Photo courtesy of Tamar Alexia Fleishman, Esq.

Ottobar

Item: Ottobar
Author: Tamar Alexia Fleishman

Type: Live Music

10Best Says

Everything from cute local college garage bands to well-known names on their way up (or a shade past their prime) are booked at Ottobar. With a main stage downstairs and a casual spot with pool tables upstairs, you can hear your music anyway you like . . . even if that includes being able to get to know your date better throughout the evening. You'll also find a wide range of music, each night bringing in its own kind of crowd. If you can snag main stage balcony sofa seats, you'll feel like a VIP at no extra cost.

Address:

2549 N Howard St
Baltimore, MD 21218

Phone:

410-662-0069

Website:

theottobar.com

EXPERT TIPS BY: Tamar Alexia Fleishman
Baltimore Local Expert

Dance Clubs: "Some dance nights are 18+ and others 21+."
Live Music: "Geeks Night Out! – one of their unique events – is brought to you by The Ottobar and Collectors Corner. It's a monthly celebration dedicated to comics, video games, boardgames, cartoons, music, movies, toys and all things nerdy.

Play their games or bring your own. Cosplayers get two-for-one drinks."
Best Nightlife: "Upstairs is a good place to start a date, converse, etc. Ottobar features bars upstairs and downstairs, but doesn't serve food. It's not a tragedy, as a meat-centric gastropub has opened across the street and they're also a block away from Korea Town, with several options open until 4 a.m."

Best for Dance Clubs Because: Ottobar's two floors have different vibes, with the upstairs being more intimate. Downstairs has lots of energy and welcomes a diverse crowd.
Best for Live Music Because: With their now North Baltimore location, this is a real local venue – not touristy at all. It reflects the diversity of the city.
Recommended as Best Nightlife Because: This venue, a few miles from the Inner Harbor, doesn't feel touristy . . . because it isn't.