There are lots of amazing Black-owned restaurants, cafes, and more right here in Baltimore, not too far from your home at 101 Cross Street. We've created a list of some of our local favorites for you to try:

Restaurants & Food
Home Maid’s founder Derrick Faulcon set out to create a standard-setting brunch experience here in Baltimore. Everything is made from scratch with only the highest-quality ingredients, all meticulously sourced. Their weekends-only menu features some delectable brunch plates, including breakfast sandwiches and chicken and waffles.

Papi Cuisine’s Afro-Latin fusion dishes have been a Baltimore favorite for years. Owner Alex Perez’s menu items are inspired by the family recipes of his Dominican father and African American grandmother. Papi Cusine started out as a food delivery service, and ultimately grew into the neighborhood favorite it is today.

Located in the Black-owned Ivy Hotel, Magdalena serves bistro fare at the intersection of European traditions and Maryland flair. The restaurant welcomed its first Black chef in 2021, Chef Scott Bacon, who brings more than 11 years of experience to the table.

Looking for something unique? Try a hot dog at Sporty Dog. Diners are encouraged to customize their dogs to their hearts' content. So, go ahead and pile on the toppings! Owners LaShauna and Daejonne, a mother and daughter team, want everyone to "sport your dog" and make the dining experience fun.

Neopol is another great family-run food business, led by Dorian Brown and his mother Barbara Lahnstein. They specialize in smoked meats, including fish, turkey, sausage, and more. Each is cooked to perfection in a signature red metal smoker, available at many retail locations across Baltimore.

Desserts
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a delicious creation from Midnite Confection. This mother-and-son team whips up incredible desserts, including their signature StrangeLove cupcakes. These tasty treats combine two desserts in one, like a lemon cupcake with a blueberry pie filling and lemon buttercream. They also have cookies and more available to order.

If you're in the mood for ice cream, try one of Taharka Brother’s unique flavors like Mintflix and Chillz. Co-owned by 6 individuals united by a shared vision, this ice cream company gives back through its Baltimore-focused mission.

We also love Berries by Quicha, home to Baltimore’s favorite chocolate-covered strawberries. Founder Quicha has quickly become known as the go-to dessert creator for DMV residents and celebrities alike – including President Obama and Beyoncé.

Drinks
Don’t forget drinks! Check out Serenity Wine Cafe, located in Locust Point. It’s not your average wine bar – it’s the first self-serve wine establishment in Baltimore. At Serenity, guests can choose from 16 varieties and utilize the pour-your-own taps for a personalized experience. It’s the brainchild of owner Nneka Bilal, who uses wisdom gained from over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry.

For a caffeinated beverage, visit Koba Cafe in Federal Hill. This cozy cafe has a welcoming atmosphere and delicious coffee drinks. The cafe was started by owner Adama in September 2005. While he was pursuing a career in civil engineering, he worked part-time in a coffee shop, where he realized the community-building power that cafes can have. He started Koba Cafe shortly after, and the rest is history.

Have a great February!
Let’s continue to support Baltimore’s Black community during Black History Month and beyond. Be sure to spread the word about these great businesses on social media and don’t forget to tag us so we can share them, @101Cross Street. Wishing you a wonderful February!