I think it kind of depends on tolerance for their existence (😉), but here are some places I enjoy so far that are more laid back and not "college town party" vibes like the Cross Street Market area will have:

Brewer's Cask; I Don't Know (pretty chill during happy hours but I know Ravens games can be loud here); Mums; Riverside Taphouse; Checkerspot Brewery.

That's all I have for now - just moved here October but I'm sure I'll find more!

That's fair and makes sense. I've seen down here that thankfully it's not just the college-y parts of Fed Hill that are lively. The whole area has bars and restaurants that get reasonable levels of activity from various age groups. I agree that I think it's for the reasons you mentioned - there's more business in general.

Why not?