Cockey’s Provides a Big Boost for Hollins Market

When I attended Live Balitmore’s Pop-Up in Southwest Baltimore they asked residents what they love about living in Baltimore.  Robert, a resident of Hollins Market, wrote down, “I love the best cheesesteaks in town at Cockey’s in Hollins Market.”  Robert is a big fan of Hollins Market and Baltimore, so I immediately knew that Cockey’s was a place I had to try soon.

Today I stopped by for lunch and picked up a chicken cheesesteak and fries lunch special for $6.  For starters, it’s not often these days that I can’t finish a $6 plate of food, but I’m currently stuffed and still have half of the french fries that I look forward to reheating in the near future.  The sandwich did not disappoint.  The chicken was fresh, well seasoned and cooked and the cheese melted in my mouth.  A sandwich is only as strong as the roll it’s placed on and the rolls at Cockey’s had that nice consistency that you’ll find on hoagies in Delaware and Philly.

With the hand-cut french fries they asked if I wanted them seasoned with salt and pepper and I agreed.  I am a big fan of pepper, but something about the pepper they used on these fries made me want to eat a few more than I should have and lick my fingers afterwards. If you like salt and pepper on your fries, you definitely have to try these.  The rest of their menu was filled with different sandwiches including hot roast and corned beef. I was also told I have to try the shrimp salad which is a local favorite.

SoWeBo has seen its share of businesses come and go for various reasons but it’s clear that Cockey’s is committed to the neighborhood and wants to be a part of all of the great progress.  Bob Cockey originally opened his business at a stand in the historic Hollins Market and later moved to a restaurant space across the street at 1116 Hollins St. and named it Cockey’s Tavern.  An offer was made to purchase the building and restaurant at 1116 Hollins St. and Cockey’s soon moved into their new location at 39 S. Arlington St.

The new property offered the Cockey family something they had always wanted, the space for an outdoor beer garden with room for a BBQ.  The beer garden is now open on weekends for dining and they are hoping to complete their liquor license transfer by mid July, when it will open daily.  What used to be an abandoned lot is now a cool fenced in space with many tables, umbrellas and a large smoker.  The beer garden gives them space to smoke pit beef and they are looking forward to crab feasts, soft shell crab specials and more in the near future.  The beer garden will even feature a wedding this weekend. Cockey’s is also looking to expand the inside of the restaurant in the near future to add a bar and more space.

It appears Cockey’s has finally found a permanent home where they as well as the Hollins Roundhouse community can grow together.  The key to urban neighborhood revitalization is great businesses and restaurants and a place like Cockey’s certainly helps SoWeBo build a lot of momentum.

About the Author: Kevin Lynch

Founder and Publisher of SouthBmore.com, longtime resident of South Baltimore, and a graduate of Towson University. Diehard Ravens and O's fan, father of three, amateur pizza chef, skateboarder, and "bar food" foodie. Email me at Kevin@InceptMM.com and follow me on Twitter at @SoBoKevin.