Cozy Corner

It's 11 AM. My sink is full of last night's dishes from impromptu spaghetti and I do NOT feel like cleaning up, let alone dirtying more dishes -- not on TRPG night. I've got a sesh to plan. I stumble out of bed and take a quick walk over to a place I'm praying is open: Cozy Corner. I've never actually been, the door's always closed, and no one's ever inside.To my delight, they're open. Though, I don't mean "they," I mean "she." The solo proprietor is an older Korean woman, and you can tell by the way she's got her kimchi and vegetables on proud display behind the glass counter. She's eager to please.The menu is a bit eclectic, serving your usual breakfast platters of bagel sandwiches, egg and meat and toast, fruits, and some lunch items like sub sandwiches. What struck me as odd -- concerning, even, given my bad history with them back in the west coast -- was that this place also had a catch-all "Asian menu." Not Chinese, which I'm not even sure was on the menu, but a mix of Japanese (donburi and sukiyaki) as well as the oddball bibimbap.I didn't want to leave anything to chance, so I asked Ms. Cozy Corner what her favorite item was. Bibimbap.So I waited in this quiet, nearly miniscule room, with its not-so-dusty furniture, on upholstery taped together and occasionally dotted with pillows to hide the scars, waiting for my bibimbap. It feels empty, but it's less of a solitary experience and more like being in someone else's cozy corner. It's like a glimpse into what the owner finds practical.The bibimbap was, naturally, pretty good. You can't really go wrong with someone who understands that it's just a bunch of loosely thrown together vegetables, highly marinated and pickled and all, over some rice and with some egg. It's not standout, but if you're trying to make bibimbap feel standout in Baltimore, you're probably doing it wrong.To be frank, you could get food like this anywhere, or make it at home yourself for cheaper. You don't go here because it's amazing, you go here because it's above average food for an honest, unassuming price, made by someone who still has the guts to care about her food in a steamy city. My five stars are not me saying "you will die childless and alone if you don't visit." No, it's a mark of trust. I trust this place, and I trust that you'll enjoy your time here if you visit.For the love of all that's holy, though, please bring cash.

Truly a cozy corner that is a nice hole-in-the-wall.Ambiance/Service: Cozy and inviting atmosphere that's for a casual breakfast or lunch (not open for dinner). There are lots of plants decoaring the wall, and a mix of booths and table/chairs. The whole thing is a one-woman run operation, and has the feel that you are dining at her kitchen table. After ordering, sounds of vegetables being chopped and eggs sizzling fill the quiet restaurant.Please note that it is CASH ONLY restaurant.Food: I am vegetarian, and enjoyed some of the Asian lunch dishes. They serve American breakfast options as well as a mix of different Korean and Japanese dishes. Given you can hear everything being made, you know it comes out as fresh as possible.-Tofu donburi: Spicy, savory, with fresh vegetables and soft tofu served over rice.Overall, I recommend this hidden gem to all!

Just like it was 50 years ago. My dad owned it in the 60s/70s. Friendly. Decent food. Value. If you do the Walter's, go for it. The word....eclectic Asian and plain old local food. Quite a mix. Cash only, not a bad thing.

This place is a surprising little hole-the-wall. They mostly serve brunch food but also have a wonderful Asian menu with mostly Korean dishes. I got the Chap Chae, and some ginger tea. I was not disappointed. Street parking only. They only take cash. There is a Seven-Eleven down the street with atm though if you are in need.

This subterranean American-Korean shop was absolutely delicious, made fresh right then and there in minutes by a lovely lady. Stopped here for brunch with the family and everything from the sausage and egg sandwich to Asian noodle dishes were simply outstanding. Catered to our picky eater, vegetarian, and omnivore. Hole in the wall one person shop, and it's like you're in their dining room, so may require some patience.

Don't judge a book by its cover. This little diner is surprising; I was a little worried when we walked in. It's essentially grandma's basement and a one woman show. The owner (assuming) was a very sweet lady.We were staying at a hotel right across the street and visited around brunch time on a Saturday. Fiancé ordered a bacon and sausage breakfast sandwich, which was pretty delicious. The potatoes on the side looked freshly cut and pan fried with some yummy seasoning. I ordered the hot ham and cheese on a croissant, which also tasted very fresh and flaky. I got a side of fruit, which came with banana slices, grapes, apple slices, and orange slices. I could hear her chopping the fruit in her kitchen so I know if was as fresh as it gets. The coffee was delicious and freshly ground. I also got the honey ginger iced tea and it was amazing; such a nice ginger flavor. The prices were very reasonable. I will say that if you're in a hurry, you might want to skip this place. We would definitely visit again!

I enjoy stopping by here on my lunch break. It's a one woman operation, so things may take a little while to be ready. I've had multiple Korean dishes from this establishment, and it reminds me of my mother's cooking. It's great comfort food for me. The lady who runs the place is so nice and considerate. I appreciate this place, even if it doesn't look like much.( It's a no frills kinda place.)

Amazing flavourful Asian specialties, chicken salad and cucumber salad. Great service

The food was delicious! I had an egg sandwich with ham and a side of potatoes. I cook at a diner myself and make this every day, it came out perfect.The atmosphere really is cozy. And service is quick.

Doesn't look like much when you walk past: it's halfway below ground. If it weren't so highly rated, we would have left after seeing the inside. We were the only people in the place on a summer weekday at lunchtime. However, the food was delicious--I had the chicken don buri and my wife had the tofu don buri. Food was made to order--we could hear our fresh vegetables being chopped. Portions were reasonable, and only $10 per person. The restaurant is in an old building, but is clean. Parking meters on the street are only a couple of dollars per hour.