Adulis Coffee And Roastery in Baltimore: Ethiopian Coffee and Sandwiches on Pennsylvania Avenue

Adulis Coffee And Roastery is a coffee roaster and sandwich counter in Waverly that sources, roasts, and serves Ethiopian coffee alongside made-to-order sandwiches built on house-baked bread. The operation occupies a compact storefront on Pennsylvania Avenue North and functions primarily as a grab-and-go destination, though a small seating area accommodates a handful of customers at a time.

What Adulis Actually Is

The business operates as a dual-purpose spot: a working coffee roastery visible from the counter, and a sandwich shop that treats bread and protein with equal intention. Unlike chain cafes that source pre-roasted beans or generic sandwiches, Adulis handles both the sourcing and roasting of its Ethiopian coffee in-house and bakes its bread fresh. The roastery sits alongside the service counter, so customers can watch the roasting process while ordering. This setup reflects the owner's commitment to controlling quality at each step rather than outsourcing either component.

Menu, Pricing, and Coffee Program

Sandwiches range from $9 to $13 depending on fillings and size. House-made bread comes in varieties that rotate but typically include whole wheat, sourdough, and flatbread options. Fillings emphasize quality proteins and fresh vegetables; the Tibs sandwich (sautéed Ethiopian-spiced beef) and the Kitfo sandwich (raw or lightly cooked minced beef mixed with spiced butter) reflect the owner's Ethiopian culinary background. Both sandwiches are built to order.

Ethiopian coffee is available as single-origin pour-overs ($4.50 to $5.50) or in bags for home brewing ($13 to $18 per 12-ounce bag, depending on roast level). The house offers seasonal lots that change as new harvests arrive; confirming current availability and pricing when you visit is worthwhile since single-origin coffee prices fluctuate with sourcing. Espresso drinks start at $3.50 for a shot and top out around $6 for a larger milk-based drink. Pastries and baked goods, typically sourced from local producers, run $3 to $5.

How Adulis Compares to Other Baltimore Sandwich Spots

Baltimore's sandwich landscape tilts heavily toward roast beef shops and Italian delis. Chaps Pit Beef and Cluck's Chicken deliver speed and established local loyalty, with sandwiches under $10 and drive-through convenience. Fogo de Chao serves Brazilian-style protein but at a full-restaurant price point ($25 and up per entrée). Woodberry Kitchen sources local ingredients with care but operates as a full restaurant and costs substantially more ($16 to $28 per entrée).

Adulis occupies a middle ground: it rivals traditional Baltimore delis in price but differs in sourcing and cooking style. Where Chaps competes on speed and tradition, Adulis competes on ingredient control and roastery integration. Choose Adulis if you want a sandwich tied to a particular culinary tradition (Ethiopian) and coffee brewed from beans the shop roasted itself. Choose Chaps if you want quintessential Baltimore roast beef and maximum speed. Choose Woodberry Kitchen if you want to spend more time and money on a full dining experience.

Who This Place Suits and Who It Does Not

Adulis works best for: coffee drinkers interested in Ethiopian beans, people seeking a sandwich with non-American preparation, anyone on Pennsylvania Avenue looking for a quick, quality lunch with minimal seating fuss. It does not suit customers expecting a large menu, a full dining atmosphere, or accommodations for groups larger than 4 or 5 people. The roastery noise and limited table space make it less ideal for long stays.

What to Expect on a First Visit

Walk in and scan the menu board above the counter. Ask the staff about current sandwich specials or coffee lots if the menu feels unfamiliar. Place your sandwich order and drink order at the same time. If you want coffee beans to take home, ask for a tasting note or roast recommendation; the staff will explain the difference between the current offerings. Expect your sandwich in 5 to 10 minutes. Grab a small table if one is free, or take it to go. The roastery equipment operates during service hours, so if you're sensitive to noise, plan accordingly.

Hours, Parking, and Getting There

Adulis operates Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (confirm these hours before visiting, as small cafes occasionally adjust seasonal schedules). The storefront sits on Pennsylvania Avenue North in Waverly, with street parking available along the avenue. There is no dedicated lot. Public transit via the #3 bus stops nearby. The walk from the Penn North light rail station is approximately 10 minutes.

Adulis succeeds because it refuses to outsource the elements that matter most. A roaster that sells only coffee beans the shop roasted and a sandwich maker who bakes bread daily signal a business built on specificity rather than convenience.