Best Pubs and Taverns in Annapolis, Annapolis

Best Pubs and Taverns in Annapolis (Self Guided), Annapolis

America’s Sailing Capital, Annapolis, has no shortage of exciting places where locals and visitors alike can enjoy great beer and seafood till late at night. For extra fun, on top of regular treats, the majority of local pubs, saloons, and bars host live music shows on a regular basis, as well as different contests.

Galway Bay Irish Pub, nestled in the heart of downtown, offers an authentic Irish experience with traditional music, hearty food, and a wide selection of drinks. McGarvey's Saloon & Oyster Bar is another popular spot known for its laid-back atmosphere and fresh seafood. Middleton Tavern, a historic establishment dating back to 1750, exudes charm and sophistication, serving delicious regional dishes and signature cocktails.

Dock Street Bar & Grill is a favorite among locals for its waterfront location and delicious pub fare, perfect for enjoying views of the harbor. Castlebay Irish Pub channels the spirit of Ireland with its cozy interior, friendly staff, and extensive beer selection.

Rams Head Tavern, further along, offers a diverse menu and live entertainment, making it a hotspot for nightlife in Annapolis. Finally, just steps away from it, Stan and Joe's Saloon is a beloved neighborhood haunt known for its casual vibe, tasty comfort food, and lively crowd.

Whether you're a local or just passing through, be sure to stop by one (if not all!) of these iconic establishments and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of Annapolis. Your taste buds will thank you for that! Just gather your friends, raise a glass, and enjoy yourself. Cheers to unforgettable memories and good times in Annapolis, Maryland!
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Best Pubs and Taverns in Annapolis Map

Guide Name: Best Pubs and Taverns in Annapolis
Guide Location: USA » Annapolis (See other walking tours in Annapolis)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 7
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Author: AudreyB
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
  • Galway Bay Irish Pub
  • McGarvey's Saloon & Oyster Bar
  • Middleton Tavern
  • Dock Street Bar & Grill
  • Castlebay Irish Pub
  • Rams Head Tavern
  • Stan and Joe's Saloon
1
Galway Bay Irish Pub

1) Galway Bay Irish Pub

Galway Bay Irish Pub is a traditional Irish pub located on Maryland Avenue. The pub offers a variety of drinks such as Guinness and great food as well; they also have diet menus and gluten-free beers. This is not only a place to drink - it offers great jazz on Sundays, contests on Tuesdays and other live music events, as well as special events and promotions. Galway Bay Irish Pub also offers many surprises, as well as happy hours. The pub is open Mon–Thurs 11 am-12 am; Fri-Sat 11 am-1 am; Sun 10 am-11 pm.
2
McGarvey's Saloon & Oyster Bar

2) McGarvey's Saloon & Oyster Bar

McGarvey's Saloon & Oyster Bar was established in 1975. The bar serves drinks and great food. Since its establishment the bar has been voted several times as the greatest bar in the area. McGarvey's Saloon & Oyster Bar has happy hours Monday to Friday from 4 to 7 pm. The bar's schedule is great as its kitchen is open until 1 am. McGarvey's Saloon & Oyster Bar opens Monday through Saturday 11:30 am - 2 am and Sunday 9:30 am - 2 am.
3
Middleton Tavern

3) Middleton Tavern

Located in Downtown’s City Dock, just a block from the United States Naval Academy, Middleton Tavern is a testament to both of these local story lines. Established in 1750 by Horatio Middleton, this is one of the oldest continuously operating taverns in America. It started off as an “inn for seafaring men”, providing base for Middleton’s Ferry Service which linked Annapolis to Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and thus served as the meeting site for many historic personalities.

Tench Tilghman took the ferry to deliver news of Cornwallis’ surrender in 1781, while Thomas Jefferson used it en route to Rock Hall in 1783, whereas George Washington took it on his way to…somewhere, too. After Middleton’s death, his son expanded the family business to include ship building and overseas trade. During that time, the tavern enjoyed some of its most sensational customers. Practically next door to the Maryland State House, members of the Continental Congress came to this joint after the ratification of the Treaty of Paris and the official end of the Revolutionary War in January 1784.

James Monroe, a friend of the elder Middleton, may have even visited the tavern in 1818 as a sitting president. The bar’s history throughout the rest of the 1800s is a little hazy, but in 1968, the current owner, Jerry Hardesty, bought and restored the property. In 1983, he expanded the restaurant to include the new Tavern and Oyster Bar.

Void of the surrounding gardens, which, back in the old days, stretched from Prince George Street to the water, Middleton’s front porch today provides some of the greatest people watching in town. Paired with some fresh regional seafood from the raw bar and a Category 3 Dark and Stormy, it creates recipe for a fantastic evening in Annapolis. The tavern's specialties include Maryland crab cakes, rockfish, oysters, and clams. Middleton’s Electric Lemonade (Smirnoff Citrus Vodka and Blue Curaçao mixed with the Tavern’s homemade lemonade) is a separate attraction.

Other than the great food and drink served with a slice of history, this 18th-century Georgian establishment also hosts some truly magnificent live music events: acoustic blues, piano, jazz and anything else to make you feel great. Their famous Piano Bar on Friday and Saturday nights are particularly not to be missed!
4
Dock Street Bar & Grill

4) Dock Street Bar & Grill

The Dock Street Bar & Grill is a place in Annapolis to listen to DJ sets. it is also home to local bands and organizes themed competitions. Voted as the Best of Annapolis in 2008, the Dock Street Bar & Grill offers a great menu. The Dock Street Bar & Grill has the one of the warmest atmosphere in the city. They are open every day of the week from 11.30 am to 2.00 am.
5
Castlebay Irish Pub

5) Castlebay Irish Pub

The Castlebay Irish Pub was established in 1998 and is owned by Vincent Quinlan, a native of Dublin, Ireland. Mr. Vincent Quinlan has reproduced a Dublin City pub in the core of downtown Annapolis. Their menu offers Irish food and local foods such as Cream of Crab Soup and Maryland Crab Cakes. They also claim to have the greatest beer in the city, namely Guinness. The pub is a great live music venue, and there is a nice variety of music played every day. Working hours are Monday to Sunday from 11 am to 2 am.
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Rams Head Tavern

6) Rams Head Tavern

Founded in 1989, the Rams Head Tavern offers great drinks and food in a casual atmosphere. The tavern's menu is popular due to the variety of beer offered by the Fordham Brewery and the assortment of seafood. The Rams Head Tavern is considered one of the best places in Annapolis to spend your time enjoying a good quality beer and some of Annapolis' tasty specialties. The hours of operation are Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 2am and Sundays from 10am to 2am.
7
Stan and Joe's Saloon

7) Stan and Joe's Saloon

Stan and Joe's Saloon is a bar established in January 2007 and owned by two local bartenders. The place boasts good service, good food and lively atmosphere. They offer tasty seafood with a large variety of drinks. Stan and Joe's Saloon is an "old-school" saloon, offering live music at night and daily specials. The saloon has been voted as the best place for nightlife, best bartenders etc. Working hours: Monday-Saturday from 11 AM to 1:30 AM; Sundays from 10 AM to 2 AM.

Walking Tours in Annapolis, Maryland

Create Your Own Walk in Annapolis

Create Your Own Walk in Annapolis

Creating your own self-guided walk in Annapolis is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Nestled along the banks of the Severn River flowing into the Chesapeake Bay on the East Coast of the United States is the capital of the US state of Maryland, Annapolis. Dubbed “America’s Sailing Capital”, Annapolis thrives on its nautical roots and colonial history, boasting more 18th-century buildings still in use than any other city in the country.

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles