Gay bars in baltimore

Note the back end (hehe) is called Leon’s Backroom bar which tends to get a bit busier, especially where karaoke night takes place.

Mixers–Self-described as “Queer Cheers,” and the shoe fits, as Mixers nails the friendly local hangout vibe perfectly. Neither are there any official cruising bars. If you have the stamina, climb its 227-step staircase for winning views of Baltimore’s skyline.

Fort McHenry National Monument – Patriotism at its finest, this star-shaped fort near the harbor is best known for its role in the War of 1812.

The inside is just as bizarre—every inch crammed with action figures, toys, mannequins, and colorful curiosities that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a surreal pop-culture dreamscape. Built in 1829, it served as the starting point of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, the nation’s first commercial long-distance line. Within walking distance of attractions like the National Aquarium and Camden Yards, the  Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel features beautiful views of the harbor and recently renovated rooms.

Mount Vernon’s The Manor is a swanky restaurant-lounge known for its extravagant drag brunches, which feature bottomless mimosas and must-try goat cheese croquettes. Home to the fabulous drag queen Divine and legendary filmmaker John Waters, the culture of queer Baltimore is vibrant and diverse. Visit John Waters’ favorite bookstore. This Design Hotels property has lush rooms, Ash Bar dining, and Bloom’s—its scene-y cocktail lounge.

It might not seem so obvious on the surface, but it has quite the LGBTQ+ history to back it up. The rooms are stylishly eclectic, with retro furnishings, patterned wallpapers, and playful details that give it a personality lacking in some hotels.

Discover Baltimore pride. Book tickets →

Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum –“Quoth the Raven, ‘Nevermore.” Tucked away on a quiet street in West Baltimore is the modest brick house where the master of American Gothic literature lived during the 1830s. Highlights include coral reefs, open-ocean shark tanks, and a tropical rainforest that spans five stories—plus a 4D theater.

In 1999 the theater underwent a major expansion and is now an arthouse multiplex, but the original theater remains virtually intact. By night, the space transforms into a full-on ultralounge, complete with DJs, dancing, and drag shows.

Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen – Located inside the Baltimore Museum of Art, this elegant, light-filled restaurant serves Chesapeake Bay–inspired dishes—crab cakes included—on a bright patio overlooking the sculpture garden.

In the spring, celebrate your favorite queens and kings at the Annual Baltimore Drag Awards hosted by Creative Alliance.

If you happen to be wandering around Charles Village, Bird in Hand Café and Bookstore is a great stop for great coffee, poetry readings and a nicely curated selection of books.

Gay Events in Baltimore
9. The Everyman Theatre is another great accessible performing arts venue. Between sipping on tasty concoctions and a few rounds of pool, take some time to explore the gallery wall– an artfully curated collection of queer photography and design. It deserves at least a weekend, if not a week, of love from its visitor for its gorgeous waterfront lined with historic ships (like the USS Constellation – the last warship designed by the US navy), one of the biggest and most influential aquariums in the world, historical museums (ranging from the American Visionary Art to Edgar Allen Poe) and monuments (including the first ever to George Washington – eat that D.C.), and the aforementioned Mount Vernon (a haven for artists and the gays).

Oh, and some song called The Star-Spangled Banner was written in Baltimore (inspired by the star-shaped fort there, which was instrumental in repelling the English).