Baltimore's most compact nightlife scene is Power Plant Live! The entertainment complex near the Inner Harbor hosts 10 or so restaurants, bars, nightclubs and concert venues plus one art gallery. They all spill out into a plaza, making moving from club to restaurant and back an easy stroll.
However, since most restaurants are open for lunch, it's not exclusively a nightlife destination. In fact, parents visiting nearby Port Discovery will find some casual dining spots that welcome kids.
Power Plant Live! Entertainment Complex
Not to be confused with The Power Plant (that Inner Harbor attraction is home to ESPN Zone and Hard Rock Café), Power Plant Live! is on the far east side of downtown near President Street, two blocks north of the Inner Harbor at Market Place and Water Street. Port Discovery with its huge sign on President Street is, perhaps, the most noticeable venue in the complex, though it is not officially part of it.
During the warmer months Power Plant Live! hosts free outdoor concert events in the plaza, most of these events are ages 21 and up. In fact all the places in Power Plant Live! are 21 and up after 10 p.m., except Rams Head Live!, which allows 18 and up at some shows.
Scroll down for a full list of Power Plant Live! venues.
Angels Rock Bar
Nightclub10 Market Place (above The Lodge Bar)
410-528-1999
Wed.-Sat. 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
No athletic wear
Angels Rock Bar, which opened in September 2007 in the space once occupied by Have a Nice Day Café, is a dance club minus the club music. It's all rock 'n' roll here. Most of it is from a DJ, but there are live performances occasionally. And what goes better with hard rock, but hard alcohol. Its menu offers a good selection of high end vodka, gin and other spirits by the bottle.
Babalu Grill
32 Market Place
410-234-9898
Restaurant hours: Tues. - Fri. 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.; Sat. 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. closed Sun. - Mon.
Babalu Grill on Restaurant Row in Power Plant Live! fuses traditional Cuban cuisine with modern influences as well as offers other types of Latin fare. On Fridays and Saturdays, it rolls up the rug, so to speak, and becomes a dance club after 10 p.m. Complimentary valet parking.
Photo courtesy of Power Plant Live!
Blue Sea Grill
Restaurant614 Water St.
410-837-7300
Restaurant hours: Mon.-Thurs. 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 5 p.m.-11 p.m.
Cool blue tones and ocean murals never let you forget that seafood is the star at this eatery on Restaurant Row, though there are a few choices for landlubbers. Complimentary valet parking.
Havana Club
Nightclub600 Water St. (above Ruth's Chris Steak House)
410-468-0022
Wed. - Sat., 6 p.m.-2 a.m.
This upscale Latin nightclub offers a beautiful setting with rich leather sofas and chairs as well as extensive wine and cigar lists. Theme nights include:
- Wednesday - Latin Dance lessons
- Thursday - Bounce Back Latin
- Friday - Salsa & Merengue Night
- Saturday - With A Twist
Howl at the Moon
Piano lounge22 Market Place
410- 783 - 5111
Wed. - Thurs. 7 p.m. - 2 a.m., (show: 7:45 p.m.); Fri. 5 p.m. -2 a.m. (show: 5:45 p.m.); Sat. 5:30 -2 a.m. (show: 5:45 p.m.)
Part of a national chain known for its dueling pianos act, Howl at the Moon has a more interactive style of entertainment than most lounges. Guest can sing along or make requests depending on the show. Of course, singing is not required, but all those drink specials make it just a little easier.
The Lodge Bar Baltimore
10 Market Place
443-524-2010
Tues. & Thurs. 9 p.m.–2 a.m.; Fri. 6 p.m.–2 a.m.; Sat. 7 p.m.–2 a.m.
The vibe is supposed to be that of a cozy, rustic cabin...but with throngs of party-goers plus live music or a DJ. The best of both worlds for some, I guess. But unlike many of the other clubs in Power Plant Live! The Lodge Bar actually has a pretty decent menu, consisting of (surprise!) comfort food.
Maryland Art Place
8 Market Place, Ste. 100
410-962-8565
Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Founded in 1981 (but moved to the current location in 2001) Maryland Art Place (MAP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting emerging Maryland artists. MAP's gallery is free and open to the public.
Images courtesy of MAP, Four Mazes by Leslie Hirst
Mex
26 Market Place
410-528-0128
Tues.-Sun. 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.; Open for lunch only on Monday.
Casual southwestern fare is on the menu for lunch and dinner, but at night the focus turns from eating to drinking. Happy hour specials, a stage, DJ booth and a lounge all draw in the after-dark partiers.
Photo courtesy of Power Plant Live!
Mondo Bondo Italian Bistro
Restaurant34 Market Place
410-244-8080
Mon.-Tues. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.;Wed.-Fri. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.;Sat. noon-2 a.m.
Pizza, subs, salad and other casual Italian fare is on the menu at this restaurant in Power Plant Live! Its late-night hours make it popular with the area's club-goers.
More Power Plant Live! Venues
