Over the past few years Daily Grind has really turned themselves around. Daily Grind is exactly what a local coffee house should be. They are specious, the staff is solid, the food is good, and their drinks beat Starbucks(former Starbucks employee).
The atmosphere-
During peak time, it's your typical hustling bustling coffee shop. People are in and out, it's full, and the baristas are on their Grind. Everyone is pretty relaxed and they mind their own business. When it's slow, it's nice, calm, and quiet minus a few people talking and the machines whirling. There's always music running and the AC/heat keeps it comfy. There's plenty of seating and it speaks of the value business that flows through there. It's a great spot to study with other students, read, work, have a small meeting in the back, or just relax. Huge plus is that they sit on the water. That's hard to beat for a Baltimore Cafe.
The People-
The Daily Grind staff very good so far(haven't met them all yet). They are polite, knowledgable, and diligent. They're not overly friendly but they are willing to serve.
The Drinks-
The drinks are AWESOME. Take it from a former Starbucks Barista Trainer. If you are in the area, come here instead of Starbucks, Latte Da, Patterson Perk, Firehouse Grind, Etc. The brew is outstanding for a local shop and they today their own beans. The espresso based drinks are well mixed, strong, and flavorful. Other drinks like iced tea are also delicious and made in house. They also carry bottle beverages with an extensive selection.
The Food-
The food is pretty much standard for a coffee shop. Various pastries, chips, gum, candy,(think they have soup too)and sandwiches. Their sandwich/bagel creations are awesome. They have a whole chalk board dedicated to their sandwiches. I will say that they have successfully killed and mastered the coffee house sandwich.
The only negatives that I can see is that detail cleaning needs to be done more often(wipe window sills, get along the baseboards and corners, etc). However the place is bloody huge so I know cleaning is tough and the food and drink prep area looks clean so I'm happy. You do have to ask for a key to use the bathroom but it's a minor unconvinced considering the homeless and losers with nothing to do who enjoy trashing bathrooms.
Bottom line, Daily Grind is probably the best locally owned business Fells Point has to offer next to Max's, Alexander's Tavern, Pitango, and Sound Garden.
Also I want to give a shout out to the girl who made my large iced chai tea latte! It was bloody good and thanks for making it 5 minutes before closing. read more