You can sip afternoon tea beneath original church stained glass while sitting just a few feet from antique pews. The windows still carry names from the congregation that worshipped here.
That’s a lot of history to discover over a plate of scones.
This Maryland café kept the soaring interior of its former church, then filled it with mismatched tables, comfortable couches, and the smell of fresh coffee.
Breakfast is served alongside lunch favorites, while the traditional afternoon tea comes with finger sandwiches, scones, and sweets on vintage china.
You need to reserve that tea service in advance.
I love the idea of a building that once brought neighbors together doing the same thing in an entirely different way. Between the stained glass, old pews, and weekend music, there’s plenty to admire before your coffee even cools.
The Altar Became a Coffee Bar, and Nobody Complained
Few cafes can say their espresso machine stands on holy ground. At Beans in the Belfry Meeting Place and Cafe, the coffee bar sits exactly where the church altar once stood.
That one detail sets the tone for the whole visit. You order your latte facing the same spot where a congregation once faced Sunday sermons.
The building still keeps much of its original look. Its red-brick walls and arched stained-glass windows make it clear this was a church long before it was a cafe.
Inside, the furniture mixes eras in a fun way. Antique church pews share the room with soft couches and regular tables, so you can pick your mood.
Want to curl up with a book? Grab a couch.
Meeting a friend for a long talk? A pew or table works nicely.
The space feels warm and casual rather than stiff or fancy. Nobody expects you to whisper, even though the setting might tempt you to.
I love that the owners kept the bones of the church in plain view. It turns a simple coffee stop into a small history lesson with a muffin on the side.
Honestly, that’s a pretty great trade for a morning errand.
Those Stained-Glass Windows Have Stories Written Right on Them
Look closely at the glass and you’ll spot names. Some of the original windows are memorial windows, and the inscriptions are still there more than a century later.
The Brunswick History Commission has researched those names. That means the windows aren’t just pretty decorations.
They connect the cafe to real families who once worshipped in this building.
Of course, they’re also gorgeous. When sunlight hits them, the colors spread across tables and floors in a way no modern light fixture can copy.
Here’s a fun tip for your visit. Pick a seat near one of the memorial windows and take a minute to read the names before your food arrives.
It’s a quiet way to feel the building’s past. You might find yourself wondering who these people were and what this little Maryland town looked like in their day.
Photographers will also have a blast here. The windows make a beautiful backdrop for a coffee cup snapshot, especially on a bright morning.
I believe these windows are the true heart of the place. Plenty of cafes serve good coffee, but very few serve it under glass that has watched over a community since 1910.
From Empty Pews to Packed Tables: A Comeback Story
History buffs, this part is for you. The building opened in 1910 as the Brunswick Reformed Church and served as a place of worship until December 1968.
After that, things got rough. The church sat abandoned for about 10 years, which is a long time for any old building to wait for help.
Then Melanie DiPasquale bought it. She led a careful, loving restoration that saved the structure and many of its original features.
Her work paid off in a big way. In October 2004, Beans in the Belfry opened its doors as a cafe and community meeting place.
Think about how close this building came to being lost. Plenty of old churches across the country have been torn down after sitting empty for years.
Instead, this one got a second life full of coffee, music, and conversation. The name even nods to its past, since a belfry is the part of a church that holds the bell.
I find that story pretty inspiring. It shows what can happen when someone sees potential in a dusty, forgotten space.
So when you sip your drink here, you’re also enjoying a small rescue mission that worked out beautifully.
Breakfast Here Happens All Day, So Sleep In
Good news for late risers. Beans in the Belfry serves freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day, seven days a week.
The morning menu covers plenty of ground. You’ll find breakfast sandwiches, like a croissant stacked with egg, bacon, and cheese.
Quiche fans get several options to choose from. Bagels and hot oatmeal round things out for anyone who wants something simple and filling.
Planning your timing still matters, though. The cafe opens at 8:30 a.m. on weekdays and closes at 3 p.m., so don’t wait too long.
Weekends give you a little more room. Saturday and Sunday hours run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., which is perfect for a lazy start.
A croissant sandwich under stained glass beats eating a granola bar in your car any day. That’s just a fact.
Pair your breakfast with a coffee and grab a seat near the windows. The morning light makes everything feel a bit more special.
My advice? Try something new each time you stop by.
With all-day service, you could easily come back for breakfast at lunchtime and nobody would blink an eye.
Pinkies Up for a Proper English Afternoon Tea
Tea time gets a serious upgrade in a century-old sanctuary. The cafe offers a Traditional English Afternoon Tea Service, and the setting fits it perfectly.
Picture fine teacups beneath tall stained-glass windows. Okay, I’m not supposed to tell you to picture things, but you’re probably doing it anyway.
The cafe is known for expertly blended teas. That makes it a natural home for a slow, relaxing tea service with friends or family.
Afternoon tea is a wonderful way to celebrate something. Birthdays, bridal showers, or a catch-up with an old friend all feel fancier here.
A smart move is to plan ahead. Contact the cafe before your visit to set up the tea service, so everything is ready when you arrive.
Kids can join the fun too. A tea party in a real old church is the kind of memory young guests talk about for weeks.
I think afternoon tea suits this building better than almost anywhere else. The quiet elegance of the room matches the slow pace of pouring and sipping.
Just try not to giggle when someone sticks out a pinky. It’s practically required in a room this charming.
Lunch Gets Cozy With Dips, Chili, and Grilled Paninis
Crab dip in Maryland? Of course it’s on the menu.
Beans in the Belfry serves it alongside spinach artichoke dip, hummus, and black bean dip.
Those dips are great for sharing. Order a couple for the table and let everyone grab a bite while you chat.
Heartier appetites have plenty to choose from too. Chili and soups make a cozy pick, especially on a chilly afternoon after a long walk.
Sandwich lovers will find options like the Tuscan and the Old Berlin. Grilled paninis also make an appearance, warm and pressed right off the grill.
Salads give you a lighter choice. They’re a nice option if you want room left over for something sweet later.
And yes, there are desserts. Saving space for one is a decision your future self will thank you for.
Food here is prepared fresh, which fits the relaxed, homey style of the whole cafe. It’s a sit-and-stay kind of lunch, not a rushed grab-and-go.
My suggestion is to split a dip, pick your own sandwich, and share a dessert. That way you taste more of the menu without needing a nap afterward.
Old Church Acoustics Make Weekend Music Sound Amazing
Churches were built for sound to carry. That’s great news for the musicians who play here, because the room has magnificent acoustics.
Live music fills the space on weekends. The lineup includes blues, folk, jazz, bluegrass, and old-time jammers, so there’s plenty of variety.
Open mic nights add another layer of fun. Local performers get a chance to share their talents in a truly unique setting.
Sundays bring something extra special. The cafe hosts a Sunday Jazz Brunch, which pairs smooth tunes with a relaxed late-morning meal.
Want the best seat in the house? Head upstairs to the balcony, the old choir loft, for a view over the whole room.
There’s something fitting about music returning to a space that once echoed with hymns. The building gets to do what it was designed for, just with a different playlist.
Bring a friend who loves live music. Even if bluegrass isn’t usually your thing, hearing it in this room might change your mind.
Before you go, check the cafe’s schedule for upcoming performers. That way you can plan your brunch or afternoon coffee around a show you’ll really enjoy.
Kids, Knitters, and Board Gamers All Get a Spot
A costume trunk in a cafe is a parenting win. The kids’ corner here comes stocked with costumes, children’s books, games, and toys.
That means grown-ups can actually finish a cup of coffee. Little ones stay busy while you enjoy the stained glass and maybe a slice of dessert.
The fun isn’t only for children, though. Board game fans, knitters, and artists often gather here, turning the cafe into a true community hangout.
Remote workers have options too. Free Wi-Fi makes it easy to answer emails or study from a comfy couch.
The balcony is a handy spot for focused work. The old choir loft now holds computers, which is a pretty funny glow-up for a place once used for singing.
Need a space for a gathering? The cafe can be rented for private dinners, birthday parties, showers, or meetings.
I like how the full name, Beans in the Belfry Meeting Place and Cafe, really fits. It’s built for people to linger and connect.
Bring a deck of cards, a knitting project, or a sketchbook. You’ll fit right in with the creative crowd this Maryland spot attracts.
Towpath Riders, Your Next Pit Stop Is Two Blocks Away
Bikers and hikers, listen up. The C&O Canal towpath sits just two blocks behind the cafe, making it an easy detour for a snack break.
You’ll find the cafe at 122 West Potomac Street, Brunswick, MD 21716. It’s a short hop from the trail, so tired legs won’t have to go far.
Sunny days call for outdoor seating. The sidewalk and garden both offer shaded spots, perfect for cooling off with an iced drink.
Fuel matters on a long ride. Organic fair trade coffee, espresso drinks, and a hearty sandwich can keep you pedaling for miles.
Brunswick itself is a charming small town worth exploring. Pair your cafe stop with a stroll along the river or a ride down the historic canal path.
Plan around closing time if you’re heading out later in the day. Weekday hours end at 3 p.m., while weekends stretch until 5 p.m.
I can’t think of a better reward after miles on the towpath. A cold drink in a garden next to a 1910 church beats any vending machine.
So next time you ride through this corner of Maryland, make Beans in the Belfry your official snack stop.
