Welcome :) The 8x10 is my favorite venue in the city. It is a bit small but they have a good variety of shows in my opinion and the crowd is friendly. I also really like Mum's nearby. They have a pool table and have an older crowd of patrons, so may be more tame than what you're looking for. Cat's eye pub in fells is super fun but will likely have a cover. They have music every night.

I think you would thrive in the Baltimore pinball community. One of my favorite places to hang is Holy Frijoles in Hampden. They have league night every Wednesday starting at 7:30. I am a bit like you described and I have always found the pinball folks to be welcoming but won’t make you feel like you need to talk to them or know everyone to feel included.

We love to have date nights playing pinball. Holy frijoles in Hampden is our favorite spot. Seeing a concert at the 8x10. Taking an evening stroll around our neighborhood and walking to a nearby park, then get some ice cream before heading home. We love to take date day trips to hike at some of the various parks or just outside the city.

Federal Hill park is very nice and gives you a good vantage point of the inner harbor. There is a museum close by called the American Visionary art museum that is neat even for taking pictures of the outside. The Fed Hill neighborhood has a bunch of yummy restaurants and cool bars but tailors more to a college age type crowd. I think your best bet for nightlife could be Fells Point. Hope you enjoy your time!

Favorite- Fancy Pants by Checkerspot

Runner up- Space Jellyfish by Nepenthe

Honorable Mention- The Doctor Says I'm Hazy by Mobtown