So I'm sure you're exploring reviews right now because you've heard the hype and want to know more. Is W. C. Harlan a speakeasy? Well, if you mean is it camouflaged to blend in with the early 20th-century architecture of the surrounding neighborhood, exists without signage, and off the beaten path, then yes! According to local lore, this place was originally called the Kitty Kat and was a dive bar for skinheads. Otherwise, this place abandons its speakeasy facade as soon as you enter since it is as busy as can be! Good luck finding seating! Best advice is to go very early to ensure you find anything, especially on a weekend. We were lucky enough to find two seats at the bar only because someone I was shouldering up against was leaving. Atmosphere? Quaint, intimate, otherworldly day-of-the-dead decor. If you like dripping candles, fake flowers, taxidermy, dusty tomes, and strange portraits hanging on the walls, this place can't be beat. It is also exceptionally dark as well. So watch your step or bring your reading glasses because the drink menu itself is about as pretentious as you can imagine with ingredients that will challenge your vocabulary as much as they attract your attention. As for the drinks? We tried six different drinks, but I would not say they were exceptional mixology experiences. I found a number of them bitter, bland, or just unremarkable. Only the Roman Ruin tasted more complex than other selections. And for a menu with three different Mezcal cocktails, I would expect something other than an Espadin varietal, which is like the rail brand of Mezcal agaves. For the money, I had better drinks at the Bluebird in Hampden. Otherwise, the bartender was incredibly friendly, helpful when making selections, and talkative despite the volume of traffic. Also be warned, this place includes the tip in the bill. You will see a service charge on your bill followed by a line for an additional tip. EDIT: To the owner/responder - You really put a lot of effort into addressing a throwaway comment, so allow me the same opportunity. I think you missed my point. I was attempting to make an analogy that those uninitiated into Mezcal would understand. Espadin (Agave Angustifolia) makes up about 90% of available Mezcal on the market, as I'm sure you know, due to its short cultivation period. A species of agave so widely available means there will be inevitable oversaturation in its production - it makes sense - go to your local liquor store like I do and try to find something other than Espadin. Analogously, rail drinks use alcohols much more readily available. In many drinking establishments across the world, top rail drinks are not always available as market demand focuses on supply of cheaper liquors, and so my point had to do with availability not quality. I don't understand your response about rail brands cutting the spirit down to 40% abv or less, as my point had nothing to do with rail brands mixed with Espadin. If you are saying a mixed drink on the spot would cut the alcohol to below 40%, well, that's not true . If you mean a "rail" brand of Mezcal (which I don't understand since we don't refer to Mezcal in terms of rail brands due to its lack of time on the market - rail brands tend to have staying power built over time) would cut the abv to under 40%, well, then, it couldn't be sold legally in the United States. Not really following you. The point again was novelty and rarity since the express draw of your establishment is novelty and rarity. I would expect to see experimentation with the other agave species such as the ones available at your restaurant up the street. Please accept my humble correction as well, and remember to focus on the positive aspects of the review. If you put as much effort into your drinks as you did your response, you wouldn't feel the need to answer reviews like these. P.S. I'm glad the flowers are real.

Great speak easy! Strong drinks, mysterious vibes. Perfect stopping point after any restaurant.

Really cool small speak easy. There’s plenty of street parking. Vibes are dark and chill. Bathrooms really narrow. They have some seating at the bar and some for small parties. Delicious cocktails at reasonable prices

Couldn’t recommend this place enough, it hits every mark it aims for; unassuming (verging on invisible) from the outside, super vibey interior and a pitch perfect offer of clever, well balanced drinks and some ace vintage spirits. Staff are friendly, open and knowledgable. It’s a gem of a bar for sure

Ultimate vibes in a cozy, creatively lit space. Don’t come hungry, the focus only on delivering fantastic mixed drinks. Plenty of seating, bar service only

I’ve been on a recent quest to check out all the speakeasy style cocktail bars in Baltimore. W.C. Harlan is a cute speakeasy style cocktail bar. There’s only a sign outside that says “Enter” so it’s a blink and you’ll miss it kind of place. Parking is street parking you’ll have to find. It’s a very small place with bar seating and some tables in the back. I tried going on a Saturday night once and it was too crowded for me and I didn’t stay but some people might like it crowded. I came back during the week and it was much more cozy and intimate. The place is only lit by candlelight which is really cool. Most people were there either with close friends or on a date. This is a cocktail only bar, no food. You have to order at the bar and pick up the drink yourself if you are sitting by a table. They make craft cocktails with high quality ingredients. I really like the barware and glasses they used for the drinks. I got to try the pisco sour, traditional daiquiri, and amaretto sour. The amaretto sour wasn’t on the menu but the bartender gladly made me one. It was my favorite drink. I think this establishment’s real draw is it’s Amaro selection. I didn’t try it this time but they have a huge Amaro selection and Amaro flights so you can taste different ones. The price range for drinks was about $10-$20. The only thing I didn’t like is that even though I had to order the drinks at the bar and pick them up myself, they have a 20% automatic gratuity on all drinks. I like to tip but at that high percentage, for already expensive drinks, they should at least bring the drinks to you even if you order at the bar. This automatic gratuity is mentioned on the menu. Bluebird Cocktail Lounge is still my favorite speakeasy style cocktail bar in Baltimore but overall I had a good time at W.C. Harlan. The drinks were good and I would go back.

Everything about this place is such a vibe. The entire place is candle-lit and full of vintage photos, wooden tables, gold candelabras & weathered wallpaper. The cocktails are delicious and unique, and they’ve got a great array of nonalcoholic drinks that are just as great. If you can, get in before 6:30 to snag a table as they tend to get busy quickly on the weekends, but totally worth it.

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! It's a stones throw away from Clavel. Entrance is very deceiving. I never would have found it if I was by myself! I was impressed by the awesome vibes I got when I walked inside. Right away, very reminiscent and ambience of a typical speakeasy! Plenty of cocktails to choose from, too! Don't be surprised if you can't get a vodka and sprite, though.

The kind of place where people of a certain age turn on their phone flashlights to read the menu. This has an amazing spooky, dark, dusty vibe

Still one of my favorite cocktail bars. Small, almost a classic Baltimore shotgun bar in shape, but with a few tables in the back and along the side, opposite the bar. Dark with candles and dim chandeliers give it an intimate feel. Mixologists are friendly, and the cocktails are fantastic! Prices are nowhere near what you'd expect for the quality of the drink.

Great ambiance and interesting drink selection! Definitely would be returning to check this spot and more cocktails out! There was also a nice selection of mocktails for our sober sisters!

Exceeded all expectations! Expertly crafted cocktails with unique flavors! Extremely attentive and fun bartenders. The atmosphere is over-the-top and perfectly themed!

My friends and I stumbled upon this place while waiting on a table at Clavel. Extremely unassuming on the outside, this place had the coolest/eclectic vibe on the inside. Everything was dimly lit by candles and all the artwork and decor were very intriguing to look at. The specialize in unique cocktails, with plenty of them utilizing ingredients I had never heard of before and the pampidour margarita I had was delicious. Definitely a place worth checking out if you’re into speakeasies!

One of my favorite bars in the city! Cocktails are interesting and inventive, the vibes are immaculate and it is just such a cozy place to be. I love trying the drink du jour which is usually a good deal. Cocktails here are on the pricier side, but they take time and thought to make.

Good ambiance (speakeasy) and decent drinks. However, the bartender was very rude, and it took over 15 minutes for a drink to arrive when the bar was nearly empty. I would rather go to the owl bar in Mount vernon where the staff is very nice, and drinks are cheaper.

Small but the vibes don't lie! This speakeasy had a nice crowd, good drinks and it felt like a spot where everyone knows your name. I would highly recommend and I definitely would come back again.

Whenever we travel to other countries, we check out cocktail places featured in "top/best" lists. WC Harlan should be in ALL prestigious cocktail lists. We are so fortunate to live about 20mins from this speakeasy. The vibe is unmatchable; the drinks are balanced. There is something for everyone. Menu changes so make sure to visit often, but the classics are always available.

My wife and I came here after a show at the Lyric. It was our first time and we had to ask someone where the entrance was 🤣. It was so cool to experience the speakeasy atmosphere and the service was excellent. Our cocktails were very well crafted and quite good. We even enjoyed the music that was playing during our visit. It’s always fun when you happen upon a unique cocktail bar experience.

I asked for an espresso martini and was told they don’t make them. Later I saw in the menu that they had a drink with espresso in it. So I was already confused by that mishap. Ordered a French 75 and old fashioned instead. Both drinks were insanely strong to the point of being undrinkable. French 75 just tasted like lemon juice and a splash of gin. And the old fashioned just tasted like they filled the glass with whiskey. This was my second time coming here after not having good drinks the first time. Everyone seems to love it which is why I came back again. But to my disappointment, it still wasn’t good. Definitely won’t be back for a third time.

Great ambiance, drinks are very unique and mostly delicious but they can't make some things that are not on their menu unfortunately.

Loved my visit to W.C. Harlan!! The bartenders were friendly and attentive, the drinks were absolutely outstanding, and the atmosphere was unique and relaxing. Will visit again very soon!!

What's not to love about a speakeasy bar... I've always been attracted to them especially when in other cities. But lately I've been on a Speakeasy Wanderlust because I just get tired of the same ole same ole run of the mill bar environment and shenanigans. If you're ever in Baltimore, there are a few that have their unique flair. But for me W.C. Harlan is my type of vibe, where you'll meet interesting people and indulge in even more interesting conversations.

Such a vibe, very cool and intimate setting, definitely one of my favorite places to grab a well made drink. My personal favorite is the dead meadow.