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49 West
Categories: Restaurants Arts & Entertainment Art Galleries Shopping Art Galleries Arts & Entertainment Jazz & Blues Nightlife Jazz & Blues Food Coffee & Tea Arts & Entertainment Wineries Food Wineries Restaurants, Art Galleries, Jazz & Blues, Coffee & Tea, Wineries [Edit]
49 West StAnnapolis, MD 21401
(410) 626-9796
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dessert, Late Night
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Thu
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
49 reviews for 49 West
Review Highlights
49 reviews in English
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Review from Jason K.
Edgewater, MD
Updated - 4/9/2012
Easter Sunday
As always, Live Music, Staff has a great attitude, and very very good Clam Chowder as the soup of the day. Crab Cake on a Croissant with poached eggs was good as well.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/13/2010
I have been going to 49 west for 5 years now. They are consistently nice and the food is good. The… Read more »
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Review from Michael R.
Washington, DC
3/25/2012
Came here for an after-dinner drink after hearing a bluegrass quartet performing in the back.
The hostess was unenthusiastic that we'd walked in the door, and her enthusiasm waned further as she guided us to a table and unceremoniously thrust menus upon us. The two orders in which it was impossible to err, were executed adequately. The espresso drink arrived covered in canned whipped cream despite that detail's omission from the menu. The server promptly abandoned these beverages to the table-top without providing even a sideways glance as to whether or not we had any issues. Fortunately, I'm not lactose intolerant and was able to scoop up a fork from the table-service tray and extract the offending dairy from the espresso's surface.
Other than that, I really enjoyed my time. The music was outstanding, the chronologically advanced crowd were fun and the decor was interesting. No experience with the food leads to no opinion thereof.
I'd go back and be a more explicit with my order. -
Review from Samantha F.
Berea, OH
1/2/2012
In a new city and on a quest for a really good cup of coffee I stopped in 49 West my only option that wasn't a Starbucks.
We chose a small table near the front and found that many of the tables around us were full with an eclectic group of people wining and dining and getting their caffeine fix. Our waiter Ian was a nice young kid if not preoccupied with business. I asked if the coffee was good and he stated that often they have customers say the coffee reminds them of Italy.
I opted for my favorite espresso-based drink, a traditional macchiato. My beau chose a red eye. The coffee was excellent. The service slow....kind service, but Super slow.
You want good joe....stop at 49 West. It is pretty much your only option save the DD and Starfux. You'll be happy you supported the local Coffee House. -
Review from Bill L.
Lawrence, KS
3/14/2012
Great food iffy service. I had the crab quicke and a salad. It was marvelous. I had to eventually walk back to the bar to pay. Waitress never came back after delivering my food. Sat there at least a half hour. I guess some people might think that was okay, meh.
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Review from Dan R.
9/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
So the deal with this place is that it's where all the semi-hipsters in Nap Town congregate. I'm not at all opposed to the hipster scene (see all my excellent Seattle reviews) but in this case it only detracts from the experience.
It's a coffee shop, but you don't order at the counter... it's table service, which is a bit confusing. I have tried several of their coffee drinks- the drip is very sour, bland and stale tasting, and the cap had the worst foam top I've ever seen. It wasn't even flat on top... it looked like a pile of crap made of foam, excuse my language. The coffee is poor quality and the baristas don't know what they are doing. Starbucks does it better, ouch.
They have a limited food menu that offers some nice looking options, depending on if you want a sandwich or a wrap. The breakfast foods sucked... the eggs were totally flavorless and the presentation lacked character.
What this place does have is character, but that can only get you so far. It has a nice vibe with lots of people chatting, and it's never empty. They even have an attractive patio out back. While they do have wifi, I wouldn't recommend doing homework there as it tends to get loud and they often have live music.
Last note: don't expect much from the service. While you, the customer, pay the employee's bills, the servers make it obvious that your presence is an inconvenience to them and would prefer to be left alone chatting with their friends, who seem to linger at the tables nearest the counter. -
Review from lindsay w.
Newport, RI
11/10/2011
Great meeting spot for breakfast.
The eggs espresso were a first for me, and definitely hit the spot. The others in my group were equally satisfied by their fruit and oatmeal and Belgian waffle. -
Review from Tanis G.
Incline Village, NV
2/21/2012
Another little spot in Annapolis to which I am quickly becoming a regular. My first time there, loved the "feel" of it. It's a heavy meld of warm and cozy. One could easily blend with the decor. But... the coffee I ordered wasn't so grand. I didn't go back for a while until by chance one night I met the owners: Brian and his wife, Sara. Great people! When I told Brian of my experience, he insisted that I return for try number 2. I was blown away. I had a great Malbec, an amazing cup of espresso that was so decadent, it was akin to a liquid dark chocolate. I ate both the crab and the spinach dips, some ultra fresh bread, and a bowl of their cream of chicken curry soup. WOW!! I was blown away... I will go back again and again and again...
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Review from Emily M.
9/1/2011
Sadly I have waited too long to write this review, so I've forgotten some of the food I ate. But I remember the crab dip - it was great!! I couldn't go to Maryland without having crab dip. Recommended!
Also, as seems to be well-known amongst regular customers - the service is hit or miss. But this is a casual lollygagging type place, so I excuse that a little. -
Review from Eva W.
Laurel, MD
4/12/2011
Edited to add: after about 4 weeks, they did process the refund. I haven't seen the waitress who made the mistake since that night to get her explanation about what happened.
I'll probably continue to come back here for Elena Byrd's jazz groups, but from now on in, it's cash only.
-------------------------------------------
The good: the food, the variety, the atmosphere, the live music.
The bad: I don't expect great service when the room is full but given that my friend and I tipped our waitress $20 on a $75 check (and $40 of that was the cover charges), I was beyond annoyed when the charge came in with the cover added on top of the charge, so we were charged double on the cover.
And then they wanted me to drive back to their restaurant to process the refund, about 30 miles from where I live.
And then they didn't refund the charge.
And then I find out their management only works on weekends.
I love the live music here, and I give that 5 stars. Too bad they want to steal from their customers. If you go, pay cash only. -
Review from Anne F.
Chicago, IL
1/16/2011
I had a hard time deciding what to say about 49 West. It is a tricky place to review. While I think that they have the best coffee in Annapolis, it is hard to get the waiter to bring you that coffee in the first place. The desserts are so beautiful, but the food is over priced and not as good as it used to be.
The staff is controversial. Some of them are very nice and attentive - they usually serve in the morning. However, the rest of the time, I feel ignored. Since when is it hip to ignore a table? The crowd at the back is so incredibly hipster that it makes your hipster gene hurt.
All and all, go every once in awhile for some dessert. If you are writing a paper, just plug in and get some bottomless coffee. If you want a soup/sandwich date for lunch you cannot do much better. A hard call, but I do not really miss the place. -
Review from A C.
Annapolis, MD
2/4/2011
I want to review after my last experience here. I have been to 49 West a handful of times and live close to downtown. The appetizers, sandwiches, dessert and drinks (wine, spiked coffee drinks) are delicious. The entrees are not very good and are way too expensive. I also love the artwork and music.
That being said, I am not sure I will go back and support this place after my last experience. I was there with a large table full of people and got there around 6pm. Got wine and an appetizer and socialized for awhile. More people came and went from our table and ordered food and drinks. Around 7:30 the waitress came and brought a couple of people their entrees. I began to get hungry and was planning to order dinner. AN HOUR LATER the waitress had not come back to the table. Who doesn't come back to a table after AN HOUR to check in? Especially knowing most people had only ordered drinks and maybe a small appetizer. I was starving. So I left and got carryout sushi from Nano. Sorry but if I ever go back here it will just be for drinks or dessert, if at all. -
Review from Queen E.
Annapolis, MD
12/26/2011
The best hot chocolate in town.
Good food.
Crazy but awesome waiters and friendly waitresses.
Good place to meet people, listen to good music and enjoy the evening with scrabble. -
Review from Lisa G.
Annapolis, MD
3/2/2011
The coffee and food are good. The atmosphere is comfortable, the decor nice, the games and books a fun addition. Really, one of the better places to just sit with a sketchbook in Annapolis. The frequent in-house music and rotating art shows are really nice as well. I like it here, I really do.
The -2 stars is really for the waitstaff. Went tonight and ordered coffee, chai, and an appetizer to share. The waiter (she didn't give her name... tall, thin, with bird tattoos on her hands) didn't take our dishes, nor did she come back much. She seemed to have friends at the next table over, who she spent most of her time with (out back, smoking). We were there for an hour and a half, maybe 2 hours, and we only spoke to her three times. She pointedly ignored us after that. We had to go up to the front to get our check, then up again to hand in payment (again, she glanced at the check and walked on by).
This is the worst waiter experience I've had here, but it's not the only bad one. Same waiter's been there a while, and nobody seems to have mentioned to her that actually helping customers is part of her job. -
Review from Jeff G.
Annapolis, MD
10/27/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Patients, learn it. Great place to relax. If you are a type A personality, this is not the place for you.
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Review from Kym L.
Atlantic City, NJ
11/9/2011
Just the perfect place for a late night dinner, wifi internet and good fun. There are many variables to the place we did not experience; live music , etc. since we arrived late on a Sunday evening. They were nearly the only place in Annapolis that was serving food. The best part was their extensive late night menu with plenty of healthy options.
Try their quiche it's amazing!! The cheese plate was a perfect late night dinner. The service was very good as well. -
Review from Shane N.
Annapolis, MD
1/16/2010
I hesitate to review this place after only one visit, but I wanted to put my thoughts out here ASAP.
I popped in for an early lunch one day with a colleague while we were waiting around the courthouse. It is located on West Street and less than a 5 minute walk to the court.
For lunch I ordered a tuna steak pesto sandwich. The tuna steak, pesto, and bread were all pretty good. The tuna was not overcooked which is always good.
I was asked if I wanted the cole slaw or green salad. I went with the green salad and it wasn't very good. First of all it was not tossed together. All the ingredients were separate and the plate was too small to mix it without getting food all over the table. Additionally it had way too many sprouts. Also, the salad dressing that came with it (they never asked me what type of dressing) was pretty vile. All together it was like eating rabbit food (coincidentally that is the name of one of the dishes on the menu).
Also, the pop was flat.
There have been some criticisms of the service here and I can sympathize with some people's perspectives. My service, however, was pretty good. The staff are not what I would call professional, but they were pleasant and attentive even if they do look like hipster douches.
The atmosphere is nice and there are some interesting paintings on the wall and for sale if you are in to that.
It is a solid 3, but could possibly be a 4 after a few trips and a few more selections on the menu. -
Review from Daniel L.
Los Angeles, CA
8/15/2007
This place would be great if the staff actually cared about the customers. I've been there loads of time and have had many friends on staff. It's just not what they do there. The staff goofs off and speaks amongst themselves. I don't care how great the ambiance of a place is, ignoring guests is no fun. I know that's part of the deal when you go there, and I knew what to expect every time, but every time I was amazed by how bad the service was.
On the other hand the food is good and relatively inexpensive, the staff is a bunch of "cool kids" there are fun to hang out with after work. The drinks are always a treat and there always some kind of cool live music in the back.
Just don't go to this place if you want someone to wait on you because that is sort of your privilege here.
I still love you Walker, Meredeth and everyone else. I'm sorry to bash you, but I still think it's not cool. -
Review from Megan F.
Annapolis, MD
1/9/2011
Oh, 49. The first place I ever went to in Annapolis and always a favorite. Maybe I am biased because I am one of the dirty kids who drinks $2.50 bottomless coffee out back, but this is the greatest hang-out downtown. Get to know the staff, tip well, and don't sass and you'll get great service. They're good people and have always put up with me and my friends.
Foodwise, it's a little spendy, but get to know the menu and you can eat well for $10 or so. I suggest tomato rosemary soup with bagel chips, Tuscan bread and cheese (sometimes not on the menu?), spinach artichoke dip, coronation chicken salad, crab-nicoise salad, or the brie plate. It's worth it to ask for a wine recommendation too; they have a nice selection.
It's always fun to listen to the live jazz (there is a cover charge), but sometimes you can catch free music in the front room, too (try holidays like Easter or Mother's Day). Talk to your table neighbors, make some friends, check out the rotating art selections, and kick back with a crossword or your laptop and enjoy yourself. If you try to make this place something other than a loungey cafe, you're going to hate it. -
Review from Andrew H.
Washington, DC
8/16/2007
Okay, not the perfect coffee shop. Actually, if you want a coffee shop as such, you should go to City Dock. However, if you want coffee and a light meal for a lazy afternoon, it's great.
Yes, service is often slow. Seriously, if you're in a hurry to go, you probably ought to get up and chase down the server, because there's no guarantee he or she will stop by in less than 15 minutes.
However, the atmosphere is great, and the quiche is the best anywhere. -
Review from Evan J.
Annapolis, MD
7/7/2010
Good coffee, but pretty bad service from most of the staff.
Neat atmosphere, and if you hit it just right (ie- not during lunch or dinner rush, or on show nights), the place is a cozy spot to sip some bean juice and chill.
Also, the art is awesome. -
Review from Christine C.
Annapolis, MD
8/31/2008
SO we went for a Sunday morning breakfast and to read the paper... and we were pretty happy with what we got. I got a mocha (big honking mocha) and he got a latte.
I got Fruit with Vanilla Yogurt and fresh made granola and it was pretty good. It's almost one of the most expensive breakfast items ($8.25), but when the bowl came I understood, it was huge and it had melon, banana, strawberries, blueberries, and pineapple. It was yum, and my hubby had a croissant sandwich (egg, cheese, bacon). He ate it all so it must have been good. But we sat and enjoyed our papers and huge coffee drinks. The drinks were ok, the service sufficed. Can't complain. I would probably go back for a Sunday morning breakfast. -
Review from Christopher S.
Annapolis, MD
7/4/2009
I was greeted by two Bernese Mountain dogs standing outside the restaurant/coffee house. I figured if two exotic dogs were hanging out here, the place must be good.
There were three of us for breakfast. We were seated in the front window. The place is cozy, lots of artwork, nice environment to dine in. Tables are close together.
We ordered two types of Quiche (Broccoli-Cheese & Mushroom-Bacon) and Bagel with Salmon. The food portions were very large. The Quiche was served with a delicious salad and the Salmon portion was generous. $40 with tip for three.
We enjoyed the food and talked for what seemed like hours over Cappuccino. I know the service can get shaky in this place, but they were on the mark today. -
Review from Lisa W.
Annapolis, MD
9/29/2008
The servers are all way too hip and ironic to be bothered with those pesky, uncool customers.
The single redeeming quality of this place is the chance to see some great artwork. -
Review from Ed S.
Alexandria, VA
5/16/2010
This place became "our place to go" this weekend while we visited Annapolis.
They even saved us one night when we ate at another place down the block and were so bummed by the terrible food and service we stopped there for something to eat and it were thrilled with the food and the service.
We had 2 breakfast meals there as well.
The service if great, the tea and coffee and food all worth it! -
Review from Alex J.
Washington, DC
5/1/2011
Horrible service was forgivable due to the fantastic food (breakfast in my case), coffee, and live music. It has a small, local vibe. I would definitely go back.
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Review from Lark L.
Lafayette Hill, PA
7/26/2009
Really good coffee and very nice staff.
Really need to work on the breakfast menu. Healthy or not steamed eggs are not good! Oatmeal for 6.25 with some sliced bananas needs to be hot at least---maybe that is not what they were going for but then it should be called muesli.
Not a big fan of the early morning live preformance but that is just me.
Get coffee and read the paper. -
Review from William K.
Annapolis, MD
7/24/2011
Friendly staff, excellent coffee, great atmosphere. The food is also excellent. I recommend the Rosemary Chicken Sandwich.
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Review from Josh J.
Bellevue, WA
5/27/2011
Best place in Annapolis!
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Review from Susannah C.
Annapolis, MD
1/17/2011
Its sad that the service is so poor because there are so few places in town where you can study while having a coffee and a glass of wine. I enjoy the roast beef sandwich and the cakes make me happy. Its nice to be able to sit near the window and work while the world goes by. However after living near and occasionally eating here I'm always disappointed to bring friends by and find myself forced to try and justify why I like this place! while my waitstaff is annoyed that i'm here and the bottom of my bottomless cup of coffee shows up far to many times. I've worked in the service industry for 5 years and I don't understand why, when Gen Y has been hit the hardest by unemployment rates, 49 West can't find some good strong people to work for them.
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Review from FoodChick F.
Upper Marlboro, MD
6/10/2010
49 West Coffeehouse, Winebar & Gallery
"Nice hangout, good desserts"
I love to slip into this coffeehouse and relax. If you can get a window seat it's a great place to spend the afternoon or evening and people-watch. Lot's of people kind of park here with laptops nursing a beverage for hours. They have a good selection of wine and great tasting desserts.
I've been here several times and had different friendly waitresses. They are very nice but none are really attentive. You usually have to chase them down for more of whatever you need and to get the check. The place is very laid-back and so are they.
The establishment also has live music. -
Review from Kasumi L.
Washington, DC
10/11/2011
You know what... I used to love this place. But there's something about it that kinda bugs me. There have just been one too many times where it's taken forever for a waiter to come take my order or bring me my check. It's a little ambiguous whether you're supposed to go up to the counter or just wait for someone at your table. I would be more than happy to take care of everything myself at the counter, but it seems like they want you to sit. But then every time I sit I end up waiting there forever and no one notices me, even when they just told me to sit down. I don't know.. I kinda got frustrated and stopped going there so much. The Jasmine tea is really good, and the chai and hot chocolate. The food is alright. The live music in the back is awesome. I guess I wish the staff was just friendlier. It would make a world of difference for that place. I guess the cool pirate guy with the awesome mustache is nice. But that's about it.
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Review from Matt C.
12/11/2010 30 Check-ins Here
Part art gallery, part coffee shop and part wine bar. Delicious food, great coffee - the only spot in town with bottomless refills. A truly unique spot in downtown - be sure to try the chicken salad!
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Review from Ted K.
Edgewater, MD
2/15/2011
Great little hideaway place in Annapolis. Good menu, fantastic desserts. Great place to get a nice, hot beverage and relax. Live music in the back.
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Review from Chris B.
Pasadena, CA
9/26/2009
A coffee shop, art gallery, wine bar, and music venue - all rolled into one? Great idea, and it seems to be working so far. I would have given it four stars if the service had been more attentive. If you like Jazz, stop in on Tuesday nights.
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Review from Dmytro A.
10/19/2010
Like feeling sophisticated and artistic? Enjoy music with your artisan drinks or wine? Then 49 West is the place for you! The space is a little oddly laid out for live music, but they make it work. Honestly, perhaps the odd lay out contributes to the intimate atmosphere during live music events. The acts are usually good quality too. I still follow one of the groups that I saw here.
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Review from Merrill F.
Silver Spring, MD
11/16/2006
Located at, well, 49 West Street, in Annapolis, 49 West is the perfect coffee shop.
Before I go further, let me rave about their vanilla chai for a moment. It is seriously the best stuff on earth. I prefer it to alcohol. And I don't prefer anything to alcohol. It's amazing.
It's little hippieish, as all coffee shops tend to be. At least the real ones. Starbucks doesn't count.
The waiters there are SO friendly---a lot of them even end up coming out to parties, bars, whatever, after I go there with us. My friends and I frequent this place a lot, just cause it's so cool.
They have a backroom, where they have small concerts with cool local/semi-local bands, which is nice if you are into music at all. They have a wide variety.
It's in downtown Annapolis without being right down town, so it's a short walk to City Dock and all of the other attractions down there.
They've got an outdoor seating area out back, which is nice for a sunny autumn afternoon or a summer night.
They have a lot of regulars---people reading books, playing chess, etc. Go there a few times and the waiters will recognize you and know you by name.
I love the atmosphere the best. And the chai tea. Mmmm.... -
Review from Brad P.
Annapolis, MD
9/3/2008
The food is not bad but after you consider how much your paying for it, and how awful the service is, it is not worth it. I work close to this place and used to frequent it often because of convenience, but I'd rather walk a mile than deal with their wait staff (it's faster than dealing with them). The wait staff think they are working in NYC and are too cool to be bothered by you. They are more interested in texting, looking like tortured artists, and ignoring you. I can't over emphasis the fact that they couldn't care less for your business.
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Review from Sean R.
Annapolis, MD
12/20/2010
Best coffee shop in Annapolis! Great drinks, awesome desserts. Live music, local artwork on the walls. Pretty and friendly waitstaff, especially Shannon.
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Review from Paul R.
Owings Mills, MD
11/23/2008
Music in the back room. Don't stop at the coffee shop . . . go to the back room. Music every night from 7 to 11 or so. Very eclectic. $5+ cover.
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Review from Jane W.
Miami, FL
9/2/2011
The service at this place is horrendous. I mean, it was so bad that I had to get up from my table and chase someone to bring my check! This is not Europe, where such negligence (to a lesser degree) would be acceptable. I felt very unattended to at 49 West. Not even sure what it exactly purports to be. There isn't a sign that says to seat one's self so I was standing for a good two minutes before one of the servers who was lounging on a chair and clicking away on his laptop finally said something to me. The servers were far from elegant or discreet in their discussing where I sat and their general attitude left much to be desired. It appears to be a casual places but the attitude of my server was hardly welcoming and when I had been utterly forgotten in a nearly empty restaurant during a very normal hour (6 PM) I finally went up to the counter asking for the check and the person behind inquired who was serving me even though there had only been one other server. Disorganized and unfriendly - the atmosphere really is lame.
I had a soup and a salad. Even though I had asked what kind of soup it was the waitress neglected to tell me it was tomato-based. The soup was acidic, sour, and very salty. My face cringed from the sourness - not to mention that it wasn't the warmest. The salad was basic. I've had much better of the same variety for less money - somewhat dry and not very plentiful for the price. Definitely not returning, the service had me running out the door!
