A Local’s guide to Harbor East Bar’s

I don’t know about you but when I travel I love to talk to the locals and find out the best places to go – especially when it comes to nightlife and restaurants!

Harbor East is located right between Fell’s Point and the Inner Harbor and is exactly half way between the Pier 5 Hotel and the Admiral Fell Inn.

This blog was written by a Harbor Magic friend and Fell’s Point local Cindy Plackmeyer who writes a local column for the Baltimore Examiner. A great guide for your next trip – Harbor East is a must see if you have not experienced it yet!

Just steps from both Fell’s Point, Little Italy and Harborplace, Harbor East has emerged as a destination for home buyers, shoppers, diners, movie goers and those looking for an adult beverage or latte.

As one who’s lived in the area for a few decades, Harbor East’s mere existence is something of an amazing feat. Who really thought that the blighted area between the Inner Harbor and Fell’s Point would really amount to much?

So lo and behold, there are several great places to sit, relax and have a cocktail. A resounding ‘yay’ can be heard from all of us.

James Joyce – what’s a bar area without an Irish pub. Nice little outdoor area and all the kind folks that work here have a bit of a brogue.

Roy’s – while a chain, this place doesn’t feel much like it. The bar offers many signature drinks, is comfortable and the food here is fabulous.

Fleming’s – again, another chain restaurant but the bar here is long and the service is great. The cute little wine carafes make any wine taste just that much more special.

Landmark Theatres – yes, this movie theatre has a bar! Grab a nicely prepared concoction before heading into the theatre. How very civilized.

Oceanaire – again, a chain but this one in Baltimore is doing better than some of its other locations around the country. Great bar and wonderful seafood specialties to slurp and chomp between sips.

Lebanese Taverna – nice northern location for these restaurateurs who, along with an ample supply of alcohol have some of the best hummus I think I have ever tasted. What do they put in it? Surely it’s something more sinful than they let on but I don’t want to ask.

Cinghiale – Tony Foreman and Cindy Wolf hit a home run at this establishment, especially in the bar area as this bar is utterly amazing. Really long and gorgeous and overseen by the wild boar on the wall, the namesake of this restaurant. Wine specials on Tuesdays.

Charleston – usually known for its food and pricey wine paired dinners, one could just grab a new outdoor table and imbibe while watching the harbor traffic go by. Go for either the plush indoor bar or if you can grab one, a table on the sidewalk.

RA Sushi – chains seem to do well here at Harbor East and RA is no exception. Go here for happy hour if you don’t mind loud music and California-inspired sushi creations.

Pazo – again, another early adopter to the periphery of Harbor East’s development but Tony and Cindy have created a fantastic bar atmosphere here that complements the restaurant’s very hip, Soho feel. Drinks are fun here, especially when the trendy crowd rolls in after 10 or so. Grab a sofa and snuggle up with a stem-less glass of Pazo red or white.

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