The Tusk Lounge

The Brass Elephant [1], 924 N. Charles St., 410/547-8485,
www.brasselephant.com/tusk_lounge.html [2]

HOURS: Mon.–Sat. 5 p.m.–2 a.m., Sun. 4:30–8:30 p.m.

The Tusk Lounge is one of those splendid old fin de siècle bars that somehow escaped ill-considered disco-era renovations and remodeling. From the long marble bar to the tall ceilings dangling elaborate chandeliers, to the tiny tables and romantic corner nooks and quiet jazz on the stereo, this is a great place to grab a fancy cocktail or single malt scotch (and some food from the brief but tempting bar menu) before heading out to one of Mount Vernon’s cultural venues.

Note that the bar is located on the second floor of the old-school Brass Elephant [1] restaurant; head right upstairs as soon as you enter the building.