There isn’t much I enjoy more than taking a good book down to a local coffee shop, posting up at a corner table with a nice view, and settling down to let the hours slip away while I flip through pages and lose myself in a story. And it just so happens that, right down in Old Ellicott City, there’s a coffee shop and restaurant that’s absolutely perfect for such an excursion. Syriana Cafe is one of the few places in Maryland that serves, as the name implies, authentic Syrian-style coffee, which for my money is the best way to enjoy it, and it also serves up some wonderful Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food to boot. If you want to spend a few hours out of the house, relaxing with a good book and a uniquely delicious cup of fresh coffee, Syriana surely has you covered.
Syriana Cafe is located in one of Ellicott City’s many beautiful historic buildings. It was built in the 1790s out of local granite (into a local rock bed, no less), and it has managed to weather the devastating floods mostly unscathed.
The cafe has three floors of seating, so there’s something for you regardless of the mood you find yourself in. The second floor is open and inviting and the perfect place to dine with family and friends, or you can settle into one of the first floor window seats for a more secluded atmosphere with an excellent view of Main Street.
Syrian coffee is prepared in a very unique way - the coffee is powdered and blended with cardamom, mixed with water into the traditional ibrik pot, and heated in hot sand until it boils and foams.
Syrian coffee is served in small cups, but it packs a powerful punch. The cardamom adds a complex brightness to the flavor.
After you’ve read yourself into an appetite, the falafel sandwich is a perfect choice! This classic Middle Eastern food is made from chickpeas and served on fresh pita. We recommend grabbing extra tahini.
And if you’re looking for an excuse to grab a second cup of coffee, the baklava pairs exquisitely and offers a wonderful excuse. The meal isn’t complete without dessert, after all!
Be sure to check out Syriana’s website to read about their incredible story or to book private events. They also host live music and comedy regularly, so check their Facebook page for updates! And if you’re looking to walk off what is sure to be a memorable meal, head down the hill to check out this hidden gem museum and learn more about Ellicott City’s history.
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