Baltimore Chop

It pains me to do this.
I’m a huge fan of the local coffeeshop and equally so of the local bookstore. When I moved to the area and the Baltimore Chop was steps from my door, I thought, «Sweet! Fresh coffee and books, steps from my door!» My excitement lasted several months. The store was open regularly and for long hours, the coffee was awesome, and the selection of literature was eclectic and fun. There was even art and music for sale! Oh, did I mention Italians sodas? Yeah, those too.
Unfortunately…
Things have declined considerably within the past year. Hours are unpredictable, the coffee is weak, books are poorly organized, the creamer/​sweetner/​stirrer area is sometimes disgusting (one time there was even flies hovering around it), the place is simply a mess. It makes me sad. There is only one table at which to sit inside and its usually surrounded by clutter.
Granted there is still live music (occasionally) and a limited variety of food was added to the menu, but these aren’t enough to sway me. I’d rather have coffee at a place that is more tidy. The Feng Shui is totally off. I want to go to coffeeshop to relax, not feel the need to clean.
I miss the days when the coffee woke you up, the Italian soda cooled you off and you could just hang out at the Baltimore Chop without the need for a shower afterward.
Wow. That hurt me on the inside. :(

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.