Alexis B.
Yelp
I visited Bitty & Beau's last week. I arrived in Annapolis a little early for a meeting and decided a walk in the fresh snow for a coffee was the best way to spend that extra half hour I had!
Bitty & Beau's is a chain. Their tag line is "a human rights movement disguised as a coffee shop," because their goal is to provide jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They employ more than 400 individuals with disabilities at their locations nationwide (the first location was in Wilmington NC, but they now have locations in several states).
This location of Bitty & Beau's is right in the heart of historic Annapolis, just off the city dock, right by the Main Street circle. It couldn't be more convenient if you're touristing around Annapolis.
I stopped in, ordered an Americano, and took it to go so I could enjoy a walk before my meeting. The Americano was great. The service was great. The space is large enough that it wouldn't be a bad place to set up with a laptop or a book. My only qualm (and it's such a minor one) is decor/ambiance related. It feels very dark inside, like you're in a basement even though you're at ground level. It's a long space with only windows in the front, but I think the paint colors add to the lack of brightness in the space. Not a big deal, but it might not be the best place for working, studying, or reading, since it isn't the brightest space.
It isn't often that I write a review that covers the mission of the business in addition to the food/drink, service, and ambiance. But Bitty & Beau's is one of those places that are doing something different, something intentional that sets them apart. I enjoyed my coffee and my visit and will happily return the next time I need a coffee in the area!