If you're traveling to Baltimore for the first time, you've probably got a checklist of the standard tourist attractions.

While the Inner Harbor has real gems like the National Aquarium and Maryland Science Center, it doesn't offer much in the way of nightlife, aside from a few chain restaurants. Here are three great spots that are a short, cheap cab ride from the Inner Harbor.

Brewer's Art, 1106 N. Charles St.

410-547-6925, belgianbeer.com

Baltimore doesn't have many brewpubs, but Brewer's Art makes one of the best ales around: Resurrection Ale. The bar is split into three areas: A semi-fancy restaurant, Victorian parlor/bar and dark, enchanting basement. Bartenders are quick on their feet and the seasonal drafts are top notch. Brewer's Art makes a lot of Best Of lists and gets a ton of praise, and rightfully so.

Vino Rosina, 507 S. Exeter St.

410-528-8600, vinorosina.com

This clean-cut wine bar in a rustic Harbor East factory space has about 60 wines available by the glass and 200 by the bottle. It has a U-shaped bar, high ceilings and light wood trimmings, as well as servers who know their grapes. The crowd is mostly well-dressed, in their 30s to 50s, and the infused liquors are some of the best you'll find in Baltimore.

Idle Hour, 201 E. Fort Ave.

410-468-0357

This dark, scrappy South Baltimore corner bar is the only one of its kind in the neighborhood. The front door is plastered with stickers and the walls are wrapped in wood paneling. The draft beer list is adventurous and the house liqueur of choice is Chartreuse. When DJs aren't spinning vinyl at the far end of the bar, the bartenders are playing obscure indie records and mix tapes. It's a real find.

Sam Sessa