Truth be told, we were going to go to the brewery around the corner, but it smelled like a pool and was swarmed by frat boys. And truth be told again, we had just come from another brewery (big fan of the sours), so we probably didn’t NEED another beer. 
The afternoon heat was also becoming insufferable, and the beers had been combined with a delicious cheeseboard and cocktails from Woodberry Kitchen (Artifact’s cousin restaurant), resulting in a mid-day slump that required caffeination. It was then that we decided to stop for a quick coffee and something sweet before heading further into Hampden for window shopping (window shopping for everyone except me, who was real shopping, much to the chagrin of my bank account).
Funnily enough, we saw many of the same people we’d seen at Woodberry Kitchen, now congregated at Artifact. Though I’d only just finished my plate of cheese and a delightful bloody, I couldn’t resist a pastry. My sister suggested some type of turnover, but I immediately (and quite rudely, as she didn’t mind pointing out) shut down her suggestion. I’m not always a donut fanatic–but this donut looked like it was made for me. And it was delicious.
Yeasty and fried. Strawberry toffee is normally not a flavor I’d select (why is there fruit involved in anything I clearly accept as being unhealthy?), but that was the only type of donut left. And so I ate it, and let me tell you, yeast donuts are the best. Cake donuts are ‘aight, but why not just have cake? The yeastiness. Ugh. So good. 
The coffee was also delicious–a Japanese iced coffee that helped me beat the heat and stave off an impending mid-day crash.
Painted white doors and big stone bricks. The cafe has an old barn-type vibe that at some points gets a tad kitschey. It’s cute, but perhaps feels borderline Cracker Barrel-esque? Not to fear, the pastries and well-curated coffee selection keeps things hip and make this a worthy Baltimore stop.
Stats
Price of a 12oz coffee: $3.50
Adult beverages: Yes
Vibe: Barn-ish and homey.
Work/Study Spot?: Perhaps
Wifi: Yes.
Food: Incredible pastries, light breakfast and lunch options
Punch Card: No.
Coffee: Counter Culture
Website: artifactcoffee.com
Hours:
Mon – Fri (7AM-7PM)
Sat – Sun (8AM-7PM)
Location:
1500 Union Ave
Baltimore, MD 21211