Bold Brews in the South Baltimore Brewery District

There is something special going on in South Baltimore. With its proximity to both Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium, the neighborhoods of South Baltimore have always been an area people used for tailgating sports, but over the last few years, a series of brewers have turned this neighborhood into a mecca for craft beer lovers. Dubbed the “South Baltimore Brewery District” by the collaborators of the group, here’s what you can expect to find in this awesome section of town:

Checkerspot Brewing Company

If you are a Maryland beer fan, you’ve probably heard of Checkerspot Brewing Company before. Head brewer Judy Neff has been producing some incredible beers since 2016. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for an ale or a lager, they have a full spectrum of beers to choose from, many of which pay homage to their Baltimore roots (even their name “Checkerspot” comes from Maryland’s state butterfly!) My personal favorite is the Keeper Stout, a stout brewed with crab shells to give it that Baltimore flavor!

They recently moved to their beautiful new location on Ridgley Street which features tons of space, games for all ages, and a beautiful private event/live music room. They also have a small food menu if you are looking for a snack.

Pickett Brewing Company

After opening its doors in 2022, Pickett Brewing Company has become a go-to spot for anyone looking to pregame an Orioles or Ravens game since they are just a few short blocks from the stadiums on Russel Street. This team is really starting to dial their beers in, producing some delicious IPAs, solid lagers, and one of my favorite local beers around town, Counting Corks, an extremely drinkable Irish dry stout. In addition to tailgating, Pickett’s comfortable seating arrangement and massive projector TV make it a great place to watch a game as well. They do not have a kitchen but usually bring in a local food truck. Check their Instagram page prior to your visit if you’re curious about food offerings.

Wico Street Brewing Co.

Pinball, music, and beer—what’s not to love?

Wico Street’s funky neon taproom officially opened in 2022 and has become known for its unique selection of beers, including sour fruited IPAs which are totally worth a try if you’ve never had one before. If you aren’t feeling adventurous, don’t worry, they have plenty of other styles to choose from. They recently installed a permanent food truck on the back patio serving a variety of smoked meats. You can find Wico Street Brewing Company…. well, on Wico Street of course.

M8 Beer

Can I interest you in a Grog? That’s just Australian for beer, and Australian-style beer is exactly what M8 is serving up. Australia is known for producing some of the most flavorful hops in the world. The newest member of the SoBo brew trail opened just a few months ago in Checkerspot’s original location. The M8 team has big plans to expand this small space, displaying their architectural plans throughout the taproom. Their current beer list is mostly European-style beers, and they offer a full food menu showcasing Australian-style pub fare. The future is certainly bright for the Aussies down under the 395 overpass.

With so many delicious brews to choose from, the South Baltimore Brewery District is the perfect place to spend a Sunny Saturday. As always, make sure to drink responsibly, always have a designated driver, and tip your bartenders!

Feature photo taken by Ray Grewe at Pickett Brewing Company in Baltimore, MD.