So I was in Baltimore this weekend and coffee was front and center on my weekend. I sued my buddy's Rok a few times - once I dialed in the grind - slightly coarser than my normal espresso dust (he told me I didn't believe him) it made some beautiful shots. Great to make one or two in a morning and a tad messy but would suck with house guests.
Also drank some awesome coffee in shops-
Artifact coffee owned by the folks at woodberry kitchen - fantastic brunch was had there (woodberry) solid cortado - was a need based stop and it did not disappoint. Cute space in an old mill building.
Ceremony Coffee - probably takes the cake - annapolis roasters - their espresso called "Destroyer" ruled my face. it was excellent as a shot and i sipped a latte - it held up to the almond milk and was still flavorful without being "Interesting" if you know what I mean. Teasted like coffee should, with some slight fruity acidy notes, not this coffee tastes like 25 things. Highly recomend this spot! Also had their guatamalan in a pourover. Very solid. Shop was very large by baltimore standards, plenty of seating, a cupping/education room, and stark white minimalist. Awesome shop! Will be ordering beans soon.
Spro - used to be one of my favorite spots in the city - they used to carry beans from all over and made it a point to get stuff from tiny roasters. Now the roast on their own. I will not be going back. Sadly they are into something they just aren't that good at. Bummer because it was an awesome shop. Most of the old baristas have moved onto other spots anyway.
So for those of you heading to the Superdraft - Ceremony is my number one draft pick for coffee in Bmore!