It's Sunday, you've putzed around for two hours, and you know it's time to do some work. But then again, it's lunch time too. Heading over to good old MSE might make that mild hangover become a full blown misery-fest, so to save your stomach and your GPA - I proudly present Evergreen Cafe. About a mile from campus through beautiful Roland Park, or a five minute drive, Evergreen is a perfect retreat.
Walk on in, grab a seat, a booth or a sofa, or any of their range of seating options, including a personal favorite, the high chair and table where my feet dangle down.
Mosey over the counter, gawk for a moment at the assortment of whole bean coffees, ask yourself why you don't have a coffee grinder, and then remember it's because there are places like Evergreen to do it for you. The coffee is above average and specialty concoctions are on the menu as well.
Check out the specials, especially during brunch hours on the weekend. If you're in the mood for their omelet or quiche, say so! Otherwise, try a deliciously oversized muffin or scone ($2). Bagel's aren't bad ($1.50 with cream cheese), but I highly recommend their sandwiches.
Stacked high with turkey, cheese, sprouts, carrots, cucumbers and the majority of the food pyramid's remaining vegetable category, their sandwiches are a satisfying alternative to that usual carbohydrate-laden meal that accompanies weekend study sessions. Build-your-own sandwich with unlimited veggies is $6.95. Salads from $6-7.85
As you sip your coffee and wait to hear your name called to pick up your meal, open your computer and log some Facebook stalk-time on their free wireless. Typically a pretty quiet place to get some work done, it is by no means empty. A shifting crowd from the stroller and sippy-cup set to the TAs from Loyola, most people come to sit, eat and read something.
The skylight with suspended plants can seem 70s, but the natural light is a great alternative to MSE. Walls covered in art for sale by local artists lends a more relaxed feel, as do the well loved sofas and armchairs. The only atmospheric obstacle is the music. Of the many times I've been to Evergreen. Only twice has the utterly unlistenable 80s soft-rock played loudly been an issue, but a warning I feel compelled to give as both ear-bleeding visits were recent weekends - it might be wise to bring along the iPod.
Evergreen Cafe
501 West Cold Spring Lane
Baltimore, MD 21210
410-235-8118
theevergreen.us
