There’s something so special and comforting about pubs. It could be the warm food cooked down-home-style that is easily shared with friends, families, and perhaps even strangers at the next table. Another thought is that the atmosphere of a pub is what makes it so enchanting–the focus on good drinks, close quarters, and maybe some live tunes. This light-hearted setting jives perfectly with the one summer exudes, which is why we’ve put together a list of enticing pubs and taverns near you. Many of these have an extensive history, but all are designed for relaxation with good food and great company.
Downtown Annapolis is home to a wealth of great shops, eateries, and most important to this piece, pubs and taverns. Reynolds Tavern (pictured above), located at 7 Church Circle, is one of these cherished dining spots. Established in the mid 18th century, this tavern features Chesapeake-inspired dishes like Blackened Seared Scallops, with blue crab, sweet potato hash, and avacado on top of plump scallops for $21. The Chesapeake Crab Cakes are another favorite, and are served with garlic potatoes and succotash for $27. Though the majority of the tavern serves elegant food, traditional pub meals like Bangers and Mash also make the cut, at a good price too: $14. Aside from the delicious dinner and lunch menus, the tavern is revered for its tea time. Tea is served–in true English fashion–everyday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. At tea, there is a selection of flavors from which to choose, along with scones, biscuits, and small desserts. The prices of afternoon tea range from $8.50 to $24, depending on the treats and teas served. As a parting note, you can also stay the night (or several) at Reynolds Tavern in one of their gorgeous English-styled suites. View menu and accommodation prices via the link: www.reynoldstavern.org.
Fado Irish Pub is located outside of downtown, near Park Place. This pub, as you can gather from the name, features classic Irish favorites, and functions under the goal to revisit some of Ireland’s favorites past-times and food. Thus, the food is hearty yet refined and the atmosphere is low-key and welcoming. The bar that serves up none other than Guinness and Hoegaarden, is a prominent part of the landscape and is what makes Fado so enjoyable. Coupled with good beer, diners can enjoy specialties like Pulled Lamb French Dip loaded with cheddar for $13.95, and the Fado Gourmet Burger, a sandwich complete with bacon, beef, grilled onion, and blue cheese for $12.95. Of course, Fado puts its own spin on classics like Shepherd’s Pie, Corned Beef and Cabbage, and even ice cream. For dessert, try the Chocolate Brownie with Guinness Ice Cream–a genuine creamy and dark creation. Happy hour specials are also available from Monday to Friday, 4 to 7 p.m. Check out the happy hour deals on the following site: www.fadoirishpub.com.
Davis’s Pub, an Eastport exclusive, has been doing good, pub-like things since 1986. The rather small pub began as a general store started by an Eastport local, but now proudly stands as an Eastport anchor. The menu is comprised of favorites like the Pulled Pork Barbecue Sandwich served with purple citrus-flavored slaw for $8.95 and the Colossal Crab Cake Sandwich, a creation of large amounts of crab served as a sandwich for $16.95. Desserts at Davis’s rotate by the day, and can include decadent ones like German Chocolate Cake. Drinks are served at the bar which takes up most of the space inside, but seating is also available outside. Happy hour specials are also tempting: discounts on drinks and food from Monday to Friday, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Visit this historic pub at 400 Chester Avenue. Also, check Davis’s out on the Web: www.davispub.com.
Castlebay Irish Pub conveniently sits on Main Street, with both indoor and outdoor seating. The pub started in 1988 and ever since, has been producing delicious house-made brews, tasty food, and good times. The Irish pub is known for its Dublin Steak Sandwich, a sandwich of steak, onions, and cheese; and the Pork T’ir Na Nog, a pork dish with sweet vinaigrette, mashed root vegetables, and a honey glaze. The beloved Irish dishes like Corned Beef and Cabbage, Bangers and Mash, and Irish Beef Stew are readily available. Beer, for the 21 and over crowd, is of course the perfect complement to these Irish entrees. On Sundays, Castlebay entertains with a brunch menu served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Happy hour runs from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Go to www.castlebayirishpub.com to learn about this Irish-Annapolitan gem.
Also in downtown Annapolis, Galway Bay charms with its local-atmosphere and daily specials. Located on Maryland Avenue, this Irish pub was recognized on national television but is also recognized by the locals as the place to be. Galway Bay serves dishes that fuse the Chesapeake region with Ireland: Wexford Potato Cakes, an entree of potato cakes mixed with cheeses, onions, and peppers; and Molly Malone’s Mussels, a plate of mussels steamed in garlic cream sauce and Jameson whiskey. On the lighter, less meaty side of things, Galway serves an Irish Vegetarian Boxty, a potato pancake beneath a layer of sauteed veggies, cheese, and tomato sauce. Some menu items are gluten free as well. If you fancy a discounted meal, attend Galway’s burger night every Monday for $5 burgers after 5 p.m. Or, simply partake in happy hour from 3 to 6:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. The pub is full of delicious food and memories easy to make. Look to www.galwaybaymd.com to read more.
McGarvey’s Saloon & Oyster House is situated behind the Market House at 8 Market Space.This red and green tavern has been around for 35 years and has no intentions of slowing down. The oysters, clams, mussels, and other freshly caught seafood have helped the downtown hotspot become one of Annapolis’s favorite raw bars. If you prefer traditional pub/tavern specialties, try the Grilled Bratwurst sandwich starring Baltimore-made brats, or the Fish and Chips made with Atlantic Cod. If it’s happy hour that draws you into your dining experiences, attend McGarvey’s from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Oyster Shooters cost $1 at happy hour and drinks are also discounted. Head to www.mcgarveys.net to peruse further.
Middleton Tavern sits at 2 Market Space and, established in 1750, is one of Annapolis’s oldest eateries. Whether you want to eat or drink, Middleton can accommodate. For hungry visitors, anything from the hot crab dip for $13.95 to the Pan-Seared Rockfish with crabmeat for $33.95 will please. Those who want to drink can enjoy wines from all over the world and beers–both imported and local–at the bar or at tables. Or, the famous Shrimp and Oyster Shooters with ale or vodka may satisfy hungry and thirsty guests. Happy hour deals include everything from drinks to the raw bar; partake in these specials Monday through Friday, 4 to 7 p.m. Aside from the rockin’ food and drinks, Middleton features live music almost every night and trivia night on Mondays. The calendar for live entertainment can be seen on their site: www.middletontavern.com.
Located at 22 Market Space, Federal House Bar and Grille is the perfect place to stop in for bar-crawling, fine dining, and dancing. The happy hour specials include $5 appetizers and $2 off wine, $1 off beer, and $3 off liquor. Join Federal House at happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. during the work week. Federal House serves as an ideal destination for date night as well, considering its enticing Sea Bass Annapolitan fish dinner and the Federal French Dip sandwich with all the fixings. This beloved old restaurant came to be in 1830 and still stands as enjoyable, no-frills dining. Visit the restaurant in person and online: www.federalhouserestaurant.com.
West Street in downtown Annapolis is mostly celebrated for its art scene, but Ram’s Head Tavern provides a needed flavor there (literally). Built in 1989, Ram’s Head Tavern is so integral to the dining scene in Annapolis because it serves local food and relaxed times amidst the hustle and bustle of downtown. Another reason Ram’s Head is so significant is because it serves beer in honor of the first brewery established in Annapolis: from Fordham Brewing Company. As far as food goes, the Maryland Cream of Crab for $8 is a tasty option, as is the Pretzel Dough Brats made with local bratwurst cooked in Fordham Ale and rolled in house-made pretzel for $8. Happy hour specials are available from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday. One hour into happy hour, you can get complimentary food with a coupon found on the site: www.ramsheadtavern.com. You should also know (and hopefully, already do!) that Ram’s Head at 33 West Street also serves up famous, incredible entertainment most nights of the week. See the link above to view the music calendar.
Many assume “tavern” and “pub” translate to “old.” However, at Stan & Joe’s Saloon, the owners and the Irish favorites they make and the pub atmosphere they create challenge that notion. The restaurant, started in 2007, proudly provides Fish and Chips, Steak Irish with whiskey mushrooms, and the Classic Reuben. The food is made in-house, locally found if possible, and goes perfectly with beers on tap and wine available. The happy hour at the saloon lasts from 3 to 7 p.m. at the location on 37 West Street. Look over the site, www.stanandjoessaloon.com, for additional info.
O’Brien’s Oyster Bar & Restaurant (below) started as a tavern–though with a different name–and remains one today. The 18th century tavern on 113 Main Street provides delectable dinners, lunches, and brunches to happy guests daily. From the dinner menu, viewers are pleased to find tavern favorites like “OB’s Prime” Filet with peppercorns and potatoes, but also welcome fine dining foods like the Seafood Fra Diavolo, complete with shrimp, clams, mussels, and marinara. O’Brien’s is also well-known for tender steak–try a filet too if you can! See the site, www.obriensoysterbar.com, to scroll through the lunch and brunch menus. Taking full advantage of the busyness of Main Street, O’Brien’s puts on piano bar entertainment, specials for date night, and poker nights frequently. See the site linked above for more.
Killarney House isn’t in Annapolis like the preceding pubs and taverns, but is nonetheless important to mention. Located at 584 West Central Avenue in Davidsonville, this pub takes traditional Irish fare and ambiance quite seriously. Inside, the dark wood from the tables, chairs, bar, and some walls creates a small pub feeling. On the menu, you’ll find much of the same scrumptious dishes on the Galway Bay and Brian Boru menus because three are in partnership. Thus, Killarney House provides fresh seafood in the form of Annapolis Crab Dip, and pub treats, like Killarney Cabbage Wraps with mustard, corned beef, and potato inside. There are differences between the menus, so it is certainly worthwhile to make the twenty-minute drive. Visit Killarney House’s site to learn more: www.killarneyhousepub.com.
Finally, we’ve come to Brian Boru Restaurant and Pub, located at 489 Ritchie Highway in Severna Park. This pub, as aforementioned, is similar to Galway Bay and Killarney House but has some distinct differences. For instance, Brian Boru features a delicious Irish/American brunch on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Enjoy Gaelic Toast Pancakes and the works for $13.99. Brian Boru also features live entertainment and nights specified as “Irish Night” and “Ladies Night.” Or, join them for happy hour from 3 to 6:30 p.m. during work days for half-priced appetizers. Visit this Irish pub on the Web at www.brianborupub.com.
‘Tis the season to round up friends and family and head to one of the area’s best pubs/taverns. At any of these, you can expect fair prices, a comfortable atmosphere, intriguing entertainment, and even better food. Cheers!
Leave A Comment