Cafe Hon Baltimore

Honestly I’m never really one to write reviews but after eating here a few times I was compelled to. First off the atmosphere here is so warm and friendly, literally the moment I walked in I was promptly greeted by the staff upfront and seated within minutes (and the place was non-surprisingly packed). As I sat and looked around I couldn’t help but to admire the eccentric Baltimore based artwork laced all throughout the restaurant. The fengshui of it all is so well put together that it would make a tourist feel like a local. I was slightly skeptical due to some of the negative reviews I saw online but I must say it’s all truly truly bs believe me, the food here is phenomenal!!! I ordered the Meatloaf dinner and it was honestly the best I’ve ever had in my life. The portion size was really good to, definitely worth the price if you’re looking for a meal. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a good meal with a Baltimore feel.

Stopped in after taking my son to Hopkins today. Ordered the Big Bay Club and all I can say is Wow! It is a crab cake, shrimp salad and bacon club combination and it was the best sandwich I have ever had, yes the best. The service was good and the owner was very friendly, as Arnold Schwarzenegger would say, "I'll be back." Andre

Baltimore has quickly become one of the hottest food cities in the world. Maybe you'll disagree with me (and that's fine), but I believe our destiny was sealed when Cafe Hon was born. In a smaller place across the street from the current location, owner Denise Whiting, was one of the first brave souls to plant her flag on the then newly re-imagined "Avenue" by starting a quiet food revolution that started with meatloaf. Nobody starts a revolution with meatloaf you say? Au contraire! It wasn't long after that, as word got around about this homey, relatively cheap eats joint, that Whiting really got her "Hon" on and picked up a bigger spot just a few feet north of the first location. Besides the meatloaf, the house salad dressing developed it's own following of loyalists. I used to say, "There could be crushed up kittens in there, I love it!" (No kittens were ever harmed in the creation of the dressing!) Like most successful restaurants, the Hon had a few "growing pains" along the way. Most of it seemed like sour grapes more than anything when a handful of locals got their beehives in a frizz about the ownership of the word "Hon." After a visit from Gordon Ramsey and a little makeover, things changed. Thankfully, all the good stuff that was always there, including the locally-made cakes and pies, and yes, that stick-to-your-ribs meatloaf and non-kitten-harming salad dressing, remained. Though the menu gets an occasional dressing up or down, the level of quality is always high. Cafe Hon is not a fancy-schmancy place and it never pretends to be. This is a place where food is simple in the best possible way. It offers a decent set of choices for everyone and celebrates the mighty Blue Crab in several dishes, including a tangy, spiced crab dip, and in pillowy cups or bowls of their crab soup. Burgers get a fun treatment, too. My hat goes off to their barbecue wings. They are meaty with enough crisp outside and tender at the bone on the inside. In other words, simply delicious. The desserts are a thing of beauty. Most fruited offerings are made with seasonal fruits (when they have strawberry cake in May, you best get a slice before it's gone!) and with a lot of love. If you overindulge at a meal, the servers are very happy to box up a slice of heaven to go. Take their persistence for what it is: they want you to know how much they enjoyed serving you and want to make sure that message lingers in a midnight-eaten confection later. They keep the excitement going with $1 per oyster, freshly shucked, every Friday. If you're in no hurry, then pop into the bar next door for live music or karaoke. I am happy to send my out-of-town guests and friends here. I know they are consistent in their aim to please. They try hard to make everyone feel welcome and satisfied. Who could ask for anything more? Except maybe a bottle of that kitten-cruelty-free dressing to go!