Great service and excellent cocktails. Clientele is a no fuss and down to earth. Friendly vibe.

Stopped in to get an old fashion and it wasn't tasty I could barely drink it ..... not sure what bourbon was used but we left it and went somewhere else. Its very hard to find parking due to the area being permitted parking only. Very small and divey. read more

Idle Hour - Old fashion - Dive Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Perfect Baltimore dive bar. The cocktails, however, are quite elevated. Locals were welcoming. Bartender recommendations on Sunday were excellent. We had a great time and will be back! Tempus fugit... ;) read more

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Yikes. Some of the worst service I've ever received in Baltimore, very disappointing. I came on a Saturday night around 10, at first there were about 8-10 other customers when we sat. The bartender was a girl wearing a mask who did not acknowledge us for at least 10 minutes, at this point I set a 5 minute timer to see if we should just leave. Finally she acknowledged us, hands us the menu and at the same time - asks "What do you want?" Well... you just gave us the menu? How would we know? Also, no... hi, hello, how are you, how's your night. No pleasantries at all. Just "What do you want?" We eventually order our drinks, she brings them, and they were both good but okay, plus at this point I was very frustrated. Worse yet - Part of my drink was supposed to include a cherry, which she forgot. She came back after dropping them off, acknowledged she forgot it and said she'd bring it right over. But not before she made about 4-6 other cocktails so I was nearly done my drink by the time she corrected it. Only reason for the 2 star is aside from the cherry situation, the drinks were ok, otherwise this was a bottom of the barrel 1 star experience. Last but not least, she brings the check and the drinks are both $1 more each than the listed menu price. So scamy, what's up with that? The whole experience was awful. I would try again with another bartender but wow this lady really soured our otherwise great night out in Baltimore! read more

I've walked by Idle Hour so many times and never went in, and now I wish I'd visited sooner, this place is great! I finally went by this past Wednesday (2/21) for a listening party. Right away, I was taken with the vibe of Idle Hour. They have totally pulled off dive glam in there. The whole back wall has string lights that provide an ambient glow. There is a bar that runs almost the length of the wall across from the door and several high top tables and chairs. I sat at the bar and enjoyed how attentive the owner/bartender was. He tended to us and everyone in the establishment like beloved children...well, that's what it felt like. I had a nice cider while I was there and my friend who doesn't drink went with a mocktail the bartender created on the spot. Bathroom facility was nice but be aware there is no mirror in there so trying to fluff your hair or reapply makeup is not happening. Overall, looking forward to visiting again! read more

Idle Hour - Me at the bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

I don't make a habit of spending time in Fed Hill because it's generally not my kinda vibe, but Idle Hour is the exception to that rule. It's a completely different ambiance than most places in the area. Divey, casual, lots of character, and incredible drinks. I love a dive bar, don't get me wrong, but sometimes that means drinking disgusting mixed drinks and rail tequila. Not at Idle Hour though. They have some incredible cocktails and a stellar wine list. Their specialty is chartreuse. I actually hadn't tried this herbal alcoholic concoction up until recently but I'm now a big fan. Idle Hour has several cocktails that include this unique spirit including some classics like a mule or an old fashioned and some more custom creations like "the last word" and "naked and famous". Beware, these drinks do pack a punch though! It's definitely a neighborhood spot with it's fair amount of regulars. I think that just adds to the charm. Cheers! read more

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Honestly, it's okay. There's no wow factor or negative ambiance. It's your typical bar with an ambiguous soundtrack. Clean interior and drinks that could get the job done. For a speakeasy, I was expecting a unique experience but it's no different than a tavern. Not sure if I'd ever return. read more

Idle Hour - Honestly, it's okay. There's no wow factor or negative ambiance. - Dive Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

This is my first review of 2024 :) - this is an awesome chill and cozy neighborhood bar in Federal Hill. Highly recommend for a quick drink or date night with conversation. The drinks are excellent and strong . read more

Idle Hour - Drink menu - Dive Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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very unique bar, great cocktails, and fun bartenders (we love J!). super cool vibe inside, i always bring friends here when they're visiting to show them a good time read more

This is hands down my favorite neighborhood bar. It's hip, chill, and low key. I always just get a chartreuse & soda. I bring friends here and I bring dates here. Aubrey is my fave bartender. They always have cool music playing and the dark red lighting is really relaxing. read more

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I came here after brunch on a Sunday. It wasn't too busy and seemed like a chill spot. Despite all of the kitchy red streamers covering the walls, I actually really liked the dark, moody vibe. The crowd was a bit weird, though. I definitely saw pets and children chilling at the other end of the bar. The drinks were spot on and boozy. I had the Chartuese mule first and then asked the bartender what else was good. I usually hate the taste of vermouth, but the bartender recommended The Spanish Way, and it was lovely. If I'm ever back in Baltimore I will stop through again. read more

Idle Hour - Dive Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

The drink was just okay! ( not what I expected) But the bartender wasn't really nice. She acted kinda of mean, and none of us was happy with her behavior. The atmosphere was okay. read more

Idle Hour - Dive Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

This place is still awesome and was lucky enough to bring a group of friends over this past weekend. Being near Fed Hill sometimes one can struggle to find a bar that has a more relaxed ambiance and feel to it. Idle Hour is definitely one of those places for me, the DJ spinning vinyls on the weekends doesn't hurt at all either. They are known for their Chartreuse and really good cocktails but they also carry a decent beer and wine list. Many of the beers are from some of our local breweries and favorites so that was much appreciated. read more

When pickle-juice-accompanied whiskey shots and vile green shots of liquor made by deranged Carthusian Monks since 1605 are the competing house drinks, you know you've stumbled across a bar that wholeheartedly embraces the concept of nonconformity. Idle Hour is housed in a quintessential corner-entrance-style building that is the hallmark of many of Balmer City's best dive bars. But pass through the sticker covered door, give your eyes a moment to adjust to the ultra dim, Christmas light & candle provided mood lighting, and you'll start to appreciate the finer points of this bar. 5 beers on tap, relatively inexpensive drinks, an occasional DJ that spins a wildly eclectic mix of music, and no t.v... (Yes A Bar With No T.V.). At Idle Hour it's all about the conversation. The crowd at Idle hour can best be described as "random". It's not unusual to see a scruffy old guy sipping a MGD at one end of the bar and someone in a suit sipping a martini at the other end, with a college student somewhere in between. But somehow it works and everyone gets along. If you're wondering about food... Nadda... Zip... Zero... going on within Idle Hour's kitchen'less existence. But they will let you bring in a pizza or sub from nearby Mikie's, where the food and the service leave a lot to be desired. But if you just need something to soak up the excess alcohol, it'll do in a pinch. read more

Idle Hour - Dive Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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This is one of my favorite bars in Baltimore; I have many fond memories of nights out in this place on business trips of the past. If you're looking for an off the beaten path bar in Baltimore, look no further. It's very intimate and small it would be great for for a date or for a casual night of drinking. They always seem to have some local artists are on the wall on display for your appreciation. They have an impressive display of empty Chartreuse bottles above the bar. It seems to be their signature drink. In fact I was first introduced to Chartreuse at Idle hour... And come to think of it's the only place I have ever drank it (though I do have a pretty much 100% chance of ordering it when I visit this bar). Brace yourself, it is very strong. Five stars, for a great bar with a great feel in a great section of Baltimore. read more

Idle Hour - Outside view - Dive Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Bold selection Outstanding music Vibrant energy Man. I LOVED Idle Hour. Recommended to my group by a local, it was a hit from the start. An intriguing beer selection that was neither too broad nor exceptionally quirky - but was good. Plenty of brown spirits on offer, some locally-sourced. A (seemingly token) Chartreuse theme along the top of the bar, but not something we partook of. But lining up along that bar, and opposite it along the wall, my guys and I had a fine time whiling away a Friday evening with drinks in hand, jokes to spare, and good times all around. The soulful blues played on from within as we occasionally spilled out into the sidewalk to take in the early spring evening air, watch the sun go down, and spend a minute by the old blue bathtub out front, meeting some locals and enjoying the spot. Only dutifully answering the call to see more Baltimore tore us away, but we'll be back. A gem in the neighborhood; highly recommended. read more

One of my favorite bars in Fed Hill. It helps that I used to live a block away, and my roommate was pretty much there everyday, but I fell in love with it easily. The bartenders are always superchill, and there's always tons of regulars there that'll chat it up with you and become your friend. The crowd is usually mid-late 20 somethings and sometimes 30 somethings. They are always playing GOOD music there and on certain nights there's a DJ. The art on the walls is constantly changing and usually makes for great conversation. During the week it's possible that it's pretty empty, but it's ok if you like that and you can chat it up with the bartender and the one or two regulars hangin' out in there. On the weekends it can get crowded, and be wary of bringing large groups there since it's a small bar, but if you get there early enough (or late late enough) you can get a stool at the bar or along the wall. Whenever I end up back in Baltimore, I know I'll be ending my night at this bar. Good times. read more

Idle Hour - Idle Hour, Fort and William - Dive Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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I have mixed feelings about this bar but honestly I'd go back if it was in my neighborhood. It's got "some character" meaning some old chairs that bring in some charm and the rest of the place is renovated and new. It's pretty hipster and is reminiscent of what Brooklyn has become. I've heard good things about it - you can bring in your records on a Monday and pretty much DJ yourself which sounds cool. It seems to be full of people who already know each other and the bartender. We went there with some friends and it was nice to get a peek into Baltimore... or rather what gentrification is doing to Baltimore. Again, I'm going to be real and say I'd go back but I do wish it'd be more real with itself and at least not fake the charm and just be a new, hipster bar serving that demographic. read more

Not a normal review because I was there for a wine tasting event, but I had a thoroughly great time at Idle Hour. We were hosted by Abby, from the wine distributor, who talked us through five wines on an Old vs. New world theme. She was informative and funny, and the wines were tasty. Paired alongside was food cooked outside on a charcoal grill by the owner, Brendan - some delicious kebabs and grilled veggies, bookended between 'redneck caviar' and ice cream sandwiches. Of course, I had to try the Chartreuse too! I'd been saying I had to make it here for months, and it didn't disappoint! read more

Don't get their wine! It was horrible and the bartender still charged me for that after just one sip! She insisted it was a new bottle while it tasted vinegary. The place was cozy with dimmed lighting and decent music. Other than that nothing special.... Just horrible wine selection!! Ewwwww.... read more

This place just ROCKS plain and simple. It you were to go in there when it was light outside you would see basically a really badly decorated hole in the wall bar from the 60s with fake wood paneling, beaten up chairs and an odd maroon colored ceiling. When it is dark it is a whole different story. Lit with the draped purple icicle lights you would expect to find in a high school girls room, candles and recessed lights pointed at the really neat local artwork hanging on the walls the ambiance is set. It is accented by a record (Yes, I mean real vinyl) player that the Bartender/DJ/bar back/bouncer (there is only one person who works the entire bar at a time) keeps spinning with old stones albums and other fantastic rock. The booze are even better. Equipped with a full bar they have numerous bottled beers as well as 5 delicious beers on draft that are all pretty unique from one another (Drunkel, reserection, Dog head 60 minute IPA etc.). They also have a number of wines that many were drinking (though I haven't had there) and their signature Chartreuse liquor. The crowd is diverse from old timer locals to mid 20s. This place reminds me why it is sometimes worth it to pay a bit more drink at a bar as opposed to a house party. read more

I visited Idle Hour a few weeks back while in Baltimore on a road trip. My friend and I had spent the whole day in the car, checked into our hotel, and decided that, despite being a bit road weary, we'd go check this bar out. We were very pleased that we did. First of all, I use a walker and there were a couple steps into the bar, which I can't usually navigate on my own. Sean, who I thought was the door man, but turned out to be a very helpful bar patron, helped me out by grabbing a stool for me. Once inside, Jay, the bartender (with heavy Russell Brand vibe-IMHO, a good thing), was friendly and made me several delicious Shirley Temples. I believe my friend had Manhattans, which he also enjoyed. The atmosphere of the bar was borderline seedy, but in a really great way! Dark, lit only by candles and pink twinkle lights. There wasn't a DJ that night, but Jay seemed to be manning the turntables/CD player. The Stranglers were on when we walked in. There was art on the wall. I understand that the art is generally that of a local artist and changes regularly. This particular work was rather dark and brooding and looked great in this setting. When it was time to leave, Sean helped me get down the steps (this is when I realized he wasn't the door guy, but just really nice) and we talked about the American Visionary Art Museum. Jay also came out for a smoke break and recommended a good place to get beef on wheck, as our travels would eventually take us through New York state. I would absolutely go back to Idle Hour. the service was fantastic and it was a lovely way to spend a hour or two on our first night in Baltimore. read more

I love how this bar is laid back, the neighbors are always friendly, there is (usually) great art on the walls, and the music is always enjoyable. What I love even more is how this bar is "off the beaten path"- I can avoid all of the local Federal Hill bar-goers and stick to my local bar. I definitely recommend stopping in, getting a good taste of South Baltimore, and engage in conversation with some locals (while enjoying a great brew and good music). read more

Favorite Baltimore bar, hands down. Come here after dinner, hang out. It's my traditional birthday night spot. One bartender, chill crowd. No food, good music, virgin marys, Chartreuse (blehhh). It's truly a hole in the wall - a hole you are delighted to find and hesitant to share with others. It certainly stands alone in the goon cesspool that is Federal Hill on a Saturday night. PS. There is a hidden room by the bathroom. A couple of stairs... then blackness.. we have often wondered what this little upper room is all about ehh. INTRIGUE! read more

Great cocktail joint in Fed Hill. Its a very intimate and small place, so good for dates or small groups. The bartender there is very friendly, and during my night there I was served by the manager/owner. He is very knowledgeable about mixology, and he made me a great Manhattan with Jack Daniel, and my very first Moscow Mule :) Nice atmosphere, and good jazz music was being played, but I wish it was Live, oh well! Lol read more

Excellent bar service. Drinks are crisp, strong and unique. As with the area difficult to find parking. The bar is well worth the endless driving around for parking. #chatreuse read more

Although tiny and dark, I really wouldn't call this a dive bar. It reminds me of the downstairs of an old yacht. Dark wood paneling keeps a dim intimate vibe, with some red Christmas lights dangling over the wonnnnderfully stocked bar to add a little ethereal glow (on a dime). The sparse art in here, done by a local artist, is funny and weird... mostly naked fat people partaking in varying strange activities. The bathrooms smelled weirdly good? They had huge, fragrant lilies in there... best air freshener ever! Great music. I was lucky enough to sit through a full three cocktails and a cigarette break to a soundtrack of Bill Withers. A++ read more

This is the best dive bar ever. 1- their signature shot is an herbal, peppery liquor called Chartreuse and I highly recommend it. 2- the bartender is a girl with sleeves who is kind of rude but in this way that makes you like her? Anyway, she's a great bartender. 3 - if you go on Saturday there will almost certainly be a couple there with their hypoallergenic dog whose name is...wait for it...Neil Patrick Hairless. Go. Experience it for yourself. read more

Idle Hour - Makers and ginger and campy decorations. - Dive Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Drinks here were good and not overly expensive. Nice off the beaten path place with an off the beaten path crowd. read more

This bar is okaayy.... but there is a rude bartender named Brandon that has caused 4 people to never return. Someone told me the owner's name is Brandon as well-- I don't think it was the same person but if it was R.I.P. to long term success ;( VERY VERY hipster environment- which is weird in Federal Hill but was nice to have the variety- bartenders please check your hipster attitude at the door. We all get along and are friendly on this side of town- geez. read more

What looks like the diviest of dive bars is actually one of South Baltimore's (or is it Federal Hill's?) best bars period. Very well crafted cocktails, and I don't mean because they hand extract essential oils from exotic peach pits to make some funny cocktail. I mean bartenders who know their craft. Plus, I love Chartreuse, they have both kinds, and know what to do with them. read more

My new favorite bar in Federal Hill, even worth coming to with the headache of trying to find parking when it is almost ALWAYS impossible in this area! We stopped in here last night after having dinner in Fells point, planning to have one of their Chartreuse shots to sip on. It's a deliciously spicy and herb- like French Liqueur that warms the soul. And apparently this place is the most popular bar on the East coast to be serving/ distributing it, it's their "specialty" so to speak. The bar is very small and super cozy with Excellent music! I think on Thursday nights you can bring your own records to play too. The crowd was relaxed and enjoyable to be around, unlike some frat boy, loud, obnoxious bars in Federal Hill. Staff is super friendly. Can't wait to come back! read more

this is a hidden gem amongst the meat-packing bars in federal hill. a quiet dive with local art on the walls and a record softly playing great music. the bartenders/owners are always extremely personable and keen to satisfy a customer's request of "surprise me." had my first pickle back at idle hour a few years back (a shot of jack, followed by pickle juice), which was shockingly delicious. thanks for being an oasis! read more

My favorite bar in Bmore. It is dark, low key and drama free. There are definitely a lot of hipsters in there, so if you are allergic you might want to take a Benadryl before going. They play really great and somewhat eclectic music. I am constantly shazamming songs when I am in there. Chartreuse is the signature shot, but so is the pickle-back, which is my favorite. A pickle back is a shot of Pikesville rye whisky and a shot of kosher pickle juice. You do the whisky followed by the pickle juice--delicious and refreshing! If you are in S. Bmore, go get a pickle back and spend an idle hour(or two) at Idle Hour. read more

Great music, always. Also, no tv's, difficult to find in a Baltimore dive bar.

best local bar ever.... great ambience, nice and divey with out being nasty. great, great cocktails and if someone's spinning, the music can't be beat. LOVE their monthly wine tastings. So excited they are back open!!!! read more

Idle Hour is by far, my favorite bar in Baltimore. It doesn't seem like much at first glance, but as soon as you walk in, you realize it's not your typical "dive bar." There is a large vinyl collection, so there is always something fun and different to listen to. The bar is lined with red twinkle lights, giving it a very chill, cool vibe. I highly recommend this place, for a fun and different place to grab a drink, relax, hang out with friends, and listen to great music. read more

Cool bar Baltimore! I went here last Friday night to meet and hang out with two of my college friends. One of them lives right around the corner so this is his local place. I have to say having just gone to a dive bar in Baltimore the night before that I did not care for, this Idle Hour bar was a relief for me. Definitely a cool local scene bar. My friend said it's way cooler than the neighborhood though, and less yuppy. I liked it as soon as I walked in. The crazy lights, the hard music, and the atmosphere. I got a hard cider (Crispin) for $4 and saw with my friends. One friend just had water (I had about 3 glasses of water too) and the other had Miller Light. I could definitely see myself going to this bar if I lived near by. The only catch is that it's in the cool area, so if you are a tourist and are downtown you should take a taxi. I took one going back to the hotel near the inner harbor and it was cheap - like $6 or something. One thing though, the music was a little too loud. Now I like loud harder music (rock, punk, etc.) but it was a little too loud and made it hard to hear my friends. We did talk for about 90 mins but I struggled to listen to them. So turn down the music just a little bit please, but please keep the lights on! Awesome. Also parking is a real pain in that area so give yourself plenty of time to find a spot. read more

Small, dark and awesome. Great bar for drinking and carrying on conversation with choice music in the background (MC5 and Clash albums playing when I went). Pretty solid selection of draft beers for a smaller establishment. It was a little more expensive than I'd anticipated, but it was all-in-all a great place read more

One of my favorite bars in Federal Hill. Super chill. The bartenders/owners are really friendly and they have always got good tunes on. Their "thing" is Chartreuse. They claim it is the closest thing to absinthe in the U.S. and they are the largest seller of the stuff in the Mid-Atlantic region. read more