BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

In the narrow Federal Hill section blocks away from Inner Harbor and across the Street Market area lies tiny neighborhood bar, RYLEIGH’S BREWPUB & RAW BAR (which ceased brewpub operations during ’07). Its black-fronted exterior boasted ‘steak and chop restaurant with fine ales,’ February ’05. 

Upon entering, rustic red brick archways lead to wooden booth-laden bar on right with additional seating in the back. To the left, glass enclosed brew tanks front the main eating section.

On tap, dryly grassy sugar-candied Marble Golden Ale, spicy red-fruited Dizzy Blonde Ale and softly buttered toasted-grained floral-daubed Ryleigh’s Best Amber Ale were simple lightweights.

But bitter-hopped citrus-spiced India Revenge Pale Ale left a better imprint.

Best bet: Black Forest cake-like Wild Willie’s Oatmeal Stout, a creamily maple oats-sugared dessert with slight liqueur splash.

Recommended for tap beer brewhounds: Thirsty Dog Pub – two doors down.