Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Ottobar

    3.9 (178 reviews)
    InexpensiveBars, Music Venues
    Closed 9:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    Ottobar Photos

    Business Info

    OTTOBAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Live music
    Divey
    Hipster
    Casual

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Ottobar

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Heidi F.

    Can never not give the Ottobar five stars! This is certainly my favorite venue in Baltimore and at times feels like home! I come here pretty frequently for really fun events. Sometimes they're even free and the staff always does a great job. Shows here are also excellent as the sound is great and the acts are very diverse. The bar tenders make great drinks and the prices are fair.

    James B.

    Fantastic vibes. Best bar/restaurant in Fed Hill. Fantastic food and service. I need 85 characters so here is my review.

    Joe P. @ ottobar!
    Olivia J.

    What a great venue! The only place you can get up close and personal with your favorite rising artists. When you walk in the door, security checks your ID and gives you an event bracelet. The stage is five steps away from the entry. General admission has access to the first floor, along the entryway wall, there are risers to stand on if you want some space from the crowd. Some spots have a clear view of the stage but others are obstructed by a support beam (see video). After you claim your spot I suggest sending one friend to pick up drinks at the bar. The bar area is huge, and they'll make just about anything for you. I love how you can still watch the show from the bar area so you won't miss anything. NOTE: No food is served inside the venue. No outside food or beverages are allowed inside the venue. Overall: Small venue. Professional sound system. Affordable tickets. Huge bar area. (no seating in the bar area) Friendly staff. Rising artists. Local spot. Hipster and edgy vibes. There's a disco ball.

    Deer tick Concert
    Kevlyn M.

    Love this music venue so much! I've been coming here for about 3 years now and have never had a bad experience! It's a cool place that hosts a lot of unique bands and it gives me the opportunity to discover so many new artists! Always recommend this place for a fun show to so many different kinds of music

    a band performing on stage at a concert
    Mark N.

    The original Ottobar opened in downtown Baltimore 1997 and this location has been around since 2001. Ottobar is an old school dive bar with music that includes the punk, alternative, metal, and hardcore acts one would expect. The bathrooms are dirty, the beer is cheap, but it's a great place to see a show. The staff are good people

    Carolina S.

    No trip to Baltimore is complete without a visit to John Waters' staple bar, Ottobar! It was our last stop on our 24 hour excursion from New York. Waters' consistently mentions this spot in his books and interviews. The bar didn't open until 9. When we arrived at 9:15 there was already a line. When my friend looked up the events there was "Dog Fashion Disco" on one floor and New Wave dance party with DJ Fun Billy on the second. Sold! On the New Wave dance party. And don't be fooled on the former. There is no dogs in cool platforms and John Travolta Saturday Night Fever outfits. This was more a sad realization when I heard this insanely loud rock music for $25. We made our way up. My friend ordered a High Life for $6. Damn! Are we in NY? I was in luck because the Annabel Lee White beer was $6. A nice crafty pint was going to suit me just fine. But it was only a matter of time before I went local and got the "Bo" National Bohemian Beer, a tall boy for $4. You learn quickly while in Baltimore that this is the beverage of choice. At the corner of my eye I noticed an Elaine Benes character cutting a rug on the dance floor. Took me a minute to figure out that I knew the Elaine! My friend fearlessly took the dance floor and we all joined in. DJ Fun Billy killed it on the tunes with Depeche Mode and Pet Shop Boys. If I remember correctly we offered him a spot in the car back to NY! Ha! The art on the walls was unique, playful and painted in bright colors with minimal to no shading. One piece was even purposely hung at an angle. When I asked the bartender about the artist she mentioned it was the Ottobar owner Michael Bowen. Ha! He's a busy guy running a bar and making art. The bar itself felt like you were in a small town. No real hipsters to be seen even as it got later. It was unpretentious and relaxing. There were people playing pool and some sitting around and people watching. We only got one couple to join the dance floor. They did not leave much room for the Holy Spirit. And nobody judged our NY presence which made me feel welcomed. A prime dive spot to end the night and shake your tail feather. Made me miss the kinda town where you know where to find your friends and where the options are obvious. The following day I went to see one of my favorite bands play in NY , Negative Approach from Detroit. As they were setting up I noticed the guitarist Ron was wearing an Ottobar shirt. I mentioned I had been there the night before and he gave me an enthusiastic fist bump. See you again soon Ottobar!

    Balcony area

    See all

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    A dumpy dive of a club, and I love it. Great for an Indy, punk, dj, or local music show. Great beers on draft too

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joe S.
    54
    30
    4

    13 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 1
    Love this 12
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    18 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ian W.
    7
    64
    2

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ariana T.
    164
    53
    18

    15 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mensa M.
    115
    372
    93

    15 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tim Y.
    28
    36
    6

    13 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    20 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    18 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Aaron G.
    151
    27
    176

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    18 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Shelley V.
    229
    321
    461

    15 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sarah B.
    253
    48
    0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kat H.
    11
    2
    0

    19 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 2 of 5

    Ask the Community - Ottobar

    Is the bar area "raised"? (like brooklyn steel's for example) if I'm at the bar and not tall will I be able to see over the heads of (what looks like from the pics here) 10 rows of people or should I just show up early to be in front?

    If you mean the stage for the shows, it is raised and you should be able to see up. Also, there's a small upstairs areas with benches and seats you can look down on the stage. There's also a wide bench along the whole right side of the wall that… Read more

    I see that someone asked if there is karaoke but there were no details other than "yes." Has anyone actually done it and how was it?

    it's hosted upstairs most Wednesdays after trivia and currently Fridays from 6 to 10pm. it tends to be a good crowd singing everything from Disney to R&B to punk and metal. DJ Penfield is a good dude.

    Is it in a decent area? Baltimore can get pretty shady at night.

    Nope! Don't be deceived by all the residential. It's still sketch! Not west baltinore sketch, but not great either.

    Is there a karaoke night?

    yes

    View All 8 Questions

    Review Highlights - Ottobar

    Great space in the middle to bounce when Aesop Rock is belting out your anthem.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Bars 8,441 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Clandestino

    Clandestino

    4.5
    (18 reviews)
    3.2 mi

    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.

    Photos
    Write what you want
    Write what you want
    Music posters
    Music posters
    Tequila!!!!

    See all

    Tequila!!!!

    Ottobar - bars - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...