I woke up with grits on my mind, and decided to wrap up Love Weekend with a solo date to Swill for…read morebreakfast. Swill is cozy, warm, and inviting. As my first visit, I wanted to play it safe and order foundational pieces to study the how and why of the creamy grits, perfectly scrambled eggs, and Bang Bang Shrimp. Served in a martini glass atop of small bed of spring mix and drizzled with yummy bang bang sauce, the shrimp was perfectly seasoned and battered, with a light Old Bay dusting. The grits were indeed creamy with an option to add shredded cheese, and that I did. I'll have to study how the eggs came out looking and tasting so fluffy, chef's kiss! My matcha latte was made with oat milk, sweetened modestly, and I could taste the delicious hint of nutmeg - so good! Chef Heather provided attentive and steady service throughout. Swill has a solid foundation in Baltimore, and I'm looking forward to coming back to try more dishes!

If you're looking for a brunch spot in Baltimore that understands indulgence, flavor, and vibes,…read moreSwill by Blacksmith delivers. We were lucky to experience this cute and cozy restaurant earlier today. When I say experience, I mean it...we were treated so well and enjoyed everything from the appetizers to the drinks and to the main dishes. Just to give you an idea of the vibe ...as you walk in, the exposed brick walls and cozy, low-lit atmosphere give it that modern industrial charm, relaxed, but still elevated. It feels like the kind of place where brunch easily turns into a full afternoon. It feels like you're stepping back into the past, but it's still feels very new and fresh. Now, let's get to the food and drinks. The French toast is the star. Thick-cut, golden, and perfectly crisp on the outside while soft and slightly custardy inside. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with syrup from a special carafe. It's a rich flavor without being overly sweet. Not to forget, it's topped with a dollop of whipped cream and berries. The chicken and waffles? A solid win. The waffle is fluffy with crispy edges, and the seasoned wings bring that savory balance. Sweet, crunchy...everything you want in one bite. Also, for an appetizer try the honey honey old bay wings and the chicken tacos, so delicious. Scrambled eggs were creamy and well-seasoned, and the breakfast meats (from classic sausage to crispy bacon) rounded everything out nicely. The cocktails are no afterthought. The margarita-style drink came in a chilled glass with a sugared rim, refreshing, slightly tart. Also, on the menu are a different types of juices and they're very open to making a perfect mix for you...a virgin blend or something spicier. Lastly, but definitely not least, Chef Heather is so sweet and very welcoming to us...this made everything even more special. Please come and support this local business that is perfect for a large group gathering, solo outing, small group gathering, just stopping in to get a coffee or a juice, and anything in between these. Swill by Blacksmiths is a great spot, with flavorful food, and this spot is unapologetically brunchy.

Joanna's feels like one of those local, neighborhood gems. The staff typically greets customers…read morewhen they walk in which is nice. They offer, what I'd imagine are, some of the healthier food options in Dundalk. Apple slices are offered as a side for example. The food always tastes great and freshly prepared. There are indoor and outdoor options for seating. Joanna's really seems to strive to immerse itself in the community through hosting events like Craft Night.

After my dentist appointment in Dundalk and in need of a little latte, I stumbled upon Joanna's…read moreCafe nearby. A cute little shop that was warm and inviting. The perfect spot for locals to grab a coffee on their way to work or an afternoon lunch spot. Joanna's has a really nice menu with quite a few breakfast and lunch options. As well as a decent drink menu for whatever may suite your fancy at the moment. I settled on a Pistachio and Rose Latte, a Sausage and Cheese breakfast sandwich, and a huge Black Bottom Muffin. The latte was little on the sweet side for me, but the flavor was decent. The breakfast sandwich I got on an asiago bagel, and it was pure deliciousness. The chicken sausage was seasoned nicely, and the asiago bagel was so soft and pillowy. I thoroughly enjoyed this sandwich. And the muffin was quite tasty too. With so many items to try on Joanna's menu and their good customer service, I'll definitely be back to try some other things when I'm in the area.

Came here for brunch and enjoyed every bite! Food portions are pretty big and the menu might make…read moreyou drool Even when slightly busy they have a nice sense of urgency and the atmosphere of the restaurant is beautiful. The lemonade is also delicious but no refills for that, or cranberry or orange juice which is the only bummer. This location is a hidden gem and i will be back anytime im in Baltimore to try more food!

My coworkers put me on to this spot a couple of years ago, so shame on me for just getting around…read moreto my review... As others have said, this is a Black owned establishment that serves a community without many sit down options. I'm really pleased that they do a great job with service, food quality and price point. HSH doesn't have an extensive list of options, so they're able to do what they do pretty well. For appetizers, I've only had the fried green tomatoes. Pretty flavorful, especially with the sauce. In different visits, I've ordered salmon and grits, shrimp po boy, salmon and grits. All of them solid choices. At one of our "working lunches" we opted for adult beverages to take the edge off of an especially trying day lol. Sturdy drinks indeed. It's really a decent spot for a nice breakfast, brunch or lunch at a reasonable price. Definitely recommended.

Never have any complaints about this location. The severs are always attentive even though they are…read moreconsistently busy. Food always comes out in a good amount of time and is consistent.

Server Alana was so sweet! The only part of our breakfast which was good was the million dollar…read morebacon! The soda machine is flat fix it please

Closest thing to a New Orleans po'boy in Baltimore…read more The Catfish Po'Boy here is no joke. Kimchi-brined fried catfish, remoulade, capers, lettuce, tomato and red onion on a sub roll -- it immediately reminded me of Mandina's on Canal Street in NOLA. That's about as high a compliment as I can give a po'boy outside of Louisiana. My partner had the Heirloom BLT and loved every bite. Fresh heirloom tomatoes, arugula, sprouts, herbed avocado mayo on wheat -- simple and done right. Chuck's has that perfect Hampden energy: unpretentious, a little quirky, genuinely good food. The counter seating where you watch everything made to order is a nice touch. Grab something from the bodega side on your way out. Show up Tuesday for the po'boy lunch special. You won't regret it.

We stopped in to Chuck's trading Post for breakfast! French Toast was good, came with fresh berries…read moreand berry compote. The Everything bagel with egg and bacon was perfect! My kiddos absolutely loved the pancakes! They were light fluffy, great size and the syrup was great! Truly enjoyed everything! Looking forward to checking out the shrimp and grits next time! Truly a hidden gem!

Came back to refuel before the Boston Running Festival. I called ahead and owner made me a…read morecauliflower crust meat pizza, and a panino that not only felt great to eat, but left me feeling energized after. The person at the front desk was literally so in tune with the neighborhood that the pigeons were calmly walking around in harmony (don't worry, the place is impeccably clean). I saw the owner helping clients and they even remembered me from weeks ago! This place is special in this community, beyond the great food and low prices. It's a heart of this place.

J C Romero's Neighborhood Cafe isn't just another place to eat; it's a true community hub. Whether…read moreyou're stopping in for a quick bite or settling in for a longer stay, you're treated to a mix of comfort food, excellent service, and an atmosphere that makes you want to linger. It's the kind of cafe that makes you feel like you've discovered something special, and you'll want to return again and again. If you're looking for a meal that hits all the right notes with quality ingredients and flavors that feel like they've been crafted with care, J C Romero's is an absolute must-visit. Has everything under the sun you might need for a quick stop in!

i visited Nordstrom Cafe with a friend and had a caesar salad, which great (per usual, the only…read morething i ever order!) however, the dining area was concerning, as we noticed mice running behind the counter. other than that issue, the service was good! the bread was really good & we tried the cheddar biscuit that was good also. :)

Sunday , 1:39 pm…read more Cashier: Cute , Friendly Service : waitress walks around the entire restaurant and helps everyone. Most times it's just one person . Be Patient Food arrived within 15-20 min IMO: Tasty and Aesthetically pleasing I ordered the Honey Dijon salad with grilled Shrimp and a berry ginger smash drink . The tincture was good My friend ate the Penne Bolo with Chicken Meatballs and Italian sausage My salad was better The chicken meatballs were kinda...meh

Adorable and quirky cafe that is 100% worth all the hype, the long waits, and the hard-to-snag…read morereservations. I visited Golden West Cafe on a Sunday afternoon with a moderately large group (7 people). We were originally hoping for a brunch reservation but could only snag a 3 PM slot -- a testament to how incredibly popular they are -- although we ended up being ready at 2 PM and called ahead to ask if they could seat us earlier. They, very graciously, were able to make space for us to come a tad earlier. The food was absolutely incredible -- it was some combination of American comfort and Mexican / Latin American, with classic Mexican items like huevos ranchos, fish tacos, and enchiladas right next to traditional American brunch selections like chicken and waffles, hot cakes, and so forth. Their menu is also remarkably vegetarian / vegan-friendly, and it features their own house-made vegan chicken! We decided to split a few items, including the zucchini brie hot cakes, fish tacos, and vegan hot honey chicken and waffles. All three were outstanding, but my favorite had to be the zucchini brie hot cakes. The cakes were remarkably soft and fluffy, and I loved the bit of sweetness from the zucchini (and maple syrup, of course), and the extra hit of rich creaminess and savoriness from the brie. It was the perfect sweet and savory combo, and it was easily one of the biggest surprises of the meal. The rest of the items were also delicious, although not quite as wowing.The fish tacos were well-fried and flavorful, and I was quite impressed by how crispy and thin their accompanying fries were. I really enjoyed the flavor of the hot honey vegan chicken and waffles, but I was, admittedly, a little bit thrown off by the texture of both. It's very possible that the waffle had just gotten a bit soggy because I ate this dish last and it wasn't quite at its peak freshness. Either way, I really enjoyed my time here, and it's 100% worth I try. I can't wait to make my way back to Hampden to sample the rest of their menu!

Golden West Cafe…read more First visit to Hampden and Golden West Cafe -- and it definitely lived up to the hype. Drinks: Baltimore Vice -- strawberry-forward with a Don Q rum float, coconut foam, and freeze-dried strawberries. Light, refreshing, and very easy to drink. Piñata Riot -- a tequila twist on a jungle bird. Slightly bitter, tropical, and well-balanced. Both cocktails were solid and worth ordering again. Food: Green Chili Burger -- while it didn't quite hit true Albuquerque green chile standards, it was still flavorful and satisfying. A strong menu option. Zucchini Brie Pancake -- the standout dish. Unexpectedly balanced between sweet and savory, rich without being too heavy, and something I'd absolutely reorder. Overall: Great first impression. The menu has a lot of variety, the cocktails are creative and well-executed, and it feels like one of those places you could keep coming back to and try something new every time. Would I go back? Absolutely.