Red Emma’s Bookstore Coffeehouse

Where do I even start with Red Emma’s? Really good food, great allergy friendli-​ness, and good book selection. I go to Red Emma’s when I need a pick me up — I get a Bitch magazine, a cupcake, and a delicious cup of coffee and I’m pretty much set. It’s a great place to hear about upcoming news and events in the radical community, and it’s always cool inside. It’s a wonderful place to meet friends or to attend a class at the Baltimore Free School.
I am VERY proud of the way that they pay workers (there are some workers, not everyone serving at Red Emma’s is an owner) a living wage AND the way that they’ve have created solidarity tokens. The tokens are for people who can’t afford their prices to get coffee, soup, or a sandwich — and I’m proud that so many patrons have purchased those tokens. Since the neighborhood is majority low-​income and African-​American, it’s a start in creating true solidarity. I hope that Red Emma’s can become a safer, more welcoming space for neighborhood folks who have previously felt isolated and unwelcome amongst some of MICA’s upper-​middle classstudents who can afford $ 7 coffees regularly.
That said, one definitely gets the sense that there is «right think» at Red Emma’s — it’s not a space open to all types of intellectual diversity, only to certain types of diversity and thought. Folks will snap at you if you appear to be uttering the wrong opinion, not acting in solidarity enough, or have a question that they deem stupid (even if it’s about cupcakes…) Many parts of me feel comfortable and welcome there, but I have to keep other parts of myself at bay because I don’t feel safe there.

I had the spinach salad, was very good and was made quickly. Staff was incredibly friendly. The place had a hip vibe and eclectic customer base. Never checked out the book area, but there is plenty of seating. Would definitely go back.

Welcoming, dim-​lit atmosphere, and as hipster as it gets. Vegan nachos are highly recommended.

I was in Baltimore to visit MICA since I am applying there for grad school. Before my trip I was looking up things to do and Red Emma’s was on my list of places to eventually visit. I was so excited to see it was across from the street from the graduate building. My first day I went in there and had the Bahn Mi, iced café au lait (so interesting!) and a vanilla cupcake. Everything was so delicious! I bought two really great books while I was there and ended up staying for 4 hours. I went there all three days I was in town. Such a great atmosphere, loved hanging out in such a leftist space, so cool to see an ACTUAL cooperatively run socialistic model business, with an amazing selection of books in areas I like to study and learn, such great vegan food, and so many cute rad queers working there and hanging out. I salute the workers/​owners for having such a great space and if I get into mica (which I sincerely hope I do) I’m going to be in there a lot!

This place is pretty good. A little inconsistent with pricing though and a bit shady. For instance, tell someone a bacon cheeseburger is $ 14 before they order. I didn’t want to feel like an ass and cancel the order but it came to $ 17 and change after tip. Keep in mind this is an anti-​capitalist anarchist bookstore and café and they’re charging gourmet prices for a cheeseburger.
It’s vegan of course but not too different than a Boca in taste and they’re about $ 1 each.
I’d say $ 8 is still ridiculous but a little more sane. However, you know you’re screwing people when there are prices for everything but a damn $ 14 cheeseburger. Beware!

A friend recommended this place for a good Chai tea. It wasn’t far from where I was staying and the reviews looked good. The chai was great, although a bit spicy, and the barista told me they make it in-​house, which is great. I didn’t grab any food as I was going elsewhere, but what they had to offer looked good. And I found some great cheap books!

I have not been to Red Emma’s since they moved to their new location on North Ave and a visiting speaker offered a tempting reason to drop by and check out their new digs.
Arriving early and feeling peckish I ordered the Orange Seitan, a vegan take on General Tso’s Chicken, and was told it included kale and fresh peas. Minutes later my order was called and what I saw was literally and figuratively a hot mess. No kale, no peas and a tiny sliver of seitan. The rice was drowning in goopy sauce, the broccoli was overcooked and a color I can only describe as Limerick. To honor the hue:
I once ordered Orange Seitan at Red Emma’s
Presenting irksome dining dilemmas;
Too salty, too sweet,
Entirely unfit to eat,
Why ’twas plated and served are enigmas.
I walked back to the counter, handed them the muck and explained why it was inedible. The dude working the cash register half-​apologized and then asked if I wanted another bowl, this time with seitan, or a refund. Option number two please!
Still hungry but unwilling to give the kitchen another chance (burn me once, shame on you, burn me twice, shame on me) I ordered an espresso hoping it would suppress my appetite until after the lecture.
Back to the counter, for a third time, to pick up my espresso. The person pulling the shots proffered a tray with my order and asked me to let them know what I thought. I thanked her and went back to a table. I should have known by the ristretto-​like volume and dark crema it wasn’t going to be very good but I ignored my instincts and took a sip. Syrupy consistency, hints of bitter chocolate and burnt rubber with an ashy aftertaste. In a rush to cleanse my palate I took a swig of the sparking water and a second later felt a sharp pain on the inside of my upper lip. Inspecting the glass I noticed the small jagged edge of a chip; something I hadn’t seen in the dim lighting nor honestly expected. Thankfully the cut was shallow and quickly started to clot — go, platelets go!
You guessed it! Back to the counter I went to demand a conversation with the manager. Seitan dude was back at the register and told me, «Oh, we don’t have managers here; it’s a collective.» Trying a different approach I asked to speak with the most senior staff member. He looked at me and said, «I’ll see if I can find a worker-​owner for you to speak with.»
The «barista» walked up a minute later and asked what was wrong. I calmly explained the situation and offered the feedback she wanted about the espresso. She apologized for the chipped glass and bad espresso, citing that she isn’t very experienced making espresso and wasn’t dialed in (hadn’t pulled a shot in more than 30min before mine). She refunded the cost of the beverage and asked if there was anything I wanted. Exasperated and still wanting to listen to the lecture I asked for a kombucha. She told me to get whatever I wanted from the fridge and she’d comp it.
I don’t recall the name name on the label but it was Asian Pear and Ginger; sweet, lightly carbonated and refreshing. It would be perfect on a hot summer afternoon.
I’ll spare you the details of the lecture but suffice to say the speaker, while enthusiastic and passionate about the subject matter, was disorganized, unfocused and needy; he literally asked the audience a half-​dozen times for validation.
The only reason this isn’t a 1-​Star review is because the bookstore is worth visiting and has a great selection of local, offbeat and uncommon publications; stuff you won’t find at your neighborhood B&N. Essays on Dada cinema, LGBT poetry or tips on how to start your own own grassroots political movement, Emma’s probably has a book, magazine or pamphlet in stock.
Final Verdict: Red Emma’s has an excellent bookstore but gets low Marx for food and coffee.

One word. nachossss! So good. I’m not a vegan by any means, so I asked for real cheese and it was so good I was licking my fingers basically after every scrumptious bite. I don’t know what they do to make it so delicious but it’s made with simple and fresh ingredients that all go really well together. The iced mocha latte was good as well although a little bit milkier than I’m used to, but still tasty. Every sip was a different experience until the very bottom of the glass. I loved it! The space is bright and spacious but a little too spread out and would be much cozier with more furnishings or maybe expand their book section. Not a huge selection of books but interesting nonetheless. An unexpected treat!

I’m a poor vegan baker. I was great at other baking but haven’t quite picked up on vegan baking very well. That being said, when I’m having a sweet attack, Red Emma’s is my go to. Their pastries are vegan, large, and absolutely amazing. The blueberry lemon muffins are moist, soft, and a tear-​jerking balance of sweet and tart.
They have non-​dairy alts for milk. The space and atmosphere is spacious but somehow still has the «small coffee house» feel. Their espresso was great and the foam was delightful. The baristas totally know what they’re doing.
I haven’t been in the bookstore side of Red Emma’s. My priority when I go is to drool over the pastry options.
Also, they’re employee owned and offer living wages. They’re into local sourcing, too. I love any place that provides a living wage to their employees.

Stopped by here to kill time before a movie.
Pretty cool, hip coffeehouse. I tried their hot mulled cider, I love it! (esp for people who love sour taste)

Great selection of vegan drinks and they make their own sodas. We came for a standing-​room-​only event with Sandra Bland’s sister & mom speaking in dialogue with attendees. Very chill group, respectful, moving event. What we ate: dessert dense, rich chocolate whoopee pie, big enough for two. Kiddo didn’t want ginger in the hot chocolate, and the marshmallows made the drink. I like crisp snickerdoodles, and these were not, still tasty. Sweet potato blondie was ok.
Books! A+ place to buy a) Tae Nahesi Coates books b) Neil DeGrasse Tyson’s book of essays c) a counting board book about community with great artwork d) Rise Up Singing songbook, as well as Rise Again — a place you can feel good about when it comes to shopping. Lots of alternative press offerings and a curated selection of titles, many speaking the bold truth. T shirts as well. If you are looking for a title, call ahead or check online.

So vegan friendly. Tasty, well-​priced food and drink. Amazing politics. Hosts so many free events. What’s not to love?

Stopped by RE’s today, while visiting a friend in Baltimore. Not sure what drew me in more, finding a spot to grab vegan breakfast, or the «safe space» that the café offers. I grabbed a vegan waffle, served with either vegan butter & syrup, or with fresh fruit and vegan whipped cream, was large enough that I couldn’t finish myself! Also picked up an iced coffee, nice dark roast, enjoyed it black, although they do offer vegan options to add, and a very pulpy, yet delicious mimosa. Didn’t really get a chance to check out the bookstore, but I will be returning on future trips to Baltimore!

I truly do not know how this place is because of an unacceptable employee that negatively greeted us. We had a doggy bag with one slice of leftover pizza from Joe Squared (which we were not planning to eat on their premises) looking for dessert and coffee and an employee told my father that no outside food was allowed. My father explained that we were coming in to look at the books and she repeated 4 or 5 times that no outside food was allowed without any apology or explanation. They lost our business immediately. Red Emma’s will lose business from people wanting a coffee after Joe Squared over and over again. Very unnecessary. Will never recommend to a friend.

Amazing place!!! Went here on a recent trip to Baltimore to visit a friend and pet-​sit. I always love exploring the vegan/​alternative scene in a new city, and Red Emma’s seemed like a must. It’s a great open space with a lot of tables, so there isn’t any pressure to eat and leave (I hate that! dining out pet peeve). The barista was super nice and friendly and recommended a few things to us. I tried the mac and cheese and the pulled pork sandwich, both so yummy and cheap! The bookstore was cool too, lots of unique reads. Definitely will be back next time I’m in the area.

Fabulous place. Closed Mondays! Great food and drinks (coffee, beer, and funky natural sodas) with plenty of options for vegetarians, vegans, and omnivores alike. I really recommend the ban mi sandwich, very spicy! By the bathrooms, there is a water fountain that can refill your water bottles, which is really unique.
Strong emphasis on social justice and community involvement. The bookstore features books on various subjects like feminism, race relations, environmentalism, design. And there is a whole shelf dedicated to zines! The sale section has an abundant amount of cool stuff too. What I like about the store is that the cashier is helpful with many things like getting the wifi to work and also recommending a book for you. They do not hover over you, insisting you make a purchase when you are just browsing.
The overall the space is designed to allow people to come together and collaborate. I’ve yet to take a class in the classroom but the room looks quaint. I do wish however there were more outlets and/​or extension cords. Unless you sit along the sides, you won’t be able to charge your phone or laptop.

I live in Charles Village I love the atmosphere and nuance at Red Emma’s I love art and literature and the place is full of it, even though I’m heterosexual I mingle and have frequent intelligent talk with all the patrons and the coffee and food is awesome please come here and support your local community resource, staff is very friendly.

This has quickly become my favorite place to eat. The vegan Mac and cheese is ZOMG! I’ve eaten several things from here and they are all good. I love the rustic vibe and how responsibly resourced they are.

Ehh, I’m waffling between three and four stars. I would rank the bookstore part a little higher than the café.
The bookstore is smallish (in my opinion, because I’ve seen much larger bookstores with an equally good selection of books) but it’s got a charming quirky flavor and I enjoyed the specific range of genres, lots of politics/​social issues books. If you are looking for hip, off-​the-​beaten-​path type childrens’ books for your precocious niece/​nephew/​other tiny family member whom you’re hoping to groom to become worldly and cosmopolitan and informed beyond their years, this is the place to go for those books.
The café was okay, but a little pricey for what you got and the desserts weren’t too amazing either. They do have wifi and copious outlets, so that was helpful. Bathrooms were clean and pleasant.
They also had a really cool historical mini-​visit on activism and political buttons on the wall when I visited, and they seem to be a place that cares about the community, so that’s also another plus if you live in the area (unfortunately I don’t). Worth a visit if you’re thinking about it, however.

If you use the word communism interchangeably with socialism or use red and cancer in the same sentence, then this place is probably not for you. Similar to Bus Boys and Poets but better since it’s Worker Owned and more DTE. My study place of choice during the day. Large well lit place with free wifi. Great events and free lectures, cool books to buy/​peruse with quirky and unique patrons. Great vegan food and sweets that even my non-​vegan self loves and devours.

Employee owned… living wage… socialist bookstore/​café with great fair trade coffee and terrific veg fare.
Had a delish tofu scramble breakfast sandwich on whole wheat toast. I did put cheddar on mine and not fake cheese but really good.
Terrific bookshop with stuff on labor, organizing, equality, civil rights. Really great seriously.

I love everything about Red Emma’s…what’s not to love? It’s a worker owned, democratically run cooperative that serves locally sourced food, produce, coffee, wine and beer.
They’re not just a coffeehouse but also a bookstore with books from independent printers and local artists… they are just too cool for school!
And let’s go back to the food… yummy and good for you. Tons of vegans opportunities and baked goods, holler!!!
Looking for a place to have a meeting or do some work, there are always tables, chairs and wi-​fi! And if you have a larger meeting, there is a community room. And they cater for the occasion.
My favorite aspect is that the bathrooms are gender neutral, I just love that!

Red Emma’s is a business that gets so much right. They
host multiple events weekly that are aimed at an intellectual community, and the food they serve is vegan and responsibly sourced. I had an amazing falafel wrap here. I was a little over enthusiastic about ordering the vegan mac n cheese, being an avid Great Sage fan, but theirs had overcooked noodles and a distinct lack of sauce, kinda like microwaved Kraft leftovers. Which, depending on how you grew up could be your jam, just don’t expect anything gourmet there. Their coffee and desserts are really delicious, and the overall vibe of the place is really alluring. It’s definitely the kind of establishment that draws you in and keeps you there for hours, and still leaves wanting to come back as soon as possible.

I’ve heard a lot of good things about Red Emma’s so I was glad to be able to check it out with a friend the other day. We came after a lecture so there were a lot of people milling around talking to each other (all good vibes).
While I think it’s a great community gathering space, I’m going to have to say that I thought the drinks there were über pricey. I had a mint mocha that came out to be $ 6 (…are we in Manhattan?) I get that their ingredients are all consciously selected and sourced but phew… this place is not conducive to a student budget.
I loved the unique selection of books — BUT it isn’t your typical bookstore. You probably won’t find any of the top 20 of the New York Times Bestseller’s List here. Instead they have a great selection of books on race, gender, and social issues as well as a poetry section with up and coming poets. That being said, I would call this more of a specialty bookstore. It’s anything *but* a Barnes and Nobles. (I was kinda disappointed there weren’t more books on the Asian American experience but OK…)
It was fun to visit, but I probably won’t be back. I definitely can’t justify $ 6 drinks and $ 12 entrees when the Bun Shop is right down the street (and I just feel a warmer vibe from the staff and customers at the Bun Shop than here). Worth a look if you’re near though!

Cheap coffee, great atmosphere, awesome book selection. I really like Red Emma’s staff and the coffee tastes great. Lots of seating, although it was so packed when I went that it was still hard to find a place to set down your stuff. Check ahead to see if they have an event going on — they will shut down the shop. The menu looks fantastic — will definitely hit this place up again to try some of the vegan pastries.

Coffee: Weak, tepid, flavorless and did I mention weak? Because t’weren’t strong.
Gluten-​free cupcake: Inedible. Took one bite and threw it away. Do you understand the magnitude of ME throwing away a cupcake?!? And yes, I’ve had GF and/​or vegan cupcakes before (and enjoyed them) so wasn’t expected a full-​lard extravaganza. The frosting was unpleasantly combo of slimy and gritty and oddly devoid of flavor. And speaking of grit, the «cake» was like eating a handful of sand and baking soda.
I’d rather have had a half-​packet of Via made with lukewarm bathroom tap water and a 3-​years-​past-​the-​expiration Ding Dong that this stuff.
Let’s hope mind was the unusual experience!

This place was amazing. I got the veggie BBQ Bahn Mi and it was great to the last bite. The bread was perfectly crusty on the outside but soft enough to be able to easily bite through to all the yummy beet BBQ goodness on the inside. I got the whole sandwich and then a small vegan mac and cheese, which really had a unique but tasty flavor as well.
The atmosphere was also super unique and reminded me of a more urban and genuine Busboys and Poets. We didn’t have time to check out the book selection, but from what I saw I could spend a lot of time there! Plenty of seating if you want to come with a larger group to hang out and there’s also a good amount of street parking in the near by area.

I am always here for independently owned and operated coffee shops. Some of the best coffee in Baltimore, along with the most diverse tea selection you will find anywhere. Their use and focus on fair trade products makes me feel great. Also offers a vast menu of vegetarian and vegan food options if you need a bite to eat.
I am here to praise their dirty chai tea, however. That diverse selection of teas and delicious espresso comes in handy when it’s time to make my favorite drink ever. I will drive past several Starbucks just to have them make my dirty chai.
4 stars goes to 5, as they also have one of the best bookstores in the city, as well as providing a wonderful open space for social events, classes and learning. You win about five times over here. Spend your money with businesses like this that are focused on giving back to the community.

LOVE LOVE LOVE! Okay maybe I’m biased because of all the events that Red Emma’s hosts here as well as the awesome book selection, so in all fairness I give it 4 stars instead of 5. Mainly because I do agree that the staff can sometimes not be as welcoming as you’d prefer and the food can be a bit overpriced. I ordered a side of vegan mac n chz and for the $ 4 I paid, I shouldn’t have been getting a kids HALF portion of product. It would help to have some softer bread choices as well, (better have firm choppers if you order a sandwich).
I still love the place though. From the huge servings of tea you can get for $ 4 (they have turmeric ginger flavor which is a rare find in stores, so much so that I have to order it onine) to the great events hosted (poetry sets, seminars, panels etc), it makes for a great getaway alone to chill or even for a date night. I invite you the reader to check out their website and even sign up for their mailing list. You’ll be sure to find an event to peak your interest.

Red Emma’s is a great place to come and relax, socialize, or get some work done. The atmosphere is great. They have good music playing that seems to fluctuate between barely there background noise and more upbeat tunes that are more noticeable but still unobtrusive.
There are plenty of seats and lots of windows and natural lights. High ceilings add to the vibe and make Red Emma’s an easy place to spend hours.
We had no problem finding parking at 11am on a Sunday.
The line does move pretty slow. I was there from 11 until around 2 and there were consistently 6 – 12 people in line just about the whole time. When I first got into a line of about 8, it took more than 10 minutes to get to the front. This wouldn’t be the end of the world except you must get in line again if you want a coffee refill ($ 1 for a hot coffee refill).
The food was nothing wonderful but was adequate. I had the $ 10 Ryan’s Mega Nachos… just their regular nachos but loaded and with extra everything. They were good but nothing special for $ 10. I definitely wouldn’t get them again. Maybe if I were looking for vegan nachos specifically I would have enjoyed them more.
I tried my friend’s bread pudding. Again, nothing special. It was extremely sweet and after my one bite I didn’t want any more. She enjoyed it. To me it was a little one dimensional and overpowering with sweetness.
I will definitely be back to Red Emma’. I’ll just try something else on the menu. The vibe is awesome and a nice change from working at home or at my local coffee shop.