167724 Fri May 16 15:38:41 -0700 2003 3 14 Washington DC & Baltimore Area 0 897119 Well, my first set of criteria has failed me. (See "Annapolis: Seeking a room w/a view, a martini, & maybe some creme brulee" below.) Restaurants just aren't open late enough -- they mostly close at 10, which is about when we'd be arriving. What are my options downtown? Classy, not too smoky, live music is good, as long as it's not shout-to-be-heard. Maybe someplace catering to an older crowd? Fri May 16 15:38:41 -0700 2003 0 --susan 1 897133 The Weather Rail Lounge in the upscale Loews Hotel on inner West Street is open until 2am and has a light menu. There's also the Marriott right on Ego Alley. Fri May 16 18:59:23 -0700 2003 897119 0 suzies 1 898512 This may be too late notice for you, but try Harry Browne's on State Circle. It's a very traditional grown-up bar. Also, believe it or not, the cocktail lounge at the ChartHouse in Eastport used to be a great place for exactly what you describe--calm drinks, dessert and a fantastic view (Eastport is the other side of the water from downtown Annapolis--water taxis ply the distance all the time, it takes about 1 minute). I haven't been in years so don't know if it's changed, but I don't think so. Thu Jul 03 16:09:22 -0700 2003 897119 0 Jenae R 2 898513 Oops--how funny--I read on down the board and saw your original post, which proves we are the same demographic: 15 years ago, I used to go the ChartHouse with my parents for dessert and drinks, and they liked it a lot. I do think it was a really nice spot for this because of the view and the very comfortable chairs. But if that's gone downhill, as I suspected, then I dunno... Thu Jul 03 16:11:40 -0700 2003 898512 0 JenaeR