Places in Baltimore with cozy or autumnal vibes?

Submitted by LAStreetNames t3_y2e39n in baltimore

My wife and I are spending two nights in Baltimore next week. Staying in Fells Point. I've never been to Baltimore before. We're both into old pubs with fireplaces, cobblestone streets, parks filled with fall color, etc. We like offbeat sights as well. I have a short list of things we plan to do: AVAM, Poe's grave, Gertrude's, Blacks in Wax. Just to give you an idea of what we like. I'd love more suggestions, especially in terms of bars. Owl Bar? W.C. Harlan? The Horse You Came In On? Anything else cozy, seasonal, under the radar – all ideas are welcome. Thank you!

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flobbley t1_is2e3wl wrote

I haven't been yet this year but Cylburn Arboretum is probably beautiful right now, The Pagoda in Patterson Park gives very nice vibes this time of year. Mt. Vernon in general is just awesome in fall, go to the Walter's Art Museum then grab a hot drink at Doobie's and hang out in the monument park, at night hit up Topside, if their side room is open go hang out in there. Unfortunately most of my favorite cozy bars closed during covid, but Frazier's on the avenue in Hampden is still a favorite, and Hampden in general is also beautiful in fall. Also if you like diners you absolutely have to go to Tamber's near Johns Hopkins. A classic American style diner that also serves a full menu of Indian food.

If you want to have a weird time, give Mount Royal Tavern a try. Just a heads up though, it's cash only and you're likely to see some form of pornography, but it's a local classic

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amberthemaker t1_is2lwk1 wrote

I second the Arboretum. Its my favorite place to walk around while the leaves are changing.

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Real-Ray-Lewis t1_is3aou4 wrote

First and Last time I went in mt royal tavern, I walked upstairs, saw it was empty and came back down. An employee came up to me, told me not to go upstairs or he’d punch me in the face.

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fernkin t1_is3ioay wrote

I agree with everything here except instead of grabbing coffee at Dooby's, hit up The Bun Shop. it's one of the coziest cafes in the city and the walk there from The Walter's will be exactly what you're looking for.

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flobbley t1_is4mquc wrote

Read St between Park Ave and Howard is one of the best spots in the city. Great shops.

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YoYoMoMa t1_is52umy wrote

>Unfortunately most of my favorite cozy bars closed during covid

Rye and Bluebird are both cozy. The bar at Paulie Gees. 1157. One Eyed Mikes might be the coziest place in Baltimore if it had a fireplace.

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LAStreetNames OP t1_is2ulpd wrote

Great tips all around, thank you!

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megamangxd t1_is61dp8 wrote

definitely try to go to the walters if you're already going to avam

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TaterTotz8 t1_is2eogz wrote

Blue Bird! Fireplace, dark, seasonal literary themed cocktail menu.

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munchnerk t1_is2fxow wrote

Looooove Bluebird in the cold months. 10/10 vibes.

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If_I_must t1_is2ifiw wrote

Despite its historic significance, The Horse You Came In On is not what you want it to be. At all.

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bookoocash t1_is2n6df wrote

One of the greater disappointments in my life. Would be such a no-brainer to lean into the Poe stuff hard. Spooky bar with Poe-themed drinks and decor. People would go just for the novelty and if you make it even a little upscale you probably wouldn’t have to deal with the fights and violence that place deals with now.

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kDubya410 t1_is3mtuy wrote

That bar (The Horse) has been trash for a long time.

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bookoocash t1_is3mxq8 wrote

Oh I know. This disappointment hit me a very long time ago.

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kDubya410 t1_is55g7q wrote

Same! My friends and I ventured in there 12+ years ago out of morbid curiosity. Only stayed for one drink. Besides the cover band sucking and being way too loud, the whole vibe screamed “frat party.”

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TCFirebird t1_is54c41 wrote

>Spooky bar with Poe-themed drinks and decor.

Annabell Lee fits that description if that's what you're looking for.

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bookoocash t1_is5812z wrote

I have indeed been there and that place is nice!

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hotsauce_X t1_is2pgoh wrote

I genuinely hope OP has a great time with the other suggestions here, but I laughed when the Horse was mentioned. I guess it is “cozy” in a way…

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yellahammerrrr t1_is2zez5 wrote

Rye is probably more their speed if they still wanna check it out and then go somewhere actually good.

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LAStreetNames OP t1_is2txah wrote

Thanks. I had a feeling when I looked at photos of the place that it wasn't so hot, but I'm glad to hear it from a local.

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Treshornyboys t1_is2io46 wrote

This probably isn't the vibe you're looking for but I highly recommend ministry of brewing. It's a brewery inside of an old catholic church and the views are awesome

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MSteds728 t1_is3ujtw wrote

It’s gorgeous with the autumn sunshine pouring into those windows too!

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imperaman t1_is2ipqq wrote

The Reginald F. Lewis Museum is a much better choice than Great Blacks in Wax.

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jejunebug t1_is2qih0 wrote

Patterson Park is great for foliage, there is even a tree map. If youre into Poe, maybe check out Annabel Lee's. I wouldnt call it spooky but it's an unassuming corner spot that is entirely Poe themed with pretty good food and great service. In addition to Owl Bar, Bluebird, and WC Harlan, I'll throw out the basement of Brewer's Art and Idle Hour for dark and moody, and The Wurst for speakeasy. Hull Street Blues is on the other side of the harbor but it's a great little neighborhood spot with a fireplace And, like a few other have said, The Horse is not what you think it is - its trash. Don't waste your time.

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LAStreetNames OP t1_is2u3cc wrote

Excellent advice, thank you!

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Relevant-Fill2424 t1_is8dxfn wrote

Jejunebug is right about everything Glad to see Hull Street Blues & Idle Hour added to your itinerary !

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mapsoffun t1_is2g6wo wrote

If you're here Friday or Saturday, Birds of a Feather is super-cozy with an amazing selection of scotch. The back room has a fireplace and really comfy couches.

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ionceliscateledi t1_is3gzy9 wrote

They pour a stiff drink .

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mapsoffun t1_is3muxo wrote

That they do, and the owner was so kind to me years ago when I was having the absolute day from hell and I was out with friends in an attempt to get out of my funk.

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CheeseIndustries t1_is2slvj wrote

I was going to suggest the same, it's in Fells too. My favorite bar in Baltimore!

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R_G_R_4_2_0 t1_is5fl0y wrote

IMO this is one of the coziest spots in baltimore (if you like scotch haha)

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justlikeyou14 t1_is2dg79 wrote

Owl Bar

Brewer's Art

Bun Shop by MLK -- not a bar, but moody enough

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greemmako t1_is2fis1 wrote

wc harlans

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GregSulin t1_is30xtb wrote

Get a table at clavel, walk to wc Harlan while you wait

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greemmako t1_is3dsd8 wrote

pro move

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GregSulin t1_is3e0yj wrote

May or may not have pull this move a dozen plus times 😂… RIP Nam Kang!

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ezduzit24 t1_is3ijcw wrote

I didn’t know Nam Kang closed. RIP indeed.

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GregSulin t1_is3mzv6 wrote

Very sad, I spent a ton of time there years ago from 2am-4am

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Dharmata101 t1_is2l02b wrote

I’ll second Bluebird Cocktail Room for the atmosphere.

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loptopandbingo t1_is2vk30 wrote

Not necessarily in the cozy vibe realm, but the Visionary Art Museum is one of the best places to go anywhere in the Mid-Atlantic, and i feel like anyones first time in bmore would be missing an awesome experience without it.

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LAStreetNames OP t1_is2xihq wrote

That's why it's on my list! In fact it's the main reason we're going to Baltimore.

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mapsoffun t1_is3tcds wrote

Oh! I also meant to say that the AVAM gift shop is a must-visit, as it's this glorious hybrid of a museum gift shop and boardwalk souvenir shop with a splash of vintage Spencer's. We've found some really fun gifts there over the years, and is as much fun to explore as the rest of the museum.

That said, the exhibit "Esther and the Dream of One Loving Human Family" is extremely powerful and moving. I saw it last year when we went with friends to see the Last Week Tonight collection, and I absolutely recommend it on the second floor in the main building. Make sure to go to the third building to see all of the kinetic sculptures as well!

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mapsoffun t1_is3ng89 wrote

If you're going to be in Fed Hill, The Wurst Bar (new speakeasy on the second floor of Crossbar Biergarten on Cross Street) is definitely cozy and the cocktails are delicious!

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prettyinpetulance t1_is3ixcl wrote

WC Harlan for sure. I would avoid the Horse on weekends. Check out Bluebird Cocktail Room and the newly renovated beer hall. Also, Dutch Courage, Fadensonnen…these may be too far north for you though if staying in Fells. For Fells I recommend Rye for cozy drinks. Duck Duck Goose for nice dinner. Waterfront just reopened under new ownership and looks good (Atlas Restaurant Group is a chain of sorts in Baltimore).

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jameshamil007 t1_is35mzi wrote

Go upstairs at Fadensonnen if you like wc Harlan.

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TheWandererKing t1_is2nf6a wrote

The horse is just a standard dive now. No charm at all.

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Blatmore t1_is2xvz9 wrote

I like the vibe at Slainte but I don't remember it being all that cozy or having a fireplace. It's an Irish pub sort of thing, and their Irish breakfast (served all day) is lovely. And it's right in Fells Point.

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QuintonD44 t1_is304a8 wrote

Skip horse you came in on. WC harlen for sureeee

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fijimermaidsg t1_is3fjux wrote

Club Charles is an old pub...no, really Bluebird isn't old but it's got an awesome speakeasy vibe and beautiful interior. If you are going to visit Poe's grave, you'll be close to Greene St, gotta make sure you don't head in the wrong direction, if you're walking.

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Robbiebphoto t1_is4sdd9 wrote

One Eyed Mikes has your vibe I think and haunted per the bartender… Penny Black also.

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lakakakak9 t1_is2k8cf wrote

Greenmount Cemetery! Great place to wander during the fall.

Mums bar in Fed Hill is pretty cozy.

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bmoreirish t1_is2nf5c wrote

If you’re in Fells definitely stop at the (newly named, long time located) Anchor Bar under the Admiral Fells Inn. Have the punch.

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SnooHedgehogs6553 t1_is3crjw wrote

Halloween lantern parade in Patterson Park is on the 22nd. Not cozy but very cool.

Fifi from the AVAM might make an appearance.

Parking sucks.

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Due-Net-88 t1_is3ybxc wrote

Greenmount Cemetery! Absolutely gorgeous, beautifully landscaped Victorian cemetery with lots of foliage and sculptures.

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Lgsc2011 t1_is3efgr wrote

Pub dog in fed hill is super cozy and has surprisingly good pizza!

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incompetent_retard t1_is61jnw wrote

The best hole-in-the-wall pizza in Baltimore! Their pub dog brews are pretty good too, mix and match 8oz beers. They also have a much larger, Columbia, MD location, about 25 mins from Baltimore, but if you’re going out of Baltimore, might as well hit the Guinness place instead.

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metrawhat t1_is562bo wrote

Some great suggestions here. I'd also recommend taking a drive up through the neighborhoods in the northern part of the city. Mt Washington, Roland Park, up Falls Rd into the county. If you're not from the mid Atlantic this would be a good opportunity to see the foliage around here.

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birdpervert t1_is54nfe wrote

Church Bar and Dutch Courage for better cocktails than just about any other place mentioned here. Bluebird maybe being the exception. Koco’s for crab cakes.

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doughydonuts t1_is5ug2n wrote

There’s Druid Hill Park and Patternson Park. Jerusalem Mill is outside the city. There’s a covered bridge, old stone buildings, and easy trails with nice scenery. Lake Roland has nice scenery too that’s located right outside the city. You can There’s also Harpers Ferry that boarders MD and WV

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FrancisSobotka1514 t1_is67s75 wrote

Leakin Park is beautiful this time of year . It is absolutely something you wouldnt expect in a city like baltimore ,It feels like your in the woods of western md somewhere near cumberland ,Yet your smack dab in the middle of baltimore city .The Carrie Murray nature center is a must visit .

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kiwiyaa t1_is432ol wrote

Anchor Bar underneath the Admiral Fell Inn in Fells Point. It’s a cozy-but-“haunted” underground nautical bar that just reopened. Really fun spot and it’s right on Broadway Square so it’ll take you directly to Fells Point

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Relevant-Fill2424 t1_is8eglb wrote

Just want to add that Club Charles is historic, cheap and original. One person brought it up — worth a visit

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kale_cookie_castles t1_is2pxjq wrote

Penny Black has incredible food, tasty cocktails, and a lovely dark and cozy vibe!

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rainbowslinkies t1_is3czbo wrote

Horse is a great bar! Gets very busy on weekends but live music & the bartenders are sooo nice! If you’re into punk bars Ottobar is amazing, has pool tables & decent drink selection. La food Marketa (just outside of Baltimore) has great food & drinks. The zoo also has a nighttime beer fest- not sure if it’s going on while you’re visiting but definitely worth checking out

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fyjimo8103 t1_is2qx4o wrote

Check out Atlas restaurants. They’re some of the best in the city.

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LearnestHemingway t1_is2tnz5 wrote

You are a glutton for punishment my friend 😂

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fyjimo8103 t1_is2va9y wrote

lol thanks. I did it just to be a smart ass. Like casually walking by a fire and throwing a gas can on it.

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