Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse image

Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse

Restaurant Cafe Bar Coffee shop Vegan restaurant Book store

One of the Most Reviewed Vegan restaurants in Baltimore


Address

3128 Greenmount Ave, Baltimore, MD 21218

Website

redemmas.org

Contact

(410) 601-3072

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (1.2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 9 AM to 9 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 9 AM to 9 PM
  • Wednesday: 9 AM to 9 PM
  • Thursday: 9 AM to 9 PM
  • Friday: 9 AM to 9 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: great (15) vegan (10) good (10) books (10) seating (9) bookstore (8) atmosphere (8) selection (8) service (7) coffee (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Juhi P. 8 months ago on Google • 373 reviews
    Conscious cafe/restaurant with spacious seating and an adjoining bookstore. The atmosphere is amazing and perfect for chit chat, studying, eating. The service and food was great, highly recommend their Kofta sandwich
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eric B. 8 months ago on Google • 628 reviews
    New place, still great. Love the spirit, service, and vibe. Solid vegan food and great coffee. Bar too.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Azea S. 11 months ago on Google
    I visited this location a few weeks ago for an event. Environment: The bookstore was nice - it had a college-y feel to it. Customer Service/Food: Honestly, the service was lacking. The people working that day were not friendly or welcoming. The silver lining is that the brussel sprouts and chai tea were good. However, the brussel sprouts were over priced for the small amount they give. Overall, I liked the event they hosted for the community and the food. Customer service could use some serious work. I don’t think I’d go back unless another event was hosted - and I would minimize my interactions with the staff.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicholas M. 1 year ago on Google
    Red Emma’s new location is going to be amazing once finished. i’m so glad i got to see it last night at their first live event, which was an amazing conversation about Dr Treva Lindsey’s latest book, America Goddam. the one and only Dr Martha Jones was the moderator!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nick C. 7 years ago on Google
    Red Emma's is the best coffee shop in Baltimore. Hands down. They roast Thread Coffee in house, and in my opinion it's better than the other local roasters like Ceremony's and Zeke's. They make the best latte I've ever had, and the cold brew is amazing. On top of that, they have a wide selection of food, all vegetarian and vegan. My favorites are the waffles with fruit on the weekends and a bagel with cream cheese and veggies. The grilled cheeses are great too! If you lean to the left politically, you'll enjoy their book selection and the events they have occasionally in the space. There's tons of space and its a good place to do work, though it can get a little loud sometimes. Overall, I highly recommend that you stop by!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrea C. 7 months ago on Google • 94 reviews
    The atmosphere is wonderful and the staff are extremely friendly. Hosting an event here or just grabbing a good book with coffee will be memorable.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bear E. 7 months ago on Google
    Love red Emma's, I'm a regular!! I love how much red Emma's does for the community. The pay it forward option is amazing. Clothing racks for clothing giveaways, free basic needs, books. The employees are very polite. I was homeless and with the pay it forward option I was able to eat everyday, access to clothing, tampons, condoms, array of basic needs. Amazing place!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Emma Sembly - B. 11 months ago on Google
    5 Stars are not enough! This is one of Baltimore's hidden gems! I have tracked with Red Emma's through 3 locations, and this time they have knocked it out of the park. Each iteration of this worker owned co-op out performs the last. The bookstore continues to feature insightful, independent books written by original thinkers for all ages (including a very respectable children's section). Their vegan menu is delicious, so even if you're a carnivore, you will enjoy their selections. Try the "chicken" salad. I also had their spinach salad with "bacon" bits. Unbelievable! While sipping coffee, there's plenty of room to sit and ponder the world's problems without breathing on your neighbor, although masking is still required. Lovely, friendly atmosphere with a full schedule of author/presenters. (Check their website.) Overall, Red Emma's is a welcome addition to the community.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fahan A. 1 year ago on Google
    Love Red Emmas as a coffeehouse, especially for presentations and workers co-op! One thing I wish they would bring back is the program from North Avenue, where you could buy a meal for someone in need. It used to be that you could purchase magnets, representing an entree, soup, or coffee. This magnet would be put on a wall by the cashier, then someone in need would come in and request a free meal. If there were magnets on the wall, the staff would prepare it for them. It was a nice way to support the community.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ymani E. 6 years ago on Google
    I love this place. The falafel wraps and the nachos are awesome. I can get delicious vegan pastries and non-dairy ice cream here! The vibe is really nice. There's this one guy who works behind the counter to close on Friday nights, he's rude as hell though.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christian D. 4 months ago on Google • 22 reviews
    Such a great place to go and do work. Spacious and great music was playing. Tabbouleh was just what I expected, cold and Herby. Tea bags are filled with the fancier, looser tea. Will be returning plenty of times. And open until 10!! Love this place
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 April W. 1 year ago on Google
    amazing atmosphere, chill, calm and quiet. I definitely was able to get my studying done! The food was great as well ! I didn’t even know it was all vegan!! yum
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Larry L. 1 year ago on Google
    So spacious and full of positive energy. A really relaxed atmosphere although I visited around 6pm while they seemed to be winding down for the day.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 JD 7. 1 year ago on Google
    Smart, engaged, committed crowd. Great books and food.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Evan T. 1 year ago on Google
    Cold interior. A lot quieter than the previous location. Felt awkward talking to who I was visiting with. Many less food options. Not worth the increased distance from my place to visit
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Praise O. 3 months ago on Google New
    The atmosphere inside is welcoming and warm. The worker-owners are attentive and very knowledgeable about allergies. I can always find celiac safe gluten free options (they have a dedicated gluten free fryer!). The gluten free falafel wrap is one of my favorites— the hummus is so delicious. They are invested in the community and provide many resources including pay it forward, free clothing, sanitary supplies, and books. And there are so many opportunities to learn at events!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Anna B. 7 months ago on Google
    Really weird vibe for customer service. I just wanted a Chai latte and the person sold me "dirty " Chai latte with espresso that tasted so bitter. Wasted $9. Got a normal Chai latte for $5 which is what i wanted to begin with, and she didn't even offer me a refund. It wasn't great either, but at least drinkable
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Preston E. 2 years ago on Google
    Incredibly well curated and diverse bookstore. Selection includes everything from local authors to graphic novels. Bar in the back that we will definitely need to check out.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Nadine H. 1 year ago on Google
    Never been before walked in, and the atmosphere was a pretty cool vibe. Nice decor. I walked to the counter to look at the menu and get recs, etc. The person working was masked up (its required there and no issue with that) but I said it was my first time, was being super friendly, trying to get some help...and this person just stared at me and didn't greet me or really engage or say anything. I felt very put off by the lack of customer service and just left. For a co-op... doesn't really give that vibe. I've worked at co-ops before. Customer service should always be first. Shame because the menu looks good. But if someone is gonna stare at me and not engage, then I don't feel comfortable being there....felt like I was a bother.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John C. 1 year ago on Google
    What a wonderful space! Wide open and peaceful. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. Clean and well maintained.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Foster S. 2 years ago on Google
    Good food, and coming from a trans person it felt like a genuinely inclusive environment! I don't like driving in Baltimore but I'd do it again for this place.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vann M. 1 month ago on Google • 39 reviews New
    Lighting : Comfortable for vision folk and relaxing. Seat selection was plentiful and varied. Bench style seating that offers a table and individual chair opposite the bench style seating along the wall. There are private seating options and less structured seating meaning ( open floor around the chairs). The eatery staff was very welcoming and attentive. The bookstore staff person was physically present. The bookstore was well stocked and filled with low-fi energy. The food was great and would definitely recommend and return!!!!

  • 5/5 Shari J. 2 months ago on Google • 24 reviews New
    We bought a vegan burger with fries. The burger was okay, just a little bland. I feel like a little more effort could go into making it better and offering more flavor. The fries were okay. The bookstore is nice!! They have a wide selection and the staff was very friendly and helpful.

  • 5/5 red n. 3 months ago on Google • 20 reviews New
    Great food and drink, it's my new go to spot since they still require masking and provide high quality masks for folks. I love their feed a comrade program too. That's nothing to say of their great events and books!

  • 5/5 Stephanie L. 1 year ago on Google
    Employees were very nice, atmosphere was great, my latte was perfect and the book selection was awesome as usual. I hope they make their book selection bigger like in their past locations. I really enjoy their picks and the fact that they actually know how to make a good cup of coffee.

  • 3/5 Chanel C. 11 months ago on Google
    First time and I probably wouldn't go back unless asked by a friend. It's extremely cold in there. 50 to 60 degree weather doesn't need AC pumping. I get it may help with the germs but it's rather uncomfortable. Cashiers weren't the friendliest but I guess customer care is different these days. Wasn't given the loyalty point system spiel. Coffee was fine. I didn't try the cooked food. Yogurt and granola were fine. It was odd that the cashier left the number sign on the table after delivering my order. I liked that the book store is attached, parking is good and music selection was good until later in the day with the hard rock (personal preferences). The seasonal Rose Flat White was good.

  • 5/5 J G. 1 year ago on Google
    First time going to Red Emma's, at their new location. Coming from Camden Yards area, easily accessible by Citylink Red. Giant grocery store 3 min nearby. A little confused at first about whether to get a seat first or if had to order food first in order to get a seat, but this was clarified by the nice person at the register. Warm, cozy, busy ambience. It is spacious inside with lots of seating, but it was very popular this day. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Got the falafel sandwich, which was very good - though there are only two falafels (?) inside. Also got the lavender mazagran. I've never had a mazagran before, so going in, I had no idea what to expect - the first sip or two was reminiscent of soy sauce, but began to grow on me. It was light and refreshing, would get again. Got the chai latte, which can be made with either oat or soy milk. I chose oat - the oat flavor from the oat milk may have a been a little overpowering, it's either that or the chai spice did not come through enough. Perhaps it is my preference to have a strong chai. The orange blossom cheesecake was heavenly and very indulgent, but I think there is a slight aftertaste that lingers. Though, I think that is typical with most vegan cheesecakes. All in all, I had a very pleasant time at Red Emma's.

  • 1/5 Kat K. 1 year ago on Google
    Food sounded fantastic...until I read the Defund BPD in the Menu descriptions. Totally lost me. No intent to patronize any business that disparages the BPD. Too bad, as I would've brought friends to dine there.

  • 5/5 Aaron W. 6 years ago on Google
    Incredible food. For someone who is plant-based for the health and not the vegan philosophy, I can speak better on behalf of people who actually enjoy the taste of meat. These guys have a great pulled BBQ sandwich that nails the texture of beef and a ton of great baked goods (the cookies are a 10) that make this sort of diet enjoyable, not just tolerable.

  • 4/5 Jada C. 6 years ago on Google
    I came I saw and I conquered! I have been wanting to visit this place since the beginning of time and today was the day that I did it! This place is huge! When you walk in it's a great big open area w seating to the right and seating to the left and a fabulous bookstore in the back of the left seating! This place has so much character that I didn't even know where to begin when I arrived! I really didn't have much time to dedicate to this place the way I would have preferred, so I just stepped up to the coffee counter and ordered. The person who helped me was very helpful. They were kind and even broke down the particulars about the latte that I ordered. They have an in-house made seasonal brown sugar and cinnamon flavor and let me tell you about how yummy it is! It's so smooth that I probably could drink it by itself without any milk or espresso. ... Wait a minute back to the milk, they have milk options! You all know I only can do soy milk but I will dip into the almond every so often. They had my wonderful soy milk! A lot of places just assume lactose intolerant drinkers are all the same so they don't care or invest in carrying both so I was happy to see that this place does! This place has so many little things set up around the counter that gave it so much character as you will see I my pictures. I do want to return back for lunch one day & I definitely recommended everyone to visit this place to get a touch of the feeling that I felt when I was there! Cons - street parking can be difficult, but usually isn't. There are a lot of wandering folks in the area. Leave purse/ wallet in car and lock up. The cons of 2 simple things that will not hinder me from visiting in the future! Thanks for a great experience Red Emmas!

  • 4/5 Tenzin L. 1 year ago on Google
    Cozy cafe with good vegan options, except the portion sizes are tiny. My friend's vegan quiche was 1/6 of a personal size pie.

  • 5/5 Laura Loder B. 1 month ago on Google • 13 reviews New
    Their selection of kids' books is phenomenal....bilingual books, books on any topic, books for, about and by real people, books that should be in every school so kids can learn about and feel part of this world! And a chat with Analysis makes the visit well worth the visit. This shop is well worth the stop and worthy of support...thank you for the inspiration!


Call (410) 601-3072 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
    • ✓️ Free street parking
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Breakfast
    • ✓️ Solo dining
    • ✓️ Good for working on laptop
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ No-contact delivery
  • From the business
    • ✓️ Identifies as Black-owned
    • ✓️ Identifies as women-owned
    • ✓️ Identifies as LGBTQ+ owned

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