I almost don't want to leave a review because I don't want to share one of my favorite bars in Baltimore. BUT.... I really love this place and started this whole Yelp thing and it only seems right that I review Sugarvale. Stopped by there this past weekend on Friday evening @8:30pm. It was super packed, so I left with my group to go grab food and came back @ 10:30p. It was still super packed. All good though. We squeezed into a small area at the bar and even scored a few bar stools. I must say, every time I go to Sugarvale the bartenders are very helpful, regardless of how busy they are. The drink list seems to be different every time I visit this bar but that's kind of the cool part about it all. The bartenders are legit and make it just as fun to watch them make the drinks as it is to sip on the drinks. I would love for there to be a wee bit more focus on the music at the bar. Sometimes it's playing sometimes it's not and sometimes it's great music (a little something for everyone) and other times not so much. Bottom line: this is a great hidden gem in Baltimore. I hope it doesn't go anywhere anytime soon. read more

Sugarvale - Wine Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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I have been to Sugarvale twice and had two completely different experiences both times. The first time I went was over the summer. It was a Friday evening around 7:30pm and it was extremely packed. The space is small but cozy. It was self seating which was fine and you order at the bar which was also fine. The issue was the vibe! It was just nonexistent. If yal have read my other reviews you know I enjoy vibes lol. The music was just okay, food was not that great and service wasn't even a thing! Fast forward to two weeks ago and what a change! This time I went on a Saturday around 11:00pm ish. Still packed but the vibe / energy was very different! The music was amazing, the staff so friendly and the drinks chefs kiss! I didn't have the food again hence why I didn't give five stars but this was a fun place for a intimate nightcap. I didn't feel rushed as before, the staff handled the high demand/ busy atmosphere very well and it was overall just a good time! I think Sugarvale is a fun place for drinks with friends before or after going out, a sexy / intimate nightcap or just a cool neighborhood staple! Overall I recommend for drinks but will have to try the food again for a better experience. read more

I love the vibe of sugarvale. Very intimate location with a quiet, East atmosphere. Options for cocktails are very classic/old schools selections with unique I ingredients. This is not your sex on the beach type of establishment. If you need a tequila sunrise or a Fuzzy navel, this might not be the place for you. The last time I went there was a customer who must've had the toughest day in their life. F bombs everywhere. Must have been an employee or close friend of the bartenders, but he ruined the experience for us for sure. No major food served on Sunday (they want to be Chic fil A so bad). Overall good. Would to again. Love then decor. read more

Sugarvale - Menu - Wine Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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With some of the most creative drinks in town, paired with a subterranean abode that is both welcoming and upscale, Sugarvale is a Mt. Vernon standout! Descending the stairs and entering into this cozy, dimly lit bar, you feel as if you've walked into a secret club of sorts. Rest assured, the welcoming and knowledgable bartenders are ready to guide you through your first visit. Serving up an inventive, and consistently updated cocktail list, you're sure to find something intriguing that won't disappoint. Though known for its drinks, the food menu is not to be missed! The black bean and beet burger is a vegetarian highlight on the menu, and a flavorful companion to any of the liquid concoctions on the menu. read more

Sugarvale - Black bean and beet burger - Wine Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

The best of Mt. Vernon (IMO) rests in this small, quant speakeasy. The drinks here are outstanding, which is the main reason why people come to speakeasy's in the first place. The bartenders are friendly but they're about their job, not to chat you up about how it's 102F outside. They're here to make delicious and creative drinks and they do it very well. The kitchen is understated because of the limited number of items on the menu, but don't pass up the opportunity to try whatever is showcased on the day that you go. We tried a little bit of everything and didn't find a dish that wasn't fantastic, the mac and cheese though...that stood out. The seating is limited as the space itself is small, so come early or expect to wait a bit for people to leave and free up space. read more

Really ambiance-y place with amazing, classy drinks and good food!! The amaro daiquiri during happy hour was surprisingly good. The chicken buns were great and I am so happy they have a completely vegan burger with a vegan cheese on it (lactose intolerant friendly). Will absolutely be coming back. It is a little echo-y and loud but I'd say it's still a great to hang out with people. read more

Sugarvale - Wine Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

This was my first time coming to the bar. It is a very cool, unique, and dope cocktail bar. The staff was friendly and they greeted you when you walked into the bar. There was enough indoor seating and they offered outdoor seating. Come here if you want to try different drinks with a friend! read more

I had seen that they don't do reservations so I showed up early with my bf to get a seat at the bar. The ambience is really on point, we loved it. The bartenders were friendly and knowledgeable and we had a great time chatting with them. They even let us try one of their whiskeys because we were chatting about it. I can't name by memory any of the drinks that I had and unfortunately they don't have their new spring cocktails posted online yet (they just updated the cocktail menu a few days ago). I thought I would like the cocktail with mango in it, but the garlic falernum really threw me off. It was interesting but too weird for me. My favorite cocktail was the one that had clarified milk in it, I wish I could tell you what it was called. None of their cocktails were particularly on point for my taste, but I'd still come back because I loved the service, ambience, and creativity in their mixology. read more

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This place is teeny but lovely. The bartenders are kind and helpful, drinks are fun, ambience is sexy. The only issue is that there is exactly ONE bathroom for all customers and bartenders, which can lead to an awkward wait. read more

Loved this bar! We had a recommendation from a local to come here and I'm glad we did. They offer such an assortment of cool drinks and there's a late night happy hour with drinks costing 7 to 8 bucks. I got an old fashioned and negroni. Both were very well made! I also liked the interior of the place, a neighborhood bar but still had a nice appeal (not grungy). Bar staff were super cool too and seemed like great people. read more

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The cocktails here are really interesting and intricate, it's a fun place to go to try something new! Intimate atmosphere.

Definitely am a fan of their Happy Hour. I also did not try any food so read this review as someone who checked out Sugarvale on a hot Wednesday, early evening for Happy Hour. It was nice and cool in there, it felt so nice. Sat at the sleek, dark, bar with my husband and were greeted immediately. Bartenders were both super nice and clearly had lots of locals that come in because of the drinks and their friendliness. I had a gimlet and a Boot Snake and they both were potent, delicious and beautiful. Husband had a negroni and an amaro daiquiri, and he liked the daiquiri better of the two. I wish there was a HH deal on all of their cocktails. All in all we would definitely be back here before dinner for a cocktail or two or three. read more

Good, comfortable vibes. Great service! I enjoyed my visit! I went on a Sunday so the kitchen was closed, but the drinks were great!

Hmmmm you had me at charcuterie... I was lazily walking home one evening when I saw the light on in the old space that was once occupied be Dylan's Oysters Bar. I'd heard rumblings that Phil of Dooby's had opened another spot. Anxiously I quickened my pace. I was greeted by a cool interior with a minimalist feel. Hello craft cocktails and charcuterieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. Glancing over the small but, extensive menu I couldn't decide what I wanted to try first. I finally settled on the deviled eggs with Tasso ham (creamy with the right mustard to mayo ratio). The Beef carpaccio served on toasted bread with pickled onion, pesto and goat cheve. And I washed it all down with a nice chilled Grenache. All that for 16 bucks! How great! :) With it's spacious tables, seating and laid back vibe, I'd definitely visit again. read more

Sugarvale - beef carpaccio with pesto, pickled onion and goat chèvre. deviled eggs with Tasso ham. Chilled Grenache. - Wine Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

This is an intimate dwelling in a Mount Vernon basement. It's the perfect setting if you're trying to actually talk to someone and enjoy the drinks - like on a date. The lights are low with a few bulbs here and there. There's usually some form of greenery or the outdoors on the ceiling. This time it's pine cones but in the past they've had ivy. It's nice that they bring the outdoors inside. They offer a few small bites from Doobys upstairs like their dumplings and max & cheese. But the true reason to visit is for their rotating drink menu. It's broken down to help people decide which type of cocktail they'd like. The drinks are on the pricer side but are actually enjoyable and come with such a presentation that they're hard to ignore. There isn't much seating. A few tables outside when it's warm, maybe 8 bar stools, and a few tables (high top and small tables) so enjoy the cozy setting and prepare your liver. read more

I've been to Sugarvale on a few occasions now and always have a positive experience. Seating is very limited inside--just a heads up. It has a cool, dim, sort of speakeasy vibe though which is always pretty cool. Not overly loud either, which I enjoy so I don't have to hold conversation by yelling over everyone else. The drinks are super yummy, my go-to is the Rickety Cricket (especially because it's on the happy hour menu). I also enjoy the house rose when I want something lighter. The food is very limited, so you may want to take that into consideration. I've had the vegetable dumplings and the seafood dumplings in my visits. I love the seafood dumplings, they are juicy and full of flavor. The last time I found big, hard, pieces of shell in there though which was a bit of a turn off. Overall the experience is nice though and I will continue to come back for happy hours read more

Sugarvale - Rickety Cricket - definitely recommend this for HH - Wine Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Cocktail was good, they have the dark basement speakeasy look down. Bartenders were friendly. One thing did not like was there kitchen closed at 9 which is early for place that is open till 1. In comparison owl bowl has late night menu till 11. There menu is limited so should not be hard to keep Going. If need to remove burgers or some other dish that is fine. Also if no longer serving food do not include food menu to customer. There menu is 3 pages attached to clipboard so easily can take out the food page. I did not know kitchen closed until after ordered my drink just after 9. Likely to return but slightly annoyed read more

Brought a friend from California to Sugarvale for a drink after a stressful evening. We were just looking for a place to relax and have a cocktail and we were not disappointed! We each got a specialty cocktail and they were each delicious. I ordered their pear cider and it was one of the best alcoholic ciders I've ever tasted. I loved that they didn't try to hide the alcohol, but rather use it as the star of the drink and enhance it. The vibe of sugarvale is very speakeasy-esque, with the fact that it is in one of the basements of Mount Vernon and the brick walls really bring out that mysterious feel. We felt like it was perfect for us to just relax, chat, and enjoy the night. The bartenders are nice, they seem to know their regulars really well. I can't say they were incredibly eager to serve my friend and I, they seemed more interested in chatting with their friends. That was really the only issue I had, so I'll probably give it another try and maybe try some food! read more

Found this place as I was walking around Mt. Vernon. There was quite a few people in line waiting for to-go cocktails, but the line move super fast and the wait wasn't long at all. Over all it was a really good cocktail, a bit on the small side for the price, but really enjoyed the flavor. read more

Sugarvale - Wine Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

If you aren't observant enough, specially at night, you may miss the huge dark banner that faintly says Sugarvale on it! As soon as you walk down the steps and into the bar you get a view of this small yet open, cute and friendly cocktail bar. With fairy lights, pine cone decorations, ivy ceilings, and beautiful tiling on the floor. While people are fully enjoying the dim ambiance as they are winding down for a nice nightcap. I went here on a Wednesday night with a girl friend of mine, it is one of the only places that is open past 10 pm. Even more importantly, they have a late night happy hour from 10- Close! *WINNINGS* We were both captivated by how adorable this place was, with great wine selection and cocktail drinks. I'd recommend this place for the romantics looking for a nice bar to chitchat in. read more

Sugarvale - Wine Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Loved the atmosphere, good music and some good drinks.. I had the duck bun and it was a delight. Really loved the drinks they offer. read more

This place gets everything right. Low-key, knowledgeable bartenders, great selection of lite bites, soothing ambiance, the list goes on. I loved that there was a sink centrally located in the hallway for people like me who like to wash my hands before eating and there were candles surrounding the sink which reminded me of my own home. The bathroom was unisex but there were only 10 people in there the entire time I was there and only 2 people used the bathroom so the whole unisex thing was tolerable. We ordered the edamame hummus which came with warm sourdough bread. The bread as exceptionally hard (felt like I cut myself at one point and cut my gums at another) but we requested olive oil to soften it a bit. The hummus itself was different but I'd call it a win. It'd be a little better if there was something added to make it less dry. I also had the avocado toast with a sprinkle of white pepper (by the way, what bar do you know has white pepper for seasoning? I was so in love by then!). The bread wasn't greasy so the freshness of the avocado was all that came through -as this is where most places go wrong in their execution of avocado toast. My friend raved about the Korean wings and so did another diner so if you're a carnivore, you might find a win with those. Overall, this just may become my next honeycomb hideout. We came looking for one of our fave bartenders we knew from another bar fave awhile back but she was off and we had Ben instead who was the bar manager. Unbeknownst to us, Ben was voted #2 on the Best of Baltimore (technically best bartender because #1 was a brewer) but we wouldn't have known unless a patron came in to congratulate him on the news. Ben seemed ever so humble about it and that made him shine even more. Add onto that his love for the craft and attentive service delivery, he's a star in my book and so is this place. read more

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Such a great atmosphere. Chill music, good customer service, strong but delicious drinks and filling food. I would definitely come here again. It's amazing place for a happy hour or post dinner drinks, or even a date night! read more

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Park Slope- rye with maraschino. tastes like an old fashioned. husband really liked it. Kickball Change- mezcala and cava with rosemary bitters- light lemony Lots of great cocktails, easy location, cute decor read more

My favorite Mt Vernon are bar - even the name is cool. Tucked away underground you meander down a short staircase, open the door and you're immediately transported to a cozy, dark and intimate decor. Seating is limited in general with the smaller venue, bar has choice seats and there's a few small tables and one large high top - when it's busy you can muscle your way to the bartop to get a few drinks and hope to nab the next available spot to sit. The drinks are always absolutely delightful, I end up googling half of the ingredients they use as they are either the old timey version of the ingredient or they're just unique odds and ends that make up the liquid masterpieces they churn out from behind the bar. I've tried a lot of their cocktails and have not been disappointed with a single one. The food has also been scrumptious, though I mostly go for the drinks and intimate conversation - I've tried a few bites and they've all been tasty. A spot I've always got to slide through when I'm in the area! read more

Had an awesome visit to Sugarvale with a friend! Low key and quiet enough to carry on conversation. The bartenders were very knowledgeable about the menu and we able to offer recommendations based on our likes and flavor profile. Decor was simple and understated. Cocktails were fabulous and beautiful. Would definitely return, but certainly would keep the group to a minimum. Space is limited! And for those with a small bladder, need not worry. Bathrooms are small but clean. Can't wait to visit again! read more

Sugarvale - Wine Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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If you want a selection of delicious foods from Dooby's while sitting on a bar stool in a dimly lit, but not lacking in ambiance, room, shrouded in mystery, Sugarvale is your spot! They have DAILY and late night happy hour and pork buns what's not to love! read more

This is my favorite bar in baltimore - part of this night be that it's within walking distance of my apartment but Sugarvale is everything you could want in a neighborhood bar. - cozy and relaxed atmosphere - friendly and highly experienced bar tenders - affordable prices - seasonal menu - FOOD The bartenders will listen to what you like in a drink and craft something for you but the drinks on the menu are so creative and unique. I recently had an alcoholic horchata (their rake on egg nog). I've never had a bad drink here. It is a small spot and more of a place for a date night / relaxed hang out with a few friends. Don't come here for a rager and don't bring a large group (you won't fit). read more

Intimate with the perfect ambiance and low-key atmosphere. Usually able to get a table/or bar seats here when waiting a few minutes. Currently loving their holiday decor and special holiday cocktail list. I had the "Landspeeder" which was smoky and a little spicy but juicy and smooth going down. My husband enjoyed the "Amarosa" very much. Service is friendly and we are now making this our go-to Mt. Vernon cocktail spot! Tip: I'd skip out on the appetizers/snacks here, They were not memorable. Just go around the corner to Dooby's for an informal but much more satisfying meal. read more

Sugarvale - Gorgeous holiday decor - Wine Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Liked it. Food was really good. Thought it was going to be wack, but it wasn't. Drinks were good and the ambiance was nice. Good for a date night. I don't care that yelp says this review is shorter than most. It's my prerogative according to Bobby Brown. Now it yelp claims I'm rolling now Bottom line is you should try Sugarvale if it crosses your mind and you are in the area and looking for good drinks and food that's not the usual spot. read more

Definitely the best bar/speakeasy I've been to in a long time. This place is pretty much underneath Dooby's, and they serve the most creative, exotic drinks. They change their cocktail menu often and they make their own ingredients. The food was alright, had an Asian fusion feel. I would come back for the drinks. They were really unique, and the bartenders are really good as recommending one based on your taste! read more

Sugarvale - Wine Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Another place that I've had bookmarked ever since I arrived in fair Mary Land. It's not at all as I thought it would be. Thought it would be more "speakeasy-ish". Thought I'd have to enter behind a book case or something. Alas,none of that. What it IS giving is West Village and Harlem (NYC references)vibes mixed into one tiny little package. The drinks are right up my alley. They are the kind of drinks that make the ancestors in my DNA happy. How do I know that? Ion even know. But shut your face. I said what I said. The food. I had a burger on a bed of lettuce and usually I'd be sad because I couldn't stuff my fat face with bread but that medium well beef patty was like the tastiest gourmet patty I've ever had. I honestly wasn't missing the bread. This is a whole different experience for me. Anywho,I will be back for another go round at Sugarvale plus I fell in love with the area. Seriously Baltimore,you keep surprising me every time!!! read more

I tried two of their cocktails and they were both REALLY well made. Not too strong, but not too sweet, it was a perfect Goldilocks-esque balance. I had the Tall, Dark, and Stormy. I highly recommend this. I had another drink (I forgot the name), but it had sake in it and I wanted to keep ordering that. It was absolutely diviiiiine. My friends had the hot dogs and said they were pretty good. I had the charcuterie and it wasn't bad, but I think I'd rather have gotten a hot dog. read more

Sugarvale - Charcuterie - Wine Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

I have been meaning to try Sugarvale for quite sometime just never got motivated enough to give it a shot. It is owned by Dooby's so the food menu is essentially the same or prepared by the same kitchen. They specialize in Drinks and i got the Damn Dan or Brian or something like that, cool refreshing drink. I will check it out HH, some time, i believe a couple of bucks off drinks. Bartenders were cool as .... read more

I'm cranky with myself that it took so long for me to check this spot out. I was hanging out with a friend in Mount Vernon when it casually came up in conversation that I had not been to Sugarvale yet. My friend literally made us drop everything we were doing and we drove over, which I am very grateful for. I loved how cozy and intimate the spot is, while also having bar and stools if you just want to grab a beer or cocktail and not worry about food/appetizers. I tried out the deviled eggs and a few of the signature cocktails and seriously loved them all. When I was here most of the drinks were named after episodes/characters/quotes from "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" which is one of my favorite shows of all time so that def helped boost them to five stars. Can't wait to pop back in and see what else is on the menu and cocktail list! read more

I ordered the Rickety Cricket Cocktail and Chesapeake dumplings. I enjoyed them both. I would recommend this place for a night cap after dinner or a nice place for a first date. The space is small but I actually love this about it. Would definitely come back! read more

Sugarvale is an excellent addition to the already very good bars in Mt. Vernon. It's run by the guys from Dooby's and exudes a similar atmosphere. If you've been to Dooby's, you'll know what I mean: decidedly hipsterish but with a well-curated food and drink menu and an attentive eye for quality ingredients. The first time I stopped in with my fiancée we tried the cheese and charcuterie platter, which I would recommend to anyone. The selections probably change, but their rabbit rillettes, duck ham, and gouda were all fantastic, as were the smoked olives and pickled veggies. It's perfect for a happy hour snack or light dinner. The drink menu boasts a good wine selection by the glass and bottle, interesting cocktails ("Our special this week is 'The Joaquin'"), and a few mostly local beers. If I had one complaint it would be that the beer list was heavily skewed to lighter ales, lagers, and fruit beers. Still, I enjoyed the pleasant, down-tempo vibe and expect I'll find plenty of opportunities to return. read more

Sugarvale - So much tastiness crammed onto one cheese board. - Wine Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

We came into Sugarvale for happy hour apps and drinks. We started with the spiced nuts and wings- yum! A delicious and hefty snack. The cocktail menu is unique. The atmosphere is great, it's pretty small but we were easily able to get a table on a Friday night. The staff was friendly as well. Great unique place to try cocktails in a fun atmosphere! read more

Sugarvale is a cozy little bar with a welcoming vibe. It's perfect for cocktails with a small group. My mood immediately picked up when I walked in as they have left their winter decorations on the ceiling, which was covered in white snow flakes and Christmas lights. It created the perfect mood for an afternoon cocktail. I came on weekday around 5 and it was about half full. It's somewhat small but there seemed to be plenty of room for the people who arrived. There is a bar with 8-10 seats and about 5-6 tables and then a big tall top in the back. They have a drink menu and HH specials, by I ordered an old fashioned, which was perfectly made and exactly what I was looking for. My bf asked for an old fashioned but made with Mezcal and the bartender was delighted to mix it up. His drink was smooth and nice, as well. The bartender was very welcoming and chatted with us a bit when we asked questions and engaged him. I didn't try any food but I believe it's Dooby's food, so I'm sure it's good. read more

Sugarvale - Classic cocktails and Christmas lights on the ceiling - Wine Bars Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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This is a super cool cocktail bar. The bar always has a super decorated ceiling so it makes you feel like you're in some kind of wonderland. The drinks here are great and are frequently changing, so you're likely to try something different each time you go. The staff and bartenders here are also really nice and are happy to make you something unique based off your own specific tastes! This is a very chill spot that I enjoy visiting with friends. I wish it was a little bigger, but the size also helps create a more homey feel. read more