March Maryland Coffee Shop Recap

March was filled with cozy vibes, sweet sips, and a whole lot of caffeine-fueled joy. As the weather slowly started hinting at spring, I took full advantage of any excuse to stop by some of my favorite local coffee spots—and discovered a few new gems along the way. From a charming coffee trailer tucked off of Ritchie Highway, to hidden havens in bookshops, this month’s coffee shop visits were full of personality and delicious surprises. Whether you’re looking for your next go-to latte or just love exploring cute spots around Maryland, here’s a look back at the places that made my March extra special.

The Coffee Trailer– This cute coffee spot is located right off of Ritchie Highway in Severna Park and is a frequent member of my coffee shop rotation.

When debating where to grab coffee on a Sunday morning, The Coffee Trailer is always a reliable option. They have a wide variety of fun drinks, a play area for kids, outdoor seating, and even flowers for sale by Romenta Plants making it a great spot to relax or pick up a quick treat. The cozy, welcoming vibe makes it the perfect place to catch up with friends or enjoy a peaceful moment to yourself.

On this visit, four of us ordered their featured Chocolate Covered Strawberry Latte. Out of the four, I was the only one to order it iced—and I have to say, the hot version was definitely the winner. I typically love everything I order at The Coffee Trailer, but this visit was a bit of a letdown due to my own choice. While the iced version was still good, it couldn’t quite compare to the warm, rich flavors of the hot latte.

If you’re ever there, I highly recommend their iced Cookie Butter Latte and the Iced Hazelnut Latte—both are reliably delicious and a perfect balance of sweet and comforting. I’ll definitely be sticking to those on my next visit!

@meetmeinmd

The Coffee Trailer in Severna Park offers a wide variety of specialty coffee drinks! Some of my favorites are the cookie butter latte, the honey cardamon latte, and the roasted marshmallow latte! They also offer smoothies, matcha, and seasonal drinks! Their coffee is delicious and the outdoor seating area is so cute! The owners are so kind and enthusiastic about their business! They are very personable and each visit they provide the best service! The Coffee Trailer is located right off of the B&A Trail. If you’re looking to take a break from your bike ride or walk, stop by! They are also right next to the Yoga Barn and across from @Bohemian Black ! Check them out this weekend! #maryland #md #marylandcheck #coffee #thecoffeetrailer #severnapark #annearundelcounty #mdcoffee #marylandcoffee #icedlatte #coffeeshop

♬ original sound – spready0urwings

OCA Mocha– Wow! I can’t believe I had never heard of this adorable spot in Downtown Arbutus, right next to UMBC’s campus!

OCA Mocha is such a hidden gem. The vibe is so welcoming, and the space has plenty of seating, including a small stage for live music and open mic nights. It’s the perfect place to get work done, meet up with friends, or just relax. Parking was also super easy—there’s ample free street parking right out front, which is always a plus!

During my visit, they were still offering their winter specials, and I couldn’t resist trying the Nutcracker Latte. It was a delicious mix of salted caramel and hazelnut, creating a cozy, sweet flavor that warmed me right up. The latte art was the cherry on top, it always makes a latte so much better. The whole experience—sipping that latte, enjoying the cozy atmosphere, and hanging out with my bestie—was exactly what I needed.

What really stood out to me about OCA Mocha, aside from the great coffee, was how friendly the staff was. They made us feel right at home, and it’s always nice to be greeted with such warmth. Plus, even though I’m not a UMBC student, I didn’t feel out of place at all—everyone was so welcoming.

OCA Mocha is definitely worth checking out, and I’m still in shock that I hadn’t discovered it sooner! If you’re in the area or looking for a new spot to grab a great coffee, this place should be on your radar! Highly recommend!

@meetmeinmd

Check out this super cutie coffee shop in Arbutus!! ☕️ OCA Mocha is located right off of UMBC’s campus and is a great spot to hangout, get some work done, and meet new people! They also host fun events like live music and open mic nights! 🎶 What we ordered: -The Nutcracker (salted caramel and hazelnut latte) -Hot chocolate with espresso Both drinks were super yummy! They also have a food and pastry menu that I would love to try out next time! There was plenty of street parking available and they are surrounded by a bunch of restaurants as well! 🚘 📍5410 East Dr Arbutus, MD 21227 #md #maryland #coffee #arbutus #baltimorecounty #meetmeinmd #marylandcheck #mdcoffee #marylandcoffee #umbc

♬ Fire for You (Sped Up) – Cannons

The Little Market Café– If you find yourself in Old Ellicott City, you absolutely NEED to stop by The Little Market Café. It’s one of those places that, if I lived nearby, I’d probably be there way too often! Conveniently located along the edge of Lot D, you can’t miss it when parking, making it super easy to find.

For me, a trip to Old Ellicott City is never complete without a visit to The Little Market. It’s truly the definition of a perfect coffee shop. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, they’ve got delicious coffee and amazing food, plus outdoor seating where you can enjoy the fresh air. And sometimes, you might even get lucky and catch some live music. It really feels like the ideal place to relax and unwind, and it gets bonus points for being in the heart of such a charming, historic town.

My go-to order here is the Nutty Buddy Latte, which is a hazelnut latte. I usually go for it iced, but on this day, I decided to mix things up and got it hot. And wow—still just as incredible. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, nutty, and just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re strolling down Main Street, checking out the adorable shops, or just relaxing with a coffee in hand, it’s hard not to feel like you’re in the best spot in town.

This has been my favorite all-around coffee shop for about 10 years, and I can’t recommend it enough. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, The Little Market Café is a must-visit gem!

The Food Market Coffee– Tucked away in an unassuming office building in Columbia, The Food Market Coffee is a hidden gem that’s absolutely worth seeking out. From the moment you step inside, the clean and chic vibes instantly make you feel like you’ve discovered a secret spot. It’s stylish without being overdone — minimalist decor, warm lighting, and a calm atmosphere that feels intentional and curated. Even though it’s in a corporate setting, it’s a must try spot.

I ordered their honey graham latte, and it was phenomenal — perfectly balanced, not too sweet, with a cozy, graham cracker warmth that made each sip feel like a hug. The heart-shaped latte art on top was adorable and made me smile before I even took a sip. I also couldn’t resist grabbing one of their sugar cookies, decorated with their logo — not only was it cute, but it actually tasted amazing too. I am an absolute sucker for a decorated sugar cookie.

Seating inside is limited, so I ended up taking my order to go, but honestly, I didn’t mind at all. The whole experience felt like a little treat-yourself moment, and I’ll definitely be back.

@meetmeinmd

Still thinking about this honey graham latte from @The Food Market Coffee !! ☕️ This cutesy cafe is tucked away in an office building in Columbia and is a part of The Food Market restaurant! The coffee was great and I always love a good sugar cookie so I just had to get that as well! Also the heart in the latte! So fun!! 💛 They do not have a ton of seating but the vibe seems to be more of a grab and go. There is plenty of parking in the garage next to the building. 🅿️ Do not let the location deter you from checking this spot out because the coffee is legit! They also have a bunch of food options! 🥐 Thank you to @princessdae______ for the recommendation! I totally will be back 😁 📍10480 Little Patuxent Pkwy Columbia, MD 21044 #md #maryland #coffee #coffeeshop #columbia #howardcounty #marylandcheck #meetmeinmd

♬ sonido original – ☆★

Bean Rush Cafe– I had not been to Bean Rush in Crownsville in a couple of years and it was so good to be back! The vibes, the staff, and the coffee never disappoint.

Bean Rush Café is one of those places that immediately feels like a local favorite — and for good reason. The vibes are warm and welcoming, with a cozy, down-to-earth charm that makes you want to settle in and stay a while. The staff are always friendly and upbeat, creating a laid-back but efficient atmosphere that’s perfect for stopping by for a quick caffeine fix or lingering with a laptop and a pastry.

I always go for my favorite Iced Funky Monkey latte, made with chocolate and banana syrup. It’s a delicious, nostalgic blend that reminds me of one of my favorite coffee shops in college that had a peanut butter and banana signature latte. While this one doesn’t have the peanut butter, it comes so close in flavor and comfort that it’s become my go-to here. There’s just something about the chocolate-banana combo that hits exactly right.

Even though Bean Rush is almost always busy — a testament to how beloved it is — they manage the flow really well, and there’s surprisingly plenty of seating for the size of the shop. Whether you want a quiet corner to read or a spot to catch up with friends, it’s a great spot. Plus, they’ve got a solid menu of food options if you’re hungry, which makes it an easy spot for breakfast or lunch too. Honestly, if this place were closer to me, I’d probably be there every other day. It’s just that good.

Old Fox Books & Coffeehouse– Located on Maryland Avenue in Annapolis, this spot is a great escape from the crowds on Main Street. I’ve loved this charming bookstore for years — it’s the kind of place where you can wander for hours, exploring hidden rooms, tucked-away nooks, and shelves full of treasures. But for some reason, I had always neglected to try their coffee. I finally changed that on a recent visit, and I wish I had done it sooner.

I ordered my go-to — an iced vanilla latte, which is my standard for testing out a new coffee spot — and I instantly fell in love. The flavor was smooth, not too sweet, and had that perfect balance that makes a vanilla latte so comforting. With the weather being just right that day, I grabbed a bench outside and sipped my drink while taking in the charming street scenes around Maryland Ave. It was one of those peaceful, postcard-worthy moments that makes you want to pause time.

Inside, the vibes are next-level cozy. The shop is full of personality, with vintage rugs that add warmth to the hardwood floors, a spiral staircase that feels like something out of a fairytale, and exposed brick walls that give the space a rustic, lived-in charm. Each room has its own character — from walls painted in different cozy hues to mismatched furniture that somehow all works together perfectly. You could honestly spend hours getting lost in each little corner, discovering a new book or just soaking in the atmosphere.

The addition of the coffee counter tucked inside makes the experience even more special. Whether you’re browsing solo, catching up with a friend, or curling up with a new book and a latte, Old Fox feels like a perfect escape from the busy world outside. I already can’t wait to go back on my next Annapolis day trip — it’s the kind of place that sticks with you.

@meetmeinmd

Located on Maryland Avenue in Annapolis, Old Fox Books & Coffeehouse is a great escape from the crowds on Main Street! 🦊📚☕️ I’ve loved this charming bookstore for years — it’s the kind of place where you can wander for hours, exploring hidden rooms, tucked-away nooks, and shelves full of treasures. But for some reason, I had always neglected to try their coffee. I finally changed that on a recent visit, and I wish I had done it sooner!! 🥰 I ordered my go-to — an iced vanilla latte, which is my standard for testing out a new coffee spot — and I instantly fell in love. The flavor was smooth, not too sweet, and had that perfect balance that makes a vanilla latte so comforting. Inside, the vibes are next-level cozy. There are vintage rugs that add warmth to the hardwood floors, a spiral staircase that feels like something out of a fairytale, and exposed brick walls that give the space a rustic, lived-in charm. You could honestly spend hours getting lost in each little corner, discovering a new book or just soaking in the atmosphere. 🤩 The addition of the coffee counter tucked inside makes the experience even more special. I already can’t wait to go back on my next Annapolis day trip!! 😋 📍35 Maryland Ave Annapolis, MD 21401 #md #maryland #meetmeinmd #marylandcheck #marylandtiktok #annearundelcounty #annapolis #bookstore #coffeeshop

♬ Some Things – Tommy Prine

March was a great month of coffee adventures, and honestly, I enjoyed every single spot I visited—each one brought something unique to the table. That said, some stood out just a little more, whether it was because of the vibe, the drinks, or just how at home I felt there. Bean Rush Cafe easily took the top spot for me—it’s nostalgic, cozy, and consistently delivers on both flavor and atmosphere. Food Market Coffee came in close behind with its chic, hidden-gem energy and that dreamy Honey Graham Latte. The Little Market Café will always have a special place in my heart, especially with its charming location and perfectly balanced lattes. Old Fox Books & Coffeehouse felt like stepping into a storybook, and even though it was my first time trying the coffee, it definitely won’t be my last. The Coffee Trailer was a bit of a miss this time, but only because I strayed from my usual favorites (lesson learned!), and OCA Mocha—while still a lovely experience—just didn’t hit the same level as the others for me this round.

Every one of these places made my March sweeter, cozier, and fueled by all the best sips—and I’m already excited to see where April’s coffee journey takes me. Stay tuned!

• March Maryland Coffee Shop Recap
• Meet Me In Maryland’s Top 10 For 10K
• January Maryland Coffee Shop Recap
• Welcome to Meet Me In Maryland
• December Maryland Coffee Shop Recap