If you haven’t had Arepi yet, Nomsters, RUN! I’ve been a fan ever since I first tried their food at the Baltimore Farmers Market, and now that they’ve got a brick-and-mortar in Fells Point, I’m even more obsessed. This Venezuelan spot does the kind of food that just makes you happy: pillowy arepas, sweet corn cachapas, crispy empanadas, and fluffy cachitos, all packed with flavor and super affordable.
Their arepas are obviously delish, but the Party Beast Cachapa stole the show for me, and I’m already dreaming about my next one. It’s a casual, feel-good counter spot with a small free lot attached, which in Fells Point is basically a miracle.
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What Makes Arepi So Special?!
Venezuelan food’s still pretty rare in Baltimore, which is the first reason Arepi’s such a find, but the bigger reason is the heart behind it. It’s run by brothers Harold and Luis Dams, who started Arepi back in 2021 as a farmers-market stall, hauling their gear around in a 1999 Volvo they nicknamed Bertha before they finally landed this permanent Fells Point home.
That scrappy, family-run energy is all over the place, right down to the community night markets and movie nights they throw outside under the name El Jardin. It’s the kind of small business you root for the second you walk in, and the food more than backs it up.
What to Order at Arepi
Their arepas are the obvious move, but here’s everything I’d steer you toward, because the whole menu slaps.
Party Beast Cachapa ($13.50)
This was my first time trying a cachapa and I’m already plotting my return. It’s a traditional Venezuelan sweet corn pancake filled with artisan Venezuelan white cheese plus a protein and sauce of your choice, and I went with braised pork loin and a spicy sauce because I love a good kick. It was packed with flavor with a lovely natural sweetness, and I loved the contrast between the slightly crisp exterior and the almost creamy filling. YUM! Start here.
Pavillion Arepa ($13)
My first time trying their pabellon arepa, and it was lovely. It’s stuffed with braised beef, fried sweet plantains, black beans, and mozzarella, which is basically Venezuela’s national dish tucked into a handheld. You pick mild or spicy sauce (or both), and you can go wild with add-ons. A great intro if you want the full flavor lineup in one bite.
Urbanite Empanada ($5)
Another winner. It’s fried to crisp perfection and served with the most yum dipping sauce, and I really loved the slightly sweet corn dough. At $5 it’s an easy add to any order, so grab one even if you’re already loading up.
Cachito ($7)
Cachitos are a Venezuelan breakfast staple, a horn-shaped bread roll (cachito literally means “little horn” in Spanish) filled with various goodies. Arepi does three kinds, and I got the ham and cream cheese. The dough was super fluffy and reminded me of brioche, and the filling-to-bread ratio was on point.
What’s a Cachapa (…and a Cachito)?
If some of these names are new, here’s a quick primer. A cachapa is a Venezuelan sweet corn pancake, made from fresh ground corn so it comes out a little sweet and tender, usually folded over cheese and a filling.
A cachito is a soft, horn-shaped bread roll (the name means “little horn”), a classic Venezuelan breakfast item traditionally stuffed with ham. An arepa, for comparison, is a round corn cake split and stuffed like a sandwich. Arepi does all three, so it’s a perfect place to taste your way through Venezuelan staples in one go.
The Vibe and Experience
Arepi’s a casual, counter-service spot with a genuinely fun setup, think record players tucked into the booths and a laid-back Fells Point feel. It’s right on Thames Street next to The Sound Garden, so you can easily dig through some records at The Sound Garden before or after you eat. There’s a small free parking lot attached, which is a legit win for the neighborhood, and it’s dog-friendly too. If you’re building a whole Fells Point food day, Sacre Sucre is worth a stop for a pastry afterward.
Good to Know
- Location: 📍 1616 Thames St, Baltimore, MD 21231, in Fells Point.
- Hours: Monday through Saturday 10 AM to 8 PM, Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM.
- Format: Counter service and casual, with a small free lot attached and booth seating.
- Dietary: The arepas and empanadas are gluten-free, and there’s a vegan arepa with black beans and sweet plantains.
- Drinks: Beer and wine available.
- Good to know: Dog-friendly, and they host community El Jardin events on Thames Street. They got their start at the farmers market, so you may still catch them out and about.
- Website: Full menu and details on the Arepi website.
Is Arepi Worth The Hype?
Absolutely. Arepi’s affordable, the food’s full of flavor, and the family-run story behind it makes it that much easier to root for. The Party Beast Cachapa alone is worth the trip, and the fact that it’s one of the only spots doing Venezuelan food in Baltimore makes it a genuine must. It’s a perfect casual lunch, especially folded into a Fells Point afternoon. For another sweet stop while you’re in the neighborhood, Pitango Bakery is a great option.
So there you have it, Nomsters. Arepi’s a gem I’ll keep coming back to. Have you guys tried their food yet? Let me know your go-to order in the comments, and send this to whoever you’d share a plate of empanadas with. A huge thanks to the Arepi team for their hospitality!