Arthouse marries good food and local artists

The Arthouse is a restaurant, bar and art gallery in Hampden. It is about a 30 minute walk from Homewood campus, located on the west end of W. 36th St.

The Arthouse’s menu mostly features pizza but also has a choice of salads and smaller plates that are easily shareable. For those over 21, they offer a fairly large selection of international wines. The restaurant also makes a point to showcase local artists whose works are featured around the restaurant. Its intimate, rustic atmosphere makes it easy to dine while also admiring the artworks, which are periodically changed.

Recent events include a pre-Valentine’s Day dinner and fashion show on Feb. 11 and an art show last December.

Primarily a pizzeria, the Arthouse appeals to a diverse group of customers ranging from students to families with young children to older couples. Unfortunately the restaurant does not take reservations, so there can be a lengthy wait during prime times, especially on weekends. However, it is open from noon onwards, so it is possible to visit the restaurant during non-peak hours.

Currently there are works on display that range in style and subject and would potentially appeal to the diverse customer base. A few of the pieces include “Dinosaur,” whose subject matter is fairly evident, “Windows In The City,” a more abstract painting and “Northwest Picnic,” a landscape of a grassy area with a picnic bench. Clients can wander throughout the small space and choose to admire or purchase any of the artworks. In this way, the restaurant is able to support many local Baltimore artists the way several other galleries throughout Hampden do.

Many Hopkins students have visited this restaurant and recommend it.

“I loved the pizza there! They serve wood-fired, brick oven pizza, and it comes out really well. I also liked the setting of it. It was very cozy and a fun place to take my family when they came to visit. I’m definitely going back,” sophomore Gigi Habiby said.

The Arthouse forms part of the strong Hampden food scene which includes restaurants like fellow pizzeria Maria’s, which recently reopened after renovations, the Golden West Cafe and Souvlaki, which offers classic Greek food.

When you’re next in Hampden, be sure to drop by the Arthouse and check out their pizza, try their drinks and support local artists by discovering their works and maybe even purchasing a piece for your apartment next year.