The Black Baltimoreans’ guide to Charm City
Three locals on Baltimore's best sights, eats, and art.
As a Baltimore native with family here since the Great Migration, I know there is no other place on earth like ours. From blue crabs to club music (local house music popular in the ‘90s and early 2000s), Black chefs, entrepreneurs, creatives, and artists—including the likes of jazz legend Billie Holiday and Maryland’s Poet Laureate Lady Brion—have always been central to Baltimore's undeniable cool.
Today, a Black arts renaissance is brewing in the city. We spoke with three artists and creative entrepreneurs at the heart of it to get their best recommendations for what to eat, where to shop, and what to experience on your next trip to Baltimore.
Nate Anderson
Multidisciplinary artist and producer, co-founder of Charm City Slam
“We’re unlike other cities because there’s not a lot of pushback on transplants. As long as they come to the city, help grow the city, and evolve with the culture that's already here, people don’t care as long as you don’t disrespect the culture.
My favorite thing about being from Baltimore is the uniqueness. I feel like anywhere you go, especially in this country, it's automatically easy to tell you’re from Baltimore from how we move and talk. We have a very distinct culture, and we have our own things. We don’t need to outsource our culture, swag, or lingo. We’re our own world. We’re our own universe here.”
Nate’s Baltimore favorites:
- Mama Koko's: “It’s one of my favorite places to go because the culture there is rooted in Blackness. Black Baltimore is there so you can run into anyone. The chicken and rice bowl goes crazy.”
- Arena Players: “It’s the oldest continuing running African American community theater in the nation. I did my first three poetry shows at Arena Players, so it has a special place in my heart.”
- Empanada Lady: “Try the Empanada Lady for a taste of Black Puerto Rican culture. They have the best empanadas. Go for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays and try the roasted salmon.”
- Aunt Kelly’s Cookies: “Get the chocolate chip butter crunch cookies. They’re my favorite cookies—they’re the best in the city.”
- Flourish: “You can get crystals, soaps, shampoos, clothes, candles, and all-natural products. I got a leather-bound notebook from there that I carry with me every day.”
Brianne Mobley
Creator of BLK ASS FLEA MARKET
“I’m so lucky to be living in this city at this time with all of these amazing Black creators, makers, doers, and shakers. It feels like a modern-day version of what I would imagine the Harlem Renaissance was like. People are migrating to Baltimore to be in a creative community.
It’s called Charm City. It quite literally has this essence. I’m originally from Philly, and it feels familiar, but there’s also something special that sets Baltimore apart from other cities, especially because it's smaller. It’s something that certainly draws you in.”
Brianne’s Baltimore favorites:
- Rooted Rotisserie: “The chef and his wife are just incredible when it comes to the standard of service. The food and the aesthetic are ancestral. It’s diasporic, and it's Black. It feels like your grandma’s living room.”
- Stem and Vine: “It’s such a good place because the owner, Quincy Goldsmith, is very serious about it being a space for rest and connection—you can’t bring your laptop. Seeing all the Black and brown-owned spirits and wines is also amazing. He’s so intentional, even down to his [cocktail] mixers from the CAnE collective, a Black-owned business. It’s just the intentionality of being consistently Black and creating space for rest because we need that.”
- Soul Smoked BBQ: “Soul Smoked BBQ is a pop-up, mobile restaurant. Their food is consistent, and they smoke everything—macaroni and cheese, collard greens, everything. The owners are two Black women, married, and their love for each other is in that food. I always get the beef rib or beef brisket. It’s out of this world.”
- The 11:122 Co: “Zia is a one-woman creative that makes art through jewelry, specifically earrings. They’re so flamboyant and colorful. I’m so inspired by her art.”
Shannon Johnson
Founder of B. Marie Accessories
“We have a vibrant culture that rests on a lot of art and traditions that stand the test of time. When you step back and look at the city, it’s just really beautiful from all angles.
First-time visitors should abandon criticisms or expectations they may have picked up from the media. We have a lot to do and see. Our people are charismatic, humorous, and helpful, so it’s important to visit with an open mind and be kind. Everybody takes a lot of pride in being from here.”
Shannon’s Baltimore favorites:
- Eating crabs: “At the top of the list is eating crabs with my friends and family. I stick to eating them in the summer because I prefer eating them together outside. I enjoy bringing everybody together and enjoying each other’s company over crabs. My go-to places to order from are Conrad’s and Blake's Crab House.”
- Local festivals: “I’m a really big fan of our festival season in the summer. I grew up going to events like Stone Soul Picnic, AFRAM, and Artscape. I’ve always enjoyed being able to see our local creatives, artists, businesses celebrated, and our rich culture on display.”
- One Sweet Moment: “My summers are never complete without a snowball. I don’t like the egg custard flavor. I’ve tried it and know it’s our local staple and what we’re known for, but I’ll typically get some sort of fruity flavor. I have to have a snowball on a hot day in Baltimore, and One Sweet Moment is one of my favorite stands.”
- Eating chicken boxes: “I tried really hard not to suggest chicken boxes (a local carryout staple with chicken wings and french fries), but I reflected on my time living in New York just a few years ago and I could not get a chicken box. I could get a seafood boil but not a chicken box. So one of my favorite things about being home in Baltimore is going to Bryan’s Chicken or Royal Carryout and ordering a chicken box with salt, pepper, ketchup, and a half-and-half.”
