Rams Head Annapolis

Rams Head Tavern & On Stage is Annapolis’ “center” of social life. This huge, multi-level monument anchors downtown’s historic district at 33 West Street. Rams Head Annapolis is like entering living history. Low ceilings, exposed brick walls, and comfortable wood accents reflect the building’s 1700s origins.

The vibe changes depending on where you sit. You can have a calm family dinner in the traditional dining rooms, a wild pint in the subterranean “Pub,” or a breezy lunch on the Wisteria-covered terrace, one of the city’s best outdoor places.

A cool feature about this area is who you see. Midshipmen from the Naval Academy, 30-year-old residents, and music aficionados from out of town attend shows every night.

Rams Head Annapolis uses music and beer instead of “sailing” like many Annapolis restaurants. The community hub hosts the “Socks Burning” to commemorate spring and the big Annapolis Songwriters Festival. A “dinner-and-a-show” powerhouse, it offers intimacy not found at larger arenas.

Let’s explore fun things to do in Annapolis Rams Head Tavern with Zavros Place!

A Journey Through Time (The 1703 Roots)

For hops history lovers, Rams Head is a living museum. Brewing and hospitality have flourished on this land for over 320 years. Here’s how a small colonial brewery became a top entertainment venue.

The Colonial Foundation

• Benjamin Fordham’s Vision (1703): Queen Anne granted English brewer Benjamin Fordham a charter to open one of the city’s earliest breweries. So brewing became Annapolis’ first official industry.
• The New World Success: Sailors, merchants, and politicians passing through the port loved Fordham’s beer.

A Century of Tavern Life

• The Crown and Dial (1792): William Faris, a notable local clockmaker and goldsmith, ran the Crown and Dial (1792) over a century later. He ran “The Crown and Dial,” a prominent tavern and boarding house.
• Sign of the Green Tree (1794): The local tradition of “Amy”, the building’s ghost, began at this time.
• Famous Neighbors: Samuel Chase, a U.S. Constitution, Supreme Court Justice signer, rented the land in the 1700s.

The 1989 Revival & Expansion

• The Muehlhauser Purchase: Rams Head’s contemporary period began in December 1989 when the Muehlhauser family bought it.
• From humble beginnings: It was a 30-person basement pub. There were five employees and a “build-your-own” sandwich menu.
• The “On Stage” Revolution (1997): In 1997, the family founded Rams Head On Stage Annapolis MD after expanding into the dry cleaners in 1992. This turned the old bar into a top music venue and earned it global renown as a top little club.

Exploring the Space: Where to Sit

Rams Head Tavern has many distinct rooms with their own personalities. This list shows places to sit for a quick beer or a romantic dinner.

The “Three Worlds” of Rams Head

• The Historic Pub (The Basement): This tiny, classic “Down Bar” originally hosted 30 people in 1989. A pint of local beer and an old-school English pub ambiance are great here.
• The Wisteria Patio: This brick courtyard with above Wisteria vines is a local favorite for alfresco dining. This downtown oasis offers outdoor relaxation.
• The Cozy Dining Rooms: The Tavern boasts several cozy indoor dining rooms for a more leisurely lunch. With a capacity of 15, the Tea Room is small and cozy, while the Red Room can hold up to 40 guests.

The Music Venue (On Stage)

• “Listening Room” Setup: This separate building section is a 300-person music venue.
• Reserved Table Seating: Unlike most music rooms, you sit at a table. This lets you order food and drinks from your seat during the show.
• Intimate Views: The venue is so small that there are no “poor” seats; you are always near to the performances. Some guests favor the higher back section for stagefront views.

Architecture and Accessibility

• Preserving the Past: The building has historic octagonal signs indicating its preservation status in the Annapolis Historic District.
• Oddly Shaped Spaces: The building’s “labyrinth” layout and beautiful, irregular floor layouts are the result of 20 years of expansion by combining colonial-era houses.
• Modern Comforts: The 18th-century building now has wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms, making it hospitable to all tourists.

The “Foodie” Favorites (What to Order)

The menu at Rams Head Tavern is hard to beat if you like Maryland seafood or hearty bar food. The kitchen serves “modern tavern fare,” using local produce and comfort foods.

The “Must-Try” Maryland Classics

• Crabby Tots: The restaurant’s signature appetizer. A pile of crunchy tater tots, creamy crab dip, melted cheddar jack cheese, and Old Bay dust.
• The Signature Crab Cake: A true Annapolis staple, their 5 oz. Hand-cut fries and coleslaw accompany a giant lump crab cake. It comes in single or double platters.
• Cream of Crab Soup: Full of lump crab meat, sherry, and Old Bay, this creamy soup is rich and silky. If you can not decide, get the “Half & Half,” which combines Cream of Crab and Maryland Vegetable Crab soup.
• The Annapoli-Taco: A flour tortilla with crab dip, a crunchy taco shell, fried chicken, lettuce, and Old Bay aioli.

Beyond the Crab: Tavern Staples

• Thirty-Three Wings: features a proprietary 33-pepper dry rub.
• Shepherd’s Pie: Ground meat, carrots, peas, mashed potatoes, and gravy make this dish homey.
• Bavarian Pretzel Sticks: Soft pretzels with creamy bourbon bleu cheese fondue and whole grain mustard are perfect for sharing.

The Famous “Thirty-Three” Brunch

Weekend brunch at Ramshead Annapolis is one of the city’s most popular.

• Annapolis Benedict: An English muffin with a large lump crab cake, poached eggs, and creamy hollandaise makes Annapolis Benedict a luxury version.
• Sweet Treats: If you want sweets, try the Pearl Sugar Waffles with blueberries and white chocolate.
• Cocktails: Try a “Ram-mosa” (Gypsy Lager and orange juice) or a Crab Bloody Mary with seasoned vodka and lump crab meat.

The Beer Experience

Rams Head Annapolis is delighted to house Fordham & Dominion Brewing.

• On-Tap Favorites: Try the smooth Helles-style Gypsy Lager or caramel-flavored Copperhead Ale.
• Seasonal Releases: Look for Doppelbock Lager and blueberry-pomegranate Sunset Sours in early 2026.
• Rams Head Rewards: Frequent visitors can join the rewards program to get points for every dollar spent and a birthday credit.

Rams Head On Stage: The Music Experience

For music lovers, this is Rams Head’s crown jewel. It is a “listening chamber” that spotlights the performance, often named the world’s best music club under 500 seats.

What Makes it Special?

• Incredible intimacy: With just over 300 seats, you are never more than a few rows from famous artists.
• The Best View in the House: Most seats are good due to the modest size. Instead of a standing-room pit, designated tables let you enjoy the show in comfort.
• World-Class Sound: The venue’s acoustics make every note clear, according to reviews.
• Service at Your Seat: Eat without missing a song. Enjoy full table service for every performance, ordering drinks and food to your table.

A Massive Variety of Talent

With more than 400 performances every year, checking the Rams Head Annapolis schedule is the best way to catch your favorite artists or discover new ones.

• Big Names & Diverse Genres: Rock, jazz, blues, soul, country, and stand-up comedy are among the big names and genres.
• Tribute Acts: This is where world-class tribute bands perform. Aretha Franklin, Dave Matthews Band, The Beatles (1964 The Tribute), Bon Jovi, and The Rolling Stones are among the early 2026 tributes.
• Original Legends: Soul vocalist Avery*Sunshine, bluegrass musician Dan Tyminski, and genre-defying bands Black Violin and Matisyahu will perform in the first half of 2026.

Good to Know Before You Go

• Age Limit: Most events are 21+ unless they have a matinee.
• The “Premium Experience”: Make a dinner reservation at the nearby Rams Head Tavern before the play to get 10% off and a $5 Gott’s Court Garage parking ticket.
• The “On Stage” menu includes Cream of Crab Soup, Crab Cake Sliders, and Duck Tacos for those who dine during the play.

Local Impact & Events: The Heart of the Community

Rams Head Annapolis is more than a restaurant and theater, it is an important aspect of Annapolis’ culture and community. This establishment is integral to the city’s culture, from quirky local rituals to big philanthropic activities.

Traditions: The “Socks Burning”

• Welcoming Spring: The late March Annapolis Oyster Roast & Sock Burning is a unique Annapolis event.
• The Ritual: Annapolitans read the “Burn Your Socks” poem and throw their winter socks into a barrel fire to commemorate the boating season and the spring equinox.
• Giving Back: The Annapolis Maritime Museum’s education initiatives get all funds from this long-standing event.

Supporting Local Musicians: AMFM

Local professional artists who cannot work due to accident or illness receive emergency financial assistance from the Annapolis Musicians Fund for Musicians (AMFM), which Rams Head Annapolis strongly supports.

• Showcase Series: They host the “In The Vane Of…” concert series, where local performers perform homage to The Who and Aretha Franklin with their own music.
• Guitar Giveaways: At large events like the Annapolis Songwriters Festival, Rams Head raffles off guitars signed by all festival acts, with every dollar of ticket sales going to AMFM.

The Rams Head Family (Sister Locations)

After the Annapolis flagship’s success, the brand expanded into a collection of venues and restaurants focused on outstanding food and live music:

• Rams Head Shore House: On the Eastern Shore in Stevensville, Maryland, Rams Head Shore House has a tavern feel.
• Key West Theater & Amphitheater: Rams Head Annapolis brings its trademark booking flair to Florida’s top venues.
• Maryland Hall: They host this big creative arts complex in Annapolis, allowing larger events like the Bacon Brothers in early 2026.

The “Rammie” Awards

To keep the local music scene competitive and exciting, they sponsor the Rammie Awards, where fans vote for their best performances in numerous categories. The venue honors the musicians who made the “On Stage” lounge famous.

Planning Your Visit

Rams Head Annapolis visitors benefit from local knowledge. This “pro-tip” guide for 2026 covers parking and discounts.

Getting There and Parking

• The Best Spot: Most regulars go to Gott’s Court Garage (25 Northwest St.). Walking from the venue’s front door takes two minutes.
• New Tech for 2026: The garage is now gateless and ticketless. Just drive in and a camera reads your license plate. Paying with a QR code on a sign or the Metropolis app eliminates the risk of losing a paper ticket.
• Parking Freebies: For Sunday visitors, city garage parking is free if you leave before 2:00 PM.

The “Premium Experience” Perks

If you have tickets to a play “On Stage,” take advantage of the venue’s Premium Experience by booking dinner.

• The 10% Discount: Tell the staff you are going to the show that night to get 10% off your meal.
• Flat-rate Parking: Your waitress can give you a $5 Gott’s Court Garage parking voucher, one of the hidden gems.
• Post-Show Drink: Your show ticket includes a free Fordham beer mug or $2 off another Tavern drink after the play.

Logistics and Accessibility

Rams Head Annapolis, a 300-year-old historic building, includes accessible entrances and facilities. However, the arrangement is still a labyrinth with tight corners, so call ahead if you need special seating.

• Age Limits: Most evening shows are only for people aged 21 and up. Check out their weekend 1:00 PM matinees for an all-ages adventure.
• Stay the Night: The Historic Inns of Annapolis offer Rams Head Annapolis Concerts Stay packages with beverages upon check-in and late checkout for the best Annapolis experience.

Conclusion: Why Rams Head Annapolis is a Must-Visit

No vacation to Annapolis is complete without a stop to Rams Head Tavern & On Stage. Over three decades under the Muehlhauser family, it has grown from a 30-seat basement pub to the “music capital of Maryland”.

Dining here means entering a 1703 hospitality establishment. You are part of a 300-year-old tradition when you sit by the tavern’s fireplace or on the Wisteria-covered terrace. Rams Head Annapolis is “locally owned and locally cherished,” and many Annapolitans consider it a second home. Many downtown sites are tourist traps.

On Stage is known worldwide for its coziness. Famous for bringing Albert Lee and G. Love & Special Sauce on a small stage makes it one of the nation’s top live entertainment venues. Over 300 to 400 shows a year make it the perfect spot to witness a veteran talent or discover a new one.

Rams Head Annapolis combines the grit of a historic tavern with the polish of a premier music hall. It drives the local economy and cements the city’s social fabric. Award-winning crab cakes, locally made Fordham beer, and world-class live music make 33 West Street the place to be in Annapolis.