I've recently started working in the area and they are supper close thus I decided to try them out. I was very excited when I saw it was Korean owned however their K-food section is only two items; Bulgogi Dupbap & the Bulgogi Sub. The rest of the menu is American stuff. I've as of now tried both of these and very content with the taste and filling of these two, the price is reasonable per the portion and yummyness($12.49) plus tax about $13.25. The only thing I would change a bit is making sure that the juice from the bulgogi doesn't soak the bread too much cuz then it's mushy. I like a crunchy texture to my subs, but the may be just my preference. Both the son and the mom are super nice, if you become a regular it's very nice to have people know what you want right away. The atmosphere is very warm and friendly. I hope that they can incorporate more korean food to their menu, at least 2 more that have a different protein so we have a bit more variety. Though I understand why the options for kfood are limited given the area's population. Things to keep in mind: - When you order let them know if you want it to go or to eat there. Nobody can read minds, but they will do their best to ask you prior to packaging to confirm. - It can get busy so sometimes transaction may take longer because people are multitasking. - - - Don't rip out the receipt, you might be taking the wrong copy. Wait for the cashier to hand it to you or simply ask. -If you have questions about a product, ask them and don't assume. Yes. There is a big menu and pamphlets available and they provide brief item description but if that's not clear, just ask. They also have prepackaged salads, fruit and a few sweet treats, along with MissVickies chips, and bottle drinks. It's a cafe so the basics. Overall, really nice experience. Tots recommended :3 read more

Cafe On the Square - Bulgogi Dupbab - Delis Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Solid Experience, But I Miss the Old Owner Café on the Square is a reliable spot with decent food and a cozy atmosphere. The service was good, and the dishes were tasty, but nothing that really stood out. That being said, I miss the old owner--there was something special about his presence that made every visit feel more welcoming and personal. I hope the new management keeps things moving in the right direction. I'll definitely return, but it's just not quite the same without the old vibe. read more

The breakfast burrito is a 10! It's got scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, hash browns, ham or other options. read more

My first couple of forays out in Baltimore were misses! After reviewing YELP recs near my hotel for a quick lunch, I walked over to Cafe on the Square. There was nobody sitting inside, seemed like mostly take out, which was ok, although I had hoped to eat in, but certainly not a deal breaker! I arrived just after 11 and they said they were no longer serving breakfast, which was ok, but certainly not a deal breaker! The staff seemed really friendly. While I was trying to figure out what to order a lot of people were popping in from the medical center attached to pick up takeout. I ended up with a chicken and pasta salad displayed in the front case. I paid and headed back to my hotel to eat. It was just ok. read more

Perfectly serviceable place to get a quick sandwich. They load it up, so I always ask for my bread to be toasted to give it a little more structure. read more

Great food. Quick service. Nice ambiance. Superb spot near UMMedical and just up the street from Camden Yards

Their new breakfast burritos are yummy. They are a small mom and pops shop and work hard.

We enjoyed their good food, good price, good location, and good service! I recommend this place if you are in the vicinity.

Don't skip on this cafe on your stroll through the city. Placed on the corner, near where most students live, is this delicious cafe with the nicest group of employees. These sandwiches will definitely fill your stomach without denting your wallet read more

Cafe On the Square - Turkey Powerhouse - Delis Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

See all

A group of us had takeout from here and I'm a fan! Located across the street from UMMC, it is a convenient location to grab a quick bite to eat at very affordable lunch prices (just about everything from salad to sandwich to pasta salad is about $5-6 before tax/tip. I tried the California chicken salad which was a solid choice. The salad itself was just lettuce, some tomatoes and sprouts and the chicken salad part was a bit dry alone, but what made the salad extremely tasty was the vinaigrette that came with it. Whatever was in that dressing was absolutely divine! From reading other reviews now though, I should have gone for a pasta salad or a sandwich (maybe next time!). Ultimately a quick and convenient location to grab lunch. read more

Cafe On the Square - a salad in a plastic container - Delis Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Short walk from my hotel on the harbor. I had a breakfast egg, bacon and cheese on their sunflower bread. It was made to order and very delicious. Staff seemed friendly. Reasonably priced. read more

Stopped in here for an afternoon pick me up. There is only coffee or decaf but it's good and I was offered ice many times because I had asked for an iced coffee. The staff is incredibly nice and you can tell they take the time to get to know their customers. I only got a coffee and a cherry and cheese Danish, but both were delicious. Definitely want to try breakfast and lunch here soon! There is seating inside, but it's also across from the park so definitely a nice spot to enjoy a meal! read more

Just stopped in for a quick bite and was greeted by the most welcoming owner. Service was super friendly and fast, and my sandwich was made quickly and perfectly. I got a tuna salad sandwich on the sunflower bread, with tomato, cucumber, lettuce, and sprouts. Everything was cut fresh and the tuna was so delish. I will be coming back next time I need a wholesome, delicious meal. read more

Cafe On the Square - Tuna salad sandwich on sunflower bread - Delis Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

I don't wish to be dramatic, but this place got me through graduate school. There were very many days where just the thought of the 3 stooges sandwich was the only thing that could get me out of bed. Every brutal day was made tolerable by John's upbeat demeanor and perfect sandwiches. Oh god and the brownies! I recruited many classmates to accompany me on my trek to COTS, all were made regulars. John knew we loved the ICE cans and always made sure to have them stocked for us. I'm writing this review 3 yrs after graduating because we're still talking about these sandwiches in our group chat as one of the few positive experiences during this otherwise horrible time of our lives. I've since moved across the country but still think about the 3 stooges frequently. Idk why this sandwich has such a chokehold on my life. I haven't been able to find a single deli that can make a sandwich that brings me a fraction of the joy. I hope John and his family are doing well and I look forward to stopping by next time I come home to visit my family read more

Been wanting to try this place out. Easy to locate with the large awning. Inside is quaint with a handful of tables. The menu is nice in size, there are specials that they have during the week. There is a refrigerator with some drinks and another fridge with pasta and regular salads. There is a small selection for chips. Despite there being a line, the owner and the folk that make the sammies move crazy fast, and the wait is non-existent. I have no idea how they move so fast. I got a turkey sammie it was crazy fresh and good. The only issue that they have is that I am NOT a fan of any mayo or mayo like substance. Unfortuanely, it didn't appear that they had other oil based dressings, pre mixed....lol. I was given two separate containers, one with vinegar and another with oil. It made a wee bit difficult for me to mix without making a plum mix when I was eating. Other than that, and my extraness, things were good and next time I'll ask for my condiments mixed. Foods too good to not go back, the salads look delightful. read more

If you've every worked at UMMS or attended any of the professional schools, you know about this place, you know about Jon and you know you will never leave disappointed. If you don't know, let me acquaint you. Jon is friendly, has the memory of an elephant and borderline ADD which all works in his favor. Do not let the long line intimidate you, it moves quicker than you could imagine and yes, only Jon is behind the counter. Jon can engage in small talk, take two orders, yell special requests to the back, pack an order and take money for another all at the same time. I don't know how he does it, but he does and he's been doing it for a long time. The menu is extensive, but in my opinion, the best meal is the lunch express. The lunch express consists of: a sandwich of the day, a small salad side dish and a brownie piece. It's very filling. Jon offers other daily specials to partake. If I'm not in the mood for the lunch express, the chicken salad salad served with their house vinegarette and sunflower bread. I add avocado to my salad as I feel that's the way ever salad should be served. The food is always fresh, and standard my delicious, the restaurant clean, the service quick. Unless this restaurant falls in the hands of new owners again (Jon took a break for about 2-3 yrs) you will never be disappointed. read more

It's with a heavy heart that I write this review. I have been a customer of Cafe on the Square for over 15 years and I have always had a great experience until recently. The last few times I have been were a little disappointing, but today's visit was plain awful. I got the "cold turkey" which used to be a favorite of mine. The cold turkey sandwich I got today was not edible. It doesn't even resemble the sandwich that I used to get. To start, the baguette was completely different and tasted like it was baked a week ago. And the turkey is not the same kind of baked turkey that they used in the past. The bread used to always be fresh and the turkey was much like the turkey that mom would make on Thanksgiving. Now it's a stale roll and some gross baked bs they call roasted turkey. I am not sure who the 2 ladies are that work there now, but I miss John and the folks that used to make my sandwiches and salads. John was a showman with quite a big personality while the folks in the back making the food were culinary artists. They were able to work their magic and the food was always fresh and delicious. It was a pleasure to go there and support a small local business, but the quality is no more and I don't plan to return. It is sad to see that such a nice eating establishment has gone downhill. read more

Cafe On the Square, otherwise known as John's, is your downtown friendly neighborhood lunchtime sandwich shop. They serve many types of sandwiches that will make your stomach full and happy. John's personality is lively/interesting which somehow makes your sandwich taste even better. If only every sandwich dealer could be as fun as him. Anyone who works in the area, especially anyone affiliated with the hospital, must make their way to John's cafe at some point and experience Baltimore flavor at its finest! read more

I lived in Baltimore for 2 years (around 22 years ago!) and frequented this lunch spot when working at UMMS. My family was in Baltimore last week and we stopped by to grab sandwiches for the road (Cold Turkey and Powerhouse sandwiches). Everything was the same, in all the best ways. The great sandwich and salad options, friendly service from John, and I was stunned at how reasonable the prices remain. My 9 and 12 year olds loved their lunch and my husband's already talking about how we need to make another visit next time we're headed south. This is an easy spot to overlook, but should not be missed. read more

Very good vegan sandwich. Made on white bread which was bit of a surprise. The owner is friendly and engaging. This is a great place to stop in for a sandwich to go. Recommend. read more

If you are in need of a quick lunch you need to check out Cafe on the Square! Don't let a long line intimidate you -- I'm usually in and out in 4 minutes flat. The owner, Jon, is up front and takes your orders. He is possibly one of the friendliest people you will ever meet. He can juggle taking several orders at once and even remembers his loyal customers' orders. So far, I've tried the Buffalo Bill (rare roast beef, swiss and horseradish on sourdough) and the Black Russian (turkey, roast beef, Russian dressing on marble rye). The turkey is a bit dry, so the Buffalo Bill is my favorite. I also switch out the sourdough bread for the sunflower bread which is really good. And the sandwiches are HUGE -- they definitely don't skimp out on the meat. read more

See all

I enjoyed a delicious lunch here, while sitting at a window seat, enjoying the fall colors of the park across the street. The Neptune's delight pasta salad was a great choice! read more

Cafe On the Square - Neptune's delight pasta salad - filled with crab, shrimp, broccoli, and pea pods - a delicious and filling lunch! - Delis Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

I've eaten here at least once a week for the past few years and it never disappoints. If you are looking for a good sandwich place by the hospital that's quick and fresh this is it. They have good quality meat not slimy deli meet and their bread is always fresh. The speciality sandwiches are delicious. Every Friday they have a seafood salad that is insanely good. Even with the line out the door I've never waited more than five minutes. One tip make sure you know what you want before you get up to the cash register. read more

Cafe On the Square - Delis Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

This place is great!! The roast beef is house made perfect medium rare. I got my sandwich with roast beef, lettuce, tomato and avocado. The lunchbox special came with the sandwich, side salad and a brownie. I loved the sesame noodle salad that it came with. The soups are tasty too. I got the veggie barley. All very good, came out fast so fits in my 30 min lunch and the owner is always friendly. read more

This is an awesome place! It's a little hard to find because there's not an obvious sign from the outside, but the inside has lots of character! I come for lunch sometimes, and I really like their lunch bag special. It's a sandwich + pasta salad+ brownie. The sandwiches are nothing special (if anything I would say that the meat always tends to be on the dry side) but the pasta salad is always amazing, and the brownies are super rich and amazing. The main reason I go is for the entertainment. The man behind the counter is unlike anybody that I have ever seen. He moves at 10 times the speed of a normal person, and it's amazing to watch. It's indescribable, but I will try. He never stops moving or talking, and the line moves so quickly it puts other restaurants to shame. He remembers people by name, and clearly has some regulars where he knows their order by heart. I was standing in line with 5 other people yesteryday, and he knew 3 people's orders by heart. That's good service. He's always cracking jokes and talking nonstop to the people in the back (who also seem to move at the speed of light) and it's a nice place to go and eat while getting a free show. read more

Stopped here while on my trip to Baltimore. It was AMAZING! The owner and staff provided above and beyond amazing customer service, efficiently and carefully preparing each order. The owner is so kind and you can tell he truly cares about the customers that walk in the door, even remembering their names and orders! Eating there, I could tell it was everyone's go-to lunch spot. The food was incredible; everything was SO fresh and made to perfection. Theres an option for everyone's palette and dietary requirements. I even bought extra to bring back to Jersey it was so good. If you are ever in Baltimore and are looking for a place to eat for lunch, this place is it!! Go to Cafe on The Square for amazing food, service, and the best Baltimore has to offer. read more

Fantastic place. The owner is friendly. The service is fast. The food (especially the salads and soups) are the best!

I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a good deli sandwich for lunch. John, the fellow who runs the place, is very friendly and enthusiastic. They don't skimp on the amount of meat that goes into the sandwich, either. My personal favorite sandwich is their Black Russian, which has corned beef brisket, turkey, cheddar, and Russian dressing. I'm also a fan of their pasta salads and brownies. I come here at least once a week for lunch and I never regret it! read more

Excellent, fast lunch spot. There is an extensive menu of options and each sandwich can be customized to your liking. The lunch express with the sandwich, pasta salad, and brownie piece is excellent! The brownie was actually really good!!! I really enjoyed the fresh bread as well (I had sunflower bread). I highly recommend stopping in if you are in the area. I will be back for sure! read more

Cafe on the Square is Fantastic! Good food Lots of choices Nice portions Good service Fun art Clean space John is an example of what customer service should be! Friendly good energy Great vibes! Been coming here for years and highly recommend it! read more

Efficiency to the max! This little cafe is tucked into a small nook on Paca St and may be easy to miss but definitely worth checking out especially if you are short on time. The guy at the counter is so energetic and speedy. He will have your order out in minutes. There are a number of pastas, sandwiches (hot and cold) for you to choose from. The express lunch that comes with a sandwich, pasta, and a yummy brownie is a great deal! read more

Y'all this is a hole in the wall must have if you need to grab a quick meal for lunch. The seafood pasta were amazing and I didn't know it was served cold BUT it was good cold and I'd 10/10 get it again. read more

This little sweet place is a hidden treasure. They bake turkey every day for fresh sandwich. I don't know any other place do that. Their pasta salads are one of a kind. Soups are made fresh daily. Love their food ! Gotta try for yourself ! read more

My friend and I found this deli while wandering around Baltimore in search of a good sandwich. This place fit the bill - the man behind the counter was an absolute joy! He knew everything on the menu like the back of his hand. Our sandwiches were absolutely delicious and for a great price! read more

You know how at most places the pictures online or on the menu are so inviting - the food is beautiful, the servings are ample, the sandwiches neatly made, etc.? And then when you get them, while they might taste okay, they never look nearly as good, and sometimes are rather sloppy if not wilted? That's NOT what you get at John's Cafe on the Square. The sandwiches are ALWAYS generously stuffed full with fresh ingredients, and made right then and there; the salads are varied, interesting, and delicious; the soups and cookies are homemade and worth every bite. Honestly, it is incredible how this small family-run deli can so consistently provide such excellent food and warm hospitality. I should have taken a photo of the sandwich today but I didn't wait, I just plowed right into it! There are so many different eating options within minutes of Cafe on the Square, and admittedly most have fancier, cozier dining rooms, but unless you're looking for a hot, waiter-served sit-down meal, none of them can compare. PLUS THEY CATER! John's is my favorite go-to for catering and they have NEVER messed up an order (in the 5-1/2 years I've been using them). When we can, it's worth it to order from there and lug the food to the off-site venue. Bagged lunches come with salads and brownies, but they also do sandwich platters and more. So, so accommodating! Check them out - you won't regret it. Just to see John in action, handling so many customers at once, ALWAYS friendly and recognizing the regulars, is worth going out of your way. P.S. Ask to have the Sunflower Bread toasted - makes it even better. read more

Best sandwich shop downtown, with an entertainer behind the counter. Value wise- this place is great deal due the special, but include a a brownie, a side pasta, and the sand which of the day. Not sure seating here, because it is kind of a grab and go place. However that is what makes it so great, BECAUSE THE SPEED OF THE KITCHEN IS INSANE! Hardly no wait time at all. read more

Great, fast service and excellent sandwiches. Two vege sandwiches on the menu. I recommend the three stooges, it was excellent. Went here two days in a row, perfectly happy. read more

Perfect place to grab a quick lunch, but they also have tables if you want to people watch (which, if you're not in a hurry, you should do). I've had most of their salads and pasta salads and they are all fantastic. They have new specials and soups every day and the express deal is a great bargain, especially if you're hungry and have no time to sit down or wait. Even during lunch rush, I've never waited more than 5 minutes for my food. My favorites are the tuna pasta salad and the spinach pasta. FYI, they do group orders/catering too. read more

Best sandwiches around! The owner is so friendly too. Support local establishments like this! It does not disappoint.

I love their specials, sandwiches, pasta salads, and soup of the day. This is a special indulgence when I attend CEU training at the University of Maryland. The dining choices are healthy and full of fresh vegetables, and are very filing. This is the perfect lunch spot. This restaurant is far superior to expensive chain locations in the area. The prices are very reasonable. The owner is extremely friendly and service is faster than any restaurant I have ever dined at. I have recreated salads I enjoyed there at home, such as salad Nicoise. This is a tiny restaurant, with excellent coffee. Just by writing this review, I'm craving their neptune salad. read more