Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Bel Air

"If you have a sweet tooth in the morning, Miss Shirley’s should be your go-to for brunch. Here, the offerings read like a visit to Candy Land, tempting patrons with coconut cream-stuffed French toast, raspberry white chocolate pancakes, and enough cinnamon sugar to transport you to a time when calories didn’t count. Savory types can seek refuge in the piquant chicken and waffles or fried green tomatoes with jumbo lump crab."

"Where: Across from the Inner HarborFor: Breakfast, brunch or lunch. On a Friday afternoon Miss Shirley’s, a casual café with a distinctly Southern flavor, was a popular lunch spot for nearby office workers But it’s definitely kid friendly. Tiny Traveler’s chicken fingers and waffles with fresh fruit was a smaller portion of the same dish on the regular menu, which I like."

"A photo posted by Victoria Yang (@vyctoria11) on Apr 28, 2015 at 8:38am PDT. There’s a reason why the wait at Miss Shirley’s Restaurant can be 2 hours long on a Sunday afternoon. This ooey, gooey monkey bread is loaded with chunks of banana, chocolate, and pecans."

"In reality, it’s something much more: Vaccaro’s is a testament to the institution that is dessert. Perfect as a date spot but just as viable for a late night dessert binge, the glass case is stacked with a whole variety of options, the most notable of which being the cannoli cake. The alternating layers of the richest cannoli cream and ethereally light cake will bring a single tear to your eye as you stare, dumbfounded, across the still waters of the Inner Harbor."

"Vaccaro’s isn’t my favorite dessert place in Baltimore anymore, but I still have a soft spot for them because they were one of the first places I visited when I moved to Charm City. As a college student, I often came here to indulge my sweet tooth, and I found a lot of comfort in their food. They do everything from pastries to paninis, but my favorite thing to get here is their chocolate dipped cannoli."

"With a long legacy of treating the nation, you can be sure to find a dessert at Vaccaro’s that'll satisfy your sweet tooth. Yep, we're talking indulgent snickers volcanos, death by chocolate, mouthwatering slices of cannoli cake and even cheesecake topped with gelato, hot fudge and whipped topping. Looking for a signature?"

"Dooby’s is a Korean-inspired café in Mount Vernon that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a casual, relaxed setting. The restaurant serves breakfast every day until 11h00 and features classic and unusual dishes such as Granola & Yogurt, omelets, hash browns, Chorizo Burritos, Steak & Egg Sandwiches, Sausage & Egg Sandwiches, and Spicy Egg & Cheese Sandwiches. Brunch specials include Challah French Toast, Pork Belly Eggs Benedict, and Brunch Burgers with fries."

"Open since 2004, cooperatively owned Red Emma’s is a bookstore inspired by the tradition of the radical “infoshop,” an educational gathering space for progressive, community-minded citizens, artists and activists. But the Station North gathering space is also a remarkably veg-friendly restaurant, with options like a tofu scramble Benedict with vegan hollandaise, buffalo cauliflower wings, seitan cheesesteaks and chana masala. Thread Coffee, the cafe’s transparently traded bean source that also operates on the co-op model, is roasted in an associated facility just a few minutes away."

"This worker cooperative has served primarily as a resource for movements of social justice in the city of Baltimore since 2004, yet it also provides delicious vegan meals, coffee from Thread Coffee Roasters and books that are bound to start a conversation. The Mount Vernon space hosts events weekly, including virtual affairs like author-led book readings, live music and poetry sessions. Most recently, Red Emma’s debuted its weekly bar night, where staff bartenders serve up creative cocktails and craft beer for all on the aesthetically pleasing back patio."

"A post shared by Red Emma's (@redemmas) on Mar 24, 2019 at 7:05am PDT. The Red Emma’s on Cathedral Street across from the BSO is in a spot that has seen many places come and go. You go to Red Emma’s for the complete alternative experience and enjoy the food along the way."

"As much as I love my local favorite coffee shops, finding a hidden gem in #MyBmore is one of my favorite things to do. The search for the “Diamond in the Rough” has been my m.o. ever since I first saw Aladdin : )."

"Come in to the counter-serving restaurant for an assortment of fresh dough pizza pies. And if it’s a solo lunch run get a slice for less than $3.00."

"Alchemy Modern American Eatery is an extraordinary restaurant that commits itself to entertaining guests with a growing number of dishes that blur boundaries between various cultures. Determined to provide customers with an incomparable dining experience that is never the same with each visit, the eatery constantly adjusts its menu according the accessibility of fresh, seasonal ingredients as well as the chefs’ and owners’ development of new culinary techniques and combinations of flavors. Alchemy also offers a list of refined wines and house specialty drinks that are constantly evolving."

"Whether you’re situated in Lake Walker or another part of Baltimore, look for places tagged with one “$”, like Sun Hing Chinese Food Carryout in South Baltimore, New China II in Hampden, Mandarin Taste, New Generation Hot Pot 新时代火锅, and China Fun, to find your more affordable options."

"Not only is the monument itself awe inspiring, but you’re also surrounded by greenery and beautiful buildings. Why not make a day of it and explore a few of Mount Vernon’s other attractions?. The Walters Art Museum, Maryland Historical Society, and George Peabody Library are all within walking distance."

"At the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House is a fun-filled experience where you and your entire family will become part of one of the most important stories of our nation’s history – the sewing of the flag that inspired our National Anthem. Here, you’ll meet Mary Pickersgill, the spirited woman who made the flag. You’ll learn what life was like in the 19th century and your kids can take part in activities that let them experience it for themselves."

"This museum is the former home of Mary Young Pickersgill, a Baltimorean who sewed the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ – which flew over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. You’ll see antiques from that period as well as personal items that belonged to the Pickersgill family."

"We know the Inner Harbor is the first stop for many Baltimore travelers. But before you visit the National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center, Power Plant and Historic Ships, get a birds-eye perspective of the attractions clustered around the waterfront at Federal Hill Park, a 10-acre, elevated park that was once defended by the city during the War of 1812. Wear comfortable shoes to climb the 99 steps to the top."

"Federal Hill Park showcases visitors with lush nature and relaxing views facing the port of the inner harbor. Furthermore, this park consists of numerous artistic views that are perfect for photoshopping and educational purposes. Moreover, their friendly staff is well maintained that caters to their client’s needs and inquiries within the park."

"If you’re looking for a park with a view, this is your place. This park is located in Federal Hill with easy access to residents in Riverside. Federal Hill Park isn’t an off-leash dog park, but it is the perfect place for a long scenic walk with your pup."