Hello, everyone! Welcome to my very first blog post!
If you’ve met me personally, then one of the first things you’ve probably come to know about me is my obsession with coffeeshops. As a matter of fact, I’m probably more obsessed with coffeeshops than I am with actual coffee…
Anyway, it only makes sense that my first post is about my favorite spots for coffee in my home city of Baltimore. After exploring pretty much all of the coffeeshops in town (though my list is ever-growing as Baltimore becomes more and more hip each day), for the purposes of this post, I have picked out my favorite (lucky number) seven.
Here we go:
#1. Ceremony Coffee Roasters (Mount Vernon & Harbor Point)
My rating: 7/10
My go-to: Iced Jasmine Green Tea
Ceremony has two locations in Baltimore: one in charming Mount Vernon and another in newly-developed Harbor Point (side note: I have a slight preference for the Harbor Point location). It’s a super popular spot amongst students, artists, and hipsters of Baltimore alike. Many self-proclaimed coffee aficionados of Baltimore actually embrace this Maryland-based chain as their favorite coffeeshop of all time! I, personally, find Ceremony a little overrated…
For one, Ceremony’s food just doesn’t do it for me. I am a girl who takes her avocado toast very seriously, but I feel strongly that less is more. I suppose I was feeling experimental one day when I ordered Ceremony’s avocado toast with feta & bacon jam, not knowing what to expect. Perhaps doing so was self-sabotage, but to say the least, it was a little too “extra” for me and tbh I’ve been a little scarred since.
Though it’s not my personal favorite, I have to give Ceremony credit where it’s due. My sad experience with their food aside, I still have them on my list because their coffee is pretty good, their tea selection is great, and above all because their spaces are beautiful, chic, and brightly lit.
Both locations are great for any occasion, whether you’re looking to get work done, meet up with friends, or take out someone special for a casual date (especially if they are a fan of the finer things in life, like bacon jam, which apparently I am not).
#2. Order & Chaos (Federal Hill)
My rating: 8/10
My go-to: Iced Lavender Latte & a Belgian Waffle
Because I’m not a huge fan of the Federal Hill area in general, I was genuinely shocked when I came across this quirky place. Everything I’ve had here has been delicious. Their iced lavender latte is almost as good as the one at Pitango (my all-time favorite one in town, keep reading to hear more!), but it’s a little cheaper. The reason this isn’t ranked higher is because I don’t feel particularly passionate about the space, which is pretty basic; I sort of wish it were a little more open and/or funked up.
Side note: the industrial area by this place gives off a *vibe* and it barely feels like Baltimore. Make sure to check out the Museum of Industry that’s super close-by! It’s a hidden gem!
#3. The Bun Shop (Mount Vernon)
My rating: 8/10
My go-to: Yuanyang in Winter or Dirty Thai in Summer & a Rotiboy (each and every time.)
The Bun Shop has a special place in my heart because it’s open until 3am most nights, so I always come here when I need to study late. The Bun Shop has seen me at my lowest points in life. And at each one of those low points, a fluffy lil Rotiboy (a Malaysian-style sweet bun, pictured below!) has been there to wipe away the tears.
In all seriousness, The Bun Shop has a wide selection of coffees/ teas and buns inspired by all sorts of international cuisines. My favorite drinks are the Yuanyang which is Hong-Kong style coffee, AKA a mixture of coffee & milk tea, and the Dirty Thai which is iced thai tea with a shot of espresso. With the huge variety of food/drinks, there’s something for everyone! Bring your whole crew (they have board games!!!), or come alone with your laptop and say goodbye to your bank account and social life because you’ll easily be locked up in here for hours with an endless supply of coffee at your disposal.
The space itself is also really cool and home-y. The vibe is chill and I love the music they play (I swear they’re stealing music off my playlists). There are also several comfy, very enticing couches. Some people say it’s a little too dark to study, but I personally don’t mind it!
Only downsides: there’s not any real food aside from the buns and the non-specialty coffee drinks (i.e. basic espresso-based stuff) don’t impress me. I like it here most when I have a sweet tooth!
#4. Dooby’s (Mount Vernon)My rating: 8/10
My go-to: Americano & the Matcha Cookie.
If you’re into Asian (particularly Korean) fusion, Dooby’s is your spot. While I’m not a fan of any of the savory dishes here, even after giving them many chances (I’m very picky with Asian cuisines), I love the pastries and the coffee is really, really good. Try anything with matcha. I’ve had the matcha latte & the matcha cookie (pictured below!) and they’re both amazing. The matcha cookie is probably my favorite sweet thing in all of Baltimore!
The space is also really nice & bright. Good for getting work done or coming with friends for any meal. They serve everything from fresh juice to cocktails. I just love the concept of getting crunk next to someone sipping on a coffee while finishing their thesis or whatever! What a time to be alive!
#5. Baby’s On Fire (Mount Vernon)My rating: 8/10
My go-to: Cappuccino & a record
I recently discovered this place & quickly fell deeply in love, mostly because of the concept: it’s a record store + coffeeshop IN ONE! They brew Stumptown Coffee, which is excellent. The space itself has a nice vibe and plenty of light, but it’s a little small. I usually come here on weekdays and don’t usually have trouble finding a table, but I imagine it may be more difficult on weekends. I wish they had a better food selection, but other than that, I have no complaints.
#6. Pitango Cafe & Bakery (Fells Point)
My rating: 9/10
My go-to: Iced Lavender Latte & a Cruffin
I studied abroad in Rome, so naturally this adorable Italian-style cafe brings me immense nostalgia every time I pay a visit and lets me reminisce the incredible coffee culture of Italy (why isn’t “coffee culture” a thing everywhere?!?!). Also, the iced lavender latte here actually rocks my socks, despite the fact that it’s a whopping $6. Everything is actually quite expensive, but with good reason.
Come for the amazing coffee & food, stay for the open space, relaxing vibes, and gorgeous view of the water. Pitango’s recent renovations, which expanded the space two-fold, and being situated right by the water have definitely rendered it the cutest space in Baltimore to get work done, particularly on weekdays when it’s quiet. On weekends, especially when it’s sunny and warm, it’s a completely different but equally enjoyable experience to come sit outside with friends or family to enjoy the nice weather and soak up the European vibes.
I love that they have real food and lots of healthy options, in addition to a wide pastry selection!! I’ve tried several sandwiches (the “Red” is pictured below) and they’re delicious and fresh. But my favorite thing by far is the cruffin, which is filled with Bavarian cream, and reminds me of the “Cornetto alla Crema” (cream croissant) that I had every. single. morning. for breakfast when I was abroad. I haven’t been able to find anything exactly like that anywhere in the States, let alone Baltimore, but this cruffin comes pretty close.
#7. Artifact Coffee (Hampden)
My rating: 10/10
My go-to: Their menu changes with the seasons and days of the week, so it depends. Lavender latte in the Fall/Winter or any of the fruit sparklers in Spring/Summer. Doughnut on the weekends!
I don’t even know where to begin with this one. Artifact Coffee is basically my second home. I honestly wish I lived here full time (for real @Artifact, how much is rent?). During the school year, I come here several times a week and I’ve lost count of how many loyalty punch cards I’ve gone through. I always bring my out-of-town tourist friends here and they’re never disappointed. Have I proven my obsession yet?
Artifact wins in every single department: coffee, food, service, vibes, coziness. Of course, you can’t expect any less of a rustic-styled coffeeshop that’s situated inside a reclaimed factory building, just on the edge of trendy Hampden, which is considered by many to be the heart and soul of Baltimore. Not to mention, the owner Spike Gjerde is an award-winning chef renowned across Baltimore and beyond for his “farm-to-table” concepts.
The only downsides: it can get pretty crowded and, more often than not, it ends up closing earlier than 7pm, their official closing time, for private events. These two downsides are obviously just side effects of being so popular, so you can’t even blame them. I forgive you, Artifact. Love you forever.
In case you want to keep exploring, check out my honorable mentions:
- Squaremeal in Hotel Revival (Mount Vernon)
- Cafe Fili (Mount Vernon)
- Bird in Hand (Charles Village)
- Charmington’s (Charles Village)
- Roggenart (Mt. Washington)
- Ground & Griddled (Remington)
- 3 Bean Coffee (Federal Hill)
EDIT: Since I first made this post, I’ve discovered TWO more coffeeshops that have become my favorites! They are:
- The Corner Pantry (Mt. Washington). Amazing, authentic British bakery with REALLY good coffee (they serve La Colombe)! They have food specials seasonally and something new on the menu almost every day. All the pastries are amazing; TRY THE CRUMPET! This has quickly become my go-to.
- Milk & Honey Market (Station North). This place closed down for a while, but now it’s back! The space is bright, white, fairly large, and airy – quite similar to Ceremony. And the coffee is excellent!
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