This one was an unexpected gem and one of the most memorable stops of our Fells Point trip. We walked in on a Thursday night (not sure of the exact time), and it was completely empty. No bartender in sight, no other patrons, no background noise. For a moment, we genuinely wondered if we were in the right place. The bar is down a flight of stairs, tucked into the basement, and it's notable because it's Fells Point's only and possibly first basement bar, which already gives it serious character points. We waited near the bar for a few minutes, heard nothing, saw no one, and eventually started heading back up the stairs to leave. That's when Steve, the bartender, literally came after usnot in a weird way, but in a very human, "Hey! Sorry about that, I was in the stock room come back in!" way. And honestly? From that moment on, the experience completely flipped. Steve was phenomenal. Friendly, welcoming, deeply knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the place. He's worked there for 18 years, and once we sat down, he turned the bar into a living history lesson. He shared stories about Fells Point, Baltimore, Edgar Allan Poe, the building itself, and all the ghost stories tied to the space. He also told us about the celebrities who've passed through, including the fun detail that Blake Shelton once sat in the very bar stool I was sitting in and ordered a Bullet bourbon. Naturally, that kind of trivia just adds to the charm. Drink-wise, I ordered an Angry Orchard, and my friend had a single Tito's with cranberry and soda water. Our total was $26.16, which feels pretty standard for Baltimore definitely not cheap, but not shocking either. The bar itself is small, intimate, and packed with atmosphere exposed brick, low ceilings, and that cozy, historic, slightly haunted vibe you hope for in a basement bar. It's also connected to The William Fell Inn hotel through a separate entrance, which makes it feel like a hidden secret rather than a tourist stop. We loved the history, the stories, the ghosts, the setting and especially Steve. Being the only patrons that night was actually a gift, because it let us really soak it all in. That said, we're absolutely planning to come back on a busy night to see how the energy shifts when it's full. If you love historic bars, good storytelling, and places that feel like they've seen things Anchor Bar is a must. ‍ read more

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Steve is the best; award winning bartender, what more can I say... come for Steve (Extra characters...) read more

Hidden gem in Fells, the only remaining basement bar in the neighborhood. They were making fancy and throwback cocktails way before it became popular, so they really know what they are doing. The smoked old fashioned was a work of art. It starts with a regular old fashioned, then once you've sipped out about an inch, they put a bunch of herbs on top and light them on fire with a kitchen torch. The result is a whole second cocktail experience. Well worth the $21. They also serve food, and if you're not sure what you're in the mood for, you are in luck - they serve food from both restaurants upstairs, Duck Duck Goose and Osteria Pirata. This is an old school basement bar with the decor and lighting to match. It is not a highly polished, brand new speakeasy with mood lighting. This place has been mixing cocktails behind the same wooden bar since flared jeans were in fashion the first time. Definitely worth a stop. The bartender, Steve, is a real treat. He wouldn't tell us any ghost stories, but did tell us that this is potentially one of the most haunted places in town. read more

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I came here for drinks after seeing a post on social media. I've been to Fells hundreds of times but never came here. Parking was the typical downtown Baltimore parking situation, if you can car pool or Uber that probably would be best. Finding the bar was easier than expected. It's underneath Admiral Fell in and Duck Duck Goose. The ambiance was nice as it was decorated for the holidays. Although it's small, I was able to find a seat at the bar. To my understanding there's only one bartender there nightly. He was polite but unable to be attentive because it was so busy. I had to wait maybe 15 minutes to be acknowledged and served. The bar is known for its Old Fashions (they can be high $$ to some. Starting at $20.+ ) but I wanted to try their holiday cocktails. I was able to try one. The bartender informed us that he was not making anything that was posted online but we could get the batched one. It was a really good drink. He also made me a "Holiday Old Fashion" called the smoking chimney. That was a decent drink as well. I recommend coming here as either your first stop before heading somewhere else or your last stop before heading home. read more

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I found this bar while looking on Tik Tok for a great expresso martini after a long day of work. When I walked in, the bar was empty. My husband and I sat and Steve was the most welcoming person. I noticed the bar options were slightly low, however, Steve made due for what he had. My husband ordered the best old fashion and unfortunately the kitchen was closed. Steve was very apologetic and kept up entertained with light music and conversation. Other customers arrived and bragged about how amazing he is and has always been. It truly made my day better. I will for sure be back to see him! read more

I experienced this place during an eggnog crawl and I'm so happy I found it. The space is tiny but it has bar and banquet seating. It really gives speakeasy feels. I doubt it has food, but I can't wait to come back and have a drink and listen to the stories that this father and son team spin. read more

Anchor Bar - Look down so you don't miss the entrance. - Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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I have been coming to fells a very, very long time and, of course, been familiar with The Admiral Fell Inn, but I had no clue the Anchor Bar was in the basement. After being closed for 3 years, they re-opened last August, and boy am I glad.. After descending the steps & round the corner, you are met with the smell..sights & sounds of what can only be interpreted as a Speakeasy.. Leather barstools, dark corners, and a bar lined with craft liquor.. I was greeted by the sweetest goosh darn bartender I have met in my life.. Steve has been with Anchor bar for a lot of years, and aside from making a kick butt drink, he has tales of Fells from yesteryear... I didn't partake in food.. don't think they offer any, but this experience was the BEST I have had in a very long time. The drinks were absolutely amazing..fragrant.. clean..refreshing and thoughtfully put together. It never got crowded, but it was always a steady stream of patrons all who seemed to know & be familiar with the place... Steve is amazing and makes an establishment thts already outstanding to the next LEVEL!!! read more

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best old fashions best martinis elderflower french 75 knot your average mule masterful manhattan amazing mojito smoked old fashion sizzling sazerac cosmic cosmopolitan mocktial mania read more

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If cozy had a picture next to it in the dictionary, it would look like Anchor Bar. We loved heading downstairs (underground) to the bar, with its low and moody lighting, impeccably dressed and attentive bartender, excellent music selection, and delicious drinks. We didn't take photos of the before (shame on us) but the Fabulous French 75 was the best I've ever had. If you're in search of a cozy, low key, old-soul bar- come grab a drink! read more

Anchor Bar - Empty Fabulous French 75 - Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

The cocktails made here are solid! Can really taste the love and gives you a good buzz. Ambiance is definitely more towards a speakeasy vibe. Real tiny so can get crammed on a weekend night but that's the only gripe which is honestly a good thing to match the speakeasy vibe. Bartender was solid but felt bad he was the only staff for a Saturday night, however he handled it extremely well. 5 stars and would return for a more sophisticated vibe rather then the hootin and hollering that's typical at fells point on a Saturday eve. read more

What a hidden gem! Our bartender Steve really made us feel welcome and accommodated. It's a little bar beneath the Admiral Fell Inn, and while it might not look like much it sure has a big history, and STRONG drinks! Steve has so many amazing stories about celebrities he's served in this bar, along with the history of the city, and his own fascinating life. My husband and I would go again just for that alone. We were here on a Wednesday night, and got to chat with several local folks which made for a delightful evening. read more

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Hidden gem for a cocktail in Fells Point. We stopped here before moving on to the rest of our night. We didn't stay for food - but I heard that the team at Duck Duck Goose next door did the menu and everything looked great. The bartender was super friendly and we even made friends at the bar. read more

Stopped into Anchor Bar after a night out in Fells Point. What a pleasant surprise. The atmosphere is something special in this little bar. The space feels reminded us of a speakeasy. The super friendly and entertaining bartender Steven was great. We ordered a dirty martini and espresso martini and they were both delicious. Would highly recommend stopping in Anchor Bar for a drink or two if you're in the Fells Point area. Really great addition to the neighborhood. Can't wait to see what Chef Alfred has in store for 2023! read more

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Bartender is awesome. He was solo and was such a champ. Vibe is great. Drinks are really well mixed and fun. Great ambience! Thank you to the bartender! Tip him well! read more

Anchor Bar - Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Favorite bar in the area. Small and cozy. The bartender made our drinks methodically with lots of attention. Did not see any food.

I cannot begin to express how amazing a man and bartender Steve is! I have never had a drink as consistently out of this world as the ones this extremely talented man makes. I encourage everyone who reads this to come out and experience his talent first hand. If you want traditional speakeasy and amazing drinks come out to Anchor Bar. You won't be disappointed! read more

Seriously the best Negronis in town, hands down. Amazing vibe, beautiful space, impeccable and warm service. Favorite bar in fells point for a romantic date or deep conversation. read more

Stephen is one of the best bartenders I've ever had. its a solid hotel, but the bar downstairs is worth a visit itself.