Baltimore bars frequently make national lists, but it’s usually always the same players—like The Brewer’s Art or Max’s Taphouse—and deservedly so.
But we were so happy when our copy of Esquire magazine‘s June issue came and we saw that drinks correspondent David Wondrich picked Rye as one of the the “25 Best Bars in America.” The write-up was small and a bit snarky, but the inclusion itself speaks volumes.
Rye opened in late 2011 and made its mark as Baltimore’s first bonafide cocktail bar. Managing partner and beverage director Doug Atwell said he was extremely flattered by the list.
“David Wondrich came by Rye last autumn and had a good time,” Atwell said in an email. “I’m thrilled he decided to put us on his annual list. We’re feeling pretty good about getting Baltimore some national attention.”
The accolades are likely to continue, as the group behind Rye, Stuggy’s, and Willow is about to open another cocktail bar in Federal Hill, called Bookmaker’s, in the Cross Street space that was formerly karaoke bar Nevin’s.