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Best Places To Grab A Drink Post Show, Downtown

Thankfully, Baltimore, as small as it may seem to an outsider, has a pretty bumping bar scene. That comes in handy after you roll out from a downtown concert or show and are in the mood to dance or grab a drink with friends. All of the after party venues are within safe walking distance from your concert/theater venue and perfect for chatting it up with your fellow audience members.

If you're catching a show at:

The Meyerhoff Symphony Hall

1212 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Reviews, Directions & More Info

Head to:

Mari Luna Bistro

1225 Cathedral Street,
Baltimore, MD 21201

Tues - Thurs:11:00 am-10:00 pm
Fri:
11:00 am-12:00 am
Sat:
5:00 pm -12:00 am
Sun:
10:00 am-3:00 pm
3:00 pm -9:00 pm
Reviews, Directions & More Info

This newly opened bar restaurant has a beautiful terrace where you can sip margaritas and sangria after taking in the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Located across the street from the Meyerhoff, Mari's is the newest edition to the growing fine dining scene on the edges of Mt. Vernon. The cuisine is straight up Mexican and very tasty. After 10 p.m, the restaurant opens its basement lounge for those looking to dance to Latin beat. Hands down the best 'ritas in Mt. Vernon!

If you're catching a show at:

Sonar

1207 Weldon Ave
Baltimore, MD 21211
Reviews, Directions & More Info

Head to:

The Sidebar

218 East Lexington Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Reviews, Directions & More Info
If you're catching a show at Sonar, then you're already in the know when it comes to hip music venues. But what you may not know is that around the corner is one of the city's best-kept after party secrets. The Sidebar, which during the day is the watering hole of local politicos at City Hall hence the name, is a basement pub that features every style of late night patron from punk to mod. It's a dark hole in the wall that you won't want to leave. Trust me.

If you're catching a show either at:

The Strand Theater

1823 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21231
Reviews, Directions & More Info

The Charles Cinema

1711 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
http://www.thecharles.com/

Head to:

Club Charles

1724 N. Charles St
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-727-8815
Open Mon-Sat 6pm-2am; Sun 6pm-12am
Reviews, Directions & More Info

Probably the most famous "under the radar" bar in the Station North arts district. It has changed little since it opened back in the 50s and still attracts a bohemian, artsy crowd including local film legend John Waters, who can be seen there most weekends hanging with the locals. Neon, leather booths, lit stairs and super friendly bartenders make Club Charles a perfect stop after taking in a play at the Strand or a foreign art film at the Charles Theater across the street.

If you're catching a show at:

Center Stage

700 North Calvert Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Open Tue-Fri 10am-8pm; Sat 12pm-5pm
Reviews, Directions & More Info

Head to:

The 13th Floor at the Belvedere Hotel

1 East Chase Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Open Wed-Fri 5pm-2am; Sat 7:30pm-2am
Reviews, Directions & More Info

Best view of the city. Period. This club, located at the top of the historic Belvedere Hotel (now condos), features bands with a Latin flavor and window seats that face north and south of the city. They also book adult rock bands, so you never know what you're going to get when you get out of the elevator that all but opens on the dance floor. Though the interior has a whiff of 80s glamour, the bartenders serve up first-rate cocktails at reasonable prices.

If you're catching a show at:

The Fells Point Corner Theater

251 S Ann St
Baltimore, MD 21231
Open Sunday 1:00–4:00 pm, Monday – Wednesday Closed, Thursday – Sunday 7:00–10:00 pm
Reviews, Directions & More Info

Head to:

Bad Decisions

1928 Fleet Street
Baltimore, MD 21231
Open Mon-Sat 5pm-2am; Sun 12pm-2am
http://www.makeabaddecision.com/Bad_Decisions/

If you're a fan of old school cocktails in a mellow, corner bar type venue, stopping here after a show is one of the best decisions you'll ever make. BD prides itself on homemade liquors (yes, homemade), and their bartenders' skills. It's also known locally for their Beer and Bacon happy hour. Yeah. It's that good. Locals love BD for the friendliness of the staff and the bar's laid back atmosphere.

J.M. Giordano is a freelance photographer and co-founder of GutterMagazine.com, a guide to the underground scene in Baltimore, London, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Paris.

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