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When it comes to The Baltimore Eclectic, our city isn’t exactly lacking. It seems like every neighborhood has at least a few establishments which embrace that part of what makes Charm City, well, Charm City: the independent, quirky bar/restaurant with a truly at-home atmosphere and good home cooking. SoBo Cafe, in the heart of Federal Hill, is essentially one of the only such establishments in the neighborhood (with the exception of Dangerously Delicious) that follows this way of doing things, and they’d like some of your business if you don’t mind! |
Anthony Durante, a SoBo Cafe superfan, posted an event on Facebook the other day that details the cafe’s predicament; an all-too familiar case of slowing business in a horrible economy. But unlike other “please help our business immediately!” clarion calls akin to the recently city-acquired Senator Theater, this is simply a request for you, the American comfort food-loving individual, to come on by SoBo Cafe sometime and enjoy their Meat Muffins or Mac n’ Cheese. Specifically, come on by this coming Thursday evening and join dozens of other neighborhood folks, ready to support one of their favorite local haunts.
With any luck and a bit of support (and some Chicken Pot Pie), SoBo Cafe will be around for another ten years at least – so if you’re in the area and you’re looking for a hugely-portioned meal in the $15 range, give them a try.
I am all for uber-local places and especially all for eclectic atmosphere and ownership. That being said, Sobo needs to step it up if they want patrons. The last time I went in there, my meal was quite lackluster in execution. Competition from places like Corks (who I’ve heard is also having trouble), Bluegrass, The New Porter’s, and Ryleighs, all of which are also locally owned, have raised the stakes of operating a restaurant in the neighborhood.
I have some great memories @ Sobo, and would like them to stay in business. If, however, you are competing for diners’ discretionary income when it is shrinking, you need to differentiate more than “help us”. Help me help you.
I was definitely less than impressed with Sobo’s fare.
That being the case, I’d say you’re voting with your dollars and if they don’t get the message then whatyagonnado. I do agree that SoBo needs to beef up their presence / execution if they’re going to make it, but I don’t think they’re ready for a death sentence quite yet.
Corks and the defunct Bicycle, as well as Ilswater (did they even open??) all went through periods where they try to reinvent and seem to fail; I’m not sure how long Corks can manage to keep their $2 shots happy hours and continue to maintain a reputation. Time will tell I spose.
I haven’t been (I rarely go to Fed Hill, although now that the purpble line is up I really should)but I’d imagine they wouldn’t exactly cater to the dietary needs of a vegan
To heck with vegans! Where’s the beef? Sobo needs to bring back the beef! Did it ever leave? I don’t know!