Honestly I’m never really one to write reviews but after eating here a few times I was compelled to. First off the atmosphere here is so warm and friendly, literally the moment I walked in I was promptly greeted by the staff upfront and seated within minutes (and the place was non-surprisingly packed). As I sat and looked around I couldn’t help but to admire the eccentric Baltimore based artwork laced all throughout the restaurant. The fengshui of it all is so well put together that it would make a tourist feel like a local.
I was slightly skeptical due to some of the negative reviews I saw online but I must say it’s all truly truly bs believe me, the food here is phenomenal!!! I ordered the Meatloaf dinner and it was honestly the best I’ve ever had in my life. The portion size was really good to, definitely worth the price if you’re looking for a meal. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a good meal with a Baltimore feel.
Stopped in after taking my son to Hopkins today. Ordered the Big Bay Club and all I can say is Wow! It is a crab cake, shrimp salad and bacon club combination and it was the best sandwich I have ever had, yes the best. The service was good and the owner was very friendly, as Arnold Schwarzenegger would say, "I'll be back."
Andre
Baltimore has quickly become one of the hottest food cities in the world. Maybe you'll disagree with me (and that's fine), but I believe our destiny was sealed when Cafe Hon was born.
In a smaller place across the street from the current location, owner Denise Whiting, was one of the first brave souls to plant her flag on the then newly re-imagined "Avenue" by starting a quiet food revolution that started with meatloaf. Nobody starts a revolution with meatloaf you say? Au contraire!
It wasn't long after that, as word got around about this homey, relatively cheap eats joint, that Whiting really got her "Hon" on and picked up a bigger spot just a few feet north of the first location. Besides the meatloaf, the house salad dressing developed it's own following of loyalists. I used to say, "There could be crushed up kittens in there, I love it!" (No kittens were ever harmed in the creation of the dressing!)
Like most successful restaurants, the Hon had a few "growing pains" along the way. Most of it seemed like sour grapes more than anything when a handful of locals got their beehives in a frizz about the ownership of the word "Hon." After a visit from Gordon Ramsey and a little makeover, things changed. Thankfully, all the good stuff that was always there, including the locally-made cakes and pies, and yes, that stick-to-your-ribs meatloaf and non-kitten-harming salad dressing, remained.
Though the menu gets an occasional dressing up or down, the level of quality is always high. Cafe Hon is not a fancy-schmancy place and it never pretends to be. This is a place where food is simple in the best possible way. It offers a decent set of choices for everyone and celebrates the mighty Blue Crab in several dishes, including a tangy, spiced crab dip, and in pillowy cups or bowls of their crab soup. Burgers get a fun treatment, too. My hat goes off to their barbecue wings. They are meaty with enough crisp outside and tender at the bone on the inside. In other words, simply delicious.
The desserts are a thing of beauty. Most fruited offerings are made with seasonal fruits (when they have strawberry cake in May, you best get a slice before it's gone!) and with a lot of love. If you overindulge at a meal, the servers are very happy to box up a slice of heaven to go. Take their persistence for what it is: they want you to know how much they enjoyed serving you and want to make sure that message lingers in a midnight-eaten confection later.
They keep the excitement going with $1 per oyster, freshly shucked, every Friday. If you're in no hurry, then pop into the bar next door for live music or karaoke.
I am happy to send my out-of-town guests and friends here. I know they are consistent in their aim to please. They try hard to make everyone feel welcome and satisfied. Who could ask for anything more? Except maybe a bottle of that kitten-cruelty-free dressing to go!
The tatertots with cheese and bacon are awesome had two bowls before my meal also recommend the crab cake and shrimp salad club!
I had the Old Bay club sandwich which was a crab cake, shrimp salad, bacon, lettuce and tomato in a triple decker club sandwich format. Sooo good, and a unique presentation of the ubiquitous Baltimore crab cake trope. Plus I had the creamy crab soup, because when in Rome...er, Baltimore, crab is the name of the game. Everything was excellent in a quirky little cafe. My kind of place.
There were 8 of us and we all got something different. We all loved our food. And the service was excellent. Everyone kind, efficient and friendly. Definitely a place to go back to if we're in the area.
Being there during my Hampden vacation. It’s a great place & you can buy great gift. Plus, the owner was extremely kind and polite to me. I’ll go back for sure! �
I've been to your restaurant great food and service my sister lives in the neighborhood. Sorry about kitchen nightmare it's staged and inaccurate
You guys really saved my family's brunch this morning! Such amazing, accommodating, patient service and plate licking DELISH food. Can't wait to come back again!
One of our local Baltimore fave hotspots! Hang with Barry Levinson and Baltimore rockers before hitting Fells Point for live music at The Cat's Eye!
Watched the episode of kitchen nightmares for this restaurant and always wanted to go. Things a different from what chef Ramsey did but the food is really good. The Hon Burger is very delicious as are the sweet potato fries. Also tried out the crab cake and it was really tasty. Overall the staff were friendly and attentive as the food goes was very delicious. Good place to go if your hungry.
Sandwiches, salads and burgers were all good. They have a few Baltimore beers on tap and some interesting drinks. We made a reservation then strolled a few blocks to see the Christmas lights on 34th Street.
Checking out Hampden, stumbled into Cafe Hon out of the rain. Simple meal of soup and fries. This is the best Maryland Crab I’ve had in my short time in Baltimore. Fresh tasting with a kick of pepper. Not too salty. Friendly people, unassuming atmosphere. I’m happy. 😃
Delicious and pleasant. They were overwhelmed (2 days before Xmas) but the wait staff were quick to take care of us and frequent the table. Can't wait to go back again. The meatloaf had this Steak Diane-like sauce on it - OMG, get the meatloaf!
Honestly I’m never really one to write reviews but after eating here a few times I was compelled to. First off the atmosphere here is so warm and friendly, literally the moment I walked in I was promptly greeted by the staff upfront and seated within minutes (and the place was non-surprisingly packed). As I sat and looked around I couldn’t help but to admire the eccentric Baltimore based artwork laced all throughout the restaurant. The fengshui of it all is so well put together that it would make a tourist feel like a local.
I was slightly skeptical due to some of the negative reviews I saw online but I must say it’s all truly truly bs believe me, the food here is phenomenal!!! I ordered the Meatloaf dinner and it was honestly the best I’ve ever had in my life. The portion size was really good to, definitely worth the price if you’re looking for a meal. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a good meal with a Baltimore feel.
Lucas Villalobos Gonzalez
+5
Great place to visit if you are in Hampden. I had the Hampden burger which was cooked perfectly. The meat was very tasty and had a onion marmalade on it. They pair it with UTZ chips which is very typical in the area. They also have natty boh on tap. It takes you back in time being there, with their decor and the flamingos. It’s very easy to find can’t miss the giant flamingo in the exterior.
A quaint little spot with the heart of what makes Baltimore so special as its decor and atmosphere! Great comfort food at nice prices. If you're a visitor or Bmore is your home... come through at Cafe Hon and have a bite!
Great place in the heart of Hampden. Small menu with a few selections. Great pie And the pink flamingo drink was a nice addition. We were the only ones in the restaurant so had the server to our selves
I haven't been to the cafe, but I am a kitchen nightmares nut, and I am particularly fond of the Cafe Hon episode for some reason (perhaps a shared love of pink? I don't know.) I really wish I could have gone, so this review is for everyone who worked here and gave their time and passion to this place, because out of all the places I've watched, from this one I can feel it. My way of saying, god bless you all and I hope the sun shines brighter than ever for you all!
All of the love-- a fan.
Familia Misionera Tavares
+5
We see the restaurant in Gordon Kitchen Nightmares and we decided pass when we visit Baltimore, unfortunately the restaurant is closed 😕 we hope next visit to the City will be open !!! 😀
The food was AMAZING. The owner Denise was AWESOME. She talked to us about good food in town, and after finding out we came from out of state she made time to talk to us and was just beyond sweet!
10/10 will be back again! Would recommend for anyone, the seafood steam bowl was phenomenal and the crab dip is worthy of being in Baltimore for sure! Amazing all around!
I've never been here personally but I've watched the Kitchen Nightmares episode a few times and just wanted to say I'm happy to see this place still open and thriving! Your establishment deserves success and I wish you every bit of it. Sending well wishes from Canada.
Food was absolutely delicious! Fries from here are now my favorite fries, hot crab dip was perfect, Hon burger was huge and seasoned well, the fish and chips were crispy and the tartar sauce was great. Service was a little slow, our server told us they were busier than usual and we also originally received the wrong burger and one of the side items were not brought out with our order. Overall it was a great place, definitely will come back if we visit the area again.
The food is excellent and the service is great and you don't have to wait forever for your food! I definitely recommend going there! 😊😊😊
My husband and I love the food here . The chili is spicy , heavenly . The chicken salad , Reuben
French fries are outstanding . The owner is quite friendly and talks to us often . The cakes are great , just wish they had more often . We hope they stay open !! If you have to wait for a table , wait !! It is worth it !!
Almost didn't eat here due to the overall review score but glad I did! My son loved his burger (Hampden Burger), best he's had in a while. I had the chicken salad sandwich, comes with bacon and tomato I forget the name but it was delicious. Reasonable prices, attentive service, shall return.
I just watched this episode on kitchen nightmares, although I have never been here; the way in which Denise changed her attitude truly showed she is committed to her restaurant which is her baby. I work in the service industry which is absolutely challenging in these times. There have been times where I have definitely not given 100% of the best service due to being overwhelmed, stressed out and understaffed. Keep being a rock star and I hope to eat your food one day!! Sending you love and success from Indy ❤️
Food was great and the staff was very friendly. I believe these negative reviews are simply out of spite. I did not meet Denise when I went but I can tell she is a very good person. She had a genius idea with her trademark but she was crucified for it. Sometimes people are just jealous and mean.
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