WASHINGTON — I have lived many places, but will always consider Baltimore, Maryland, my home.
I love the drawl of an accent that thickens and deepens as you go further into the city. I love the team pride on game days — and every day — with orange and purple flags hanging high everywhere you turn.
I love the narrow, brick town houses and side streets; the love of all crab-flavored foods; Old Bay-rimmed Bloody Mary’s on Sundays, and Natty Bohs every other night of the week. I love our weird obsession with the Maryland state flag on every possible item of clothing.
For all these reasons, I love exploring all that Baltimore has to offer, and honestly, even after all this time, the city still surprises me, in its tenacity, its vitality, its desire for more. So when I took a trip to Remington, a neighborhood in northern Baltimore, I was expecting to visit the one place I’d come to see: R. House — and I did, but I also found so much more.
In the midst of its modern, new-era renaissance, Remington is the new up-and-coming destination in Baltimore for artists, makers, musicians, professionals and students, alike, with the Hampden neighborhood to the north and the East Village neighborhood to the east. And while many shops, bars, restaurants and lounges are grouped together, it’s best to drive or Uber your way through the area.
There are hidden gems around each corner if you’re willing to seek them out. Sometimes it takes a little patience, some faith and a keen eye to see Baltimore’s most promising areas for what they once were and what they will one day be again. Many of the once vital areas have since fallen to shambles, and among the bustling shops, bars and restaurants are buildings with boarded up doors, graffiti, chipped paint and rotting window sills. But the beauty of Baltimore is still hidden in the plain daylight, and if you look you might just find it.
This post focuses on shops and restaurants in the Remington area:
R. House: This destination can only be described as a hip, modern twist on the food court experience. R. House is a concept that houses 10 different chefs in one innovative, collaborative community space. It serves as a virtual all-purpose spot for celebrations, gatherings, creativity, studying, working, relaxing and much, much more. Visitors will find r.bar, R. House’s craft cocktail lounge; the “angry buffalo” fried chicken sandwich at BRD; the combo at Amana Taco; and Earl Grey sriracha ice cream at Little Baby’s Ice Cream. Your taste buds will be tantalized.
B. Willow: The leafy, green neighborhood complement to R. House, B. Willow is just as airy and bright with a vast selection of succulents, cactuses, air plants and more. Whether you intend to just explore, or are truly in need of some plant advice, this is the shop for you. B Willow also hosts workshops for those eager to learn more.
Parts and Labor: Looking for the perfect cut of meat for your next event? Hoping to enjoy one that’s already been cooked to perfection? Scoping out new spots to grab a beer and some apps? Add Parts and Labor to your list. This spot embraces a philosophy of responsibly and ethically sourced foods from local farmers, fishers and producers.
Remington Wine Company: Hand-picked with love, care and locality in mind, the Remington Wine Company houses a vast collection of wines, spirits, beer, cheeses and charcuterie. Take your pick to accompany a romantic evening indoors, a get-together with family and friends or a significant celebration.
Charm City Cakes: Inspiration behind the Food Network’s “Ace of Cakes,” Duff Goldman’s Baltimore-based cake shop is the destination for sweets-lovers and cake artists, alike. You can find an array of baked goods and even take classes to learn how to sculpt your own cakes.
Bar Clavel: A family-run mezcaleria, Bar Clavel offers all that and more with its fresh, funky atmosphere and a la carte menu, featuring sizzling tacos, savory ceviche and sweet postres. Forever on the hunt for an authentic Mexican food experience, it was love at first sight. Plus, the cocktail menu lists house-made beer, tepache (pineapple wine) and aguas frescas (nonalcoholic fresh fruit drinks blended on ice).
W.C. Harlan: Owned and operated by the same family as Bar Clavel, this little spot is sure to satisfy your hip Baltimore speak-easy cravings. W.C. Harlan is a literal hole in the wall — blink and you’ll miss it. Enjoy one of its cocktail varieties made with craftsmanship in mind and the delicacy that is often standard in such venues.
Ottobar: An intimate showroom with limited capacity and a full lineup of performers almost every night of the week, Ottobar is the original underground venue with a jazzy, grungy feel. Check the calendar to reserve tickets and spend the evening enjoying your favorite music genre.
Hunting Ground: If you like a delicate balance of old and new, you’ll love the re-purposed feel of this thrift shop. Housed in an old church, Hunting Ground is the perfect place to browse the racks for statement pieces, trendy accessories and vintage finds.
Dangerously Delicious Pies: Born from a unique affection for baking and rock ‘n’ roll, Dangerously Delicious Pies turns out savory and sweet concoctions that have been featured worldwide on the Food Network. Whether you’re looking to feed dinner to a group or are bringing dessert to a fiesta, these pies will please a crowd.
Trohv: Artfully selected and masterfully displayed, Trovh has a whimsical collection of goods for any occasion. Find one-of-a-kind gifts, trinkets and apothecary items for home décor, art and more.
Spro Coffee: Personally sourced and specialty served, Spro Coffee offers an array of mouthwatering beans and provides a number of ways to try them — from vacuum pot, to pour over, to aeropress, to cold brew.
Charlotte Elliott and The Bookstore Next Door: A fusion of antique goods and bookstore with history, art and décor in mind. The Charlotte Elliott and Bookstore Next Door is the place to find that unique gift.
Atomic Books: A quirky, independent bookstore and bar featuring vinyl, plastics, paper and other consumables.
The Silver Fox: Expect antiques, furniture and collectibles meant to inspire and intrigue those interested in the thrill of the chase.
Celebrated Summer: Your neighborhood record store with a vast collection of albums, records and more — from jazz to hip-hop, to R&B and everything in between.
Charm City Chocolate: Baltimore’s chocolate shop and an old-fashioned ode to the corner candy shops of yore. This artisan shop boasts love, passion and zest for life as its most important ingredients, which is evident in each and every bite of the sweet treats it proudly serves.
Lovelyarns: Been dying to learn how those nifty knitters churn out infinity scarf after infinity scarf? Check out Lovelyarns and you just might get inspired to learn to make a few of your own. Voted Baltimore’s Best in 2017, Lovelyarns offers classes, supplies and helpful advice when pursuing your knitting dreams.
The Turnover Shop: An antique shop where curiosities are brought to the light of day.
The Charmery: Hand-spun, premium ice cream with spontaneous and Baltimore-based flavors. The Old Bay caramel always calls my name, as does the Thai tea, Early Grey gingersnap and Berger Cookies and cream.
Charmington’s: This spot serves organic coffee, krimpets and other locally produced favorites. Charmington’s is your quintessential Baltimore comfort spot. Spend an hour or a day studying, learning, eating and drinking.
MOM’s Organic Market: If you’re from the DMV, you’ve heard of it, but it’s still worth reiterating: MOM’s Organic Market is the local equivalent of Whole Foods. If you have allergies, prefer organic, or believe in the beauty of quality foods, this is the place for you.
Earth’s Enrichments: Just as important as what you put in your body, Earth’s Enrichments specializes in quality products to put on your body — hair and skin care brands made with no artificial ingredients, chemicals, etc. Here, you’ll find bar soaps, lip scrubs, body balms and shampoos.
Baltimore in a Box: Order your Baltimore favorites like Berger cookies, Old Bay chips, Maryland flag regalia, Union Craft beer and local art — all in one box.
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