W.C. HARLAN

What an absolutely incredible space. All of the glowing reviews before mine are spot on. Real candlelight, music perfect at setting the mood, and the drinks? Holy mother-of-pearl are they DELICIOUS. And the bartenders do NOT skimp on the alcohol. If you’re looking for a flavor experience, then THIS is the place to go.

The number 400 marks the door of an unassuming Remington rowhouse with a corner porch, the only indication that you’ve arrived at the right location. Once inside the side door that is the bar’s entrance, the candlelit gloom reveals carefully curated items inside peeling walls -- a condition that made this former contractor blanch and do a double take. The size of the crowd waiting patiently for their drinks is a testament to the speakeasy’s popularity, and the cocktails are creative and innovative. I had a Tutti Frutti, a tequila based concoction that would have turned me off for the name alone but it was very good, not sweet at all. We also tried a pistachio coffee and the drink of the day, both cocktails creatively hand-crafted. The less adventurous of us had a Negroni from the regular menu. Overall, this was a good place to while away the time while we waited to be called to our table at Clavel.

One of my favorite bars in Baltimore! Excellent candle-lit ambience, delicious and unique drinks/mocktails, great meet-up spot and conveniently close to Clavel. Does get quite busy and crowded at times so seating may be tight, and service can be slow as a result, but understandable!

The atmosphere was just what I needed. Dark but not seedy; chill vibes, cool bartender and strong drinks.

A true speakeasy vibe (side entrance, mainly candle-lit, vintage decor), it offers adaptions of classics. I will recommend their take on the French 75, the Fragola 75 (can't go wrong with cardamom). The venue is rather small so keep that in mind.

Though this place is dark the drinks are amazing and the atmosphere is so cool. One of my favorite speakeasies in Baltimore.

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.

No food menu left, but the drinks are on point and reasonably priced for the care and ingredients. Great atmosphere, but arrive early or mon-wed to avoid the crowds - it's a small space but that's part of the charm.

Walking through an unassuming side door, you're greeted with a dimly lit but well-decorated interior and staff dressed to make you feel like you're in some luxury back-room speakeasy of the 20s. Both staff on duty were super friendly and well-versed with the menu, making the experience 1000% more enjoyable as my friends and I chatted with them over drinks and Baltimore. The cocktails themselves were superb. I ordered a Buhmi Sour and the floral espresso martini (forget the exact name of it) and both were superb! Well priced for their quality and the venue's general atmosphere. Definitely recommend!

WC Harlan is definitely the best drinking spot in Baltimore. You get to try some really unique cocktails as well as ask the bar for recommendations and or something that you've read about and want to try. The mood here is very relaxing as well as a great thinking space. I love all the real candles and wax dripping from them! Grab a friend and head over for a delicious cocktail and conversation.

I really enjoyed my time at WC Harlan. The bartenders were super kind and personable. Great mixture of music and good place to kick back with some friends. I ordered a Pisco sour which was so delicious. I tried one of their pistachio drinks and it was also very good. I'm going to come back and sample the rest of their cocktails. And there was a ton of street parking which was a plus

Popped in while waiting forever for Clavel. Were lucky to snag a table for 4 at WC Harlan and had delicious cocktails that were diverse and balanced. They have an array of mock tails to offer as well. Still loving the vibe here. Def worth checking out!

This a wonderful intimate space. The cocktail menu is well designed. The cocktails themselves well balanced and imaginative. Very small and crowded but worthwhile!!

Great place to grab a drink or two. The vibe and the decor is great. I enjoyed my pisco sour.

This place is what you expect from a speakeasy. Unmarked door, dark interior, candles burning, small and intimate. I've been here multiple times on a weekday night and once on a Saturday night. Had to return on a different Saturday because the place was so packed you couldn't get in the door. Great place to go during the week when it's not so busy. But good for them having such a following of cocktail lovers. Because let's face it, the cocktails are truly amazing! Great flavors, and overall appearance is beautiful. As it does take time to make the drinks, you do have to wait a bit on the busy nights which is understandable. The only thing I don't like is they add on 20% gratuity. Im not saying they don't deserve it, but let the customer make the choice. Service was great and the bartenders super friendly. So I would easily have given 20% but I think it sets a bad precedent for making sure service is always trying to set the bar higher. Just my opinion. I still give them 5 stars as I do love this place and will definitely be going back again and again.

This is a beautiful speakeasy located right outside Remington/Hampden. The ambience inside is stellar, it's cozy a bit dark-academia vibe, definitely matches the prohibition era setting. Service was quick and top notch, the staff are so friendly and attentive to your orders. I ordered a cocktail and mocktail and both were absolutely delicious! It was such a lovely place to visit for a fun girl's night out!

Perfect! The ambiance was EVERYTHING!! It was as if we'd been transported to a time past! Whole place lit by candle and the way the shadows move after your 3rd crafted cocktail makes this a place I'll hit every time i'm in Baltimore!

WC Harlan was Baltimore's first and only true speakeasy for many years. With no advertising and no signage, you'd walk/drive by it without noticing. It has some of the most amazing and unique cocktails you'll ever drink. Many times I've had to google the ingredients. I guarantee you'll never have another drink like the cocktails made here. The ambiance is exactly what you think of when you think of a speakeasy. It typically has period appropriate music (its been different the last couple times I've been and too loud), period ppropriate drinks, and period appropriate lighting because it is completely lit by candles. The bartenders are always courteous and quick. Despite most of the cocktails being very involved and the bar being busy, you'll get your drinks in a timely fashion. The cocktails are well thoughtout and balanced. This is definitely the place to order from the menu. Try something different, you wont be disappointed!

This place is a VIBE. Truly a speakeasy-style spot, and the drinks live up to the ambiance. We tried the Young Werther and the Cafè Pistachio. I personally preferred the flavors in the Cafè Pistachio-- creamy and pistachio-y with a slight citrus bite, but the Young Werther was also amazing! Butterscotch flavors really came through, with a boozy kick. Service was great. Fast and friendly. Definitely make the stop in, especially if you've just loaded up on some amazing tacos from Clavel across the street!

Amazing spot, no sign, no artificial light, and no bullshit this place is sure to put you into a mood. Not to mention great service and drinks.

Thank God for random friends. This has been on my list for a while but I could never create a firm plan to go. A friend and I decided to grab a drink here randomly one Monday night. Although it was Monday, there were more people than I expected but we still grabbed a couple bar stools. The ambiance was warm and sexy. Definitely a great place for a not-so-public date. The bartenders were friendly and inviting with awesome personalities. I tried the daiquiri which was delicious and a wonderful boozy not-so-sweet take on an old favorite. My friend also enjoyed their drink. So refreshing - will be back soon!

I had heard about this place for quite a while, and finally made time to go! Things I love: - A warm, inviting ambiance (dim lights, candles lit, etc.) (may need to use your phone to see the menu if not by a lamp or candle though lol) - Super friendly and knowledgable bartenders; know how to make a drink strong - Fun menu - The fact that it's a speakeasy, lol, just super fun Things that I don't necessarily love but can be expected for a speakeasy: - An occasional long wait for drinks (speaks to the popularity though) - Small size, when I went it was packed but got two seats at the bar pretty quickly

This speakeasy has become a staple for us over the past year. Every time we bring someone here, they enjoy their drink. The drinks are ever changing and innovative. The pisco sour is still my favorite! The mocktails haven't changed in a while, so I am looking forward to trying new ones in the future!

What a nifty speakeasy! You would not expect such a cute hideout bar would be found in such a random location but it definitely did not disappoint! The vibes were immaculate. Drinks were phenomenal. I ordered their margarita which was strong and delightful. I visited on a Saturday night and it was loud and bustling. Can't wait to come back!

My wife, mother-in-law, and I stopped here while waiting for a table at Clavel. On arrival we were intrigued by the lack of signage and nondescript exterior. It was very cool stepping through a plain door into a dark and vibrant bar. The interior is very dark. Your eyes do adjust, but some in our party struggled to read the menu. The lights of a phone screen helped, but if you have poor eyesight you may need a friend to help you make your order. My wife got the non-alcoholic water for Adonis. She enjoyed it, and I tasted it and agreed it was quite good. I got a cocktail recommended to me by the bartender after telling him what I liked. Unfortunately, this cocktail was hugely disappointing. It was sweet (after telling him I like dryer). It was also tiny. It came in a highball glass with an ice cube that took up 80% of the volume of the glass. It was also the most expensive drink on the menu. All in all, we got 2 drinks (one alcoholic and one not) and it cost us $30. The atmosphere is cool, and I think it is a unique experience, but given our circumstances, it just felt like they were taking advantage of the captive audience of people waiting for a Clavel table. If money is no object, I think this would be 4/5 stars, but for me, great atmosphere, so-so drinks, and very high prices drop this to a 3.

You would never expect to find this bar, it's in a building that isn't marked. Once you get in, it's really more space than you would expect. Candle light everywhere. It's definitely more of a date night mind of spot/vibe (kinda on the intimate side). It was a little hard to see the menu lol but not going to condemn them for they lol! I started out with my normal, the old fashioned. If they mess that up, then I'm suspect to the rest of the cocktails. But they did good though. Came strong and sweet, a good balance of liq and sugar. I was pleased.

Looking for a great cocktail? WC Harlen is your spot! I adored the drinks I tried at this speakeasy. The only lighting inside was candle light, so it felt like we stepped back into the 1800s. In fact, the entire vibe and decor felt like it was decorated with antiques. It was a bit difficult to read the menu and see things with the lighting, but this wasn't too bad. It just added to the experience. When you first arrive, look for an unassuming black door that says enter. There is nothing else to indicate that you're in the right spot (besides your phone taking you here). The cocktails are innovative and creative inventions. The names and ingredients are really fun. Since I'm a huge fan of sparkling wine cocktails, I ordered The Year 2000 cocktail. It was INCREDIBLE. I wish my local cocktail bars made this delicious drink, but I guess I'll just have to visit Baltimore another time. My best friend got the WC Pisco Sour and loved it so much she got a second one. Her boyfriend ordered two different cocktails that he was instantly obsessed with. He's a huge cocktail drinker/maker and was extremely impressed with this place. I cannot wait to visit again when I'm back in Baltimore.

If you're looking for a speakeasy with great vibes, strong- delicious cocktails, and space for a smaller crowd- go here! This place was packed (great signs) and the bartenders were extremely friendly and attentive.

The drinks at WC are world class and the ambiance is incredible. The Bhoomi and Pisco sours were some of the best cocktails I have had (and I have had many!). The only reason for a 4 star and this was probably not something they could control, was they were severely understaffed on a Saturday night causing delays of up to 30min per order. We would have liked to have a second drink but were waiting on a table at Clavel so didn't do it because of the uncertainty. Otherwise, five stars all around.

Always a great beginning or end to our the evening. Our most recent visit did not disappoint!

This bar was fantastic! Everything about it is great, from the atmosphere, the service and the drinks! This is truly a speakeasy and by far one of my favorite speakeasies I have been too. The vibe was creepy and also reminded me of the roaring 1920's. The drinks were also adequately priced not too expensive! They were very very good. We came here on a Saturday around 8:30 pm and we were luckily able to get a table for 2. We enjoyed our experience here and will definitely be returning here in the future when were back in Baltimore!

Definitely a cute vibe for an impromptu nightcap or drinks with friends. As a group of 4 we visited Clavel 1 block up, but still wanted more drinks. Very moody inside (loved it) and the sporadic smell of incense smoke was familiar:comforting. I ordered the apple cider which had a spirit option of bourbon or tequila...bring me I asked for Cognac, ha! Absolutely delicious.

What a lovely spot in Bmore. Tucked away and the perfect spot for an intimate cocktail and great moody vibes. It gives old school Edgar Allen Poe eta Baltimore in the best way. Between the candles and antique settings, I highly recommend popping in for a date or just a cool spot to wow a guest! Needless to say every cocktail is delicious.

Idk if my 2-stars reflect my status as a middle-aged person or the fact that I am not a cocktail drinker. Either way, here we go... WC Harlan is a seemingly hipster spot. It's small and mostly narrow. I feel like the space is trying to be glam and dive-y at the same time and it just doesn't work. It was super dark in there and I had to use my phone's flashlight to see the menu, which disturbed the ambiance. They do a lot of cocktails here, and I bet if you're into cocktails, you'd enjoy what they offer. However, I'm a beer drinker and I saw they only had 1 light beer and 1 dark beer. Uh, what? That's it? I ran down a bartender to get more details and didn't get much more other than those two beers are both around 5% ABV - not worth my time. A friend and I ended up splitting an overpriced mocktail that I didn't love. I'd be super OK not returning to this place.

This was a very quaint spot. I'd definitely come back here and try other menu options. The crafted speciality drinks options were plentiful. My old fashioned was very strong though. It was a good drink, but I wasn't able to make it through all of it. I do want to come back and try something different next time.

Need a date night? Look no further. This is such a great spot. We got there a few minutes after opening (hello, parenthood), and we were pleasantly surprised that there were other early birds already inside. You're immediately greeted with a menu and an invitation to choose a seat. This is a small place and gets crowded very quickly. We snagged a table and reviewed the menu. Wow! If you're looking for drinks that you probably can't make at home (even with a well stocked bar), this is your dream. The drinks are expertly crafted and well balanced. The name is escaping me, but out of five drinks, our favorite was the pistachio something-or-other. Place your order at the bar, have a seat, and they'll call out the order once it's ready. Pro tip- parking early in the evening was easy, but I can see how it would be a challenge later. Also, they do add a 20% service charge to all orders, so don't be surprised when you get the check. All in all, we will definitely be back.

I've heard nothing but good things and I finally tried out WC! A buddy suggested we start our night out here and it was great. I'd never seen the place, and my Lyft driver dropped me off half a block away and said "it's just that door, right?" "Uh, yeah." There is no sign, just a dark-colored door. Lucky for me, I saw other folks going inside (it's the building on the corner, if that helps!). They really are going for the speakeasy vibe. Like, the inside is dimly lit and I'm fairly certain this used to be someone's first floor. I half expected some 1920's jazz to be playing in the background. Every cocktail was fantastic. I got a Negroni, which isn't usually my favorite, but this is the place to try good drinks, and my bartender didn't disappoint. I was surprised to see how many alcohol-free cocktails they had, so you can lighten the impact or bring a DD! It ain't the cheapest (nothing is these days), but for what it is, the prices are fair. The two bartenders were just amazing and those ladies could crank out solid drinks for the whole room in no time at all. A great place to get drinks, whether it's a casual date, a start to an even bigger night, or a nightcap to end one, I definitely recommend WC Harlan.

Perfect date spot! Dark, candlelit, with a wide variety of crafted cocktails. Asked for a fruity cocktail, and was given something with 'meadow' in the name. I loved it! Couple of different seating areas. Lots of ambience. Will definitely be back.

Absolutely love this place! It was my first time going but will definitely be back! The lighting in this place is PHENOMENAL! Everyone looks super sexy!! The drinks were great, through a little on the pricey side. The interior decor is also such a great touch. On the outside, use the door that says "enter"

Happy 2023! I recently did the NYE bar crawl which WC Harlan was apart of and really enjoyed myself! It was so great to see local restaurants collaborating. WC Harlan was such a beyond pleasant surprise! This establishment gives major speakeasy vibes. The outside is extremely unassuming but once you get inside it is beyond magical. One walks into a almost whimsical like living room that could have been out of a Tim Burton film. Basically it's a vibe ! Beyond the ambiance being a vibe the drinks were even better! From presentation to taste it was 100% great. There were so many drink options that looked delicious to be but I settled for the classic WC Sour! It was so so so good I had to order it twice. I'm excited to try more drink options as I continue to visit again. The staff and service were all very friendly and helpful. The space is small so you have to go to the bar and order but the drinks come out quickly and tasting great! Overall I can't wait to go back! It is a great place to go on a intimate date, drinks with friends or just because!

Amazing bar full of flavor and very secluded. Old style speakeasy. Great drinks and ambiance

Good drinks that are reasonably priced. I especially enjoyed the pisco sour and bohemian forest. I definitely had a great time and enjoyed sitting at the bar watching the bartender do their magic. Also, they were very approachable, attentive, and friendly. Overall, I'd go again after work or just because- and if I come with others only with a small group because it can get crowded and as a result, getting your drinks can take a bit longer than usual.

The ambience makes this place unforgettable but the drinks were a bit uninspired. The cocktails we ordered sounded cool but were a bit too sweet or tasted like synthetic drink mixes from a supermarket. My brother had been once before and told me that the drinks were better the last time he went so I am giving them the benefit of the doubt that i just went when they were having a bad drinks day. I did really enjoy the setting, the music, and the overall vibe. They provide the speakeasy vibe without any gimmicky hoops to jump to get inside and find a spot. We were able to walk ourselves in and find a seat at the bar. It was crowded but not too bad for a Saturday night. May check it out again if I'm in Baltimore.

Weird hipster bar with spooky ambiance. If you have a twirled villain mustache, this is the bar for you. They don't have lights, just candles. And their house specialities are all sorts of things containing flowers and herbs. It's expensive, but worth it for the unique experience I'd that's what you're into.

WC Harlan is open again! I love all of Lane Harlan's businesses, so I'm not sure if it's my favorite, but WC Harlan is a GEM. A dark, moody speakeasy with great cocktails and candlesticks covered in months of wax? This bar has character. Definitely a hipster paradise, so, yeah, it gets busy. I've been early on a weekday for happy hour, and it was empty when we walked in (still cool), and I've been on a Friday night after dinner at Clavel when it was packed, but four people left a table just as we walked in and it was a miracle. It's a small bar, so some people might not be comfortable visiting during COVID times. If you're not, save it for your Baltimore bucket list for the future. If you are comfortable now (get that booster, folks!), run, don't walk to WC Harlan for their amazing cocktails (like the W.C. Pisco Sour).

One of my fave speakeasies in Bmore. It was very crowded when we went but that didn't bother me too much. Eventually a table freed up and we snagged it. Fantastic cocktails and ambience. You could spend an hour just looking around at all the paintings and things on the walls. Great date spot.

Awesome cocktails and friendly service. I wish yelp allowed for half stars because I'd give WC Harlan an easy 4.5. We were some of the first in the bar after they opened, but it wasn't long before the place started to fill up. We were immediately greeted, offered menus, and told to sit wherever we'd like. We grabbed 2 seats at the bar and looked over the menu. They have a little something for every type of drinker (including nonalcoholic options).I tried 3 different cocktails (including their drink du jour which was a fun gin cocktail) and all were amazing and had exciting flavors. My partner felt the same about his cocktails - all were very well balanced and unique. The price point is average for a great cocktail in this area, between $10 and $15 which I think is more than fair. The two working behind the bar were very friendly and offered some great suggestions. The place itself seemed super clean and uniquely decorated, although the bathroom didn't seem to have hot water when I went to wash my hands :( The vases of fresh flowers and large melty candles that decorated the bar area were very nice. Where the vibes got a bit weird was when another patron sat at the bar next to us and unloaded his tupperware of beef bourguignon.... it smelled great and the bartenders seemed to enjoy a taste, but it was a bit odd that someone would bring their leftovers to a place like this... But then again, they don't have a food menu so maybe they allow you to bring from outside. I know some bars will allow you to have meals delivered if they don't have any offerings of their own, but not sure. Anyways, give this place a try if you're in the area and looking for a great cocktail! From the sounds of it they get pretty busy on the weekends so I would recommend trying to get in early for a pre-dinner drink to ensure you can snag a seat. For a speakeasy I felt it was fairly easy to find once we knew where we were going which was a welcome change from some of the other speakeasy style bars we've visited!

A very cute cocktail bar and a very convenient option when you are waiting for a table at Clavel! Be aware, the lighting inside is very speakeasy-eque and dimly lit. You order at the bar and can pick your own table with the group you are with. I've been a few times and their cocktails are great-- expertly crafted and well balanced with flavor and spirit. The bartenders and nice, but definitely busy and the space is small but worth checking out!

A hidden gem in an unsuspecting building. It's very dark and cozy inside and transports you to a different time. We only stayed for a drink (the Old Fashioned tastes like Christmas in a cup) but we'll absolutely be back!

Nice ambiance! Reminds me of an old saloon with all the candles!! Drinks are tasty and staff was nice!! Would definitely come back if waiting to get in to Clavel!!

Hands down my favorite speakeasy. This is the most intimate, cozy, legit speakeasy I've ever been to. It's located in a row home away from all other bars with no sign or anything, just a door on the side that says enter. I saw a few people on here saying that it was SO dark, and yes it is but that's a normal speakeasy secretive vibe and is to be expected and what I feel gives it character. I also loved that the lighting was mostly from the many candles scattering the bar and sitting area. It really does feel like a speakeasy from prohibition times. Ok, now let's talk drinks and service. I got the Alpine Elephant, WC Pisco Sour, and Red Right Hand. All of which were amazing. My boyfriend got the Manhattan and Gourmand's Dessert and we're just as good as mine. You cannot go wrong with any of their cocktails. They also have mulled cider for those cold nights out. I also love that they describe the drinks on their menu (ie. tropical fruit sour, herbaceous + bittersweet, etc). It makes it a lot easier to pick what you want. Because let's be honest not everyone knows what Avéze Gentian liquor is LOL and I don't like having to google all the ingredients to figure out what I want. As for the service, it was great. The bartenders were so friendly and greeted us right when we sat down. And we're helpful throughout our time there. 10/10 recommend this place for an intimate date night stop.

A gem of the area~ we think about coming here often because of the dark ambiance and creative drink menu. The service there has always been stellar and we love to stop by there for pre-dinner cocktails before heading to clavel.

Love the manager, so talented, drinks are fabulous, atmosphere is perfect. Everything at W.C.. Harlans' was thought out perfectly. Cheers for a long and successful journey!!

WC Harlan is the perfect speakeasy to a T. Dark, cozy, a little creepy, it's the ultimate date night spot to snuggle up in the dark over an amazing drink. Everything we had was unique and delicious and crafted with care.

This is by far the DARKEST place I've ever been to. Please be sure to bring a flash light or 2 because you are will not be able to see otherwise. Lol. Definitely a classic, old school vibe and lives up to its category of being a speakeasy. Overall pretty low key vibe. The music was a little loud for me. It has an intimate vibe but it's very loud overall. Not the best place for larger groups because the walkway is a little narrow to get by others. I only had one drink (on my wait for a table at Clavel). It was a classic, the Old Fashioned. It was pretty good. I would definitely be willing to have it again. I think it's definitely a place to try. I will be going again for sure. These are the places that make Baltimore "Charm City."

I went for a friends birthday, drinks before dinner at clavel. The atmosphere was crafted well. Candle light only. Makes you not want to use your cellphone. Delicious cocktails. Efficient bartenders. Good drink menu. I am excited to go back!!

One of my favorite date night spots in Baltimore- the vibe is unmatched and exciting, servers are inviting and timely, and the drinks are unique and tasty. I have been here on dates, with friends, and with family and everyone has been blown away by the atmosphere ("enter") and left with a notable experience. In my experience there have been varying levels of crowd/noise/lighting, ranging from dark-dark and crowded to dim and spacious. I recommend regardless if you're hoping to be impressed.

Came to this bar since I was in the area. So dark inside that I could barely read the menu without using my phone's light. It was busy on a weekend night. Music was decent, older songs playing. Had the orange wine & a mixed drink. Drinks were ok, did not like flavor of the mixed drink much. Unique drink concoctions. Decent experience but I'm unlikely to return