Since opening in 1992, Oriole Park at Camden Yards has been a hub of social activity in summer. Before a baseball game, that means grabbing a beer and a bite at one of the many bars, new and old, that surround the park. Here are the best bars near Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Pickles Pub
What Makes It Special: Seniority. The granddaddy of them all, Pickles has been serving up pints and quality bar food since 1988 - long before Camden Yards opened. The place gets packed before games, but during big games, like opening day, Pickles sells beer on the promenade outside.
Sliders Bar and Grille
What Makes It Special: When you're craving no-frills, inexpensive pub grub or a cold beer -- which you probably are if you're pre-gaming before seeing the Orioles -- stop by Sliders Bar and Grille. The staff is friendly, the food is good, and the beers are a fraction of the price of those at Camden Yards.
Pratt Street Ale House
What Makes It Special: Pratt Street Ale House opened in early 2009, replacing the venerable Wharf Rat. Quality beer is still on the menu, and the joint is sure to be hopping before games, thanks to its top-notch location. It's big enough to accommodate large crowds and still has the great outdoor patio.
Quigley's Half-Irish Pub
What Makes It Special: It's so close to the stadium, yet most people have never even seen it. Nestled in the Ridgley's Delight neighborhood, this cozy pub serves both neighborhood regulars and ballgame-goers.
The Yard
What Makes It Special: Located inside the Marriott Inner Harbor, The Yard offers your standard sports bar atmosphere inside the swanky lobby of the Marriott. Because it's inside the hotel, it doesn't get as crowded as some of the other bars near the stadium, so it's a great place to grab to relax before or after the game - or during a rain delay.
Diamond Tavern
What Makes It Special: The newest and closest bar to the park, the Diamond Tavern is really more of a restaurant than a pub. It's a huge space and has a long bar, but though it's directly across the street from the stadium, there's no great view of the field.