Bank St. Deli; Vivian’s; Werner’s

COMING SOON

Bank St. Deli: This revamped corner store at Bank and South Spring streets in Little Italy is set to cut the ribbon on Saturday, Nov. 8. At the counter, you can grab corner store essentials and order off of the drool-worthy deli menu—which lists stacked classics like a reuben, chicken cutlet hero, tomato caprese, and classic Italian (remember, you’re in Little Italy, after all). But if you venture further—perhaps behind a hidden door disguised as a vending machine—you’ll find Highball, the deli’s dimly lit speakeasy that pours classic cocktails and offers its own food menu in the back. Get a sneak peek from Eat More Baltimore’s Chris Franzoni, here.

Geno’s Steaks: The most popular “best cheesesteak” debate in Philadelphia comes down to the rivalry between Pat’s King of Steaks versus Geno’s Steak. The latter, an institution that opened in 1966 in South Philly, will fire up its flattops for the first time in Maryland with a new location at Power Plant Live in early 2026.

Helmed by second-generation owner Geno Vento, the brand will fry up its signature formula of thinly sliced rib-eye, caramelized onions, and four cheese options and pile it all on a proprietary hoagie roll. Unlike the Philly location, this one won’t be 24/7, but the owner teased in an interview with The Baltimore Sun that Charm City might be the place to play around with new items.

OPEN

Vivian’s: Especially after hearing about Pie Time’s intention to shutter, neighbors on the northeast end of Patterson Park could use a win. And they got one earlier this week with the unveiling of this anticipated new concept from Kitsch owner Jackie Mearman—who runs a flagship cafe for her popular breakfast sandwiches in Tuscany-Canterbury and a stall at R. House.

Set in the home of the former Rize + Rest, Vivian’s is officially open for daytime service, offering craft coffee, pastries, and breakfast sandos from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on weekends.

Named after Mearman’s grandmother, the corner neighborhood spot—whose vintage decor is meant to give off a cozy “grandma’s sunroom” vibe—will soon expand into full-service hours, complete with an evening bar program, menu of small plates (think: pickled deviled eggs, pumpkin ale mac and cheese, and baked brie with mango chutney and pistachios), and “choose-your-own-adventure” charcuterie boards.

High Grounds Coffee & Tea Holiday Pop-Up at The Shops at Kenilworth: The Highlandtown coffee shop operated by husband-and-wife duo Josh and Mickie Pulley (do yourself a favor and set aside a few minutes for this WMAR segment about their love story) is headed to Towson for a new seasonal pop-up at The Shops at Kenilworth. Running through January, the 475-square-foot coffee bar—located on the mall’s lower level next to Italian Gardens—will be a game-changer for patrons looking to fuel up for their holiday shopping.

The menu will feature the roastery’s signature hot and cold brews, plus chai lattes, frappes, matcha, smoothies, and Italian sodas. Snacks on offer will include breakfast sandwiches (like their Crabby Bagel), as well as caramel-drizzled desserts like the cookies and cream affogato and velvet espresso tiramisu.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

11/7-9: Peabody Heights Brewery Anniversary Party Weekend
The beloved Abell brewery is celebrating its 13th trip around the sun with a three-day bash this weekend—packed with live music, food, and plenty of pints. Friday through Sunday, catch a rotating lineup of local acts including Spring Silver, Crying Laughing, Arboretum, Micah E. Wood, Eat the Cake Band, Hot Blood, Ray Winder, Landis Harry Larry, and Super City. In between sets, raise a glass to Peabody’s legacy—both business-wise (it was the first production brewery to open within Baltimore City limits in more than 35 years) and as a hub for diverse community programming.

11/16: Baltimore Spirits Co. 10th Anniversary & Thanksgiving Extravaganza
Speaking of local booze birthdays, the team at Baltimore Spirits Co. is marking a decade of distilling with a Thanksgiving-themed celebration at its Hampden homebase inside Union Collective. Founded by Max Lents, Ian Newton, and Eli Breitburg-Smith, the distillery was born from the trio’s desire to return Maryland rye whiskey to its rightful home. Now, the BSC lineup includes award-winning whiskeys (fun fact: they also blend Ja Rule’s Ambar & Opal) and industry favorite amaros.

A big bash on Sunday, Nov. 16 from 3-8 p.m. will feature festive cocktails crafted by Baltimore bartending legend Amie Ward, alongside special whiskey releases—including a cask-strength “Green is Gold”—and the debut of a six-year cask-strength Epoch Rye. You can also expect live DJ sets and Thanksgiving-inspired pizzas from Big Softy.

CH-CH-CHANGES

Werner’s Diner & Pub: Best known for its retro interior and reliable grub, this 75-year-old downtown diner—which had cameos in The Wire and House of Cards—recently changed hands once again. (Previous owners have included the team from Pete’s Grille in Waverly and the owners of Proper Cuisine across the street.) Now, William Sterling, the owner of Saturday Morning Cafe in Little Italy, has officially taken over operations.

The space, which briefly closed in May, has reopened with a refreshed menu blending classics from both concepts: crab eggs Benedict and breakfast burritos alongside omelets and fluffy pancakes. “Basically, Werner’s and Saturday Morning Cafe got married,” Sterling recently told the Baltimore Business Journal.

Under his care, Sterling says the focus is “getting back to the basics,” while keeping the name and nostalgia intact. Werner’s is currently open daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with plans to extend hours and host a grand reopening celebration later this year.

Meet the Author

Ana Bak is a contributing writer for Baltimore tapping into her first love, journalism. With a passion for storytelling and supporting local businesses, she creates engaging content as @anafinds, where she highlights the local food scene, wine culture, and beyond.