The Admiral's Cup — Restaurant in Baltimore

This used to be one of the coolest local spots in Fells Point, Baltimore. Unfortunately, a corporate restaurant conglomerate (Atlas) took over this place, and many of the other local spots in the area a few years ago, and WOW you can feel the difference. The music is still great - because Fells Point is full of stellar musicians - but the atmosphere has completely changed. There is an apathetic, “better than you” vibe always coming from the bar staff. Always. Let me also say that as an industry worker myself, I always tip well and am naturally super friendly with bar staff. The bartenders here (minus Jason), are extremely unfriendly and barely make eye contact or even try to remember you (even locals) - it’s as if they don’t have time for you and are just trying to get your money and rush onto the next. They almost seem annoyed when you try to order! With how ridiculously overpriced the drinks are now, in relation to other spots in the area, it’s so unfortunate that new ownership has turned this place into more of a corporate organization than the fun, local spot it used to be. It’s really sad, as being a local, I used to look forward to going here to see what great bands would be playing. Now I avoid this spot like the plague because of the rude bartenders (all of which are always male). Do yourself a favor and go to Cats Eye Pub instead! Music is just as good, staff is phenomenal, and drinks are fairly priced - not to mention the atmosphere gives you that fun, Fells Point energy, without the snobbery of an...

The Admirals Cup a place where the drinks are strong, the bartenders are hot, and the heating system is a myth whispered about by old regulars. Walking in isn’t just stepping into a bar—it’s an endurance test. The kind of cold that seeps into your bones, makes you wonder if you’ve wronged someone in a past life, and forces you to reconsider whether alcohol is really worth it.

I order my usual—a gin and tonic, sharp and merciless, like a bad decision you already know you’ll make again. The ice shifts in the glass, an ironic little reminder that it’s somehow colder inside than it is out on the street.

The bartenders, though? They burn like a gas leak. Too hot, too close, and just dangerous enough to make you ignore the fact that your hands are numb.

At some point, I catch my reflection in the mirror—hood up, expression unreadable, lips slightly parted like I’m about to say something profound but am actually just trying to feel my face. I look less like someone out for a drink and more like someone contemplating the meaning of life in a dive bar purgatory.

And yet, I keep coming back. Maybe it’s the gin. Maybe it’s the undeniable appeal of watching ridiculously attractive people service me. Or maybe I just like the challenge of seeing how much longer my body can hold out before I start narrating my own suffering like I’m in some art-house film about isolation and self-destruction.

Either way, if you visit, bring a jacket. And if you stay long enough, find someone warm-blooded to take home.

All's this to say......

we came in here first, while awaiting the water taxi. the bartender had just asked us what we would like after allowing us to use the restroom without purchasing anything, when we saw the taxi approaching, made our apologies and split. several hours later, having previously checked out their specials for the night and noting how awesome the staff had previously been, we returned. happy hour(s) at the admirals cup ROCKS. got two orders of shrimp salad sliders and crab dip. both were fabulous. the sliders needed a little more old bay for my taste, but they provided that for us and, as they say, you an always add more but you can't take it away once it's there so that worked out great. the happy hour drink prices (1/2 off beer, wine and many cocktails) couldn't be beat. they have some lovely outdoor seating for those of us from cities where you can still smoke in bars and are having a hard time making that adjustment. all in all, the 3 of us with 3 happy hour food specials, several wines & several beers, the total was $42 (before gratuity). not bad for a nice fells point place, will definitely go there again when...