Soup's On — Restaurant in Baltimore

Really amazing guy working the counter. I apologize because I'm terrible with names, but him and I talked whilst he and the crew prepared my order. I took 5 soups with me, because I tend to be rather indecisive when going to new spots. Even though there wasn't anyone standing behind me I get the feeling he wouldn't have rushed me to make a selection then either, which is rather refreshing. He allowed me to sample the apricot and Lentil soup even though I made it clear I had no intentions on that being my final selection which was pretty cool. I say that to say you can sample before you make your final choice. So you don't have to fear getting home and being disappointed with your choices.

I grabbed the French Onion, Manhattan Clam, Lemon Chicken, Andouille Sausage, and the Seafood. I tend to not be a big fan of the Manhattan version of clam chowder as my acid reflux doesn't respond well to it. Needless to say I'm glad I didn't listen to my sensible side and tried it anyway because it was simple amazing,. Very hearty soup and it wasn't starved for clams either, had just the right ratio of vegetable to clam. The star of the chowder was very much present in every spoonful but not so overwhelming that you didn't get the presence of the tomatoes and other vegetables that made it great. As of writing this I have taking down the Chowder and Andouille Sausage one, both were very good in there own different ways. The French Onion which I was told tends to be the most requested was stolen out my passenger seat by a dear friend, so I will have to double back and try that one. That is the one who's aroma lite up the car the most. So if it taste anything like it smells, I'm sure I won't be disappointed.

One last fact I would love to mention. The young gentleman at the counter mentioned to me that he doesn't salt his soups as heavy as some would like, so he adds a sea salt packet to every order for you to salt to taste. I thought that was pretty genius. When I arrived home, I couldn't wait to dig in so as always I taste before I decide which extra condiments are needed. Upon tasting the two soups which were equally good as I spoke of before, I found them missing a little something. I immediately thought about what the gentleman had told me, so I went reaching back into the bag for the packets he had mentioned. When I added the little packet of salt it brought them to life. It was almost as if he measured out the perfect amount of salt that would be needed and had them package it just for individual use. When I mean it took the soup to the next level. I'm talking about the scene from the movie Ratatouille type next level. You know the one when the food critic bites into the dish and is instantly transported back to his childhood..... YEAH THAT...

I have gone to this establishment several times and thoroughly enjoyed the food selection. Food is prepared fresh and soups have delicious flavors with nice portion sizes. I would recommend them , perfect for a cold weather rainy day-much like today.

However, something I observed today showed a disservice and it was disheartening to see. Another patron and I had casual conversation while we waited for our meals as the only two people in the restaurant. She noted that it was her first time at the restaurant and was excited to try the food before she went to hear the orchestra play. That she didn’t know that the restaurant closed early and asked how I knew. (When I entered today there was a hand written sign on the door stating “closing early at 6pm”. ) I noted there was a sign and she disclosed she was blind and couldn’t see the sign or the menu. We went on to discuss menu items that I had before, of course soups but also sandwiches.. “sandwiches!?” She noted she didn’t know that there was sandwiches and other menu items- possibly because they had to verbally note items to her. Her order was up and the restaurant personnel approached with her order on a tray, kindly went through the order then got her some water. She asked about the sandwich items and he snapped at her saying that “I’ve been working 12 hours I want to go home “ then walked off. Mind you, this is at 5:33 pm. This it was a very rude encounter and I felt bad. I apologized for the interaction and wished her meal was good regardless of the interaction. This highlighted a greater concern for inclusion and accessibility in our community spaces/ businesses. Given that the menu changes frequently it is difficult for patrons using assistive technology to read the menu, patrons who cannot climb stairs cannot access the order desk. I hope that all patrons are taken in to account and treated with dignity and respect ,as we all should , and that despite long days -patrons have quality customer service interactions because sometimes you just want a nice bowl of hot soup on a...

How have I lived in this area 11+ years and never once been to Soups On?

Went with my best friend a couple weeks ago being that we try to sample different restaurants at least once up to twice per month.

The main reason I was interested in this establishment was the French Onion Soup.

Parking was very convenient. When you reach Maryland Ave and Preston Street. Make a left and there is a large public parking lot. The rates were very affordable, $2 per hour. Cash or card accepted which is a rarity for paid parking in Baltimore City. The walk back to Soups On is very short, probably less than the length of an entire city block.

Inside the atmosphere is very rustic. There's a few stairs one must maneuver so if you have mobility issues please be sure to bring a friend or ask someone for assistance.

There's a window at top of stairs where you place your order. The menu changes daily and is listed on a chalkboard next to the window. The offerings are soup and sandwiches. Beverages are in a upright cooler where you can choose your own,

Together we ordered 1 cream of seafood soup, 1 French Onion Soup and a cuban sandwich cut in half so we could share as appetizer.

The price was extremely affordable. Along with our 2 beverages the total check was around $22!! There are 3 sizes of soup, small, medium and large. We both opted for medium size.

There's a ultra quaint sitting area to the front of the establishment which has large windows facing Preston Street. There is also additional tables and seating up above that by use of a long set of stairs.

The food was absolutely delicious. The sandwich was perfect and the bread was delicious. Both of our Soups exceeded our expectations, Very fresh and tasty!

Even the bathroom was awesome. Super rustic and spotlessly clean!!!

We plan to return again because we liked everything about the...