With a variety of venues and a visible security presence, the Inner Harbor is a safe bet if you're looking for things to do in Baltimore after dark. Bands often play on a stage in the dockside seating area at the Hard Rock Cafe Baltimore, at Pier 4.
Popular performers pepper the summer concert schedule at MECU Pavilion (731 Eastern Ave.), where the waterfront backdrop is perfect on a warm evening; phone (410) 783-4189 for the box office. Major acts also play at Royal Farms Arena , a couple of blocks from the Inner Harbor at 201 W. Baltimore St.; phone (410) 347-2010 for recorded information.
Power Plant Live! , two blocks north of the Inner Harbor at 34 Market Pl., gathers a bunch of bars, clubs and places to eat under one roof. Have a brew or two at the outdoor Leinenkugel's Beer Garden while planning which spots to hit. Luckie's Tavern is a huge sports bar, while rock ‘n roll pianos duke it out at Howl at the Moon. The Havana Club is an upscale nightclub with an extensive wine and cigar selection. Angels Rock Bar has scantily clad female bartenders, a DJ-spun mash-up of contemporary rock (spiced with the occasional Journey or Bon Jovi oldie), VIP areas and an outdoor bar.
Also within the complex is Rams Head Live (20 Market Pl.), one of the best places in Baltimore to see a live show. The concert schedule includes local as well as national acts; phone (410) 244-1131 for the box office.
You must be 21 and over to get into Power Plant Live! after 9 p.m.; an ID must be presented. A dress code for admittance to the beer garden is posted at the entrance gate.
Nearby Soundstage Baltimore (124 Market Pl.) features a mix of rock, dance, R ‘n B and hip-hop artists, plus DJ sets and various launch party events; phone (410) 244-0057 for the box office. Note: A convenient parking location for all Inner Harbor venues is the Pier 5 Garage, 711 E. Pratt St.
Fell's Point has some cool bars, pubs and nearby restaurants. The Cat's Eye Pub (1730 Thames St.) has friendly bartenders, more than 30 beers on tap, rock bands and a come-as-you-are vibe. The Wharf Rat (801 S. Ann St.) dishes up exceptional bar food (crab dip, cheese fries, hand-tossed lump crab pizza) and offers happy hour beer specials and Tuesday trivia nights. Ale Mary's (1939 Fleet St.) also has calorically indulgent bar food—they're known for Tater Tots and Krispy Kreme bread pudding—a huge beer selection and outdoor seating.
If you're looking for fun things to do with friends and are a soccer or college sports fan, head to Sláinte Irish Pub & Restaurant (1700 Thames St.) to watch games on TV; the second-floor dining area is quieter and less crowded, and the window tables have nice views of the Fell's Point waterfront and the water taxi dock. Try the corned beef sandwich topped with coleslaw and Swiss cheese.
Visit Charles Village to See Local Bands
Ottobar (2549 N. Howard St. in the Charles Village neighborhood) is a typical rock club: walls plastered with show posters, a hipsterish crowd, decent acoustics and lots of drink specials. Local bands, hip underground acts, occasional big names and DJ nights make up the music schedule; phone (410) 662-0069.
Unwind at a Hotel Bar or Lounge
Sometimes, though, you just want the peace and relative quiet of a hotel. Apropoe's in the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront (700 Aliceanna St.) has classy décor, and the martinis are well-made. The Explorers Lounge in the Royal Sonesta Harbor Court hotel (550 Light St.) has a safari theme, with painted murals of jungle animals, leather furniture, soft jazz and piano music, and lovely Inner Harbor views.
Tucked away in a corner of the Belvedere, a former hotel turned condominium (1 E. Chase St. in the Mount Vernon neighborhood), The Owl Bar is quintessential Baltimore. A former speakeasy, it exudes faded grande dame atmosphere, with stained glass above the bar and a mechanical owl on one wall. Come here for a drink and conversation rather than the food; there's a good selection of local beers.
The free weekly City Paper, available at many businesses and from sidewalk vending machines, has extensive entertainment listings.
Note: Use common sense when it comes to staying safe after dark. Away from the Inner Harbor, some sections of downtown Baltimore can be dicey to wander around at night; if in doubt, take a cab.