On almost any night of the week, you can wander into a bar on or within a few miles of Main Street in Westminster, Maryland, grab some local food, and end up arguing with three friends about the capital of some state you’ve never visited.
Whether you're a ringer with a team name that nobody can say in front of children, or you just want a low-stakes excuse to leave the house instead of binging shows and scrolling social media, here's where to play.
It’s a good idea to call and confirm before you go, as things can change.
Tuesday: There’s only one game in town
Johansson's Dining House (4 W. Main Street) runs trivia every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the bar area. It's a great way to break up the work week with an early night out. The building is an early 20th-century downtown landmark. Show up early if you want a good seat by the bar.
Wednesday: Mid-week brain building
Wednesday night offers two options, both on the edge of town:
Maryland Mallet (2820 Littlestown Pike) starts at 7 p.m. with Showtime Trivia behind the mic. It's free to play, with weekly prizes. You should probably get a crab cake while you’re there.
Island Green (1199 S. Pleasant Valley Road) runs trivia at the bar on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month only. Island Green also juggles karaoke, comedy, and live music on other nights, so check the schedule before you commit. You should also probably get a crab cake while you’re here, too.
Thursday: A three-room throwdown
Thursday is the night Westminster offers up the most variety: a downtown spot, a brewery, and a sit-down restaurant, all running trivia at the same time.
Serra (32 W. Main Street) holds court right on Main, with the kind of crowd that turns trivia into the after-work hang. They also offer $8 smash burgers on Thursdays, which sounds like a good deal even if you never get any of the answers right.
A short drive away, Pub Dog (1203 New Windsor Road) brings its own brand of regulars: craft pizza, house beer, and a room that fills up fast. They list Thursday trivia on their website, but details are sparse, so give a call before you head over.
Across town, Maggie's Restaurant (310 E. Green Street) kicks off its trivia at 7 p.m. and offers gift cards as prizes. Maybe you can win one and come back to use it on the weekend, as some readers have listed it as a favorite Westminster brunch spot.
Sunday: The afternoon shift
Not everyone wants to be out late on a school night, and City Park Gaming & Brew Room (133 E. Main Street) understands. Their weekly Sunday trivia runs from 4 to 6 p.m. The room itself — craft beer and cider, board games, vinyl records, dog-friendly — is part of the appeal. If "trivia at a bar" sounds too intense, this is a gentle introduction.
A family-friendly option
Not every trivia night needs a drink in your hand. The Carroll County Public Library runs themed trivia events throughout the year — Maryland Trivia Night, pop-culture editions, and seasonal one-offs. It's a solid pick for families, sober players, or anyone who'd rather match wits in a well-lit room with comfortable chairs. Check ccpl.librarymarket.com for upcoming dates.
That’s all we’ve got for now. Please send us any news you have on new trivia nights or changes to what you see posted here.
In the meantime, pick a night, round up three friends, and go embarrass yourselves productively in front of your fellow citizens. Worst case, you learn something. Best case: you go home with a gift card and the knowledge that you’re a true champion.