Introduction
Nestled in the heart of Baltimore’s historic Otterbein neighborhood lies a gem that has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike—Morning Mugs Coffee. Since its opening in 2021, this quaint café has been serving up delightful brews and fostering a sense of community. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the journey of Morning Mugs, explore its unique offerings, and understand why it stands out in Baltimore’s vibrant coffee scene.
The Birth of Morning Mugs Coffee
In February 2021, Morning Mugs Coffee opened its doors at 15 W. Hughes St. in Otterbein, replacing a previous shop called Hughes and Hanover. The vision was clear: to create a space where coffee enthusiasts could enjoy quality brews in a warm and welcoming environment. The founder, Tyler DellaRatta, brought his marketing background and love for community engagement to the forefront, ensuring that Morning Mugs was more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee.
A Glimpse into the Otterbein Neighborhood
Otterbein, known for its historic charm and close-knit community, provided the perfect backdrop for Morning Mugs. The neighborhood’s tree-lined streets and brick townhouses exude a quaint atmosphere, making it an ideal location for a cozy coffee shop. Residents and visitors often find themselves strolling through the area, drawn by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting from Morning Mugs.
The Morning Mugs Experience
At Morning Mugs, the motto is clear: “We don’t sell coffee; we sell a good time.” This philosophy is evident in every aspect of the café, from its friendly staff to its engaging customer interactions.
Brewing Smiles: The Unique Customer Engagement
One of the standout features of Morning Mugs is its innovative approach to customer engagement. The café has a fun game where customers guess the color inside their coffee sleeve or mug. With five different colors to choose from, a correct guess earns the customer a 10% discount on their next order. This simple yet effective game not only adds an element of fun but also fosters a sense of community and connection among patrons.
The Mascot: Muggsy the Bear
Adding to its unique charm, Morning Mugs features a mascot named Muggsy—a bear with a coffee bean as a nose. Muggsy’s friendly face is painted on the façade of the café and is prominently featured throughout the interior, adding a whimsical touch that delights customers of all ages.
A Menu to Delight
Morning Mugs takes pride in offering a diverse menu that caters to various tastes. While their lattes, iced coffees, and hot brews are crowd favorites, the café continually innovates to keep the menu fresh and exciting.
Specialty Drinks
One of the most popular items is the French Toast Latte, a delightful blend that captures the essence of the beloved breakfast dish in a cup. Seasonal specials also make an appearance, ensuring that there’s always something new for regular patrons to enjoy.
Beyond Coffee: Expanding Culinary Offerings
Recognizing the importance of complementing great coffee with delicious food, Morning Mugs has plans to expand its menu. With the opening of a second location in Locust Point, the café introduced a bakery in the basement, run by Lorena Thompson, and a small kitchen to prepare an array of delectable items.
Breakfast Delights
The new menu focuses on breakfast burritos inspired by DellaRatta’s time in San Diego. These burritos feature eggs, cheese, potatoes, and a variety of meats and vegetables, served with a side of Peruvian green sauce. Other offerings include a French toast crunch wrap, breakfast taquitos, croissants, muffins, cinnamon rolls, and monthly specialty pastries crafted by Thompson.
Future Plans
While the initial focus is on breakfast, there are plans to expand into a lunch menu in the future, providing patrons with even more delicious options to enjoy throughout the day.
Community Recognition and Awards
Morning Mugs’ commitment to quality and community has not gone unnoticed. The café has been named the ‘Best Coffee’ by Baltimore Magazine’s Best of Baltimore Reader’s Poll for three consecutive years, a testament to its popularity and the high regard in which it is held by the community.
Expansion to Locust Point
Building on its success in Otterbein, Morning Mugs expanded to a second location at 1642 Beason St. in Locust Point in September 2024. This new spot offers the same beloved coffee drinks and introduces an expanded food menu, further cementing Morning Mugs’ presence in Baltimore’s coffee scene.
Conclusion
morning mugs otterbein in Otterbein is more than just a café; it’s a community hub where quality brews meet innovative customer engagement. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor exploring Baltimore, a visit to Morning Mugs promises a delightful experience that goes beyond just coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Where is Morning Mugs Coffee located?
A1: Morning Mugs Coffee has two locations in Baltimore:
- Otterbein: 15 W. Hughes St.
- Locust Point: 1642 Beason St.
Q2: What are the operating hours of Morning Mugs Coffee?
A2: The operating hours are as follows:
- Monday to Friday: 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Q3: Does Morning Mugs offer any specialty drinks?
A3: Yes, one of the most popular specialty drinks is the French Toast Latte. The café also offers seasonal specials and a variety of other coffee beverages.
Q4: Are there food options available at Morning Mugs?
A4: Absolutely. Morning Mugs offers a range of food items, including breakfast burritos, French toast crunch wraps, breakfast taquitos, croissants, muffins, cinnamon rolls, and specialty pastries.
Q5: Is there any unique customer engagement at Morning Mugs?
A5: Yes, Morning Mugs has a fun game where customers guess the color inside their coffee sleeve or mug. A correct guess earns a 10% discount on the next order.
Q6: Has Morning Mugs received any awards or recognition?
A6: Morning Mugs has been named the ‘Best Coffee’ by Baltimore Magazine’s Best of Baltimore Reader’s Poll for three consecutive years.
