While a special dinner outing is generally part of the plan for Valentine's Day, you won't want to try to stomach this unbearably over-the-top Hallmark holiday without plenty of booze. Here are some of the best places in Baltimore to catch a good buzz while scoring points with your partner for at least making an effort. Then, if you're feeling too cheap to splurge on an actual meal, he or she might be too toasted to notice.
So go ahead and order a double shot of passion at these 10 romantic Baltimore bars.
Annabel Lee
Though the food is top-notch, seating here is limited (as the small restaurant is often in high demand). Settle in next to your date with extraordinarily well-priced wines or a Resurrection or two, and love and be loved at Annabel Lee.—Mark Gross
Brewer's Art
The more scandalous duo should seek out a bar filled with dark corners for doing their deeds. Dimly lit only by candles (very flattering, by the way), Brewer's Art's cement-walled basement bar has plenty of shadowy nooks that lend it a "Casablanca"-meets-"Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" air.
The bar is surrounded by very private tables, in addition to a large open bar in the front for that inevitable group Valentine's outing. Upstairs, you'll find a classier, more grown-up, bar, but it lacks the sex appeal that is so evident downstairs. –Jen Bunty
Cinghiale Enoteca
No doubt, Cinghiale's food is exquisite. Costly, but exquisite. Save some coin by settling in at the enoteca. If Tony Foreman does only one thing right—such a claim would be a massive understatement, though—it would certainly be wine. Even Cinghiale's cheapest bottle passes the scrutiny of his palette before being served, so don't be afraid to go lowbrow in this high-end hang.—Mark Gross
Della Notte
Some say love is never having to say you're sorry. But having driven around every section of Baltimore for countless hours, nearly crashing into surprised pedestrians and being flipped-off by cab drivers—we believe that real love is never having to find parking.
Della Notte's free private parking lot keeps your honey from being all pissed-off at the city, the cosmos (in general, not the drink) and—most importantly—you, before the night even gets started. And free parking is just one of Della Notte's many treasures.
Though the restaurant itself is beautifully decorated, the classy lounge may be better suited for the more sophisticated couple. A live jazz pianist plays the ivories each evening after 6 p.m., and the combination of his romantic tunes and a few appletinis leaves lovebirds cooing as they discuss China patterns, curtain rods and baby names. –Jen Bunty
Dionysus
As odd as it might sound, there's something charming about subterranean bars. Whether it's a sense of security or sense of seclusion you're after, Dionysus offers both and a great beer list, to boot. The bar's not without sex appeal, either. If it were, Dr. Sketchy's wouldn't take up residence for its monthly anti-art school gatherings.—Mark Gross
Eden's Lounge
Whether you're on the prowl or luring someone in for the kill (figuratively speaking, of course), Eden's Lounge is a great place to start.
For those flying solo, the bar is a sexy place to scout for hotties. The stools are arranged so that it's easy to get cozy while you get acquainted. You won't have a hard time getting into a romantic mood: the lighting blends with the shades of orange and red in the decor to create an ambiance of passion (or lust, whichever). Once you've moved away from the bar, there is plenty of room to mingle and enough lighting that you won't be disappointed in the morning. We can't take the blame, however, for any bad decisions you may make while wearing beer goggles, so woo responsibly.
For those of you who've managed to nab a cutie, getting a table at Eden's Lounge may increase your chances for dessert and other tasty after-dinner treats (wink, wink). Get lost in each other's eyes—or at the bottom of a glass (or two...or several). Either way, you'll somehow find yourselves asking the question "your place or mine?" —Kellie Hale
Juniors Wine Bar
Sometimes romance needs a little help. Something to the tune of 13.5 percent abv ought to do it. Despite its youthful name, Juniors has the know-how to help.—Mark Gross
Red Maple
Most visitors are completely enamored with the atmosphere of Red Maple as soon as they step foot inside. Small tables with cushy seats line the walls, and private fireplaces and candles add to the ambiance of each section as does the dance floor which hosts flamenco, salsa and Latin dancing.
The courtyard area behind the restaurant, with its trees and tables, provides an intensely romantic escape on warm evenings, but seeing as Valentine's Day is in February, you might do best to remember this suggestion for some future celebration. The most appealing section, however, is the small upstairs loft. Its round tables and pillows along the floor create an intimate dining experience that's sure to make your Valentine smile and fall in love. Hopefully it's with you. –Jen Bunty
13th Floor
It doesn't get much more classically romantic than the 13th Floor at the Belvedere Hotel. With its panoramic view of the city, this place makes romance gurus like Flava Flav seem totally lame.
Private tables line the windows, providing a gorgeous bird's-eye-view with a sense of big-city cosmopolitanism difficult to find in Mobtown. More sociable group tables cluster around the large open bar. Adjacent, there's an actual dance floor, which may not seem like such an amazing asset, but it designates an out-of-the-way area for tube-topped ladies to shake and jiggle. And as long as they're not shakin' and jigglin' in front of the pizza we just had sent up from Owl Bar, we're happy.
The well-known and impressive 13th Floor martini list (including raspberry, chocolate and the sickly sweet French kiss varieties) sate seasoned martini-drinkers and non-martini drinkers alike, who dig these sugar-filled cocktails and their extravagantly decorated pyramids of whipped cream. Do keep in mind, though, that a few of these babies, whether straight-up or on the rocks, may not be the best choice for the single Valentinee, who must still count calories to look good in her jeans. She might as well be sipping liquid loneliness. –Jen Bunty
Wine Market
We know, we know: More wine. It's a go-to in the romance department. Trust us. For love birds looking to take flight, we say, "Don't stop there!" Take several flights, instead. With its tasting options, the staff at Wine Market can make you a savvy drinker, but it's up to you to become a more savvy lover.—Mark Gross
