Interested in getting intel on the newest businesses to open in Baltimore? From an Italian bakery to a wine bar, read on for a rundown of the newest hot spots to open their doors recently.
Charmed Kitchen
123 S. Chester St., Butcher's Hill
Charmed Kitchen is a new bakery and Italian spot that offers breakfast and brunch.
The bakery and cafe serves several breakfast items, coffee and spirits. Try the country loaf, pizzette or the breakfast sandwich with eggs, bacon, sausage or ham and white American or cheddar cheese. Order a macchiato or latte to accompany the quick bites. (The full menu can be viewed here.)
With just one Yelp review so far that puts it at five stars, it's off to a promising start.
Yelper Abby P., who was the first to review it on Dec. 13, said, "The French-style food and ambiance are so inviting and cozy. The staff is all very friendly, and the food is amazingly delicious. I'm glad we finally have a nice, casual coffee shop in the neighborhood that is classy, but doesn't break the bank."
It's open for breakfast and brunch 6:30 a.m.–noon on weekdays and 8 a.m.–noon on weekends, and for dinner 4–10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday.
AJ’s On Hanover
1500 S. Hanover St., SBIC
AJ’s On Hanover is a cocktail bar and New American spot, offering seafood and more. The restaurant is owned by the same individuals who own Delia Foley’s and Smaltimore.
It offers appetizers, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, salads, main plates and a full brunch menu. Start the meal off with crispy cauliflower tots that are served with a green goddess aioli. Follow that with hearty a entree such as the filet Rockefeller with crab. If dining for breakfast, indulge in the apple pie pancakes, which has three pancakes, oatmeal crumble, apple pie filling and whipped cream. (Click here for the full menu.)
It's proving popular so far, with a 4.5-star rating out of 10 Yelp reviews.
Krysta K., who was the first to review it on Nov. 2, wrote, "I would highly recommend AJ's on Hanover. They have created a bar/restaurant that not only could be a great place to catch happy hour drinks with friends, but is also perfect for date night or a fun family dinner. They manage to create an inviting, lively atmosphere while catering to the neighborhood and still feeling like a cozy, local hangout."
Lauren W. added, "We love this place! Great drink specials, awesome food and the bar service is always great. Glad to have AJ's in the neighborhood."
The new spot is open from 4–10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m.–10 p.m. on Sunday.
Le Comptoir du Vin
1729 Maryland Ave., Charles North
Le Comptoir du Vin is a wine bar and cafe.
Choose from the vast wine selection. Pair the wine with any of the French-inspired small plates or desserts also offered at Le Comptoir du Vin. Enjoy a glass of wine such as the Cyrille Vouillod and the French lentils that come with vadouvan, labneh and grilled flatbread. Or go for a bottle of wine like the Meryl Crozier and order a plate of steak tartare that’s served with country style potatoes.
With five stars out of six reviews on Yelp, it's been a hit thus far.
Meghan M., who reviewed it on Dec. 21, said, "One of the most delicious meals I've had in Baltimore ever. The atmosphere is laid back with good acoustics for a romantic dinner or a date night with friends. The service is great. I can't wait til the summer opens up the back patio and outdoor bar. "
And Gailan W. noted, "I came in without any expectations at all and walked out happier than I have been with a restaurant in Baltimore for a long time. Every dish was spot on, both salads were delicious, the pig head terrine was the best I have ever had and the duck ragu was absolutely perfectly cooked."
Hungry? Drop in and check it out: it's open from 5:30–10 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. (It's closed Monday and Sunday.)
