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Artifact, Kneads, and Good Neighbor Reviewed
Chase Donelson
Baltimore may be best known for Maryland crabs, but for me, it is also a coffee town. From old mills turned into modern workspaces to expansive multilevel bakeries that are just steps from the waterfront, Baltimore has no shortage when it comes to places to caffeinate. Out of the many options that Baltimore has to offer, there are three that keep calling me back. Artifact Coffee, Kneads Bakeshop, and Good Neighbor all offer completely unique experiences, but together, they show off the best of Baltimore’s cafe scene.
Artifact Coffee: Rustic & Cozy
These days, so many coffee shops are striving for modernity with sleek lines and all white everything, but it turns out sterile and flat. Artifact Coffee is just the opposite of that in all the best ways. Situated on Union Avenue near Hampden, Artifact Coffee is a rustic coffee house in a reclaimed factory building. You feel like you are in a cabin in the woods when you enter. The lighting is dim, but not too dark. The stone walls could easily feel cold, but through the use of string lights and plants throughout the shop, it is extremely cozy and inviting.
The last time I was there, I came mid-morning on a Friday. It was bustling inside, but not too busy to grab a seat, nor was there a long line. Perhaps because it was a Friday, it was a large “work-from-home” crowd, which I really enjoyed. In the main cafe area, there are large tables, which are unique because they require you to potentially sit across from a stranger, or they promote a great vibe for those who are looking to collaborate.
Artifact serves local coffee roasted by Small Planes Coffee in Washington, D.C., as well as Thread Coffee Roasters in Baltimore, MD. The menu stays sophisticated by offering classic coffee beverages, as well as some unique seasonal offerings, such as the Mulled Apple Cider or the Horseman’s Head, which is their take on the acclaimed pumpkin spice latte, with a bit of originality.
Whether you’re stopping in for a classic latte or one of their seasonal specials, the transformative atmosphere and attention to detail make it a place worth coming back to.
Kneads Bakeshop: A Day in the City
When you walk into the Kneads Bakeshop in Harbor East, it feels less like stepping into a small local bakery and more like entering a full-scale food hall. What started as a small Greek family business in the basement of a Baltimore rowhome has grown into a famed bakery for Baltimore residents, now with three locations, including the Canton and Cross Keys bakeshops. Kneads Bakeshop truly does it all—open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., they offer menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with everything ranging from a cappuccino to a cocktail.
Kneads is not the type of place where I stop in for a to-go cup of coffee and head out—Kneads is more of an activity. I am never going to Kneads without ordering something to eat, whether it’s my go-to almond croissant, which is baked in-house, or a full breakfast or lunch plate. You go to Kneads for the full experience. And speaking of experience, the Harbor East location is designed so patrons can look through windows and watch the behind-the-scenes process in the bakery. They’ve mastered the duality of being a modern space while still reminding guests that they are a local establishment where everything is made in-house.
The Harbor East location is conveniently situated just a block from the waterfront and a short walk from Fells Point, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore the city and surrounding areas after filling up on pastries and getting that much-needed caffeine fix. Kneads is the place I bring people when they visit from out of town because it proves that Baltimore’s cafe culture is top-notch and sets the tone for a great day in the city.
Good Neighbor: Coffee & Community
What sets Good Neighbor apart from the others is the sense of community you feel upon entering the space. Located in Hampden, Good Neighbor feels less like a typical cafe and more like enjoying your morning coffee in a shared living room where everyone is welcome.
Inside, the space is gorgeous—clean lines, neutral tones, and baristas working at the center of the establishment—but the outside is where Good Neighbor truly shines. Situated on a hill, the cafe has transformed its outdoor area into a communal gathering spot. Benches are built directly into the slope, taking full advantage of the terrain, and additional tables sit in the shade at the bottom of the hill. It’s an ideal place to spend a slow weekend morning in the summertime, enjoying a fresh brew and the outdoors. I’ve even been there during community events, like thrift pop-ups or local vendors setting up shop on the lawn.
Coffee and vibes aren’t all Good Neighbor has to offer—it also doubles as a hotel. Located above the cafe, the guesthouse provides a spa-like experience for visitors. It’s called the Good Neighbor Guesthouse, and the company describes it as “a hotel that feels like home."
At its core, Good Neighbor is all about bringing people together through the beautiful cafe, stunning outdoor space, and welcoming hotel. The sense of community is truly felt here, and it keeps people coming back. This space is a good reminder that we are not all strangers, but neighbors.
Final Thoughts
It’s not about naming the “best coffee shop in Baltimore,” but rather acknowledging that each cafe serves a different purpose and is unique in its own way. While there are plenty of other coffee shops throughout the city, these three stand out for showcasing the best of what Baltimore has to offer: high-quality goods, refined spaces, and friendly people to share them with.
