Baltimore Chop

Elite '08

51

75

Richard C.

Baltimore, MD

This tiny bookstore and coffee shop nestled on Washington Blvd, just a stone's throw away from Camden Yards, is the ultimate in cool, and I'm incredibly happy that it is less than 30 seconds walk from our apartment.

Let's start with the coffee - outstanding.  It's a rare experience when you order a coffee, and when you start drinking, you do a double-take; well, at least that's a rare thing for this coffee junkie.  5-stars for the coffee, and a decent selection of pastries, 17 different types of bagel and other goodies which I haven't yet tried, although I did hear the other patrons waxing lyrical over them!

The books - an eclectic selection of books that have the knack of making your eyes wander, even if you're sitting down to read the paper, or work on your computer - your eyes are busy darting around to examine the next title that is politely sharing space with you at one of the very few tables.

The staff - very friendly, and it certainly has the feel of a neighborhood establishment where they get to know everyone very well; we've only been here for a few days, but it's a comforting thought that we have such a familial place on our door-step.

What more could you ask for?  

Internet?  Yep, they have free wifi.  
Online ordering of books?  Yup.  
A few CDs for sale?  Yep, that too...  which leads us to the coolest aspect of Baltimore Chop: music.

They host live music pretty much every week, often numerous times each week, and they showcase upcoming, and often already established singer-songwriters from around the country, and around the world.  Recent artists showing off their talents in this cosy setting include Amy LaVere, Elizabeth Cook, Mike Farris, Twilight Hotel, and many, many more.  And it's all free - this is the true definition of cool.  Add to this the intimate nature of the live music, and it's no surprise that the Chop was named the Best In-Store Performance Venue in the city in the Baltimore Magazine's 2007 Best in Baltimore issue.

Not bad for a place that's been open for less than 6 months...

I feel immensely privileged to have this store practically on my door-step; the great coffee, friendly staff, eclectic books, and the most 'up-close and personal' live music you could ever experience all add up to absolute perfection.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review