Baltimore, MDBeer Halls and Biergartens

Four once vacant buildings on East Cross Street brought under one glass roof, which The Baltimore Sun's Wesley Case calls the closest thing to an open air bar the zoning board would allow. The seating is communal tables and benches imported from Munich, a fig tree stands in front of the main bar, and a mezzanine looks down on the first floor. Imported German drafts pour in half liter, liter and two liter boot sizes. Order a half liter of Hefeweizen and the sausages or Bavarian soft pretzels.

Baltimore Magazine describes an airy open courtyard attached to this Old Goucher bar, filled with communal seating. The bar itself specializes in natural beer, wine, cocktails and Japanese sake, and the magazine notes you will not find a full meal here unless a food truck or a visiting pop up is scheduled, though the beer garden menu carries snacks for sharing. The courtyard runs on its own weather, so it thins out when the cold sets in. Order a beer and a plate of snacks and take a spot on one of the long benches.

Baltimore Magazine's review describes a courtyard off Hickory Avenue behind a church that feels far from the rhythms of the city even though bustling 36th Street sits close by. A covered deck holds a small bar and tables, and an uncovered section has picnic tables with umbrellas plus a giant Connect 4, a Jenga set and a foosball table. Ordering runs through your phone and a server brings the round out. The yard opens for the season in late March. Order a local draft from Nepenthe or Manor Hill and a wrap.