Best places to eat and read -- part 2
Recently on Read Street, we’ve discussed a topic dear to my heart (and stomach): Baltimore’s best places to eat and read. I developed the habit in my years as a reporter, traveling around the mid-Atlantic and beyond. When you have to eat by yourself, there’s nothing better than a good book to shake that sense of alone-ness.
You need the right restaurant, one that’s not too noisy, not too dark, not too rushed. The food must be right, too -- one-handed food (pizza) is good; two-handed food (burrito) is bad.
When the stars are aligned, it’s a great way to pass time. What could be better than pairing The Flaneur with steak frites at Marie Louise, the new Mt. Vernon bistro? Or A Passage to India with a plate of chicken korma at Cafe Spice in Towson? Let me know if you have other favorite "Eat-N-Read" spots.
Here’s what some readers have recommended:
I always found Mick O’Shea’s between two and four on weekdays to be a good atmosphere for undisturbed reading. Three, maybe four people in the whole place ... music is at a comfortably non-distracting level, and no one bothers you. — WP Tandy
With one side of its dining area sheathed in floor-to-ceiling windows, The Northstar Bistro (1417 Thames) gives perfect light for reading. ... Great MX: lively yet undominant. Plus, free Wi-Fi. — LauravilleMom
The Towson Library! ... Get a coffee drink and one of Jay’s mom’s homemade cupcakes at the connected coffee bar (’Spro), and take it to the quiet lounge. Best of all, the reading material is free. — Paula
Baltimore Coffee & Tea, especially the new shops in Annapolis and Frederick. Most of my reading (including books) is online, so the free internet access is great. ... The only drawback is they are bustling in the early a.m., so I shoot to stop by late morning and clock in some time between meetings. — Triple L
The Red Canoe in Lauraville. A savory muffin, something warm to drink, and a seat by the front window make me very happy. -- Bonnie
Comments
Just wanted to send a note of thanks to you and your reader Paula for
mentioning our little espresso bar in the Towson Library. We seem to
have a continuous stream of patrons who come in and enjoy the
seating, a coffee and a book (or four). If you have a chance
yourself, please come and visit us.
Also, I wanted to share my reading spots. I travel quite a bit
around the city and frequently find myself dining alone and,
therefore, always keep a book or two in the car to carry me over.
While I don't have a favorite spot, I prefer to utilize my iPhone as
a book weight to hold the book open on the table so that I can use
both hands to eat. For newer books with more "spring" action, the
rubber case on the iPhone prevents it from slipping (and the book
closing) and hold everything open so I can enjoy eating and reading
at the same time.
Best,
Jay
Spro Coffee
Posted by: Jay | March 22, 2009 10:58 AM
The Evergreen, corner of Cold Spring Lane & Schenley Road, great for reading and/or writing. The food is good, they have Zeke's coffee, nice mix of people, free internet, readers & writers are always welcome. Urban Grounds in Hampden also great, though smaller--they have the advantage of Hampden shops, though!
Posted by: Janice McLane | March 22, 2009 11:07 AM
My favorite eat-read if I ever could take the time would be Scottos in Bel Air in the late afternoon in one of their long wide booths. Light is perfect. Waiters won’t bother you. Lots of garlic in the bruschetta.
Adriane B. Miller
Posted by: Adriane | March 23, 2009 11:10 AM