Before the first sip of coffee or bite of shrimp and crab croissant, the atmosphere at Tribe Social Cafe in downtown Baltimore makes an impression. Bright artwork stretches across the walls; books and locally made goods fill the shelves; and cozy seating invites visitors to settle in and stay awhile.

Part gallery, part coffee shop and part community lounge, Tribe, which celebrated its grand opening at 233 E. Redwood St. on March 20, is more than a typical cafe. Owner Leron Levi said the goal is simple: create a welcoming space where food, art and conversation share the spotlight.

The cafe focuses on quality eats, welcoming service and accessible prices, Levi said. Customers rave about the croissants and the crab bread, which features toasted sourdough with avocado, slaw, onions and an egg. The Caribbean club sandwich, a brioche bun topped with chicken, bacon, provolone, lettuce and tomato, adds a flavorful twist to the menu. On the beverage side, drinks like ginger berry tea have quickly become favorites.

Even the coffee menu reflects Baltimore’s personality. One specialty drink, the Scotty 2 Hotty, is named after Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, while another, the Lady Day, pays tribute to legendary singer Billie Holiday.

“I just want to contribute to and feed the culture,” Levi said.

For Levi, that culture begins with visual artists, who he said don’t always get the same level of exposure as musicians and actors. The cafe aims to change that by placing artwork front and center: It lines the walls, giving visitors a gallery-like experience while they sip coffee at their laptops or enjoy a sit-down meal. Guests can scan QR codes to learn about the artists and directly purchase pieces.

Levi works with art curator Kaya Gordon, whose connections helped bring in artists such as Destiny Branay, Murjoni Merriweather, Taj Poscé and more from Baltimore’s artistic community.

The space is also a hub for other local creatives, offering books, oils, soaps and other products from Baltimore makers. Levi said the goal is to create opportunities for local artists and vendors to gain exposure and connect with new audiences.

The cafe hosts community-focused events designed to bring people together without the pressure of buying a meal.

Levi said Downtown Partnership of Baltimore’s BOOST program, which helps entrepreneurs launch businesses in the city’s downtown corridor, helped make his dream possible. “The support has allowed me to not operate in the red from day one,” Levi said. “The business is taking care of itself.”

For many artists and visitors, the cafe feels like a reflection of Baltimore’s evolving creative energy.

Alena Jones-Craven, a visual artist who paints murals and teaches art therapy to children after school, said spaces like Tribe Social Cafe are important for the city’s growing arts community.

“I think Baltimore is going through a kind of renaissance of art,” Jones-Craven said. Originally from Atlanta and now part of Baltimore’s creative scene, she said the cafe provides an inclusive environment where artists and residents can connect.

Customers say the atmosphere is part of the appeal.

Candace Hall, who stopped in with a friend, was excited to support what she described as a “Black safe space,” especially since she recognized artwork created by friends displayed throughout the cafe.

Others say the environment — clean, modern and visually pleasing — makes it easy to stay awhile.

“It’s not just a cafe,” said Christopher Bess, who works in the same building and has become a regular. “It gives me the feel of home. Everything is pleasant to the eye.”

And, of course, the food has quickly made him a fan.

“The lamb special is my favorite so far,” Bess said. He also enjoys the Caribbean punch.

Levi, who grew up in Richmond, Virginia, and moved to Baltimore for work, said community support has been key to getting the business off the ground. He employs three people and hopes to eventually expand that number to nine.

For artists or vendors hoping to collaborate, Levi encourages them to reach out through social media or email.

And visitors? Just come hungry and ready to take in the art.

LaDawn Black is a Baltimore-based media maven and author telling stories about the people, art and culture that define Baltimore and beyond. Follow her @iamladawnblack.