Alif Brew & Mini Mart Inc.

Quiet, cozy, friendly. They also offer a small selection of Ethiopian groceries. Coffee was delicious. Deep flavor without being super bold. Excellent place to have a cup of Joe and relaxe for a few min. Took off a star for food my bagel wasn’t super fresh but it was still good🤷🏾‍♂️

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

ugh, i love this place!

We got the injera with Shiro dip, so yummy. Lentils wrap and Hibiscus tea best comb love it... 😍 👌

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I visited a few days ago. The experience was far from positive, and I don’t see myself ever returning. I ordered a vanilla iced coffee—my usual choice—but was given a vanilla latte instead. I thought it was a simple mistake and politely let the employee know. Having worked in retail since I was 15, I completely understand that mistakes happen, and I always encourage people to speak up politely, especially when it’s for something they’ve paid for.

Unfortunately, the employee’s response was unprofessional. She kept insisting that I had ordered a latte (something I never drink, especially at 1 p.m.) and was defensive throughout our entire interaction. When I asked for my correct order, she snapped, “Well, what do you want me to do about it???” The obvious solution was to remake it, which she eventually did—but when handing me the drink, she added, “You know you just wasted my $5 of my coffee,” with an attitude. I hadn’t even planned on asking for the $1 price difference back (since the latte cost more), but given her tone, I did—and only then did she reluctantly return it. The whole interaction left a bad taste and definitely caught me off guard, especially because I’m not the type of person to argue with employees(and I couldn't even tell you the last time I've had to). I know from personal experience the types of customers they often have to deal with, which made this even more disappointing.

I also agree with another reviewer’s comment: there does seem to be an issue with loitering. While I stayed to finish my coffee and some work, a man came in three separate times being loud and disruptive, and the same employee did nothing to address it.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 2

This place? A whole vibe. Half mini-mart, half café, all flavor. I originally came through on a Too Good To Go haul, and now I’m here constantly—sometimes for a deal, sometimes just ‘cause I need it in my life. 😂

Let’s start with the mini-mart side, aka my happy place. They carry these crack-level addictive injera chips in rosemary, mild, and spicy—YES, I’ve tried them all, and YES, they’re all elite. I keep saying I’ll pace myself, but nah. Also obsessed with their zero-sugar digestive cookies?? I don't even know where else to find these, and honestly, I don’t wanna know. Alif is my plug now.

On the café side, the hot Ethiopian food is consistently 🔥. My all-time fave is the yellow split pea dish (Kik Alicha)—so flavorful, creamy, and comforting, like a warm hug from someone’s grandma. It comes with two glorious rolls of injera, soft and tangy, perfect for scooping up every last bit. If you know, you know.

There’s a cute little seating nook to the right of the register, plus a few outdoor tables for soaking up some sun with your sambusa. The staff? Super quick and helpful whenever I ask questions—they always know what’s up and don’t mind me geeking out over new snacks.

Also came by during the Dollar Stroll and tried their Ethiopian wraps, and—whew. How do I describe them? Imagine rich, spicy, savory magic wrapped in injera and handed to you for ONE DOLLAR. I was shook. It’s no wonder I’ve been back like five times... and probably forgot to check in at least half of those visits. Oops. 💁‍♀️

TL;DR: Alif Brew is my comfort café + snack haven rolled into one. If you haven’t been, GO. And grab me a bag of spicy injera chips while you’re at it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Nice spot on Baltimore. Great service, good food. Coffee shop.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sambusa, Alif Special Coffee, Injera Platter

My favorite coffee spot in the neighborhood. Friendly staff and great coffee.

I only come to grab a quick cup of coffee. I enjoy my cup every time.

I went in for dinner, and the food was absolutely delicious. I definitely recommend this place for proper Ethiopian food.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food! Serious vagrant problem. Was asked for money three times within the few hours I was trying to focus on studying here. Maybe some security or training for employees on how to handle these kinds of situations would be beneficial. It was dangerous for me and I felt very unsafe, no one said or did anything it was like I was the only one noticing what was going on. Won’t be back soon.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 4

solid all around establishment

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

the food here is delicious, the drinks are refreshing, the employees are nice and it's comfortable to sit in! I love the beef injera. Can't praise them enough!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I took baklava from here for a small dinner party. It was spoilt.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 3

I am gluten-free and the lady working there was so sweet and extremely accommodating. She even got gluten-free injera from Dora bet, which is another delicious restaurant a block away, so I can have a wrap. I got the veggie injera wrap and I loved it. Great experience

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Delicious food and the sweetest owner! She cooks and supports local non-profits with her own time and effort!