First Look: Handcrafted by Bissinger’s in the Central West End

Long known for its sweet treats, Bissinger’s is branching out into the restaurant scene with Handcrafted by Bissinger’s, a new cafe concept located at the company’s longtime space at 32 Maryland Plaza in the Central West End. Handcrafted opened softly last week, offering a new food menu in addition to Bissinger’s famous confections and desserts.

As The Scoop reported in March, the chocolate company announced it would rebrand its CWE retail storefront. “We’ve upped the game,” said Nick Miller, executive chef of Bissinger’s sister company 23 City Blocks.

Salads, sandwiches and soups are available all day, and in the evening, house charcuterie, fondue and shareable plates are available as well. Fans of Bissinger’s desserts shouldn’t despair of the new direction: the popular chocolate overdose cookie and classic Cococcino – flourless chocolate cake with vanilla creme anglaise – remain on the menu.

The revamped space boasts hightops and couches, perfect for hanging out and sharing some small plates, and the wine wall that features the Wine Emotion wine dispensing system. Guests buy a card at the counter, then insert it in the wall and pour themselves 2-, 6- or 8-ounce pours from 24 rotating bottles of vino. A full bar with house cocktails is also available.

Handcrafted is open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday from 7 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Take a First Look at what to expect when you arrive at Bissinger’s new concept:

Matt Sorrell is staff writer at Sauce Magazine.