A modern industrial take on a Prohibition-era speakeasy. The back alley garage where someone today would sneak a bourbon, beer or gourmet comfort food meal.

Hours & Location

Location

DRY 85 Map

Hours

M – Th
11am – Midnight

F/Sa
11am – 2am

Su
10:00am – Midnight

FIRST COME. FIRST SERVED.

Take Out available here online or call 443-214-5171

Address

193 B Main Street
Annapolis, MD, 21401
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Phone

443-214-5171

Menu

map

About us

The backstory.

Sen. Morris Sheppard

“There is as much chance of repealing the 18th Amendment as there is for a hummingbird to fly to the planet Mars with the Washington Monument tied to its tail.”
– Sen. Morris Sheppard, Sept. 1930

The repeal of Prohibition on December 5, 1933 was cause for Champagne-soaked celebrations everywhere throughout the United States. Well, everywhere except the District of Columbia. Residents of our nation’s capital weren’t able to take a legal drink until after the repeal of the Sheppard Act, which wouldn’t come until March 1, 1934. This name pays homage to those 85 days where the good people of D.C. had no choice but to frequent the very speakeasies the 21st Amendment made obsolete.

From the team behind Red Red Wine Bar, Brian and Lisa Bolter have created a modern industrial nod to that Prohibition history. DRY 85 is a back alley garage. A roughhewn space. A 21st century embrace of that outlaw culture created once congress did the unthinkable. Making the simple joy of drinking well … illegal. If the 18th Amendment was still the law of the land today, DRY 85 is where you would sneak a bourbon, beer or gourmet comfort food meal.

Brian was a Washington, DC news anchor turned full time entrepreneur. As Beverage Director he hand picks every one of the 100+ whiskeys, 12 craft beers and artisanal spirits. Brian’s two decades of experience as a journalist are the driving force behind his educational approach to your drinking experience. The more you know about someone, the more likely you are to appreciate who they are and what they’re about. That’s the philosophy of DRY 85’s beverage menu. Demystify whiskey and craft beer. Appreciation starts here. Connoisseurs stay here.

Lisa spent years in television news and public relations before embarking on a gastronomical journey of culinary creations. DRY 85 is her gourmet approach to “stick to your ribs” home cooking. In this made-from-scratch kitchen every sauce, every dressing is hand crafted. It’s that attention to detail that takes the concept of burgers, fries, pork chops and wings and turns them completely on their head. Each dish is creatively deconstructed allowing the essence of flavor and spice to shine.

Drink well. Eat well. It’s shouldn’t be a crime. Senator Morris Sheppard must be rolling in his grave.


Press.

What’s New in Ocean City for the 2018 Beach Season

Baltimore Sun
May 7, 2018
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Luxury List: Spoil Yourself at DRY 85 in Annapolis

Capital Gazette
May 5, 2018
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Legislator’s Wining and Dining Choices

Capital Gazette
January 4, 2018
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Annapolis Restaurants Red Red Wine Bar, Dry 85 Meet ‘Pent Up Demand’ in Ocean City

Delmarva Now
December 7, 2017
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Annapolis Eateries Aim to Upscale OC Dining Experience

OC Today
November 24, 2017
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DRY 85 is Going to Ocean City!

WJZ TV
October 14, 2017
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Exemplary Craft Beer Bars

Washington Post
April 6, 2017
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Celebrate DRY 85’s New Barrel Aged Exclusive Brew

Capital Gazette
March 22, 2017
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DRY 85 Bourbon Bar: Like the Bourbon? Take It Home!

Bourbon & Banter
April 7, 2016
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Private Barrel Selections

Sipp’n Corn
November 24, 2015
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Dry 85’s Brian Bolter Does Blend Tastings to Create Private Label Liquors

Capital Gazette
November 15, 2015
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3 Ways to Elevate Your Tailgate Game This Season

WJZ-TV Channel 13
August 23, 2015
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The Top Bourbon Bars in America

The Bourbon Review
July 2, 2015
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One Year Later with DRY 85

Capital Gazette
February 4, 2015
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Smooth Sipping, Indulgent Dining

What's Up? Annapolis
July 26, 2014
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21 Fresh Bars for Every Occasion

Washington Post
April 17, 2014
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DRY 85, The New Annapolis Whiskey Bar

Baltimore Post-Examiner
April 10, 2014
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DRY 85, A Cool, Cozy Addition to Annapolis

Baltimore Sun
March 19, 2014
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Bringing Bourbon and Beer to Downtown Annapolis

Washington Post
December 31, 2013
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D.C. TV Anchor Wants To Open Annapolis Speakeasy

CBS Baltimore
January 3, 2013
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Gallery

Events

There are no events scheduled at this time.