Clandestino has grown up, literally. What began as a small operation in Frederick has moved into a…read morelarger space, and the expansion suits them well. This is Puerto Rican pitorro, also known as ron cañita, made with care and intention rather than gimmickry. Many local liquor stores now carry the brand, and it is well worth picking up a bottle, but visiting the distillery is an experience in itself. The founder is a fellow Puerto Rican born retired military member, a background I share, and like me, he has put down roots in Maryland. That story is reflected clearly in the brand's own framing, "Puerto Rican born, Maryland made." The space feels grounded and unpretentious, and that sensibility carries through to the hospitality. We arrived late on a Saturday and were still welcomed warmly, never rushed. We were taken care of by the founder's daughter, who was exceptionally kind, attentive, and knowledgeable. She guided us through a flight that included the traditional pitorro, almond, pineapple, coffee, coconut chai, and several seasonal offerings. The flavors were thoughtful and well balanced; even the infused expressions retained a clear rum backbone rather than drifting into novelty. We enjoyed them enough to leave with several bottles. This is artisanal pitorro done right, rooted in Puerto Rican tradition and confidently made in Maryland. Buying it locally is convenient, but going to the distillery is where the people, the story, and the spirit fully come together.

This local speakeasy has quickly moved its way to the top of my list…read more I love the ease of parking, safe neighborhood, and spacious speakeasy space. Always great service by bar manager Charlie, fantastic food and beverage menu and options. My favs so far are the grilled wings and chicken tortilla soup. The drinks are pretty awesome, and Charlie the Great can alter beverages to your preference if you prefer. This is an overall mezcal bar, but they have other libations as well. My fav is John Updike's Old Fashioned. My son ordered and loved the Strawberry Gin & Tonic. This establishment is a great conversation starter, and I look forward to returning asap.

Had the scallops and loved it…read more Jonah was a very attentive and knowledgeable server, definitely ask for him when you go in. The lighting is low (candles and dim chandeliers) but was perfect for a late night study session.

This is the kind of cocktail bar you go to when you want to have a deep intimate conversation with…read moresomeone. It is gorgeous, but dark, and the seating is spaced out enough to give you a bit of privacy. This is a great place to visit when you want to impress a date and ask them all of the awkward background questions about why their last relationship ended. And when you want to drink a fancy cocktail and don't mind paying $15-$20 for the privilege. The bartenders know what they are doing and are super professional, but probably are not trying to listen to your life story. You're also probably not going to meet new people here. It's not that kind of vibe. Basically, this is an upscale cocktail lounge, not Cheers (or Fraziers). And it is a very good one. I love stopping in for a cocktail on the way to dinner on the Avenue, or on the walk home. It is always a treat.

This spot is a cute neighborhood location. I've been twice now and have enjoyed each time. Service…read moreis kind and helpful, the space itself feels like hanging in someone's dining room, which I love. Food is great and experimental.

Getting my husband recently into gin cocktails was a huge win, because it finally gave me someone…read moreto go to Dutch Courage with! I'm so glad. The service was top-notch from the moment we walked in. The hostess even gave us a little tour so we could decide where we wanted to sit. On our first visit, we chose the bar and completely lucked out, we got to meet the cocktail master and some of the other staff while they were doing tasting tests. They walked us through the history and inspiration behind the cocktails and creations, which made the experience feel so much more personal. The atmosphere is lovely. I started with the Japanese Breakfast, which was tart and boozy, while my husband got the Pineapple Express, which had such a unique flavor. I didn't love the fizz, but he absolutely did! We then asked our server for recommendations and ended up with the Duck Season for me and the Spanish Moss for him. The Spanish Moss was a little too sweet for my taste, but the Duck Season was, without exaggeration, one of the most interesting things I've ever tasted. It was savory, rich, and deep, almost velvety and chocolate-like, despite not actually being chocolate. The entire combination of flavors was incredible. On our next visit, we sat outside, and the ambiance was just as wonderful. This time we tried a Stranger in Paradise and an I'm a Baijiu A Drink, and both had incredibly detailed and thoughtful flavor profiles. Between the cocktails, the staff, the atmosphere, and the fact that every drink feels like its own little experience, I absolutely cannot wait to go back!

We visited the pub after being at an event in the Green Room above. It was a quiet night for…read morethem--I'm sure it was because it was a Wednesday night. There was plenty of seating and some quiet music playing. The vibe was like captain's quarters, nautical theme with the decor. The bartender, Noah, was friendly and chatted it up with us quite a bit. I ordered some white wine while my boyfriend got a cocktail.

So glad the pub downstairs has reopened! The Bluebird Cocktail Room is a little fussy for me and…read moredoesn't always fit the bill for what I want. But the Pub is definitely more my vibe - casual but cool, cozy but not fussy. No reservations. The pub is a whiskey bar, and the focus is definitely on whiskey and whiskey-based cocktails. They do have wine and beer if you have someone in your group that isn't into or isn't in the mood for whiskey (I had wine when I met some friends there a few weeks ago). The service is great, and it's a just a chill spot for some drinks with friends. I'm sure I'll be back!

Major props to the chef for making Chamorro (CHamoru)/Guam food in the DMV! My friend and I have…read morebeen looking forward to trying the chef's Chamorro food for quite some time now. Tastes like home! We ordered the chicken kelaguen with titiyas; shrimp patties; pancit; red rice & chicken with daikon, fina'denne, and dinanche; butter mochi (with deconstructed coconut candy); and Chamorro empanadas. Everything was so good! That fina'denne, kelaguen, and pancit were on point!! The chalakiles (filling inside the empanada) was so flavorful. Mmm! More flavorful than I'm used to! That was nice. The shell wasn't hard-crunchy like how many make it in Guam, but the shell still had a crunch to it! The shrimp patties were shaped differently than I'm used to, but it was still delicious, especially with the sauce it came with. The butter mochi was the perfect ending to our meal! That taste is unforgettable! I want more of everything, NOW! I wish I lived closer to The Duchess. Bravo to the chef for making Chamorro food in the DMV! Also, shoutout to the waiters and everyone who checked on us. Great customer service!

One of the most unique gems I've found in Baltimore. They're serving a pan Asian plethora of fusion…read moredishes with the primary influence being Chamorro cuisine (Guam/Micronesia). We've been there three times now and we live almost an hour outside the city. Our server was Paul and he was awesome, extremely well versed and knowledgeable. The cocktails are inspired and inventive utilizing fresh ingredients. My favorite is the POG that they serve in a spam tin. For food we always have to get the spam musubi, lumpia, and tteokboki. Those alone are worth making the trip out. The musubi is better than my grandmother's. I've also enjoyed the steamed buns and the chicken skewers. The desserts were phenomenal, house made, not a hint of Cysco or us foods slop. I can't recommend this place enough. The interior is extremely comfy and almost transports you to another country. With unique seating options, if we lived closer we'd be regulars at happy hour. Paul told us today about a chef curated menu that we plan to try out for our next visit. In a world of corporate owned restaurants serving uninspired slop, places like The Duchess need to be protected.

We are always looking for some good pizza and Raffy's has made the list. We got artichokes,…read morepepperoni pizza, the goat pizza, a side of spicy ranch as well as some drinks. The artichokes were nothing special, I'd skip those next time. The pizza was delicious. Thin, crispy, and very nice sauce flavor and toppings. The side of spicy ranch had a kick to it. We were the only ones there at the time but the service was on top of it. She was nice and attentive. Id definitely come back and try other flavors. They do specials and offer a thursday date night deal.

Recently tried Raffy's for the first time since their rebrand/renovation. The atmosphere is cozy…read morewith a long bar, some tables, and a wood-fired pizza oven. Service was friendly and attentive at the bar. I enjoyed the glass of red wine on tap (which was technically a cup of wine) for $7. For such a cheap pour, it was pretty good. The Old Bay honey wings were absolutely delicious! Definitely recommend giving their wings a try - super succulent and all flats (my favorite). We also enjoyed the spinach and artichoke pizza on gluten free crust. The crust left much to be desired however, with the edges almost burnt to a crispy and the middle still pretty soggy. The flavor of the pizza itself was good but it could've used a sprinkle of flaky salt or even a drizzle of balsamic or chili oil to liven it up. Love that they feature a ton of unique pizza topping combinations so you can really explore some adventurous flavors. Their menu is also clearly marked for gluten free options which is always a win in my book. I'll be back!

A Warm, Welcoming Surprise! Someone mentioned Pink Flamingo to me almost in passing, and today I…read morehappened to be in the area and thought, why not give it a try? I'm so glad I did! Walking in, the space was simple and understated. Nothing overly elaborate or pretentious, just a warm, comfortable bar area. The bartender was busy when I arrived but immediately acknowledged me with a friendly "I'll be right with you." Such a small gesture, but one I genuinely appreciated. What followed was simply wonderful hospitality. Not over the top, not performative, just warm, genuine, and welcoming. I had quite a few questions about the menu, particularly the rum selections, and every question was answered patiently and thoughtfully. Based on the bartender's recommendation, I ordered an Old Fashioned made with Rhum J.M Fumée Volcanique. Smoky, smooth, beautifully balanced, and absolutely delicious! I've included a picture because this rum was a wonderful discovery. For food, I started with the crab fritters. They arrived warm, beautifully prepared, and delicious. My first bite struck me as a little salty, but as I continued eating, the creamy sauce, with what tasted like a hint of mustard, brought everything into beautiful balance. The flavors really came together. Next came the short ribs (forgot to take a pic ... was so into the ambiance and spirit of the place, service and meal) , served over what I believe was rice, with a wonderfully soft, almost creamy texture that I absolutely loved. The short ribs were tender, flavorful, and had just the right touch of heat. I added a little salt, but that's probably more about my personal love of salt than anything missing from the dish! I actually saved some of my fritters to make sure I had enough room for the short ribs, and I'm glad I did. But what really made the experience special was the atmosphere. There's something to be said for a place that doesn't try too hard. No fuss, no unnecessary fanfare, no exaggerated hospitality. Just genuinely good food, a wonderful cocktail, kind people, and a peaceful, comfortable space to enjoy it all. Even as I was leaving, the farewell was warm and understated. Nothing rehearsed, just a sincere thank you and the feeling that I'd be welcomed back anytime. Pink Flamingo has that rare quality of making you feel at home without making a production of it. I came in on a whim, stayed for a wonderful meal, and left feeling relaxed, appreciated, and genuinely happy I'd stopped by. I'll absolutely be back!

I've been wanting to go here for a while since it's got a predominantly rum based cocktail list…read more But what caught me off guard was that roasted beet and goat cheese. It's a must have, and honestly brightened my day. The crunch from the pistachios, good olive oil, and golden beets? Hell yeah. Sat at the bar since I walked in onna whim, asked for a recommendation and ended up with a tiki drink that I didn't realize was maize liquor. (I hate maize/corn liquor) and I did my best to power through it. It honestly wasn't a bad mix, I actually enjoyed the other flavors and the garnish baby corn, but I think the bartender could tell it wasn't my speed and set me up with a beer and made my night. The beer selection here is pretty good, with a lotta local varieties. What cracked me up was the lady next to me cracking back a few lemonade natty lights. Cute date spot, but if you're looking for a nice lil cocktail at the end of the night, this is a great spot. If you're a group of 2 or more and you want a table, make a reservation. This place gets packed!

Great service and AWESOME whiskey selection! You have got to check this place out! The food…read moreselection is really good as well.

Been here twice and both times loved it. It does get crowded but thankfully they have additional…read moreseating upstairs. Their whiskey cocktails are delicious and food was good. Definitely will go back when craving a night out with a whiskey cocktail.

My first time checking out WC Harlan. It's so dark inside with very minimal lighting provided by…read moredim lamps. We were greeted and told we can order at the bar when we're ready after finding seats. We found a couple seats in the back and I got the Tourmaline Fizz and my friend chose the High Himalaya. I really enjoyed my drink. A very cool speakeasy cocktail bar.

A speakeasy that I believe is not much of a secret anymore. You look for the house with the side…read moredoor and enter. As soon as you walk in you are handed a drinks menu and it's a seat yourself situation. Lots of cocktails, mocktails and draught beer on offer so something for everyone to enjoy. I do believe a ton of people end up here when they get put on a long waiting list at Clavel down the steet. Which hey good for both businesses I think. We went on a Friday night to wait out our waitlist at Clavel. Interior ambience is eerie and cool, lit entirely by candlelight. Really leaning into that gothic Edgar Allen Poe vibe. I got the Pistachio Latte which honestly surprised me a little - I somehow I guess was expecting more latte flavors to it, but the lemon was most prevalent. All in all, a cool place to hangout and get some drinks with friends.

Went for a brunch collab, highly recommend going to the pop-ups they do! The food is always…read moreinnovate and delicious. The space is has an eclectic, street style vibe. Love that they have a covered "outdoor" area as well. The staff are always friendly and helpful.

I am absolutely obsessed with the ambiance of this restaurant. It's small and cozy with an open…read morekitchen layout. There aren't many employees, but it was clear everyone was working hard and doing their best to serve everyone. I ordered the chicken shoyu, and my partner got the curry rice. Both were good, if not just a little under-seasoned. But I appreciate the simplicity of the flavors, and it was clear everything was made with high quality. We came during happy hour, which comes with discounted food! That was nice! The menu options when we came in were fairly limited, so we would be excited to try some of their other curry options if we ever return to Baltimore!