More Than Java

We’re always so encouraged when a new independent coffee shop opens. It means there’s still hope for the little guy, despite the number of corporate coffee joints around town. And we’re not surprised that the latest café opened in the Hamilton-Lauraville area, where residents are discovering a penchant for all things gustatory. (See this month’s review of Hamilton Tavern.) Now, Grind-On Café (4607 Harford Rd., 410-426-1161, grindoncafe.com) is offering the community a gathering spot seven days a week, where neighbors can linger over espressos or enjoy any-time-of-day “Build Your Own” organic sandwiches ($7.25). It’s a charming setting, accented in sunshine yellow and cheery red, with free Wi-Fi, American-made kids’ toys, pretty pottery plates, and real cutlery for your indulgences. We had fun deciding on options for our sandwich: You get to choose your bread, meat, cheese, veggies, and condiments. We ended up with turkey, Swiss, and lettuce and tomato on the freshest-ever herb-garden bread, slicked with house-made honey mustard. You also get chips or coleslaw. Most of the products are from close to home, too: Woodlea Bakery, Sylvan Beach Ice Cream, and Zeke’s Coffee. When owner Greg Bandelin, who lives in the area, couldn’t find a place to grab a cup of coffee in the morning, he decided to open his own shop. We’re glad he did.