Let’s be honest, no one’s surviving a conference on hotel coffee alone. We all know it’s… not great. But lucky for us, Baltimore is packed with awesome coffee spots to keep the caffeine flowing! Whether you’re racing out for a quick cup or looking to sip a latte while soaking up the harbor vibes, I’ve got the perfect spots lined up for you. Here are my top picks around the NCMPR District 1 Conference!
1. Daily Grind (Jon’s Top Pick ☕)
- Distance: 15-minute walk (0.7 miles)
- Hours: 7 AM – 5 PM
- Location: 1720 Thames St, Baltimore, MD 21231
I fell in love with this place during the site visit. Daily Grind is one of those spots where you can just kick back, crack open a book (or hey, conference notes if you’re feeling productive), and enjoy some seriously good coffee. The vibe? Super laid-back. The coffee? Nice and strong. They open at 7 AM, so you’ve got plenty of time to grab a cup before the day starts, or pop by after sessions for a mid-day boost. Oh, and don’t sleep on the bagels and pastries. You’ll thank me later!
2. Starbucks Reserve (For the Quick Fix)
- Distance: 3-minute walk (0.1 miles)
- Hours: 4:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Location: 615 S President St, Baltimore, MD 21202
Okay, we all know Starbucks, but this one’s got that Reserve flair with a few fancy upgrades. It’s literally around the corner—just a quick 3-minute walk—and you’ll find all your go-to drinks plus some Reserve exclusives. Nitro cold brew? Yes, please. It’s perfect when you need caffeine STAT between sessions.
3. Dunkin’ (Because, of course there’s Dunkin’)
- Distance: 7-minute walk (0.3 miles)
- Hours: 5 AM – 8 PM
- Location: 1308 Fleet St, Baltimore, MD 21202
Ahh, good ol’ Dunkin’. You know exactly what you’re getting, it’s either going to be ok or it’s going to be really bad and sometimes the comfort of a Dunkin’ iced is what you need. Affordable and fast. It’s only a 7-minute walk, so if you’re craving something familiar (or running late), Dunkin’s got your back.
4. Ceremony Coffee Roasters (For the Coffee Connoisseurs)
- Distance: 8-minute walk (0.4 miles)
- Hours: 7 AM – 7 PM
- Location: 1312 Point St, Baltimore, MD 21231
They’re all about quality, from single-origin beans to top-notch brewing methods. The atmosphere is sleek, modern, and right near the water. Perfect for snapping a quick “I’m working but also drinking excellent coffee” pic. Their pour-overs are amazing, and it’s only an 8-minute walk from the conference. Totally worth it for coffee lovers.
5. Kneads Bakeshop & Café (Coffee + Pastries = Heaven)
- Distance: 6-minute walk (0.3 miles)
- Hours: 7 AM – 11 PM
- Location: 506 S Central Ave, Baltimore, MD 21202
Need something sweet with your caffeine? Kneads has you covered with a killer combo of coffee and freshly baked goods. Croissants, bread, pastries, they bake it all in-house, and it’s delicious! Whether you’re stopping by in the morning or grabbing a late-night coffee (they’re open ‘til 11 PM!), Kneads is a must. Plus, it’s only a 6-minute walk from the conference, so no excuses!
Whatever kind of caffeine fix you’re craving, Baltimore’s got you covered! Whether you’re all about that cozy vibe at Daily Grind (my personal fave) or just need a quick pit stop at Starbucks or Dunkin’, you’ll find plenty of options just steps away from the conference. So go ahead, grab your coffee (or two… no shame here!), explore the area, and crush those sessions like the conference pro you are. Here’s to keeping the energy high and the coffee flowing!