actually the intercontinental lounge/bar is a pretty cool out of the way place that (if you can handle the prices) is a pretty nice place with a good view of the inner harbor.

that's all i can think of too...hmmm...

unless yah wanna go old school bmore and put on a warm coat and hit up LP Steamers' deck.

Rodos, no wait . .Cheerleaders, no wait . . . The Horse, damn . . . hmmm, I'm stuck

Has anything moved into the top floor of the Hyatt Regency? I'm pretty sure Pisces closed down a few months ago. That was a great view.

NR, yeah, I thought about Pisces, but I don't think anything has taken its place. Yet.

NR - yah we went there right before it closed just to check it out before they did. i think it's only available for private events.

speaking of, i always wondered why the top floor of the peabody court hotel was only for private events...i'm sure the view there is awesome.

You should check out Watertable. It's in the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel, 4th floor. It has amazing views of the waterfront if that's the main goal. Food isn't five-star quality and drinks are just slightly cheaper than the Capital Grille, but it's great with a view over the Inner Harbor and all of Federal Hill.

Yes, Pisces is only available for private events and I hear they do pretty good with it. Sorry Ben, I can't think of a single nice lounge/bar with a good view of the city. Hmmmmmm...you may have stumped us with this one.

The key to the 13th floor is to go early. Like real early. It can really live up to it potential if there are only a few people there. You can also have pre-dinner drinks there and move downstairs for food.

The BEST view of Baltimore is the Grand View Restaurant at 3838 Roland Avenue. Its at the top of the old folks home, and you can see 30 miles in all directions through all glass walls. But they don't serve booze and the food is terrible.

If its not too cold you can always go down by Tide Point and stroll along the dock. its a beautiful view and the best make-out spot in Baltimore city.

probably not what you are looking for, but Mr. Rains Fun House just opened up in the American Visionary Art Museum - haven't been there but when it was Joy Luck it had a nice view of the city (well..at least before those houses were build on the other side of key highway)

You could bundle up and open a bottle of wine atop Federal Hill or Tide Point. This also comes along with risk for buzzkill by law enforcement, but maybe she likes a risk taker!

Oh wait, maybe Tabrizis? I think they have those propane heaters outside?

Maybe the lounge in Silo Point? But I think it might only be open for private events???

Find a chick who's less high maintenence and take her to Max's, jerk.

I kid. I kid.

Woody's is only on the 2nd floor but it's right on the water.

Not a tall building but the Rusty Scupper has a pretty nice view from accross the inner harbor. Not the greatest service, and I would say the food is just ok. (I do remember them having a really good cream of crab soup)

Jay -- Woody's isn't exactly swanky, though.

I like the idea of Rusty Scupper for drinks. The view of the Inner Harbor is great. But like Viraj said, the service and food are just OK.

Ben, Bring her by my house. I've got a rooftop deck with great views of the city. You can out and pick us up some wine while OLD MAN GNAR gives your lady the old scottish rubdown. HUBBA HUBBA!

Upstairs at Slainte's has swanky decor and is miles above Woody's as far as class and good times. However, I don't know how Ben feels about the fact that it's a fútbol pub. Not high on the romance meter but an equally amazing view of the water as Woody's.

Swanky is the best way to be.

Actually Explorers Lounge at the InterContinental Harbor Court Hotel has a great Happy Hour! It is more than worth it to stop by and check it out. The offer is 8 wines for $5 each and 5 Worldly Appetizers for $8 each.

to answer the question :

The Explorer's Lounge is really something special. But it might be a bit oldish, you know, a place to take your future in-laws.

The best would be someplace where you're not exactly a regular but a place that you like and know, and where you've made a favorable impression on the staff with your wit, charming manners, and generous tipping -- then, when you came in, they'd be all "hey, man, where've you been!"

But that would mean you'd have to be a gentleman, and if you are a gentleman, she won't care where you take her, and if you're not, no bar will make a difference. And if she doesn't care whether or not you're a gentleman, why would you want to date her?

I'm not helping until you make Brad go stand in the corner.

Yeah, Brad -- you asked for our help, we rushed to your aid, and you ripped our hearts out. Judas!

Sessa, I grow tired of these. Once every couple months isn't bad, but come on.

Chillness, Abject. This will be the last one for a while, I promise.

Great suggestions everyone. The lady and I had a good old time in Baltimore. We split the criteria and caught the view from the World Trade Center observation deck (which I had never actually been to) before dinner and drinks in Fed Hill at the locations more familiar to me.

I'll be checking out some of the places mentioned here so I can get a feel ahead of time and hopefully I'll have some great options for future visits.

My thanks!