For Fork's Sake

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The Fork & Wrench
2322 Boston St.
Baltimore, MD 21224
(443) 759-9360
www.theforkandwrench.com

When dazzling your lady with a meal fit for a prince (or at the very least, the artist currently known as Prince), there aren't many downsides...other than having to follow it up with something even more impressive. And while there is clearly no lack of upscale, overpriced and pretentious hotspots in Baltimore, it can be hard to narrow it down to one where you'll feel completely comfortable.

Luckily the Fork & Wrench has entered the scene as the ideal spot for a sophisticated nightcap from a mind-blowing cocktail list...and only a hint of pretention.

More: Best Cocktail Bars in Baltimore

This Canton establishment oxymoronically fancies itself a "Boutique Dive Bar" which naturally means it's neither, though certainly closer to the "boutique" description. The dining area alone is worth a visit, but no one would blame you if you never made it past the bar, with its trendy, industrial-chic décor, large infusion jars, white-brick walls and intricate, upholstered booths.

More: E.S.P. Eat. See. Play. Baltimore

Of course, knowledgeable and friendly bartenders and waiters help make the experience that much more enjoyable, but as with most cocktail bars, it's all in the drinks. A rotating list of six craft beers on tap always hit the spot, as do seasonal house-made specials like the Winter Moon (rye, allspice dram, bitters, ginger, hard cider), and what might be the best cocktail list in Charm City, with bevvies like the Aviation (gin, lemon, maraschino liqueur, crème de violet), Oaxaca Oblation (mezcal, lime juice, agave syrup, orange and cranberry bitters, orange zest) and the Mortgage Lifter (PBR, tomato juice, fix-ins du jour).

Save for that last drink, the Fork and Wrench is a great place to make a second impression.

By Jesse Husid