25th Annual Best of Baltimore Party, August 1

by Liz Rapoport in Event Listing

Twenty-five years ago Baltimore Magazine hosted the inaugural "best of" party, celebrating the fine dining and drinks that Baltimore had to offer. Today, close to 90% of the restaurants on that list are unfortunately no longer with us, but the Best of Baltimore Party has turned into one of Baltimore’s most highly anticipated affairs. Join Baltimore Magazine and the best Baltimore has to offer on Thursday, August 1st, from 6–11 PM at the Hippodrome Theatre — don't miss the $5 discount code at the end of this piece.

This year's event is Speakeasy-themed; attendees are encouraged to wear “feathers and fringe,” sponsors will be passing out boas and pearls, and decorations and entertainment are will turn the theatre into a locale from the 1920s. There will be food from current and past winners including City Cafe, B&O American Brasserie, Heavy Seas Alehouse and many more, plus dessert from Food Network Cupcake Wars winner Jason Hisley of La Cakerie.

An open bar is the key to any fabulous party, and event organizers are definitely not holding back, with a record 12 bars spread throughout the event. For wine lovers there are three bars — a red, a white, and a rosé — all pouring wines from local Maryland vineyards. Cocktail fans can enjoy an Organic Prairie Vodka Bar which has drinks like a strawberry basil infusion; a Milagro Tequila Bar; and the Cotoctin Creek Roundstone Rye Bar.

General admission tickets include food, open bar, entertainment and a 2013 Best of Baltimore pint glass keepsake, all for $80. You can bump yourself up to VIP status for the evening for $135 and enjoy an additional VIP area catered by The Oregon Grill, free parking, additional giveaways and more. All ticket prices go up $15 at the door, and this event will sell out so get your tickets today.

A portion of the proceeds from the party will be donated to The Family Tree, a local organization that works to prevent child abuse. Last year's donation was more than $52,000.

Drink Baltimore readers can enjoy $5 off with this code: drink