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 soft buttery-floral Ryleigh’s Best Amber Ale were simple lightweights. But bitter-hopped India Revenge Pale Ale and Black Forest cake-like liqueur-splashed Wild Willie’s Oatmeal Stout left better imprint. Recommended for tap beer brewhounds: Thirsty Dog Pub – two doors down.