Annapolis has a buzzing nightlife. There are countless bars, saloons, and pubs where you can have a drink as you wind down for the day or start your weekend. Some of the bars are located pretty close to each other, and they run till late into the night. Therefore, you can choose to go through a number of them in a night if you have limited time.
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You will find that most of these places double up as restaurants, so you can easily pick a place to have dinner and then enjoy your drinks later. This summary of the best bars in Annapolis will help you know which ones to try out.
1. McGarvey’s Saloon and Oyster Bar
You will find McGarvey’s on Pinkney Street at 8 Market Space. It has been around since 1975 and is still hailed as one of the best in Annapolis. The bar serves a variety of drinks, including American craft beer. It is open on Sundays from nine-thirty am to two am and on Monday to Saturday from eleven-thirty am to two am. Happy hour runs between four and seven pm on weekdays. A fun fact about this place is that it has a 75-year-old tree growing right in the middle of the building.
2. Middleton Tavern
Still, on Pinkney Street, close to the Naval Academy, Middleton Tavern has been at 2 Market Space since 1750. Talk about a historic Tavern. It is the oldest in Annapolis and among the oldest in America.
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They serve various drinks, and you can experience live music as you enjoy yourself. The Tavern is open on weekdays from eleven-thirty am to one thirty am and from ten am to one thirty am on weekends.
3. Castlebay Irish pub
Castlebay Irish pub has been serving Irish and local cuisine since 1998 when Vincent Quinlan set it up. Come here for some in-house beer and a variety of imports as well. You will find the place at 193 Main Street. It is open on Monday through Sunday from eleven am to two am.
4. Acme Bar and Grill
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On the same street as Castlebay Irish Pub, you will find this sports bar somewhere between the shops at 163 Main Street. Acme Bar is a great place to enjoy a great selection of wine and liquor and international and local beers. Come with your friends and enjoy some live music on weekdays. On Saturdays, there’s a DJ, so you never lack some music to jam to as you drink. The place is open every day from eleven am to two am with happy hours on weekdays from four pm to seven pm.
5. Ram’s Head Tavern
This has been one of Annapolis’ most loved bars since 1989. The design on the inside makes it look like an English pub, and it has a patio where you can catch live performances of local music. The menu has delicious food options and a wide variety of drinks, including ales produced by its own Fordham Brewing Company. Find Ram’s Head Tavern at 33 West Street. You can come in from eleven am to two am on Monday to Saturday and from ten am to two am on Sundays.
6. Stan and Joe’s Saloon
Close to Ram’s Head is Stan and Joe’s Saloon on 37 West Street. This saloon has been in business since January 2007. Come and experience excellent service as you enjoy fresh and delicious seafood and a wide range of drinks.
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You can also catch some live music as you unwind. The place runs from eleven am to one thirty am on Monday through Saturday and from ten am to two am on Sundays.
7. Galway Bay Irish Pub
If you want to relax and maybe have a conversation as you drink, go to Galway Bay on 63 Maryland Avenue. They serve a variety of tasty Irish cuisine and an excellent selection of drinks such as Irish and Scotch whisky and beer and ale. There are even several gluten-free beers on their menu. On selected days, you can catch some live music as you drink. On Sundays, the place is open from ten am to eleven pm. From Monday through Thursday, you can pop in between eleven am, and two am. On Friday and Saturday, it runs from eleven am to one am.
8. Red Red Wine Bar
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Located at 189 Main Street, Red Red Wine Bar serves a selection of drinks and meals. It is open on Sundays from ten am to twelve am, on Monday to Wednesday from eleven am to twelve am, and on Thursday through Saturday from eleven am to two am. An interesting fact about this place is that you can come with your dog.
9. Dry 85
If you are in the mood for some comfort food, cocktails, and beers, Dry 85 on 193B Main Street will serve you well. Their whiskey game has earned a name as one of the best in America, so you should pass by if you love whiskey. On Monday to Thursday, the place is open from eleven am to twelve am. On Friday and Saturdays, the hours extend to two am, then on Sundays, you can come in from ten am to twelve am.
Some More Bars to check out
You can check out Dock Street Bar and Grill at 136 Dock Street for drinks, food, and music. It is open from eleven am to two am. Armadillo’s is close by at 132 Dock Street. You could also consider popping into Davis’ Pub in Eastport at 400 Chester Avenue and O’Brien’s at 113 Main Street. If you would like a waterfront experience, Pusser’s at 80 Compromise Street is the place to go. Happy hour at Pusser’s runs from three to six pm on weekdays.
Wrapping Up
Visiting Annapolis and exploring its nightlife will prove to be a satisfying experience. There are new and old places, places with superb wine and those with limitless beer and whisky choices. And there are places with music and others that let you drink in peace. You will find an excellent bar to unwind after a tiresome day no matter where you go in this city.
