Good luck finding a seat! Really small cafe that seems to be the only quick/cheap option in Bolton Hill. They run out of things and don't cross them off on the menu, but what I've had has been pretty good. Lots of options for every taste bud, and they make a good chai latte. They have non-dairy milk (soy) and some options for vegans. It's a heavily student crowd. read more

I'm a huge fan of little coffee shops like this one. I came here after a tiresome photoshoot in a nearby loft and in need of a pick-me-up. This place is adorable. With the red exterior, you can't help but notice it. I ordered a chai latte that tasted fantastic! I also got a fabulous brownie and an also fabulous danish. I didn't partake in their other offerings food-wise, like the lunch items, but what I had was great. I bought a mug from here as well, and I subsequently got it filled with coffee for free. Only knock really is the small size. It seems to get a lot of business, so I'm sure it's difficult to get seating normally. read more

Small local place just enough room for a few. Great munchies, sandwiches and the best lemonade. We had the lavender and the pomegranate lemonades- refreshing! And they take the MICA card if your looking to spend a few bucks to clear out your card;) read more

On the Hill Cafe - Burrito and the Eutaw. Yum - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

The management now has customers line up to the left of the register, and that has alleviated my only complaint. read more

Small cafe & deli. Quick, clean and yummy food. I personally go here for breakfast, as you can request a gluten free bagel. The gluten free bagel with bacon, egg and cheese is AMAZING! read more

On the Hill Cafe - Gluten free bacon, egg and cheese on "everything gluten free bagel" - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

See all

After living in Bolton Hill for over a year, I'm upset that it took me this long to try out On the Hill Cafe! I ordered the Mojo Turkey burger and it was outstanding. The burger came out fast and for the price you get so much food. I will definitely be back to try out everything else, especially since it's only a quick stroll away. read more

I'm feeling generous and since I'm not the standard client for this establishment, I should maintain some sense of perspective. So, 4 stars for its adequately qualified and friendly [if obviously young] staff, the decent food and good use of a tiny space. Better if you sit outside when the weather is appropriate, but since its near MICA, you're likely to find that the average age of the clientele is 20. And at 20, I would've been a regular I'm sure. read more

I have been here 4 times now since I ate here in February and I love it! I've had: the curried chicken salad sandwich 4.5 stars The Mojo Burger 4.5 stars The Baby Spinach salad 4.5 stars The Tamale Cakes with Pork 5 stars!!!! the Honey Vanilla Latte 4 stars Chocolate Chip cookie 4 stars the added chicken to salad was subpar and kind of gross 3 stars. I love this neighborhood, love Baltimore, and like this coffee shop/awesome dining place. Its cool, artsy, has outdoor seating and amusing hipster students and patrons. I wish this place was in DC or S.S. or maybe I wish I lived in Baltimore. Love the Tamale Cakes with pork! My favorite so far, but also love the curried chicken salad and mojo burger. The staff are alright, not superfriendly but not unfriendly. I'm surprised that some people don't like it or thinks the place is too expensive. Each of these meals were $10 total for loads of food. Its my new favorite lunch spot since its close to work and has loads of parking and nice outdoor seating. read more

Love the sandwiches at On the Hill! Menu is so creative; it's hard to choose. I had the Eutaw which includes beets, avocado, and goat cheese. My husband had a special which was a Mexican sandwich with chorizo and a fried egg. Order at the counter and then find a table. A server will bring your food. read more

On the Hill Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

There's no love as strong as the love of your neighborhood coffee shop and deli. And I am grateful to be living in a neighborhood where On the Hill Cafe is only a few minutes away. It's a great local place, located on the corner of John and Mosher, and small and cozy, just like you would expect. There drinks are standard, but I am really impressed with their sandwich collections (and love that they are all named after Bolton Hill Street). The McMechen is my favorite. All sandwiches are served with chips. In terms of small delis, I think their prices are a little high - but until a few weeks ago they were literally the only casual dining in Bolton Hill. Now let's talk MICA. When I moved to Bolton Hill, MICA students were gone for winter break. The streets were quiet, the deli was usually emptyish, except for older couples, and things were fast and pleasant. To my surprise, one morning come February, I stopped in and there was a long long line filled with loud art school students. Not saying that's a bad thing, just plan a longer wait and lack of seating into your trip. Extras: - Free wifi, but you have to ask for the password and it only lasts for an hour - A few outdoor tables when it's warm out - Recently starting serving dinner - I've never had it, but my roommate says the burgers are good. - People tie up their dogs outside on the light post while they grab a coffee so you'll always have a furry friend to play with. read more

Love coming here for burgers and pretty much anything! Small space but great places to sit outside if the weather is good! It's fast paced service but servers and baristas! Today Rafael followed up with me in my order and made sure it was correct! read more

I've been here 4 more times since my first experience, and seriously CANNOT order anything but the Eutaw. I feel like a robot is forcing me to order it, even though I want to try other things on the menu. I can't get over how much I love that sandwich. read more

This is a nice cozy little cafe tucked away on Hill Street near the MICA Campus. Sometimes I don't know what I want to eat so I head to the Hill via 83 for its great turkey burger with melted cheese and fried onions. It's a juicy dripping mess served on a great bun, but it dissolves in the mouth and goes down easy with an interesting brewed tea or coffee/espresso drink. The cafe serves it with an interesting salad and a great balsamic vinegar based dressing. I've also brunched there and they have great waffles and a massive bowl of oatmeal that will take an hour to eat. Yes, it is a bowl full of mush but it is so good in the cold damp weather. It filled me for the whole day. The service is great and the food is always fresh. Since I am obsessive about a clean restroom, this one passes with flying colors. Parking is on the street but you will find something nearby. The prices are reasonable, and there are vegetarian choices for those of you who like eating green. I really like this place and always enjoy seeing the creative types who come in from the MICA. I am from BALCO so I enjoy the diversity of the clientele when I'm there. read more

The food is great, 4/5. Unfortunately, their take out service is awful, almost unbelievably so, and I don't think I will be returning nor recommending them for lunch orders at my place of work. I'm standing outside OTH right now waiting for a pick up order that I will get an hour after the requested pick up time, two hours after I put it in their online system. This is the fourth time I can recall that OTH has screwed up an order submitted on their online system. Each time there is a "machine malfunction" with the receipt machine that prints the tickets. This is over the course of a few months, so it appears no process improvements have been made to correct the problems. Ironically, I tried utilizing the online platform because when I tried to call in orders 45 min ahead of time, when I'd arrive to pick it up at the time they instructed me to, it was never completed and I had to wait for another 15 min, or it was missing items and I had to wait 15-20 min to get the missing item made, or they didn't bother to tell me when I ordered (or follow up with a call) to let me know that something in our order was no longer available. I thought the online platform would remedy those issues. Spoiler alert: it makes them worse! I really tried to drive business to them for professional and personal functions, but never again. OTH's inability to get their shit right with their take out ordering process, especially the online platform, has caused issues at multiple meetings where OTH was our group lunch order. They also seem to not care whatsoever about how this impacts their relationship with customers, not once ever offering to compensate in some way for their issues, which didn't bother me until today because I am literally over an hour late to a lunch function where OTH was the lunch catering and folks had to go order something in the interim because they were hungry and OTH was late. I sincerely hope they get it together because I do think the food is great, but I won't be sticking around as a customer to wait until it happens, if it ever happens. I feel foolish for giving them so many chances and hope to help others avoid the same issue. read more

This is a great trusty neighborhood spot for any time of day. The breakfast burritos are a big portion for the small price, but heavy + full of random ingredients that taste the same and got a bit too watery for me. Try their simple and fresh ricotta tarts instead! That's my favorite thing I've had there so far. "The McMechen" is good too, just know its a very creamy curried chicken salad wrap if you like or dislike that consistency of a wrap. (Still a good amount of chicken in it though.) All sandwiches come with chips, yay! Pomegranate lemonade also delicious to top off a meal on a summer day. Check out the MICA campus galleries after your meal! read more

This is more then 5 stars rating. It is in a residential neighborhood of Bolton Hill; very small, clean and posh cafe on the corner. Ample outdoor seating and great spot to sit outside and eat with your dogs. We tried the breakfast burrito. It was fresh and just enough without being overwhelmed with all that was stuffed. Also tried the smoke salmon with bagel. The bagels are freshly made. It was good but not great in my book because the salmon was not quality. To die for is the iced green tea which was of high quality and very refreshing with mint. Fresh fruit bowl was also excellent and refreshing additive to our meal. You will have to order first then they being the food to you. Well worth the trip. read more

See all

This place has a really great diverse menu. Lots of cafe traditional favorites along with some modern culturally hip additions. I don't like the fact that they close so early during the week days but they are open fairly early in the mornings so try and get there before 8:30pm (when the kitchen closes). They could do a better job of showing all they have to offer, either w/a specials board or sidebar menu but overall the food is good, the service is ok, and the portions are plenty. read more

On the Hill has been our go-to cafe for several years. Not only is it close to home, but their food is consistently good. My personal favorites are the mojo burger (with black bean patty), southwestern salad, breakfast burrito (make sure you have a plate to catch the drips), pomegranate lemonade (pom lem!), and chocolate chip cookie. And, of course, the paprika fries! I can never resist these. I'm not a coffee drinker, but my partner says they make a great Americano. The quesadilla, McMechen sandwich, egg & cheese sandwich, and croissants are all solid. I have a beet-loving friend who raves about the Eutaw sandwich. I'm convinced she only visits us so she can get that sandwich. PRO TIPS: 1. Order takeout. Call in advance, pick up your food, then escape to eat somewhere a little quieter and less crowded. We've had many wonderful picnic lunches catered by On the Hill. If you time it right and stop by during a MICA holiday, though, it's peaceful and lovely. 2. Snag an outside table. The best way to spend a sunny afternoon! 3. Don't block the door when it's crowded. Everyone will hate you. 4. Getting takeout? Order your pomegranate lemonade without ice & add the ice at home. The melted ice waters down the pom lem if you can't drink it right away. 5. If you order a vegetarian burger, double-check your order before leaving. I've probably ordered about 30 black bean burgers over the past year, and two of them were mistakenly made with beef patties instead. So it doesn't happen often, but it sucks if you're already at home! read more

Oh so disappointed had such high hopes based on reviews, how cute it looked from the outside and the great sounding menu..We were enjoying our experience until we bit into our sandwich. The Mt. Royal sandwich was served on stale bread with way too much hummus and what they called grilled eggplant but was more like an eggplant relish. After only two bites the sandwich ended up in the trash. so bummed, I really wanted to like this place. read more

One word: YES. About a year ago, my sister moved to Baltimore and was on a mission to find new places to eat around Bolton Hill that were not chain restaurants. I am so glad she discovered On The Hill Cafe. I haven't had too many items on the menu, but their tamale cakes are to die for. I can't forget to mention their yummy quesadillas, too. Next on my list will be their signature burgers... Okay, enough daydreaming! Back to the review! Definitely visit this hipster paradise if you're ever in the area, or make a trip specifically! You won't regret it. read more

Fun local-cafe feel with a surprisingly extensive food menu. Breakfast served until 11am on weekdays and noon on weekends. We ordered the tamale cakes w chicken and the breakfast burrito. The burrito was good but nothing awe-inspiring. The tamale cakes on the other hand, were incredible. Sweet, savory, and plenty of avocado. Delicious. read more

I was in yesterday.. tried the linden sandwich.. it was a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with Nutella and organic strawberry preserves. But it was really good. I will definitely return to try other sandwiches and foods they have. The staff was also very friendly and easily helped my friend and I with our order. read more

There is a new women working on Sundays with a bad attitude ! I've been coming to this place for 4 years and have never been talked to with so much attitude ! read more

I was there from week ago, I got a fast service, nice employee, perfect food and very good time. thanks On the Hill Cafe's employer, I'm totally sure that I should have a time to get back again soon. read more

A go-to local spot. One of my favorites in the city. MICA is right around the corner, so brace yourself for excessive amounts of creatively distraught 19 year olds. FANTASTIC food. I've had burgers, sandwiches, you CAN NOT go wrong. It's a small space, so it gets a little crowded during the peak hours, but the curb isn't too bad of a spot to chow down. read more

Silly me, I thought a place listed under "coffee & tea" would offer more hot drinks than coffee, instant hot chocolate mix and bagged tea. This is just a hipster sandwich counter with insufficient seating and surly staff. read more

Got the plantains, beans, and rice. The rice had probably been sitting all day. It was clumped in big, hard, yellow, crunchy, dried out balls. When I asked for it to be corrected, they just dumped more, less gross but still gross rice on top. Strange choice. I hope this review helps them to make better choices in the future! This place has a lot going for it. read more

Tasty selection of brunch and lunch treats. It's a tiny space and seating is at a premium, but a great place to grab a bite and go. They have a nice selection of burgers, sandwiches, salads, and coffee. I recently stopped in with friends and we split a turkey burger, a vegetarian sandwich and a salad. I had a honey vanilla latte while I waited. It was crowded and chaotic and there was no seating, so we grabbed our food and enjoyed it at home. I'd definitely come here again. read more

On a visit to the Meyerhoff to see the BSO we used yelp to find a local place to eat and found this gem! Over the top customer service/upbeat employees! Reasonably priced and fabulous food! I just played it safe with a turkey blt, but those in my group loved their burgers. There is a wide variety of choices including splurges and healthy choices. Definitely something for everyone. We loved the small town, old fashioned feel. Would go out of our way to go back! (Only drawback is that it's small and the restroom is tiny) read more

This place is cute, very homey and ready to serve any and all who live in the neighborhood. We sat outside on a Saturday morning and it was awesome. We ordered Belgium waffles and coffee and it may have been the best waffle I ever ate. Yum. Nothing too difficult, but I much appreciated the friendly atmosphere and the diversity in staff and customers. read more

I miss Baltimore dearly sometimes, and living a block away from On the Hill is one solid reason why. The Eutaw sandwich - heralded by some in these reviews, rightly so - is fantastic. Beets! Peppery mayo! Avocado! Be still my heart. The coffee is good, and their chai latte is made with a brewed masala chai tea bag with the addition of milk to the tea. Pleasantly peppery, as well. Their flavored drip coffee, I feel, deserves a mention. I get a little twitchy about flavored coffee sometimes (I used to work at a coffee shop and I am admittedly a snob about this) but their flavors don't overpower the taste of coffee. It's not the lightest roast and I appreciate that. They aren't oily, in my experience, either. I listed the pricing here as moderate. The sandwiches are priced around $8, and if you order a drink with your sandwich you're spending over $10. There's a bucket for tipping, too, and that's important to factor in. My misgivings about the café being smaller or more crowded are minimal, etc., but I don't find the place cheap. For that, four stars. read more

Yummy little breakfast shop - small and quaint, with tasty food. Service was good and I was served fast and with a smile. My eggs were fluffy and amazing, my kids enjoyed the things they had which were easy and plain (bagels and fruit) and my dad had a breakfast sandwich that he enjoyed. We will visit again when in the neighborhood. It was nice to sit outside and enjoy the view. read more

This is my go to coffeehouse as I live a few short blocks away. The coffee is delicious and the cupcakes... oh the cupcakes.. So good! Worst thing ever for my diet. Best thing ever for my soul. And in reading the other reviews I guess I need to try the burgers! Next time I will for sure. read more

On the Hill Cafe - Square cupcake!! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Good breakfast burrito. Otherwise, the breakfast items are a bit lighter than most, with an emphasis on breakfast sandwiches and stuff. The coffee is good though not excellent. A bottomless cup helps on the score, though. Be warned - this place can get crowded in the morning with little wiggle room by the door. Many of these customers, though, are students at nearby schools, and the place clears out fast. read more

I went here on a friends reccommdation and loved it. They have a ton of beverages. I've had and enjoyed the Iced Red Eye, Lemonade, and Iced Green Tea with a splash of Lemonade. I came back another Saturday for breakfast, but when I got there at 12, I found out breakfast had ended at 11, but I guess that's my fault for sleeping so late. I really wanted to try the egg and spinach on sourdough. I'll save that for next time. Instead my girlfriend and I split the OTH Club. It was delicious, but the place was not busy and I feel like they could have taken the extra 2 minutes to actually spread out the contents of the sandwich rather than just pile it all in the middle so there was half of the bread with nothing. Overall 4 stars. I will be back. read more

(06/24/2011) Went to grab lunch, got lucky and probably hit between classses at the Institute, got a two-top and while waiting for our food, 2 dozen MICA students flooded the tiny cafe. The turkey club was a classic club, wheat bread was toasted for sure, almost painful to eat it was so crusty, but nice addition of creamy avocado, mixed with salty bacon and spicy mayo. Spinach salad was fresh, if not creative, but lots (lots) of dried cranberries and goat cheese, and sweet/tart dressing. It's a nice little neighborhood place, if you can figure out when the schoolkids let out, avoid, and go when it's reasonable. read more

See all

Here's the thing about On the Hill. It is a neighborhood coffee/sandwich shop to the bone. Have I had better sandwiches? Of course. Does On the Hill impress me? Absolutely. Don't go if you're expecting five-star restaurant quality/flavors/presentation. Do go if you want to check out a cool little neighborhood joint and have a damn tasty sammich. So here goes. PROS - It's not Starbucks. Something to feel good about. - Extensive sandwich menu (which is easily accessible on the web, btdubs) that goes beyond the played out basics, there's a flavor to suit any mood. - Lots of options - salads, burritos, and burgers after 11:30 - Sourdough bread, if you're into that sort of thing for your sandwich - Lots of veg options. For every burger on the menu, you can choose to get it with a beef patty or a chipotle black bean patty (which is quite yummy). - Everything has a bit of a twist (cumin crusted pork, lemon caper tuna salad) but the flavors are not overwhelming. CONS - It's a tiny space, seating is limited. - Outdoor seating fills up fast on a nice day, also limited. - They really do "craft" their sandwiches, so they do take a bit longer than your average deli. - The kitchen is small, and because they do more than just slice bread and cold cuts, it can get backed up at lunch rush hours. - I wish they had more cold drink options that isn't coffee-related. read more

I really like this place. You might notice from my reviews that I don't like a lot of places in Baltimore. But this one, it's up there. Everything I've ordered has been awesome - they could keep the chips though. lol I really don't like those. The Eutaw, referenced in other reviews, is AMAZING. I also get the Bolton (I think it's the turkey sandwich) regularly. Be sure to get the pomegranate lemonade - delish. It has a comfortable vibe though it does get really crowded at lunch. It's a hidden gem for sure. read more

Very good local neighborhood coffee bar. Super popular with the MICA crowd as well as other folks that live or work around Bolton Hill. Their coffee is very good. They have a variety of sandwiches, burgers, and some healthy options. Their prices are pretty reasonable. It's a great place to sit outside and service has usually been prompt and courteous. I wish they had a few stronger vegan or vegetarian options (tofu, tempeh, seitain). Eating in can be slightly nauseating on occasion - the kitchen and counter are all located on the 1st floor of a row house. All in all, I probably wouldn't drive across town to go there, but if you're in the area, it's absolutely a great choice to grab a cup of coffee or a weekday lunch. read more

So today was my first visit here. Got a cuppa joe and a breakfast burrito. The restaurant was well lit and clean. Tables were available and the seating was quaint and about 10 spots. The staff was very friendly and helpful. I chose outside seating as it was a pleasant day outside. I read through the menu which impressed me. Organic choices, eco friendly , varied menu, meat and veggie choices for sandwiches. My burrito was huge and delicious. It had egg, bacon, red onion, beans, cheese and salsa( and probably a few ingredients I missed). It was hot and fresh and delivered to me outside. The coffee was hot and served with a choice of cream Or 2% milk. Overall I was very pleased and will be back for lunch to give it a try. A real neighborhood gem. read more

See all