Best Nightlife in Downtown Baltimore

Whatever your nightlife pleasure, chances are you’ll find what you’re looking for in downtown Baltimore in the Power Plant Live area. Located at the intersection of Market Place and Water Street, immediately off Interstate 83, in downtown Baltimore, Power Plant Live features some of the hottest bars and nightclubs Maryland has to offer.

If you are in the mood for a hot upscale nightclub, the Havana Club is the place to be. Located above Ruth’s Chris Steak House at 600 Water Street, the Havana Club offers a plush setting and extensive wine and cigar lists. No, this is not your typical nightclub, but it does boast state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems and a rich yet comfortable atmosphere. I suggest dining at Ruth’s Chris, then heading upstairs for some nightlife.

Want something out of a Girls Gone Wild video? Head over to Bar Baltimore. Bar Baltimore is a collegiate, no-frills bar and dance club that’s perfect for downing shots and suds. Note: Bar Baltimore only opens its doors on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. A hip beat spun by a great DJ has inebriated youths dirty dancing all over the joint. This frenzied club’s mantra is “No theme, no attitude, just BAR.” If young women in halter tops dancing provocatively offend you, save the cover charge and skip Bar Baltimore. But you will be missing one hell of a party.

If you like That 70s Show, you’ll love the Have a Nice Day Cafe. Baltimore’s ode to 70s nightlife is complete with tacky 70s memorabilia and retro tunes from the Village People, ABBA, and KC and the Sunshine Band. Try a Happy Bowl, a fishbowl full of strong punch with long straws. No, you don’t need to wear bell-bottoms and shirts with giant collars (especially if you’re going to stop at Bar Baltimore later that night). In fact, it gets pretty warm at the Have a Nice Day Cafe (probably to get women to wear less), so dress light. If the Have a Nice Day Cafe sounds familiar, it should. This is a chain nightclub that you can find, among other places, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Looking for a good Irish pub with a modern feel, you’ll have to hit McFaddens. When the live music is just right, you can’t help but dance along with the crowd. McFaddens is the centerpiece of the Power Plant Live area, and it’s a bar you won’t want to miss.

You’ll want to eat before you hit the bars and other Baltimore nightlife. (After all, no one likes to drink on an empty stomach). So, be sure to check out my article on the best restaurants in downtown Baltimore!