Oysters, Rockfish, and stuffed ham are considered Southern Maryland food staples, but how’s the beer? Whether you’re passing through or hoping to spend a few days in Calvert, St. Mary’s, or Charles County, you’ll be happy to know there are a few places to hang out if you love beer.
The Top 10 Bars to Visit in Southern Maryland
If you want to check out bar menus in advance online, you can use https://utfb.untappd.com/ and search for one of the following establishments. You can even use Untappd to rate beers!
1. Ruddy Duck Brewery & Grill
Ruddy Duck is an incredible seaside brewery that serves fresh beer on tap and local seafood. At the Duck, you can take your beer to-go in a lantern or German-style stein, and you’ll probably want to! Their Heffyweezin, Peach Nouveau, and Chocolate Hazelnut Stout taste incredible.
2. Pax River Ale House
Pax River Ale House is super popular thanks to its 30 beers on tap and classic grill menu. Its beer fridge includes classics like Bud Light, Stella Artois, and Guinness Stout but also features beer from local breweries, like the Evolution. Beer rotates frequently, so be sure to go often.
3. Green Door Tavern
The Green Door Tavern is a little dive bar in the middle of nowhere that locals really love. While they have little to no social media presence and patrons are asked to pay in cash, the bar has a friendly vibe, affordable beer, and great specials. You’ll meet a lot of great people at this bar.
4. Bruder Garten
Brutengarten is confirmed as being the chillest space in Southern Maryland because of its expansive outdoor seating and tasty craft beer. With 20 beers on tap, you’ll find plenty of IPAs, Pilsners, and German-inspired beers. You’ll also get to taste a few cocktails if you’re interested.
5. Mully’s Brewery
Mully’s Brewery is a family-owned brewing facility run by World Brewing Academy graduates, and it shows. Set in an industrial park, this brewery has ample seating room, popcorn, and of course, beer! Be sure to try the Fruit Tart Black Currant, Mully’s IPA, and Schooner Black Lager.
6. Taphouse 1637
Taphouse 1637 is home to the best craft beer selection in Maryland. Boasting a whopping 100 beers on tap, you’re bound to find something you love amongst their offerings. They also have plenty of apps and sides, which compliment just about any beer or cocktail on the menu.
7. Scorpion Brewing
Scorpion Brewing is a small microbrewery that makes beer from local ingredients. Since they brew on-premises, you can be assured they offer quality. Get a pitcher of Irish Red, Lime Shanty, and Apple Harvest Ale if you’re around. Food trucks part outside most weekends.
8. Babes Boys Tavern
Babes Boys Tavern serves local seafood and other traditional dishes, but it’s a pub through and through. As a pub, they aren’t going to have as many beer offerings as a taphouse or beer brewery, but they carry a lot of local favorites as well as popular brews, like Coors Light.
9. Tiki Bar
The Tiki Bar is a large, island-themed bar that features live music on the island. Their drink menu includes local 16 oz drafts, like Hop Electric Hazy and 60 Minutes, but be sure to check out their menu while you’re there. Their Cajun-spiced shrimp and Jamaican chicken are great.
10. O.C.I Night Club
O.C.I Night Club is a tiny bar with plenty of seating. While it’s more of a legion than a nightclub, it’s still a great place to enjoy a cold beer and a lively local crowd. They put on plenty of events, like karaoke and open mic night. The staff is really friendly and always up for a conversation.