— When you buy through a link on our site, 10Best may earn a commission. Our editors operate independently of affiliate relationships.
People are just as picky about lounges as they are about regular nightclubs. And it's no wonder why. Lounges have to hit a few marks to make them notable and worthy for a second and third visit. At 10Best, we break it down for you on what a lounge "must have" in order to be worthy. We also give you a list of the best lounges the city has to offer.
So what make a lounge worth its namesake? A lounge must have great ambiance. It must also have comfortable seating, good food offerings and tasty drinks to get you in the lounging mood. A cool DJ and head-nodding music are also must-haves. Fireplaces and candle-light are a plus but not totally necessary since they are potential fire hazards. However, if you're not paranoid about flames, then one of your first stops should be in Mount Vernon at the Red Maple where the ambiance and every other must-have characteristic places it at the top of our list. Their tapas-style menu, lounge area, outdoor patio, fireplace, low lighting, and yummy drinks make you want to stay planted in your seat for the rest of the evening while the beats of the music put you to sleep.
Right around the corner, still in Mount Vernon, you'll find one of 10Best's other top lounge recommendations, Eden's Lounge. Small and intimate, Eden has a dance floor just in case your legs fall asleep and need a little more action. Across town in Harbor East, you have options before you as well, places like the infamous Pazo. Although Pazo is known for its restaurant prowess, as soon as you walk into the space, you'll see lounge potential written all over it. Large over-sized chairs and surrounding couches imprison low wooden coffee tables, designated as dining space.
Located in downtown Baltimore's Power Plant Live! entertainment complex, Mosaic is a sophisticated lounge and nightclub featuring chic modern decor, a lovely outdoor area and plush VIP couches, perfect for resting heel-clad feet after tearing up the dance floor. The music is a high-energy Top 40 mix, and for patrons who need a little liquid courage before strutting their stuff, sweet and sexy servers deliver reasonably priced drinks, including marvelous martinis and dramatic vodka torches.
Local Expert tip: The place is always packed and there's usually a line to get in. Make sure to carry cash - there's a $10 cover charge.
Read more about Mosaic →
Located on the first floor of the Historic Belvedere in downtown Baltimore, the Owl Bar offers a distinct nightlife setting that will take you back in time. Offering a full menu and long bar, its decor of dark wood and leather seats channels images of bars from the 20s and 30s. Pictures of celebrity line the walls of the hallways leading into the doors of the bar.
Local Expert tip: The Owl Bar offers a $3 "happy hour" on drafts, wines, and rail drinks from 4 to 7pm.
Read more about The Owl Bar →
Photo courtesy of Tamar Alexia Fleishman
One of the best pizza and delivery places in Baltimore, Joe Squared Pizza and Bar is also known for its great daily music. Located in the popular Station North Arts & Entertainment District of Baltimore, the bar features great live music acts including funk, jazz, bluegrass, rock and more. Best of all, the daily shows are free. For arts enthusiasts, Joe Squared often features different art exhibits. Make sure to get to Joe Squared early to grab a prime seat and enjoy a pizza and beer while listening to Baltimore's best music.
Local Expert tip: Make sure to get to Joe Squared early to grab a prime seat and enjoy a pizza and beer while listening to Baltimore's best music.
Read more about Joe Squared →
This stylish, urban dance club attracts a chic crowd of young professionals. Gray, blue, white and stainless steel décor and minimalist-style lounge furniture occupy the multi-level space (each floor is themed after an element: earth, wind, fire and water). A fire floor and mermaid silhouettes hint at the natural elements theme that inspired the club's design. DJs keep the dance floor spinning with hip-hip, house, reggae and R&B.
Local Expert tip: Make sure you're comfortable partying with a younger crowd.
Read more about One →
This down-to-earth neighborhood joint draws a loyal following from the 25+ crowd. Patrons down pints of Guinness, watch sports or shoot pool while jukebox tunes play in the background. In addition to the spacious main room, the upstairs space features billiard tables and a second bar. Happy hour features great beer and cocktail specials.
Local Expert tip: The upstairs space features billiard tables and a second bar.
Read more about The Gin Mill →
A two story ceiling, wrought-iron chandeliers, large windows and giant clay vases flank the interior of this dining room and lounge, and a sizeable balcony overlooks the main floor. Diners consume intriguing small plates such as fire-roasted almonds, empanadas, calamari fritti and eggplant dip, as well as pizzas, flatbreads and ciabatta, baked in a wood-burning oven. Over 100 wines and a selection of martinis available. NB The dining room transitions into a dance club late in the evening; you must be must be 21 to get into lounge/bar.
Local Expert tip: If you're into people-watching, Pazo is an ideal place to check out on a weekday happy-hour.
Read more about Pazo →
Appropriately located on the 13th floor, this lounge offers a charming view of the neighborhood. Leopard print carpet and cracked glass bars flank the chic interior, and windows extend the length of two of the walls. Head to this fun cocktail bar for a delicious martini, and live music may entice you to grace the dance floor.
Local Expert tip: The best seat in the house is on the stools in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows where you can get the best panoramic view of the city. Be mindful, these seats fill up fast.
Read more about The 13th Floor →
A quick walk from the Inner Harbor, Havana club sits atop Ruth's Chris Steak house in downtown Baltimore. This club is a more upscale option from its neighbors near the Power Plant Live! and is more suitable for an older crowd. Havana Club offers tapas, rich leather seating areas, a private section great for parties and an extensive cigar selection.
Local Expert tip: Though Havana Club offers an extensive cigar selection, indoor smoking no longer allowed.
Read more about Havana Club →
Located in Mt. Vernon, Eden's Lounge is only 10 minutes from the Inner Harbor. Besides music and atmosphere, Eden's Lounge offers Ethiopian tapas-style dishes. Floor cushions provide guests with an opportunity to lounge more informally and relax in Eden Lounge's laid back environment.
Local Expert tip: There's no cover charge before 10 pm and "Happy Hour" Fridays last until 9pm where drink specials are 2 for 1.
Read more about Eden's Lounge →
