Beer in Baltimore: 12 Best Places for the Finest Beer in Baltimore

The birthplace of the patented beer cap, Baltimore’s beer scene has grown a lot since the past few decades. Setting its own beer culture in Baltimore, Charm City has been home to several historic breweries that have lost their charm over the years, allowing the new generation of brewers to take their place. From gastropubs, microbreweries, to taprooms, here are some of the best places where you can get the best beer in Baltimore.

Best Places for the Finest Beer in Baltimore

1. Winter Storm by Heavy Seas Alehouse

A seasonal brew at Heavy Seas Alehouse, Winter Storm is available from October to December. Its malty flavor includes a dash of chocolate and caramel, along with the best kind of hops - warrior hops, which will have people wanting for more. 

Formerly known as the Clipper City Brewing Co, Heavy Seas Alehouse is one of the oldest breweries in Baltimore. Since 1994, this pirate-themed brewery makes its own taps and is set in South Baltimore’s industrial area. The company produces over 30,000 barrels every year in the same location, and offers tours where visitors can get samples of four beers. 

Address: 4615 Hollins Ferry Rd, Halethorpe, MD 21227
Founded: 1994
ABV: 7.5%
Other beers to try: Loose cannon, devil’s backbone land ho, small craft warning uber pils, red sky at night

2. Juniperus IPA at Checkerspot Brewing

People who aren’t a big fan of serious hoppy flavors in their beers or IPAs will absolutely love Juniperus IPA available at Checkerspot Brewing. Although it does have some hoppy flavors to it, Juniperus is smooth, refreshing, and tasty. This drink is more bearable and almost drinkable than the regular IPAs. Thanks to all the flavors and notes that come from juniper berries. Hence the name - Juniperus IPA.

Get this drink at one of the famous Baltimore breweries and a taproom that is owned by a former microbiologist, Judy Neff. She also helped find the craft beer enthusiast group, specially for women, called Baltimore Beer Babes. This two-story taproom exudes a lot of characters, including natural elements, as well as agricultural tones. It also comes with a tasting room where visitors can try a range of samplers.

Address: 1399 S Sharp St, Baltimore, MD 21230
Timings:
Mon - Wed: 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM;
Thu: 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM;
Fri - Sat: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM;
Sun: 12:00 PM- 6:00 PM
ABV: 7.4%
Other beers to try: Big wig, butchie stout, barrel-aged jean quad

3. Virgilio Urban Wild Ale at Diamondback Brewing Co.

A refreshing, smooth drink, Virgilio is a mixed-cultured beer in Baltimore that IPA lovers will love. Its citrus flavor will make this drink taste either like cider or of a mead. The flavors in Virgilio come from a range of cultures sitting in French oak barrels for nearly 17 months.

Located near Locust Point, Virgilio is available at Diamondback Brewing Co. - a 50-seat taproom that was started by three friends from the University of Maryland in 2014. Set in a 6,800-square-foot area, this brewery specializes in one-off, lagers, and ales.

Address: 1215 E Fort Ave #008, Baltimore, MD 21230
Timings:
Tue - Wed: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM;
Fri: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM;
Sat: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM;
Sun: 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM (closed on Mon)
Founded: 2014
ABV: 7.7%
Other beers to try: Oat pale ale, New England-style IPA, dry-hopped lager, Czech dark lager

4. Dupont Cuvee Dry Hopped at Max’s Taphouse

For hoppy lovers, Dupont Cuvee Dry Hopped is a drink that will take on a hoppy high. This drink uses berry notes such as raspberries and blackberries, along with hoppy flavors. To grab this popular drink, head to the cigar-friendly pub, Max’s Taphouse, which is known for its craft beer in Baltimore. The taproom comes with a range of beer collections with over 100 drafts, multiple hand-pumped cask ales, and also produces nearly 1,000 bottles.

There are two story’s to this place: the downstairs is decked up with unique beer memorabilia, and the bar upstairs is a converted cigar lounge. Both these areas come with TVs and billiards, and the brewery also hosts weekly events.

Address: 733 S Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231
Timings:
Thu: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM;
Fri: 00:00 AM - 11:00 PM;
Sat - Sun: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
ABV: 6.5%
Other beers to try: 3 Fonteinen, 4 hands brewing - constellation, wire cutter 

5. Divine IPA at Union Craft Brewing

Divine IPA is a hoppy ale available at Union Craft Brewing Co. that perfectly balances the bitterness of the drink, which comes from mosaic and Citra hops. The drink exudes a fruity aroma and is perfect for IPA fans. Non-IPA fans can look at several other offerings from the same establishment - Union Craft Brewing. This pet-friendly beer garden nestled along Jones Fall river is a relaxed taproom that brings along a mix of new ideas and the old traditions to craft a spin on modern beers.

It is known for producing some of the best craft beer in Baltimore. This 20-barrel brewery was established in 2012 and has been regularly hosting tasting events along with multiple food vendors including Vent Coffee Roasters, Well Crafted Kitchen, and more. 

Address: 1700 W 41st St UNIT 420, Baltimore, MD 21211
Timings:
Wed - Thu: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM;
Fri - Sun: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM (closed on Mon - Tue)
Founded: 2012
ABV: 6.5%
Other beers to try: Anthem golden ale, old pro goose, heirloom lager, dropout sour IPA

6. Thirstay at Peabody Heights Brewery

Once you drink Thirstay at Peabody Heights Brewery, you’ll be thirsty for more. For people who like some malty flavor in their hoppy beer, along with mellow crispiness, Thirstay should be the go-to drink. Falling under the American pale ale family, this hazy IPA is brewed with lots of Amarillo, Galaxy, and Citra, blended with notes of resiny grapefruit, orange sherbet, and papaya. 

Beer lovers can get this drink at Peabody Heights Brewery, situated at Old Oriole Park. This independent Baltimore brewery brews over 2,000 barrels a month of both limited editions and signature brews. Peabody Heights Brewery first started as a contract brewery but emerged independently after three years. 

Address: 401 E 30th St, Baltimore, MD 21218
Timings:
Mon - Thu: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM;
Sat: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM;
Sun: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
ABV: 6%
Other beers to try: Belgian triple, Old Oriole Park Bohemian, Belgian Wit, and Mr. Trash Wheel’s Python Ale. 

7. NOBO Northbound IPA at Monument City Brewing Co.

NOBO at Monument City Brewing Co. is the kind of beer that is perfect for all types of drinkers. It's got a mellow flavor, Citra hops, and fruity aroma. This IPA is a great experimental drink for IPA beginners and those who want to stay responsible with their drinks.

To try this drink, head to Monument City Brewing Co that is set inside a former warehouse. This casual taproom is founded by two brothers, Matt and Ken Praay, and offers eight beers on tap. They include seasonal brews, as well. Along with this, the brewery hosts several brewery events such as live music shows.

Address: 1 N Haven St, Baltimore, MD 21224
Timings:
Thu: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM;
Fri: 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM;
Sat: 12:00 PM - 8:00 pm;
Sun: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Founded: 2017
ABV: 6.5%
Other beers to try: American Brown Ale, 51 Rye IPA, German-Czech pilsner

8. Lost Shades Golden Coffee Stout at Mobtown Brewing

Not everyone has acquired a taste for coffee stouts. But Lost Shades is a little different. The color is lighter when compared to the other beer in Baltimore. But the flavor is strong that comes from Black Acres Roastery coffee and Ecuadorian cacao. For people who don’t prefer stouts, Lost Shades is the way to go!

Lost Shades is available at Mobtown Brewing Company in Brewer’s Hill that is also renowned for offering unique beers that are brewed with a focus on regional ingredients and the local culture. This casual taproom comes complete with vibrant murals of octopus, to celebrate the success of Space Octopus - the brewery’s first canned beer.

Address: 4015 Foster Ave #400, Baltimore, MD 21224
Timings:
Thu: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM;
Fri: 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM;
Sat:12:00 PM - 9:00 PM;
Sun: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
ABV: 5.4%
Other beers to try: Fight test IV, wholly groats, natty dough, mango lassi sour IPA, first kick.

9. Resurrection at The Brewer’s Art

Brewer’s Art is situated in Mt. Vernon townhouse near the Mount Vernon neighborhood. It is a stunning spot to grab some of the best homemade Belgian-style beers. This microbrewery and restaurant is most-renowned for Resurrection - an abbey brown ale brew that is packed with a malty flavor, which tastes almost pitchy in the beginning but with a good kick towards the end.

And the drink, Resurrection, is so popular that The Brewer’s Art produces and sells cans of it in several other pubs and bars across Baltimore. This drink is great either at a home setting with a nice meal or at an urban setting over a course of meals. 

Address: 1106 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Timings: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM (daily)
ABV: 7%
Other beers to try: Ozzy ale, Stillwater 

10. Hops the Cat at Full Tilt Brewing

Nestled within the Accelerator building, with colorful murals on the ceiling and exposed brick walls, Full Tilt Brewing was established in 2008 by two cousins, Nick Fertig and Dan Baumiller. The mural on the ceilings pays homage to Hops the Cat - the mascot of Full Tilt Brewing. In fact, the mascot, Hops, is the popular IPA that comes with its very own iterations every season, along with Patterson Pumpkin Beer.

The drink, Hops the Cat is an unfiltered Indian pale ale that, indeed true to its name, is very hoppy. It’s packed with a bunch of flavors, along with a range of hops. Hops the Cat is an acquired taste that will be loved mostly by IPA fans, but non-IPA peers must also give this one a try to explore the hoppy-filled IPA world. 

Address: 5604 York Rd, Baltimore, MD 21212
Timings:
Tue - Thu: 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM;
Fri: 3:00 PM - 00:00 AM;
Sat: 11:00 AM - 00:00 AM;
Sun: 11:00 AM - 10: 00 PM
Founded: 2008
ABV: 7.4%
Other beers to try: Camden cream, fleet street raspberry wheat

11. Space Jellyfish at Nepenthe Brewing

Enjoy strong notes of kumquat, papaya, and other tropical fruits in Space Jellyfish. This drink is brewed with oats, wheat rye, and barley, along with a pinch of honey malt. Space Alien is made available at Nepenthe Brewing, an award-winning brewery and bar and restaurant set in the busy neighborhood of Hampden.

Renowned for producing some of the best craft beer in Baltimore, this brewery offers innovative crafts, and cocktails, along with mouth-watering food that goes perfectly with the beverages. 

Address: 3626 Falls Rd, Baltimore, MD 21211
Timings:
Tue - Wed: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM;
Sat: 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM;
Sun: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM (closed on Mon)
ABV: 7.1%
Other beers to try: Enigmatic monolith, pyromancer, vernal genesis 

12. Speed of Darkness at Oliver Brewing

Speed of Darkness is a Russian Imperial Stout that is absolutely smooth, filled with notes and flavors of coffee and dark chocolate. This is one of the strongest drinks with 8.5% ABV available at Oliver Brewing, which is also one of the oldest breweries in Baltimore. This establishment is known for offering English-style ales and American ales using traditional brewing methods. 

Considered as original craft brewers in Baltimore, this taproom has been brewing ales, bitters, and stouts within the premises of Pratt Street Ale House. But because of its growing popularity, Oliver Brewing Company decided to expand and set up its business in an old ice factory in North Baltimore. This place is spacious enough to hold 10,000 barrels, parking space for events, and a taproom to consume cold brews. 

Address: 4216 Shannon Dr, Baltimore, MD 21213
Timings: Mon - Sat: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Founded: 1993
ABV: 8.5%
Other beers to try: Peach Bmore Hazy, social lager, fruit can man, cherry blossom ale 

What are you waiting for? Ready to crack a cold one at one of these aforementioned places in Baltimore? Let us know which one’s your favorite!