Sagamore Pendry - Baltimore

The Sagamore Pendry in Baltimore is a beautifully restored slice of history perched on the edge of the iconic Fells Point waterfront. This place oozes Baltimore charm, blending old-world grandeur with a gritty, unapologetic edge that fits right into the city’s DNA. Walk into the Sagamore Pendry, and you’re not simply entering a luxury hotel, you’re stepping into a building that’s witnessed centuries of Baltimore’s evolution, from its industrial heyday to its modern-day renaissance. It’s as if every brick in the place is holding onto a bit of the city’s story, and yet it’s polished enough to give you that feeling of being in on something exclusive.

The hotel itself is housed in a historic 1914 Beaux-Arts building that once served as a pier and a dance hall, and the renovation is nothing short of spectacular. The designers have somehow managed to balance elegance with a raw, almost industrial aesthetic. The exposed beams, the dark woods, the dim lighting all work together to create a setting that’s both grand and inviting. This isn’t the sterile, cookie-cutter luxury you find in so many places; it’s real, it’s grounded, and it makes you want to settle in and stay a while.

But let’s get to the point: the Dirty Martini I devoured at the Sagamore Pendry. It’s the kind of drink that’s as down-to-earth as Baltimore itself but with just enough flair to remind you that you’re somewhere special. The bartenders here don’t mess around when it comes to a Dirty Martini. They make it extra dirty, and I mean that in the best possible way. This isn’t a drink for the faint of heart; it’s bold, briny, and unapologetically savory.

What sets this Dirty Martini apart is the olive, the real star of the show. The Pendry doesn’t use just any olive; they source them from the deli counter near the bar, giving each one a freshness and authenticity you won’t find with your standard garnish. These olives aren’t the overly salty, neon-green variety you find at so many bars; they’re plump and briny, with just the right amount of bite, stuffed with pimentos or blue cheese, giving them an extra layer of flavor that complements the martini perfectly.

When they say “extra dirty,” they mean it. They’re not shy with the olive brine here; they pour it in with a heavy hand, giving the drink an almost cloudy appearance and a punch of salty, umami goodness. The brine isn’t just a dash, but a key component, binding with the gin (Tanqueray) to create a drink that feels substantial, something you can almost chew on. It’s the kind of Dirty Martini that doesn’t care about being subtle; it’s here to make a statement, to remind you that a good drink can be as bold as the city it’s served in.

The warmth of the bar and the quiet sophistication of the space, makes the experience even better. The bar itself is cozy, with dark leather, moody lighting, and a vibe that encourages you to linger. This isn’t the place to order a quick drink before heading out; it’s the kind of spot where you settle into a deep leather chair, martini in hand, and lose track of time. You can sit back and watch the world drift by outside the windows, the waterfront just beyond, adding that touch of Baltimore authenticity that you just can’t replicate anywhere else.

The Sagamore Pendry Baltimore knows how to do a Dirty Martini right. It’s not a drink that tries to impress with frills or flair. It’s raw, briny, and unpretentious, just like Baltimore itself. This is the kind of drink that feels like it belongs in this city, in this bar, surrounded by a history as rich and gritty as the flavors in your glass. So, if you’re ever at the Pendry, do yourself a favor: order the Dirty Martini, lean back, and let yourself sink into the charm of a place that knows exactly who it is and isn’t afraid to show it.

Website: Pendry Baltimore