Watch CBS News

Best Bars For A Blind Date In Baltimore

Being responsible for choosing the venue for a blind date is, at best, a hit or miss situation. If it is truly a blind date, information available about the date's likes and dislikes is based on second-hand information. Shoot for the sky with a five-star restaurant requiring formal wear or lean toward casual at a neighborhood watering hole – or perhaps something in between. No matter which option selected, Baltimore has ample spots for blind dates.
v-no bar
(Credit: www.v-nowinebar.com)

V-No Wine Bar
905 S. Ann St.
Baltimore, Md. 21231
(410) 342-8466
www.v-nowinebar.com

A wine lover's haven, V-No Wine Bar was born from Mark and Kristina Bachman's obsession of only traveling to destinations that offered excellent wines and superb foods. One of the first things customers notice upon entering the wine bar are the tall wooden shelves crammed with wine choices. It uses the natural light pouring through its large central window to enhance its open quality. The bar provides bar and table seating.

annabel lee tavern
(Credit: www.baltimoresun.com)

Annabel Lee Tavern
601 S. Clinton St.
Baltimore, Md. 21224
(410) 522-2929
www.annabelleetavern.com

Named for the poem, "Annabel Lee," by Edgar Allan Poe, this small tavern is a hidden gem located in the Canton neighborhood of the city. In many ways, the tavern is a living-loving tribute to America's premiere horror-suspense writer of the 19th century. With candlelit tables, the quiet ambiance of the historic establishment, while not directly "by the sea," is easy "to love and be loved." With a raven as guardian of the front door and Poe memorabilia galore, the space offers varied seating options. The menu features soups, salads, appetizers, sandwiches and entrees with a distinctly pre-Victorian, American Regency nuance, which matches its surroundings.

illusions
(Credit: www.illusionsmagicbar.com)

Illusions Bar and Lounge
1025 S. Charles St.
Baltimore, Md. 21230
(410) 727-5811
www.illusionsmagicbar.com

For a magical blind date, the Illusions Bar and Lounge offers a bit of prestidigitization to amuse and astound. Born to a circus performing family, Spencer Horsman -- who founded the unique establishment -- began his performance career at eight years old. Since that time, he has been featured on "The Late Show with David Letterman" and other talk shows. On the Las Vegas stage, Horsman has performed with David Copperfield and Lance Burton. While he continues to perform, he decided to share his passion with Baltimore by opening the establishment about three years ago. With a full-service bar, with choices ranging from beer and wine to single malt scotch and cognac, the service is courteous and professional.

13th floor belvedere
(Credit: www.13floorbelvedere.com)

13th Floor Lounge
1 E. Chase St.
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(410) 347-0880
www.13floorbelvedere.com

Taking a date to the 13th Floor Lounge at the Belvedere is far from an unlucky choice. Posh, stylish and upscale, the restaurant and lounge offers a romantic view of the city skyline. An early 20th century example of a second empire crown ornate architectural style popular from 1865-1880, the establishment has welcomed Presidents John F. Kennedy and Woodrow Wilson; the Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Warfield Simpson; movie greats, including Clark Gable; and American military icons, including Gen. Douglas MacArthur. Know for its excellent food and drink, the 13th Floor also offers live music.

waterstone bar
(Credit: www.waterstonebarandgrille.com)

Waterstone Bar & Grille
311 W. Madison St.
Baltimore, Md. 21201
(410) 225-7475
www.waterstonebarandgrille.com

With a romantic water fountain, the Waterstone Bar & Grille, located in the Mount Vernon and Seton Hills area, offers romantic dining in its elegant and intimate drawing rooms. Its impressive beer and wine menu is matched by its expansive dinner menu. Whether it is angus beef, grilled lamb, Mediterranean grilled salmon or a vegetarian delight entree, the fare is designed to titillate the five senses. With warm lighting and an inviting interior, the Waterstone is a great blind date choice.

Jeffrey B. Roth has won numerous state and national news and feature-writing awards during his career. A well-known crime writer, investigative reporter and a feature writer, Roth writes for a number of magazines and newspapers. Listed in the Locus Index of SciFi and Fantasy authors, Roth is the author of a number of published short stories and poetry. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.