Ayoluwa Hogans, owner of the Grind House Juice Bar and Cafe in Charles Village. (AFRO Photo/Roberto Alejandro)
Health through better eating and a love of art are at the center of the Grind House Juice Bar’s mission. With an all-vegan menu, live music events, and art showcases, the juice bar and cafe boasts the best kale salad in Baltimore, according to owner Ayoluwa Hogans.
Grind House opened in June 2012 to serve the Charles Village community. It recently moved a few doors down on the 2400 block of St. Paul St. into a larger space, which now enables the eatery to serve hot foods such as citrus soul ribs, vegan mac and cheese, and mashed sweet potatoes.
Of course, Grind House’s specialty is fresh pressed juice, and they offer smoothies, wraps, sandwiches, and baked goods as well.
“Our mission is to heal the hood,” Hogans told the AFRO. “We’re trying to provide healthy vegan food to people who wouldn’t necessarily eat vegan.” nmm
“And the other focus is music,” said Hogans, who not only plays a wide variety of music in her restaurant, but also hosts live music. Grind House’s most popular event, she said, is the B-Trip hip-hop showcase every first and third Thursday of the month, featuring local producers playing their beats as well as an open mic for aspiring emcees.
The restaurant also functions as a showcase for artists, many of them local, whose works adorn the eatery’s walls.
For those whose resolution is to get healthier in the New Year, Grind House also sells juice packs and cleanses.
“If you’re looking to get healthy and love music, this is the place to be,” said Hogans.
The Grind House Juice Bar and Cafe is located at 2431 St. Paul St., and is open Mon-Sat. from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. It offers a vegan brunch from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. every first Sunday of the month.
ralejandro@afro.com