Considered one of the go-to places for brunch in Baltimore, Teavolve is home to great drinks, good eats and friendly vibes. The menu features diverse items, from cocktails and loose-leaf tea to breakfast staples, salads and sandwiches. Sit outside with views of the neighborhood and enjoy a pineapple rum cocktail. Bite into a savory breakfast crepe stuffed with eggs and smoked bacon. Or, indulge in the bananas foster French toast with chantilly cream.

Delivering soul food with a twist, this restaurant serves an all-day menu with mouthwatering dishes like chicken and waffles, sweet potato fries with mango ketchup and wraps stuffed with beef, fish and chicken. Vegan? No problem. This spot offers vegan brunch bowls and plant-based proteins for wraps and sandwiches. Beyond the food, this Baltimore joint celebrates its local community by featuring art by Black artists and celebrates Black talent with visiting DJs and performances weekly.

From the moment you walk into this restaurant, you’ll feel like a star, from the chandeliers hanging over the bar to the sleek and chic black and white décor. Taking New American cuisine to the next level, this restaurant serves “urban elevated” twists on American classics, like their Chicken Box with pomme frites & mambo sauce or cheesesteak spring rolls. Don’t miss dining on Friday or Saturday nights, when the restaurant hosts popular DJs spinning the latest hits under the glow of neon lights.

Seeking lighter fare as you explore the Charles Village? Green House Juice Cafe is exactly what you need for a grab-and-go snack. Serving up 100% vegan smoothies and bites, you’ll never feel guilty for indulging at this establishment. Sip on fresh juices like Krazy Karrot or Alka-Live with pineapple, cucumber, lime and ginger. Crave a smoothie? The Liquid Gold with pineapple and turmeric is the perfect palate cleanser. Don’t skip the plant-based burgers and wraps.

Vegan soul food? Yes, please. Land of Kush is here to step up to the plate. Offering a 100% plant-based menu, this eatery is pure bliss for your taste buds with a menu featuring Southern classics with a vegan twist. Bite into savory black-eyed pea fritters, barbecue ribs (soy protein) smothered in a tangy sauce, or for lighter fare, enjoy a cucumber and tomato salad with a splash of plum vinegar.

If you’re hungry, head to downtown’s Next Phaze Café for mouthwatering Southern food. Here you can dine on catfish fritters, cornbread and fried chicken platters. The restaurant and lounge is also home to live entertainment and events, such as Soulful Fridays and Monday Night Jam Sessions, for a bit of music while you dine.

Travelers with a sweet tooth should stop by Aunt Kelly’s Cookies, located on Antique Row. Kelly Simmons, aka “Aunt Kelly” on the marquee, started baking cookies in 1999 and since then has established her own shop that brings her delicious homemade cookies to the Baltimore community. From her famous butter crunch (the cookie that started it all) to classic chocolate chip, these cookies are a step above the rest.

Berries by Quicha offers a tasty selection of gourmet chocolate-dipped strawberries. And these aren’t your ordinary strawberries; Quicha goes above and beyond to design one-of-a-kind chocolate-covered creations. From berries stuffed with cheesecake to white chocolate Oreo, expect to go up a pant size after a box of these delicious treats.

For freshly baked confections, The Avenue Bakery is a go-to spot in the neighborhood. Home to the famous Poppay’s Rolls (large and buttery rolls baked fresh daily), this bakery has a mission to serve and rebuild the Black community in Baltimore. Stop in for their delicious cinnamon buns, which also come in apple, cherry and raisin variations, or try a bite of their decadent bread pudding with peaches. Love muffins? Order the sweet potato.

Serving twists on the summertime favorite, shaved ice, Ice Queens serves up vegan and eco-friendly snoballs. Named Baltimore’s Best Snoballs by Baltimore Magazine, this cute shop sells various flavors, from pineapple upside-down cake to mango tango. Beyond shaved ice, they also provide a seasonal breakfast menu featuring egg croissants and beignets.