Baltimore, December 19, 2025
Baltimore is set to enhance its culinary scene with the opening of new dining establishments like Bar Dalí, Nora Blu, and Hush Lounge. These venues underscore local entrepreneurship and the city’s vibrant community spirit. Alongside these developments, Baltimore is embracing the festive season with various holiday events, including cookie crawls and lively celebrations that foster community engagement and showcase local talents.
Baltimore’s Exciting New Dining Hotspots & Holiday Events
New culinary ventures and festive gatherings highlight community spirit.
Baltimore’s vibrant dining scene is set to welcome new establishments and a flurry of holiday events, showcasing the resilience and ingenuity of local entrepreneurs. With the upcoming openings of Bar Dalí, Nora Blu, and Hush Lounge, Baltimore is enhancing its culinary offerings while maintaining strong ties to community traditions. These new venues reflect the individual initiatives of local chefs and restaurant owners, echoing the benefits of a dynamic and relatively low-bureaucracy environment that encourages innovation.
The launch of these establishments not only signifies a boost to the local economy but also provides opportunities for residents to engage with their community through food and entertainment. As Baltimoreans embrace these upcoming changes, we see the potential for growth fueled by local talent, showcasing how community pride and culinary exploration can lead to vibrant social experiences.
Bar Dalí: A New Tapas Experience
Set to open in early 2026, Bar Dalí is a highly anticipated tapas bar created by James Beard Award-winning chef Spike Gjerde. Located at 909 Charles St. in Mount Vernon, the venue will take over the space previously occupied by Mount Vernon Stable & Saloon. The new establishment aims to pay homage to its predecessor while introducing a menu that prioritizes locally sourced ingredients and blends them with global flavors. In addition, Gjerde’s collaboration with Ash, owner of Hotel Ulysses, will further enhance the dining experience by overseeing the food and beverage program for the adjacent Swann House event space.
Nora Blu & Hush Lounge: A Dual Experience
Just a short distance away, the former Spike & Charlie’s at 1125 Cathedral St. is being transformed into two new venues: Nora Blu and Hush Lounge. Owned by Dezmon Parker, Tariq Ibrahim, and Mohammad Elmanyari, Nora Blu will feature an upstairs Mediterranean dining experience, while Hush Lounge will offer a cozy basement speakeasy ambiance. Both venues are strategically positioned near the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, aiming to attract guests before and after performances with a vibrant night scene, live entertainment, and an inviting atmosphere.
A Celebratory Holiday Season
As Baltimore gears up for the holidays, the city is embracing the festive spirit with a series of engaging events. On December 18, the Fells Point Main Street Cookie Crawl offered attendees the opportunity to visit local shops while enjoying complimentary cookies. The following day, Brewers Haven in Highlandtown hosted a lively holiday party featuring music, giveaways, and local food from Motte. Looking ahead, December 21 marks the observance of National Coquito Day, with various locations across the city serving their unique interpretations of this traditional Puerto Rican drink.
Community Engagement Through Events
One of the standout highlights will be Club Sonora’s Tuki Tuki event on December 21 from 4-8 p.m. at Stem & Vine downtown, featuring a coquito contest, a holiday market, delicious tamales prepared by Rosalyn Vera of Cocina Luchadoras, and live salsa music. These community events showcase how local businesses and organizers can foster engagement and create enjoyable experiences that enrich the cultural tapestry of Baltimore during the holiday season.
Conclusion: Support Local and Stay Engaged
These developments in Baltimore’s dining scene, coupled with vibrant holiday events, reflect the city’s commitment to community engagement and local entrepreneurship. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to support these new venues and participate in holiday festivities, reinforcing the connections that make Baltimore a unique place to live and celebrate. By valuing local choice and leadership, we can continue to foster an environment that prioritizes community growth and joy in shared experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bar Dalí and when will it open?
Bar Dalí is a new tapas bar concept by chef Spike Gjerde, scheduled to open in early 2026 at 909 Charles St. in Mount Vernon.
What are the features of Nora Blu and Hush Lounge?
Nora Blu will be an upstairs Mediterranean restaurant, while Hush Lounge will be a basement speakeasy, both located at 1125 Cathedral St., and are targeting a late December or early January opening.
What holiday events are happening in Baltimore this season?
Baltimore is hosting several holiday events, including the Fells Point Main Street Cookie Crawl, Brewers Haven’s holiday party, and the Tuki Tuki event at Club Sonora on December 21.
When is National Coquito Day?
National Coquito Day is observed on December 21, with various venues across Baltimore offering their versions of the traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink.
Key Features of the Blog Post
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| New Dining Establishments | Bar Dalí, Nora Blu, and Hush Lounge set to open, enhancing Baltimore’s culinary landscape. |
| Focus on Local Ingredients | New venues emphasize the use of locally sourced ingredients, enriching the dining experience. |
| Holiday Events | A variety of festive gatherings across the city, promoting community engagement and holiday spirit. |
| Community Benefits | These developments reflect the positive impacts of individual initiative and community pride in Baltimore. |
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Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
