I had been wanting to visit Red Emma's for quite a while and finally made it there for dinner with a friend about a week ago. We were warmly greeted by a cashier and order taker as we reviewed the menu. I ordered the falafel sandwich with a side of curly fries, and also chose to pay an extra $5 to provide a meal for someone who comes in and can't afford to pay. My friend ordered a 'Nosh Pit' sandwich--a barbecue sandwich made with seitan, with a side order of regular fries. All the food is plant based. After we took a seat in their cafe' area our meals were delivered to the table by a friendly server. Both meals were delicious, including both types of fries. The cafe' was preparing for a panel discussion as we were finishing, with chairs arranged around the speakers' area, but unfortunately we couldn't stay. We would both strongly recommend this cosy, friendly place for meals or browsing the bookstore. read more

I didn't have a prolonged visit here, as I just stopped by and picked up some pastries to bring home. Whilst there it looked like a very big and nice place to maybe meet up with friends or even try to get some work done. It wasn't overly noisy or anything. Also everything is vegan. We actually ordered a vegan pie from them for Thanksgiving and can attest it was delicious. Next to the coffeehouse is the two story bookstore. The ground level is full of books highlighting political and/or social subject matters, whereas the second floor seemed to have more regular fare. It's a nice inviting space for everyone - would recommend checking out. read more

I'm real torn here. I wanted to LOVE Red Emma's but I did not. It was cool, but certainly not in my top 10 of spots I went to in Baltimore. Let's start with the best part: the bookstore. You're not going to find everything here, but the sections that are curated are top-notch. I got a few books about abolition and a handful of poetry collections written by locals. This is, in my mind, the best part of the place. There's also a big selection of zines, and the person working told me I could choose some free posters. Then there's the cafe part. All vegan? Sounds amazing! In reality, it's quite expensive and just OK? Like, I've been a vegan for nearly two decades and I've eaten my fair share of vegan food around the world. And the food I got at Red Emma's? I paid $20 ish for a cheeseburger with applewood smoked bacon, and it tasted fine, but it wasn't great. I don't know, I was expecting something more delicious, not something I could have made at home for 1/4 of the price. Maybe it was just that I choose the wrong item, because there are other items on the menu that also looked good. Of course I get that because it's worker owned, prices might be higher. I get it. But it was still disappointing. And the people working were nice but sort of disinterested. Some more good things: They sell Palestinian sodas, which I love. There is an option to prepay for a meal or a drink for someone less fortunate. They open their bathrooms and space to members of the community, which means anyone who is e.g. unhoused can use the space. It seems like the spot is doing a lot for the community, which I admire. A lot of people were there working on their laptops etc., so it seems to be a space people like to hang out and get stuff done. I plan to come back next time I'm in Baltimore to give it another chance, so stay tuned. read more

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I actually am not vegan whatsoever, so I was a little nervous to try this coffee shop for the first time, but WOW, holy flavor. I ordered a breakfast burrito, and it's been three days since I had it and I'm still craving the taste. Who knew you could make tofu taste so good? I didn't like my vanilla iced coffee as much, but that was my fault because I should have asked for more vanilla flavoring. I really appreciated how much parking there was on a Sunday afternoon, and in my opinion, it's one of the best co working spaces in Baltimore. I would 100% come back to this coffee shop and maybe spend more time browsing the books next time! read more

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Was in the area, needed to get some work done and kill time till the bus came, here was my experience. Street parking can take a minute, but once you step inside, the vibe is worth it. AMBIANCE: Parking: Street/plaza parking. The area can get pretty busy, so give yourself extra time to find a spot. Seating: Plenty of it! Good for small groups, large groups, or solo folks. Probably room for around 50 people. Vibes: : The Waverly neighborhood gives you a real local pulse. It's a mix of old-school Baltimore charm and new growth, very community-based and creative. The space itself is a large bookstore/café broken into three rooms (the café + two bookstore areas). Cozy, spacious, and full of character. Books line the walls, sunlight pours in, and the café buzzes with students, readers, creatives, and locals. It's the kind of place where you can sip, snack, think, and chill for hours. FOOD/DRINKS: Hashbrowns (Recommend): Simple, crispy, and surprisingly satisfying. Nicely seasoned with golden edges and that perfect soft-inside, crunchy-outside balance. Pure comfort food. Great as a snack or paired with a drink while you read or work. Drink Palestina (Recommend) First time seeing this brand -- glad I tried it. The lime soda was refreshing, citrus-bright, bubbly, and super clean. Lime hits upfront, sweetness lingers just enough, and the finish is crisp and cooling. Perfect if you want something lighter than coffee or milk tea. CUSTOMER SERVICE: Blake was friendly, patient, and very in tune with the community vibe. Made the visit feel even more welcoming. TL; DR OVERALL: 4.5 Stars. Good selections, good prices, and a pleasant, grounded vibe. Red Emma's is more than a café -- it's a living, breathing community hub. If you're looking for a spot to unwind, fuel up, read, work, or feel connected, this is it. I'd definitely come back to try more of the menu and check out their events. TIPS: * Want to pay it forward? They have a "Pay It Forward" wall where you can cover someone's meal. * Check out their website for upcoming local events, talks, and community gatherings. read more

Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse - Wooo! - Bookstores Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Super cute and an awesome pairing of coffee and books. I didn't browse in the book store but I love the idea of having it attached, find a good book to enjoy with your coffee? Amazing. The cafe latte was gorgeous and really delicious. I'd give this 5 stars but my frittata was mostly cold and I waited awhile for it to come out. The taste was great but I'm not sure what the temp was supposed to be. read more

Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse - Cafe Latte - Bookstores Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Local coffeeshop with an indie bookstore attached! I stopped in here for coffee and lunch on my trip to Baltimore after it being recommended to me by a friend! This was such a cool spot. Lots of people chatting with friends and working in the coffeeshop and then the bookstore was busy too. Two levels of books plus a children's area. They offer discounted books and do community events there as well. I got a vanilla latte with almond milk and their fried chicken Cesar salad. Yum! This is definitely a place to stop for lunch or to browse books while in town. read more

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The bookstore -- yes! So thoughtfully organized, with powerful sections that go far beyond the basics. Any identity can find a book here, and I really appreciate their commitment to uplifting marginalized voices. The coffee shop and bar add such a welcoming touch, with a great setup for donations and community involvement. Prices are reasonable, too. I had the most delicious flat white and can't wait to come back for a Paper Moon cocktail! There was an author event the night we visited, so our hangout was shorter than planned -- but we still loved every minute. read more

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Oh my goodness, what a cool coffeeshop and bookstore! The main level is the bookstore and the upstairs is the coffeeshop. Their menu is huge, their prices are reasonable, the service is warm and pleasant, and the ambiance is lively. I ordered a chocolate croissant and TWO hot chai lattes because the first hot chai latte was so amazing I wanted more. Seating is mostly communal tables and encourages conversation. There were some homeless folks in the corner passed out/sleeping but they weren't bothering anyone. One lady came up to us to ask for money. Parking is street parking only. read more

I'm so glad I saw this place on Google Maps and decided to come here for a visit. When I entered, I saw a spacious cafe with lots of students studying and plenty of metal tables. There were a couple of big community tables and some outlets. I love the speakeasy type bookstore door that connects to the cafe. They have a good selection of books, on topics that matter especially currently- some topics and ideas that other conventional and commercial bookstores wouldn't publicize. Great reads and organized. Lots of books to educate the people. On the second floor, there are some chairs you can lounge and read at. It's mostly quiet with some background music. read more

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Best local coffee spot and a lot of community-centered activities. PLENTY of seating. Go on a Saturday morning and you'll be right next to the Waverly farmer's market lot. read more

Visited Red Emma's for the first time and was not disappointed!! This place is a great coffee and book spot, but it's really so much more. Red Emma's is a worker cooperative that focuses on racial education and community action. They have activities, book club, an education fund, and flyers for all sorts of social justice action items. The coffee was great (I got a hot mocha when the heatwave broke and we hit 72°) and the atmosphere was electric. Their chai was very subtle - not overly sweet like some. The falafel was flavorful and worth a try for sure. I can't wait to head back to Red Emma's to check out more than just their coffee!! read more

Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse - Bookstores Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Red Emma's is an great bookstore and coffeehouse in Baltimore, MD. The coffee shop offers a wide array of vegan food options and drinks in a calming, chill atmosphere. You could sit next to a group of friends playing board games or college students studying. The baristas are helpful and kind. I really loved the bookstore. It contains a wealth of books that make readers think about themselves, their worldviews and the other people around them. This isn't your typical bookstore and I think that's very refreshing. Upstairs, the store offers used books for customers to peruse, and the staff is willing to help you find exactly what you're looking for. I highly recommend visiting Red Emma's if you're in the area and looking for something a little different. You won't be disappointed! read more

Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse - Bookstores Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Hipster central coffee shop in Waverly. Mission-driven, employee owned, it's easy to support this mission driven bookstore and cafe. Their food menu is very vegan forward with some non-vegan items. I've actually only ever gotten their TLT, tempeh, lettuce tomato sandwhich. When I got it on my most recent visit, there was too much bread than the previous times. I've never ordered a drink before... and I'm sure it's great. I also visited the bookstore this time and got a cute baby book for my friend. The bookstore is two floors well curated by topic and the upstairs is for youth and children. They have a lot of discounted books as well. Red Emma's hosts a lot of events, writing workshops and I noticed signed for free Plan B, which is kind of an amazing thing they provide the community. read more

Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse - TLT (Tempeh Bacon, Lettuce & Tomato) - Bookstores Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Interesting establishment for sure. Super, super community oriented which was so great to see, especially for the area. They have a community fridge, community clothes rack and so much more. Now, for awareness, the are very anti-government and anti-police and this is propagandized throughout the building so if that's not your vibe, maybe stray away. Their book shop is similar in nature and most of the selection is tailored to this idea. read more

I am so glad my girlfriend and I went to this location! Such a great place, which such a great staff. I could spend literal hours in here, and we did just that! The Baltimore section alone was enough; being so informative of sometimes even the same places where we're standing. When and if I'm back in Baltimore looking for a good burial position in a book, Red Emma will see me again. read more

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I came here for a meeting in the Free School, in the basement of Red Emma's. The building and bookstore/coffeehouse is stunning! Truly a jewel along Greenmount. I was so pleasantly surprised by how chic and cozy/quaint the vibe was. It is absolutely beautiful on the inside, whoever designed it did a wonderful job. It makes me want to come back and try their food! I also need to come back to browse, and to have a quiet place to type. I love that they are worker owned, and support causes that matter to me. Bathrooms were clean, and there is a parking lot nearby (have to pay). There is also street parking, which after 5pm is free (I was able to park there for about 2 hours, no ticket). Can't go wrong in coming here, give them a try! read more

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I didn't try any food on this visit, but I stopped in for the Bettina Love book talk. I appreciate the space that Red Emma's has created to discuss important topics. GLOWS: -The event was well presented, moderated, and set up. -The coffee shop/book store combo is cool. -It appears to be a great place to work during the day or evening. GROWS: -The space was a little packed and made it difficult to properly see. read more

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love the ambiance, love the attached bookstore, the workers are cool to chat with, great events here, great drinks & food, great spot to study as well. The ONLY issue is the location - there are alot of homeless people that wander in and ask for money from the customers which i understand they're struggling but when trying to study - it gets annoying. Overall though, i love this place and love what they provide for the community. read more

Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse - Chai Latte. seated at the small bar they have! - Bookstores Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Delicious vegetarian fare, excellent falafel wrap with great balance of tahini and green/veggies including cucumber. Samosa soup with the mint yogurt swirl was excellent as a starter for warming up after a brisk-weathered day of Shop Small Saturday. All sorts of coffee options. Order at the counter (friendly and helpful staff, I ask questions!) and your food comes to your seat. Art in the dining room is pleasant and thought provoking. Music is charming and quirky-currently a rap of The Addams family is playing and people are vibing with it. For the bookstore-excellently curated with a social justice slant. Lots of zines, and I appreciate that they have a stand alone section on disability. I brought home a few books of poetry, some local, and some Octavia Butler non fiction. read more

I wasn't able to get coffee here or snacks but I was able to check out some incredible books. With that being said I'm unable to review the food and beverages. I've been wanting to come here, surprisingly I stumbled across Red Emma's while I was at the farmer's market. I enjoyed the vibe of this location and I can't wait to visit again. Hopefully I will be able to try a few items when I come back. It's so cozy and cute! read more

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Red Emma's is my go to spot for a coffee. It's just what the neighborhood needs. The space is large and there's plenty of room for work and chill. The staff is super inviting and inclusive. read more

Made my first ever order from Red Emma's tonight. The food arrived pretty quickly and was very neatly packed. The "cheezy" (grilled cheese sandwich) I ordered was quite ample in size but NOT in taste. The bread was soggy, greasy and unappealing unfortunately, and the cheese was worst, tasted more like Velveeta. I did not take more than one bite. Perhaps, I ordered too close to closing but, nonetheless, I was quite disappointed and feel that I wasted the money I spent. I finished the vanilla latte, but the mocha latte was not at all to my liking. Cannot recommend this establishment and will not be returni to Red Emma's read more

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Their food is delicious !! What a great lunch ! Good chili !! Good soups!!! Yum Yum! A very cute spot a good amount of seating in a cute big old building ! It's clean in here and smells fresh ! read more

Hey y'all!!! I came here on a Friday night a 10/10 experience! I got a chia latte, vegan chicken Caesar pita, and a cosmopolitan! Everything was amazinggg! The music and the vibe are unmatched! Tre was a perfect bartender/server/host! To add to it they have a bookstore! I am definitely coming back read more

A two story bookstore that serves decent vegan food and good coffee? Sign me up for that (like literally let me join your Red Emma's rewards program and all that jazz). Red Emma's newest iteration is located in the Waverly section of Baltimore. It has a ground floor which features ample seating, a bar area, a food and coffee section and a couple of bookshelves highlighting staff picks and new arrivals. The basement is stuffed full of bookshelves filled from floor to ceiling with all sorts of things to read. During our visit, my family and I indulged in Red Emma's vegan grilled cheez and tomato soup, vegan carrot cake, french fries and falafel wrap. While I was a fan of all of it, the carrot cake and falafel wrap stood out. They were both well done and unique, not the kind of thing you can get just anywhere. Drinkwise, I ordered a flat white with some oat milk and my wife a mocha (both vegan). I liked my drink and she, despite not being a coffee drinker, really enjoyed hers. That is a testament to Red Emma's coffee and baristas. They know how to do coffee. My kids enjoyed their fries (they needed seconds) but were really excited about all the books and the kid sized chairs in the basement (as well as those nooks and crannies that were perfect for hiding in). I cannot wait to get back to Red Emma's. It was a great place that appealed to the whole family. read more

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How could I have known where the heck Red Emma's was--or IF it was? Because I am so old, I recall their early squinchy sub-level spot on St. Paul (now a solid street taco San Pablo joint--check my review) near famed Center Stage. And then, I miss their last two-floor place (some new, hustling activity there I've not yet checked out) in Mt. Vernon, across from the BSO--but little-used bike lanes and limited parking were probably not ideal. My beef is not knowing where Emma's had moved to, but I've leaned to cool my Jets and get over it! The only reason I'm here is by accident: While collecting fruits, eggs and vegetables at the 32nd Street Market (in Waverly), I saw the newly painted lettering on the side of some old church-like structure that seemed abandoned. Only when a small group who saw another woman and me puzzledly peering into the empty windows did they alert us to the Greenmount entrance around the corner. The new Em's is HUGE compared to it's origins! Plenty tables, a cozy bar and books upstairs; the bookstore "proper" below. Breakfast and lunch sandwiches, pasties and coffee, natch! Great young-old nerdy and gurdy vibes being thrown out. Come here to chill, read, chatter or explore books on the many ways our country and world are effed up! This is definitely a boon to the sometimes bedraggled Waverly-Greenmount area, reminding me of an up and coming Lower East Side New York. read more

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Love it so much. Community focused with plenty of space to coworking or meet ups. There's coffee, tea, as well as a bar. All the food is vegan, which I love. Their falafel sandwich is one of the best and their chili is also hearty and flavorful. I've also enjoyed the ban mi, burger, and breakfast sandwich. read more

Been coming here (including their older locations) for years. Great food, books selection and vibe. I cannot recommend this place enough. Try their Mac and cheese! read more

I stumbled upon this cafe online looking for a spot to hang with friends for a weekly meet up. We were trying to find a place that had good food, cocktails, and a sense of community. We found our spot! The bookstore is incredible and has an epic amount of books I don't think I would've stumbled upon anywhere else. The selection is great! (I bought two!) They also offer a "pay-it-forward" program where you can buy a snack, drink, or meal to pay it forward for anyone else who may need/want it! Absolutely love this. I love food and that means vegan food as well! The falafel pita was so good! Definitely recommend. The Mac & cheez was really good as well but I think I really loved the red and black bean chili the most. Walking in the door you can feel a sense of community and belonging and that is exactly what I was hoping when I found Red Emma's online. They offer free WiFi and have plenty of seating! I will be returning read more

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Delicious food. Delicious coffee. Chill atmosphere. Great spot to post up and read or work.

I came here for a Friday date night. It was my first time at Emma's and I was pleasantly surprised at how chill and quiet it was. People lined the bar, chatting with the bartenders. There were steps on both sides of the bar that took us to the main dining area. It was so quiet in there- almost too quiet! A few students sat nearby in a small group, so I take it that this is the place where the local university students come to get a bite, some coffee and a study session. I was a bit wary about how the food would be. Usually, when you come to a restaurant/cafe, you smell...something! Anything! Lol. I didn't smell any food. Maybe the faint smell of coffee, but still, I pressed on. This is a vegetarian/vegan spot, that I found that quite intriguing. I don't venture into many vegan/vegetarian restaurants often, so this was an exciting experience for me. I settled on the vegan cheeseburger with vegan cheese and vegan mayo, and oh, my, gaaawd! It was SOOOO GOOD! Unbelievably so. I love a good burger and was worried that it wouldn't taste like the beefy deliciousness that I was used to. But it exceeded my expectations. It looked and tasted like a real burger. None of that black bean business. The fries were fresh, crispy and lightly salted. I literally can still taste each item. I also had mocha that was so tasty. It was a chilly night and that cozy delicious drink sealed the deal for me. My date had the vegan grilled cheese and the kale salad. Although he liked his meal, he definitely liked my burger more! Although it's a bit of a drive for me, I would definitely come back to Emma's. I enjoyed the atmosphere, the food and friendly service. If they added a touch of music for background, it would be the perfect chill spot. But I assume that they want to respect the students that come to study, which is very nice of them. Five stars. read more

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I love the charming bookstore feel! Perfect place to study and grab a snack! The service is always quick and friendly! I wish the food was a little spicier but that's just my taste! read more

Coffee was good, but atmosphere was volatile and unwelcoming. Visiting from out of town and didn't expect to walk into a coffee shop bookstore which openly promoted hate, violence and quasi 'revolutionary' propaganda. Disgusting. Was happy to finish my coffee and get back to the Air BnB to take a shower. The place made you feel filthy, like humanity was lost. read more

Wandering the neighborhood with a friend on a Friday afternoon and found this place. It used to be on North Av and apparently had moved to this location 2 years ago. They are looking to move to a different location within the year. Quiet. Seemed more bookstore-ish at the time. We ordered coffee that we brought to our table. Many people just sitting at the tables doing work, just chillin and looking at their phones. There is a bookstore downstairs. The menu seems to suggest they price the food to pay their workers - awesome idea! Hopefully they get the business to do so. Employees were friendly. read more

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I honestly loved Red Emma's. I came last week to sit and study on my laptop, and there were at least 6 other people/parties doing the same thing. The seating is ample, and I liked the little booth seating along the windows. They have extension cords hooked up to the outlets so you and whoever you're sitting next to can plug things in to your hearts' desire. What pleasantly surprised me was the food. I knew the menu was vegan before I went, which I think can be hit or miss, but man the food I got was GOOD. I got the kofta kebab pita and honestly couldn't tell it wasn't meat (I know that's not what some vegan and vegetarian people are going for, but for me being a meat eater, I liked it). There's a bunch of other things on the menu that I'm looking forward to trying out too. I also got a chai latte which was pretty standard (they use oat milk in their drinks). They looked like they had a happy hour menu with some interesting and reasonably priced drinks too, which would be cool to try. Finally, the bookstore downstairs was really cool. They have some interesting and unconventional sections/topic which I loved. I definitely feel like I could spend a couple hours just downstairs. I didn't end up buying any books because I had walked there and didn't want to lug 3 books in my backpack, but I'll definitely be back soon!! read more

Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse - Kofta kebab pita - Bookstores Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

I LOVE Red Emma's! I came here once 4 years ago and finally returned. I think the interior of the coffeehouse was completely redone, as it looks totally different from the old pictures on Yelp and from my memory - the bookstore is now downstairs, and the upstair space has two levels and a bar area. I love everything Red Emma's stands for as a business/co-op with their goals of being inclusive. It is quite loud in the coffeehouse sometimes. I come here mainly when I need to crank out a few hours of studying. There is plenty of seating, however, the outlets are not as abundant as I would hope. The big tables near the cashier have outlets, but it seems that only a few tables in the big open space have outlets (not sure about bar area). Free WiFi! Red Emma's is completely vegan. So far I've had their bottomless coffee for $3 (great deal, but I'm not a fan of their coffee to be honest), maple cayenne brussel sprouts (way too small for $5, would not recommend), vegan grilled cheese ($3.50, delicious!), avocado toast (nicely seasoned, great bread), and french fries (yummy). My friend said their soup was good too. The staff is really nice - they let me and my friends stay there for hours studying and are always kind. One time, after 9 or 10pm, they were giving away tons of free older bread and bagels. My friends took home nearly 10 bags. I enjoyed that bread for a looooooong time! Made for some great avocado toast at home and garlic bread. Parking: Depending on time of day, there is plenty of street parking around Red Emma's, some on Mount Royal Ave and some right on the street in front. It's 50 cents per hour until 6pm (or free on Sundays). I've found parking the three times I went recently. read more

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The space is for the community. Any and everyone is welcome. I love their pay-it-forward program and often go here to study. The menu is mostly vegan and without even trying, I get a healthy meal. read more

Came back to red Emma's again to cowork, and this time I actually tried their food. I ordered a Lavender London Fog with oat milk and a Falafel Pita to get me through a few hours of work. The London Fog was only okay, nothing too special and was less creamy than I would have liked. However, the Pita was very delicious and filling. Coming in at $12, this was a very large pita filled with 3-4 falafels, spring mix, and cucumber mint salad. The falafel were very moist which I appreciated as falafel are often dry and hence why I was hesitant to try the pita at first. I thought that this meal was a steal! Additionally, my friend and I had to take a business meeting and did not want to disturb the other patrons so we asked the staff if we could use their downstairs classroom area for our 30 minute call. They were very kind and accommodating and were more than glad to let us use the downstairs space. read more

books, coffee, snacks, workshops, and a genuine care for the community... what's not to love?