Sobo Kitchen & Bar

Restaurant · Baltimore

Sobo Kitchen & Bar

Restaurant · Baltimore

3

6 W Cross St, Baltimore, MD 21230

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Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by SoBo Cafe Original
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by SoBo Cafe/Facebook
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null
Sobo Kitchen & Bar by null

Highlights

Comfort food, craft beers & wine cocktails in colorful rooms  

Featured in Eater
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6 W Cross St, Baltimore, MD 21230 Get directions

sobokitchen.com
@sobocafe

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

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6 W Cross St, Baltimore, MD 21230 Get directions

+1 410 752 1518
sobokitchen.com
@sobocafe
𝕏
@SoboCafe

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 19, 2025

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@onthegrid

On the Grid : SoBo Café

"Check out SoBo Café for funky art, intimate surroundings and seasonal dishes made from scratch. The global menu is full of comfort-food favorites, including both vegetarian and vegan options that won’t disappoint. Perfect for brunch with friends or a romantic night out, SoBo serves everything you’ve been craving, but with a worldly twist." - Planit

https://onthegrid.city/baltimore/federal-hill-riverside/sobo-caf%C3%A9
View Postcard for SoBo Cafe
@eater

The 38 Best Restaurants in Baltimore | Eater DC

"Planted in the post-college town of Federal Hill beyond the limits of the lively bar scene, Sobo recently celebrated a decade at its row home restaurant space. Embodying the city’s charming hospitality, owners Ana and Linda Leventis treat everyone like family as the cafe hums with locals and new graduates flocking there to impress visiting parents. The Sobo burger with fingerling potatoes and salad is a winning trifecta, and there are plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes. A parklet is prime for outdoor happy hour." - Jess Mayhugh

https://dc.eater.com/maps/best-bars-restaurants-bakeries-baltimore-dining-guide-38
View Postcard for SoBo Cafe
@eater

Where to Eat Before a Football Game in Baltimore | Eater DC

"This longstanding neighborhood restaurant delivers comfort foods like mac and cheese and chicken pot pie. The venue takes reservations for brunch — the perfect outing before a Sunday game." - Julekha Dash

https://dc.eater.com/maps/m-t-bank-baltimore-stadium-eating-guide
View Postcard for SoBo Cafe

Jerold Awayan

Google
Came in on a quiet day for early dinner. My buddy and I were only given one menu. We asked for a special menu we saw near the front and waited nearly 10 minutes for it since our server had no clue about it. We also didn’t get water until we reminded them. After ordering, it took around 20 minutes to get our first dish with barely anyone else in the restaurant. On a good note, the food was delicious, however paying for it left a sour taste in my mouth: My buddy and I told a server to split the bill but we got one check. Then after we reminded them, they ended up charging my card twice which is NOT splitting the bill amongst two people. They did not offer to refund the payment due to the confusion and just had asked if my friend could transfer money to me. Overall, we enjoyed the food but the service was too incompetent for us to want to come back. Hopefully others have a better customer service experience than us.

Crystal G

Google
So I just wasn't impressed by this place I was expecting it to be more than it was‍ Only thing that was amazing was the flourless chocolate cake. The food was okay and it was lacking a little bit of fresh salt and pop off flavors. The mussels were 4 stars as well as the spicy feta dip but what gave it 3 stars was the entrees. This place seems like a good spot to get beer and wine ONLY since they don't have a full bar and some happy hour food. My sandwich was good but it was drenched in oil from the pesto pasta salad. My friend's steak potatoes and spinach was good but needed some flavors and salt. And I'm not even crazy about salt. Oh and the steak camber out medium even though he ordered rare... Plus the spinach was just warm which is annoying. The waitress tried to take my friends whole plate away to warm up the spinach but we ended up putting it on a plate and they came back with a new one, thankfully they didn't microwave it. But overall if I lived closer I would go back probably but with all the competition in the area I would go somewhere else.

Babette Leshinsky

Google
We had not been at Sobo Cafe for at least 2 or 3 years, and our last dinner there on a Friday evening was delightful. They were able to give us a table without a reservation. We had a simple dinner with a burger and pita sandwich with shrimp. We also shared as an appetizer a spicy feta spread and ended our meal with a slice of Smith Island cake. They use good ingredients and everything was tasty and reasonably priced. A great spot.

scott meek

Google
We go here fairly regularly. We walk. It's a hidden gem. Drink menu is pretty good. Regular menu is really nice. No complaints. Definitely get the chicken pot pie. It is easily the best dish on the menu. I prefer to sit at the bar myself.

Alicia Bentley

Google
We really enjoyed our group dinner here! We split a bottle of wine and a crab dip appetizer. The avocado and beet salad was delicious (also added shrimp)! Would definitely go back.

Claire Neubaum

Google
My boyfriend and I had a really nice date night the other night. I would recommend making a reservation if you want to make sure to have a table. Service was great, the food was so delicious and the timing that they brought everything out was perfect. It seemed like a lot of the patrons were regulars which was really nice. The thing that prompted this review is we got our entrees to go, and they wrapped the pastry of my pot pie separately so it wouldn’t get soggy. It was just a really nice extra touch that I really appreciated.

Tamara Carr

Google
The service was nice, and the restaurant was really cute. Unfortunately, the food wasn’t up to the quality that I’d expect with the prices that they were. The hot chocolate tasted like dirt, and our “freshly” made buns had mold in them. They fully comped us for the moldy buns, but I will not be eating here again. The prices need to be lowered or they should hire a new chef.

Rick Filippetti

Google
The food was excellent. Well balanced, the smoked salmon omelette was pretty outstanding. I dug the decor and ambiance. I also got a bubbly ginger fizz and it was delicious. If you’re a fan of ginger and pear, it’s a drink for you.
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Richard S.

Yelp
In town on a work trip staying downtown and looking for a decent place to eat as a vegetarian. This restaurant exceeded my expectations despite seeing it had a high rating. Everything I had was fantastic. Spicy feta app, mushroom ravioli, flourless chocolate cake. It was all absolutely delicious. In addition, they have music once a month on a Tuesday, which I lucked in to and enjoyed while I ate. The restaurant is cozy and charming and the food is fantastic - highly recommend.
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Tiffany D.

Yelp
I have been here twice now. It's such a good neighborhood restaurant vibe. I came once for dinner and once around lunch. I love the low light and conversation happening around dinner. The outside street side seating area is cute too, but I was attacked by mosquitoes, so I have to be strategic about the time of year I do that. Service is efficient and helpful too. The chicken pot pie is delicious, I also had their Mediterranean wrap. I look forward to coming back for their chicken entree, which seemed to be a hit on my last visit.
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Marie R.

Yelp
All around amazing! From being greeted by the owner (nice!) upon arrival to leaving with several goodbyes and thank you! Atmosphere is definitely a 5/5. Service as prompt, friendly yet professional. I had the crab cake and my date had salmon. Both agreed they were perfect! I was so impressed with the crab cake. Being from Maryland, I can be quite picky! Perfect Old Fashioned cocktail just added to the great meal. Definitely will return! Thank you Sobo Cafe!

Sara E.

Yelp
Federal hill staple. Always has something on the menu for everyone. Chicken pot pie is the best I've ever had. Mac n cheese, spinach pie, and burger are also great.
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Kayla L.

Yelp
Brunch, lunch, dinner - all amazing at SoBo!! We have been here at least a dozen times and always leave satisfied. The service is great and you would never know you're steps away from all the Fed Hill bars once you're inside. In the winter, the chicken pot pie is amazing, but some other favorites are the shakshuka, cinnamon roll, burger snd the salmon!
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James R.

Yelp
Sadly, I was disappointed with my dinner experience at SoBo Cafe. The cafe itself feels much more like a bar, which is cool, but the quality of food for the style of dishes in context with the atmosphere felt mismatched. My favorite dishes were the crab soup and the smith island cake. The crab soup was pretty good, with lumps of crab. The smith island cake was moist with good chocolate icing... although as you can see in the photos, the layers of the yellow cake inside weren't even, and the chocolate was clumped in some areas. Nitpicking, yea- but keep in mind this is a $10 piece of cake. The Peruvian roasted chicken was okay- it was cooked well and had decent flavor, although a bit overpowered by the dressing. The sides with it were just okay and nothing great. Cornbread very just okay and dry at parts. I would've ordered this dish for $15, but not $29. Now unfortunately for the worst parts. Being Italian, I am particular when it comes to meatballs- although there have been times Ive enjoyed ordering meatballs in restaurants. This was not one of those times. The meatballs were inedible for me. My friend didn't mind them, but she also likes the meatballs from Subway... and she even acknowledged that they weren't that good, which says a lot. The brussels sprouts were weird. I have never had orange slices and creamy aioli-like dressing with warm brussels sprouts and goat cheese for good reason: it's not very good. This was an extremely odd combination that our waiter did recommend ordering the broccoli instead (probably would've been a good choice), but for some reason I didn't imagine fully what the appetizer would be. I'm not usually big on making a point about price, but the dishes at SoBo were way over priced for their quality. Yes, they are elaborate and technically high end style dishes worthy of higher price points, but the quality and execution of these dishes are so lacking that the price points cannot be justified. At $95 per person, dinner at SoBo Cafe was far from satisfactory. It wasn't the worst meal, but for how everything was priced, I cannot give this restaurant more than three stars. I do not include service in my rating, but our waiter also wasn't the best or most attentive. He had the attitude of a bartender who would rather be doing something else.
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Ameena A.

Yelp
My friend and I had been wanting to try this place out for a while - and so glad we did!! She got a sandwich with a side of pesto salad, and I got the GF chicken. LOVE that they label on the menu what is GF and vegetarian, etc. They seem to have super cute and fun weekly specials (pasta monday, tapas tuesday, wine wednesday, thursday burger night, rose saturdays), and my friend and I found the drink prices to be pretty reasonable. Service was good/fast, ambiance was great. Nothing to critique!
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Steve R.

Yelp
It doesn't get any better than this for a quiet and quaint café in a somewhat bro-y and boisterous Fed Hill! I don't get up here at all--and much has changed. But SoBo recalls an earlier era, kind of the '90s, when life was slower and places to be by oneself to reflect or with a small group to share like with were typical. I ordered iced tea and a quick side of scotched broccoli to quell my hunger from first strolling the area. But the PEI mussels in curry broth with extra toasted bread to sop was divine and a rare treat for me! Efficient service, as well. Single, group and family friendly. Only two demerits: one, for a dimly lit hallway to the barely legible W and M for the bathrooms. The other demerit is for the Old West bathroom painting with cowboy-hatted John Wayne's face in the sky. I think his kind of macho, like Stallone's, is quite passé, plus Wayne's ignorant comments over the years about certain minorities makes his presence in a very personal space a little depressing. I'd lose the Wayne painting, as not expected in such an otherwise most-welcoming and enjoyable café.
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Rose H.

Yelp
Food was delicious! Had the burger, Korean shirt rib, and the spinach pie. Service was great- got seated with no issues, water was filled promptly, and my server did a great job on checking on me. Ambiance was warm, inviting, cozy. They were playing some great music in the back and had candles that added a nice touch. They have specials for each day of the week and I'm excited to try them out. Have been there twice and haven't been disappointed. Highly recommend.
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Theresa S.

Yelp
Finally got to checkout SoBo and the food did not disappoint! To start we had the Meatballs which were so juicy. They came with a generous dollop of ricotta and the most delicious tomato sauce with crispy bread. For drinks I got a dirty grey goose martini which came strong and decently priced. The main courses included the SoBo burger and the chicken pita sandwich. Both were so good and hit the spot. The chicken was so juicy and seasoned to perfection. Our server was great, and shout-out to the bartender for making delish martinis. I just wish the inside was a little nicer and had a more lively vibe to. We came on a Saturday with a reservation which I don't really think we needed. Overall the food is truly delicious and a must try in fed hill.
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Dave K.

Yelp
I have been here a lot and always enjoy myself. Last night my wife and I tried their tapas menu. We decided that it wouldn't be enough food for our dinner so we split 4 tapas as an appetizer. It ended up being a bit more food than we expected, so I actually think it would work for a main. We tried an order of muscles (good), the meatball (also good), the empanadas (fine but underwhelming), and the Brussels sprout (very good 10/10). Overall very happy with them. I got a burger and my wife got a shrimp pita. Both great. We got a few different drinks, all good but the sangria was a bit sweet for my taste. Will definitely be back. If we do tapas again I don't think we need to order so much food :p that said, the Brussels sprouts were the highlight. Might just order those next time.
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Jan Kirby Z.

Yelp
TLDR: Where I had an issue was price transparency. Price of other cocktails were listed on the menu but for the rye/bourbon section it was not. Context: I had inquired regarding how much the bourbon old fashioned was as it wasn't listed. It was part of their daily special which came with the burger. They told me $13 with a $2 discount. My partner also wanted an old fashion and the waiter gave us a recommendation. When we got the bill they charged us $27 for his drink. If we had been told the price of this one old fashion was the same as an entree, we would have not ordered. Food and atmosphere was great. What could be better? Being upfront with prices, both on the menu and when providing recommendations. Sadly, it soured an otherwise great meal.

Christina D.

Yelp
We ordered takeout. Spinach pie was amazing and the star of the show. We ordered a Caesar salad and there was a small spider in it. Otherwise the salad was good. We also ordered the short rib melt. It was decent, probably wouldn't order it again.
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Saloni V.

Yelp
Amazing! The food was exceptionally amazing! I order classic margarita and I wished I had ordered a few more!! The staff members were extremely attentive. We were party of 10 and the entire process from ordering to paying was seamless. The place has a cozy vibe! Do check it out if you find your self in this area!

Paul D.

Yelp
Favorite bar and diner spot in Light St/Federal Hill area walkable from DT Hotels. Times may have changed since work weeks one to thrice from 1983 to 2015, but it appears to be still in business & at a great corner away from tacky Inner Harbor and almost all DT fast food. I'm a life long Chicagoan who knows good food and service beyond 'bar' food.
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Clarice H.

Yelp
It is really cute inside and the service is pretty good. Me and my friend both ordered salads which were a generous size. Drinks were tasty as well!
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Kim T.

Yelp
The food here is absolutely delicious. We had the mussels, crab dip, Brussels sprouts, and sangria to start during happy hour. All of them were incredible. I loved how the mussels were in green curry! The crab dip was yummy and actually better with toasted bread than the crackers it came with. I loved my peruvian aji chicken dish! It was spicy but delicious at every bite. And the cornbread, slaw and rice were on point!! The restaurant is a little small but overall a nice ambiance. The servers were kind and extremely hospitable.
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Maestro L.

Yelp
This place is amazing. Ambience is that of a true neighborhood eatery. The meatballs are the best i have had in a very long time. Tons of flavor. The spinach pie and Brussel sprouts were also outstanding.
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Taylor V.

Yelp
Came here for happy hour and it did not dissapoint! $6 sangria, draft beers, and wine as well as different apps. We tried the hummus and spinach pie and it was delicious!! We had the chicken gyro and French dip which were both amazing. They have a cute outside seating area that is perfect on a nice day. Can't wait to come back and try more of their delicious food!
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Cecile W.

Yelp
Ive been here quite a few times. Its totally charming and the staff are very kind and attentive. The Korean short rib is amazing, and I highly recommend going for their tapas night with wine. My suggestion would be to elevate the space a bit more, it would be nice to bring a bit more elegance to the service ware and atmosphere.
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J S.

Yelp
Went here for lunch on a Saturday late afternoon. Half full with plenty of seating at bar. I came for the crab dip that I saw in the reviews but was almost sad that is wasn't there. It was replaced by shrimp and scallop dip AND IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT! Also had Dry rubbed steak and he has Brie BLT, I wouldn't order the sandwich again but it wasn't bad. I would also replace the sides with the steak but steak was flavorful. Sangria lovely I'll be back for the dip for sure!
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Robyn Y.

Yelp
The food and atmosphere were good. We had mixed reviews on the crab soup with corn. The paleo/keto options were greatly appreciated!
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Lisa D.

Yelp
Delicious. We tried a lot of stuff and it was all VERY good. The steak with creamed spinach... chef's kiss. We actually ended up with two orders after a GrubHub mixup and both my husband and I fought over the left overs. Got the big Caesar salad and my 11 year old ate.it.all. "I like salad now." - 11 Vegetarian kid had the spinach pie and gave it a solid thumbs up, and the brussel sprouts...yep, those were fab. I can't wait to have it again.
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Casey P.

Yelp
My boyfriend and I are big fans of Baltimore and he told me he wanted me to try this place! Everything about Sobo Cafe was extraordinary. Accommodating staff, delicious food, the cutest outdoor seating area and inside is beautiful too! We had to partake in wine Wednesday ($25 select bottles of wine) - amazing! We got the pot pie and the Peruvian chicken for entrees and the crab dip and flatbread for apps. Everything was phenomenal but the flatbread stole our hearts especially after adding the "really good bacon" and fresh jalapeños! We will definitely be back when we're in the area. Thanks again!
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DeAnna W.

Yelp
Great, eclectic menu and yummy food in a friendly atmosphere. Perfect neighborhood restaurant.
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Crystal G.

Yelp
So I just wasn't impressed by this place I was expecting it to be more than it was‍ Only thing that was amazing was the flourless chocolate cake. The food was okay and it was lacking a little bit of fresh salt and pop off flavors. The mussels were 4 stars as well as the spicy feta dip but what gave it 3 stars was the entrees. This place seems like a good spot to get beer and wine ONLY since they don't have a full bar and some happy hour food. My sandwich was good but it was drenched in oil from the pesto pasta salad. My friend's steak potatoes and spinach was good but needed some flavors and salt. And I'm not even crazy about salt. Plus the spinach was just warm which is annoying. The waitress tried to take my friends whole plate away to warm up the spinach but we ended up putting it on a plate and they came back with a new one, thankfully they didn't microwave it. But overall if I lived closer I would go back but with all the competition in the area I would go somewhere else.

Caroline K.

Yelp
Ambiance is incredible, vibe feels like you are in your parents house eating a home cooked meal after coming home from college. It's warm and cozy. The food is SO good. The dessert is great. The wine is great. And the service is also amazing. Highly suggest. Also, they have great dietary options and it's all so fresh and delicious! I tell all my friends to try SoBo cafe!!
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Raymond D.

Yelp
I ordered a $32 meal with napkins and utensils through Grubhub. The meal was delivered promptly, but without any napkins or utensils.
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Melissa Z.

Yelp
This was a great cozy restaurant that everyone should find something for them! They offer keto and vegetarian options. I ordered the chicken Marsala - this is a HUGE portion and I couldn't finish it but I loved have mushrooms, gnocchi and green beans along with the chicken. My favorite thing was the Mac and cheese which was right up my alley. The melted cheese on top was creamy not crusty but had the bread crumbs for crunch and loves the ooey gooey sauce. The service was attentive and great!
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Alyssa A.

Yelp
Turkey BLT - Great flavors, great bread, great bacon, and great sauce. You can get it with mixed greens or potato salad. Fantastic. Miller High Life - I had these little miller high lifes ($2 each). Cinnamon Roll - They make their own cinnamon rolls in house from scratch. Flavors were amazing. Bread - They bring like a cinnamon-ey bread of some sort for the table. It may have been like pumpkin bread. DELICIOUS. Easy to make reservations online. Service was great and everyone seemed happy with their food. Parking is a little tough in federal hill but doable if you plan ahead (or you can always uber). Interesting menu with something for everyone. LOVED IT.
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Rusty R.

Yelp
Nice atmosphere; bustling, but not too loud to hold a conversation. Friendly service. Fair price. Chicken Pot Pie was excellent. A lot of pastry crust, but eat what you want. Mac & cheese was also excellent. The apple pie was not pie at all, but more like a crisp and was a disappointment - plating was sloppy and looked like a pile of cooked apples on a plate. Taste was ok, but either make a pie or call it a crisp and serve in a bowl or something more aesthetic. I'd return.
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Krisa T.

Yelp
First of all, waiiiii did you run out of the cinnamon rolls?! While the server went over the menu, she boasted about having an in house bakery in the back. She gave our indecisive selves a couple of minutes to look through the menu and we were set on the sweet cinnamon rolls. Wai you no tell us the first time? Second, I'm still in distraught. But you have a bakery in the back. Make me one please. It'll make me happy. It'll make you happy. We'll all be happy. Still not accepting the fact. Since I couldn't get my hands on those buns, I better get a taste of the house made biscuit. We ended up ordering the Big Breakfast which included bacon, ham, over easy eggs, pancakes, fruit, and a that flaky biscuit and grilled banana pancakes w/ peanut butter whipped cream. Ok, your in house biscuits saved ya. You redeemed yourself but don't go messing with my feelings again.
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Jessica P.

Yelp
We stopped here based on the online menu which turned out to be smaller at the restaurant. Not sure if this was because it was Sunday. The food tasted good but the pancakes with grilled bananas weren't grilled which was a disappointment. The portions weren't super large which was okay but I also ordered hash browns and it was actually just roasted potatoes (on everyone's plate). The food was good for what it was but I expected different. The complimentary blueberry loaf was nice at the beginning, however.
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Jaxson J.

Yelp
The french onion soup and House smoked chicken wings which taste so good and very delicious. The chicken is so good and the sauce is just right. The food served promptly and the server is so nice. Had great lunch there. Would like to try all the food there.
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Keera G.

Yelp
I came here with my boyfriend for his birthday on a Monday evening. We went during happy hour so we sat at the bar and ordered a couple of items off the happy hour menu. The happy hour menu features dishes for $4-6. For the food: I got the spicy feta spread for $5. It's pretty small since it's on the happy hour menu and it comes with a couple slices of carrots, cucumbers, bread, and pickled onion. It was good, but also kind of basic. We also ordered the mac and cheese off the happy hour menu. I think it was $6. It was delicious!! It came out of the kitchen steaming. It was so cheesy and so good. My boyfriend and I both got sangrias ($5 each). I got the white and he got the red. The red was a dry wine and the white was a sweet wine. We ended up preferring the white sangria because we both like sweet wine. We also got Korean chicken fried steak. At this point, the staff realized that my boyfriend and I were pretty much sharing everything so they split the steak onto separate plates before they brought it out. That was so sweet of them! For the dessert: I wanted to surprise my boyfriend, so I pulled our waitress aside without him noticing and asked her if she could put a candle in the SoBo sundae. I also gave her my credit card so my boyfriend wouldn't pay. Not only did they bring out the sundae with a candle in it, but they also didn't charge us for it! I was fully prepared to pay for the sundae so that was extremely nice of them to take it off the bill. Overall, SoBo Cafe is a really cool place and the food is pretty good. The atmosphere is nice too. You can also tell that a lot of regulars come.
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Nichole B.

Yelp
I'm mad at myself for not coming here a long time ago. I wish Yelp had more than 5 stars, but this is my second fave restaurant in Fed Hill next to Bookmakers. But I cannot deny what Sobo has earned; high quality food, reasonably priced in an intimate atmosphere. For me, the true test of a good restaurant is it's ability to commit to it's chef; and in this capacity Sobo cannot fail. Limited seating allows Sobo' s culinary experts the time and grace to construct you a meal you won't forget. From the spinach pie, to their rosemary hummus you'll be hard-pressed to find a restaurant that delivers the way Sobo does. A diverse wine list, local beers and select cocktails allow you to successfully compliment any meal with the perfect drink. A limited menu pairs the chef's abilities with their creative drinks to deliver you a high quality meal.The wait and bar staff are knowledgable and friendly in a warm and professional way. Last but not least is the inviting atmosphere and sound levels that enable good conversation to be heard around the table. So if your looking for a chill restaurant, with not a lot of frills, but has a nice menu and good wine, stop in at Sobo cafe, you won't be disappointed
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James L.

Yelp
Places like the SoBo Cafe remind me of why I prefer to dine in Baltimore as opposed to Washington, DC. In 2016, I began my rant against what I termed DC's decent into "Gentrification Cuisine" and the downward spiral only continues in 2017 with DC now being considered a "serious foodie town". It seems that every dining establishment in DC is angling to be the next Michelin star rated, Food & Wine darling, or boast of their James Beard nominated chef leading the kitchen. As one of the oldest cities in America, Baltimore has always had more of a Blue-Collar feel with lots of diverse authentic neighborhoods. SoBo Cafe is located in the Federal Hill district a few blocks from the Inner Harbor. This place is essentially a converted row house and when you step into the restaurant, there is a tiny waiting area that immediately abuts the bar and hostess stand. It is easy to imagine the main dining area as once being someone's living room. Tables are crammed side-by-side, and on my visit, every one of them were filled with hungry brunch diners. We had to sit at the bar, which is fine since the friendly bartender answered all of our questions and even made a few suggestions. The "Back to Bed" sandwich immediately caught my eye. The sandwich consists of applewood smoked bacon, ham, house made sausage, eggs, cheddar cheese, bacon mayo, and served with a side of home fries. The only modification I made was to change the bread from plain white to the house biscuit bread. Can I tell you, that this was the "best decision ever?" Note, there is a substitution charge for the biscuit bread, but it's well worth the price. The sandwich is mammoth and definitely large enough to share. In fact, we were going to each get our own entrees, but the bartender suggested just splitting the sandwich. I really appreciated this honesty, since not many places will do this anymore. And extra bonus points in that the kitchen was nice enough to serve the sandwich on two plates and evenly split the meal. The "back to bed" was delicious. All of the meats were cooked perfectly and house made sausage had just the right snap when you bit into it, as good sausage should. The potatoes also had a nice brown char with subtle spice. Do yourself a favor and ask for the scratch made hot sauce. I'm not sure what's in it...I just know it's good. The bottle arrives with no label in order to showcase the vibrant orange and red colors. The heat level is not outrageous, but just hot enough to cause a few beads of sweat on the brow. Another insider TIP is to head over to their retail outlet SoBo market (https://www.yelp.com/biz/sobo-market-baltimore) and buy some of that goodness for home use. Our meal with coffee was less than $20! This same meal in DC would have easily been in the $30 range, and the food quality perhaps not as high. Trust me on this Yelpers, the next time you are in Baltimore, head on over to SoBo cafe...you won't regret it.
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Lil Birdie N.

Yelp
Nice little outdoor seating, real cute atmosphere. Especially on a nice day. Entrees was good. Appetizer not so great. They burn the brussel sprouts.

Noreen D.

Yelp
We had to be in the downtown/Federal Hill area on Sat the 17th for a specific reason and we wanted to mazimize our time and have dinner at a local spot. We mapped out the restaurants near our main stop and came across Sobo Cafe. The menu looked appealing and the location was convenient so we decided to try it. We were not disappointed! Such a quaint, cozy atmosphere with colorful walls and photos of the area that play off the wall color. It was a bit of a quiet night in Sobo, according to the server. But that was ok with us. My husband and I each had the Sobo burger and we both enjoyed it very much. For me, it was likely the best burger I have ever had! The beef was so tasty; well done for me to perfection but still moist and juicy. Something a little different on the burger are the roasted cherry tomatoes rather than sliced tomato. They are like little bursts of flavor when you bite into them. The roasted potatoes on the side were wonderfully flavored and a nice change from fries. The salad was fresh and a nice size serving. The meal was nicely presented. The service was very good and the server was friendly. Music played softly and did not interfere with converesation. We found an on-street parking spot less than one block away. I have craved that burger over and over since then so we will definitely be going to Sobo again!
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Kiefer A.

Yelp
SoBo Cafe Date of visit: 7/12/19 Food Ordered: Summer Linguine, sangria, chocolate pudding, port wine Wait time: none Service: good
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Gift O.

Yelp
Cute place! Staff were very friendly. Good drinks and happy hour daily until 7pm! Our food was great as well as the presentation. Highly recommend. Would be nice if there were more options for happy hour drinks however would still go back
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Karen N.

Yelp
Great intimate restaurant in Fed Hill! My friends and I were a larger party, but we were able to all be seated at the bar, where the bartender took great care of us. The food was so yummy -- the Chicken Pot Pie had the perfect flaky crust and is great if you're in the mood for comfort food (note: the sauce has more of a citrusy flavor that can be a little off putting to some). Seared Scallops were fresh and juicy, with a nice kick to them, and the Mussels also were nicely spiced. The standout dish here is the Mac n Cheese!!!
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George J.

Yelp
I'll start my review with a little story of why I decided to eat here without looking at my trusty Yelp app first. I was walking past the restaurant with my girlfriend when a couple walked out carrying a small child and laughing with a waitress. I commented to the couple that it was obvious that they had a good experience. The couple told me that Sobo has the best chicken pot pie and the best brunch pancakes and that they used to eat here every week before they had their child (it was obvious that they loved their child for much, even though some of their money had to be diverted away from Sobo). So, I had to try Sobo after this! The Chipotle Pumpkin Soup was perfect. A little zip paired with a creamy pumpkin soup. My Korean fried steak was also delicious. I very much enjoyed the Asian style gravy and the kimchi collard greens. My girlfriend got the chicken pot pie and we loved it (I helped myself to some). She commented that it tasted just like the kind her mother makes in the South.
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Courtney F.

Yelp
We came to SoBo for dinner after reading all of the fabulous reviews (thank you, Yelp!), and had a great time! This little spot is in a very cute neighborhood with lots of fun bar options for a before or after dinner drink. Being a vegetarian, I was excited to see a seitan option on the menu, and it didn't disappoint! My friend ordered the chicken pot pie and was raving about it all night as well. Service was great, and food was very good. For my male readers, take note: this would be a great date spot!
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Brady R.

Yelp
Hands down, the best food I had during my 5 day trip in Baltimore. I went and sat at the bar and ordered the egg sandwich with the cherry tomatoes, along with the cinnamon roll. Honestly, it was one of my favorite breakfast sandwiches I've ever had. The pesto was amazing and the tomatoes were perfectly cooked. The homemade biscuit has my mouth watering again as I write this. The cinnamon roll was equally delicious. I ordered it to go as I wanted a dessert for later and it didn't disappoint. Again, it was in my top 5 cinnamon rolls I've ever had (and I love cinnamon rolls). The service was great, the vibe is perfect for brunch, and they offer local brews from Baltimore. Really wish this place was closer to Indianapolis so I could frequent it more often, but I guess it'll be a restaurant I'm always craving. Heads up: it gets busy, so be sure to make a reservation!
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Dona A.

Yelp
The food is really good and has so many great options, it taste really wonderful too. I like the House Smoked Chicken Wings, and Dry Rubbed Bavette Steak. The meat there is well-cooked and absolutely good too. The menu were amazing and great portions too. Drinks were fantastic too. The setting inside is good and has pleasant atmosphere and wonderful service.
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LaToya E.

Yelp
I've had this place on my bookmark list for months and missed coming for restaurant week so when I finally got the chance to go I jumped on it! We arrived and was seated right away which is always a plus in my book. We started with a couple of cocktails which were delicious! i should not be as impressed with cocktails as i am but when they are made well, look pretty and dont get me drunk i am in love! as far as food i enjoyed it. The salad was a little overdressed but i didnt mind it and the flatbread even tasted good the next day.
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Clay W.

Yelp
SoBo Cafe has some awesome accolades and came highly recommended, after a Monday night dinner our overall impression was that SoBo is definitely not a bad spot - but it ran middle of the pack for us. We were immediately welcomed and had our reservation fulfilled, not only that but we scored parking right out front! Perfect. The place was pretty quiet, around 3 tables and 2 people at the bar - but Monday's at 6:30 aren't usually the busiest. It picked up after 7 and they nearly had a full house, the restaurant staff seemed to know almost all the customers which is always cool. For whatever reason we were seated at a very quiet time, but it took 5 minutes to get water brought to us... and we assumed it was a busser that brought us the water as she promptly left instead of asking us about drinks. She came back 5 minutes later to take our drinks, even though we were ready to order she promptly left again. Weird service. Anyway, onto the grub! I love chicken liver mousse, rich, smooth, and creamy. I'm not sure how they created their mousse but it was thick and didn't smoothly spread at all on the tasty crispy and thin bread that came with it. Not only was it thick and paste like, but the flavor wasn't quite there. Wasn't terrible, but it also wasn't good. The spinach pie/spanakopita was pretty tasty, light, crispy phyllo layers on a rich spinach and feta filling. Was definitely a highlight. For dinner we had the pasta special of squid ink on one side, regular dough on the other spinach and fontina(I think fontina cheese) raviolis. Cooked al dente and presumably a house made pasta was a good pasta but the filling didn't convey much and may have been overpowered by the scampi sauce and shrimp atop the raviolis. The shrimp left a strong taste on the dish, and may have been better as a larger sweeter shrimp - again the dish was fine, but not something we'd order again. The Korean fried steak sounded too interesting not too get sauce rimmed plate building up with mashed potatoes, chicken fried steak, then a smattering of vegetables - hats off in the spice department and flavors as it had phenomenal taste, but the texture and richness of it all combined made for a very large dish. The breading devoured the thin steak and didn't adhere to it very well - personally I think a chicken breast would have been a better meat, though I definitely dig the originality of the unique take on a traditional chicken fried steak. The place is cozy, and full of regulars even on a cold Monday night - they're definitely doing well for themselves and wish them the best - just wasn't for us.

Allison S.

Yelp
We had the Peruvian chicken and it was the best chicken I have ever had in a restaurant. It was moist and tender and the flavors were complex but balanced. The rice and beans were perfect and the slaw had a kick that balanced out the other flavors. Great service and good, limited wine list. Gluten free options too.