktails named after vinyl icons. (I opted for the “Dolly P,” pictured above.)

While it’s not explicitly LGBTQ+, it’s an overwhelmingly queer-friendly space. Better yet, it’s an ideal date spot, because when the intimacy proves too much, there’s karaoke rooms around the corner.

For a dive-bar feel

Just a short walk from Leon’s of Baltimore is The Drinkery, a tiny dive with a charming name that about says it all. On the other side of the door lies an impressively-sized central bar, where a diverse crew of patrons crowd every edge, sipping and watching sports from stool-top perches.

Expect cheap drinks, heavy pours, friendly conversation, and a smooth selection of R&B blasting from the digital jukebox.

For making friends

If you want to see the Baltimore LGBTQ+ (and queer-adjacent) scene at its best, visit Melanie’s at Griffith’s Tavern during an Orioles game. In the neighborhood bar’s own words, they specialize in “a good ass time,” and I’ve got to say I don’t disagree. Nearly every inch of its wood-paneled walls are adorned with vintage beer signs, kitschy decorations, snacks, and drink specials. Even their busted urinal was decorated like a piece of art!

We ordered Mel’s “special” espresso martinis, but the prevailing drink of choice amongst a crowded counter of patrons was ice cold beer. In between innings, visitors chatted with new and old friends, flashed smiles across the room, and downed enough Jello shots to make Academy Award-winning actress Melanie Griffith proud. (OK, so perhaps there’s no actual connection to Dakota Johnson’s mom, but she’d undoubtably love the vibe.)

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