Tim Ma plans Moe's Place restaurant in new Hopkins Student Center by 2025

In a pivotal meeting held on July 10, 2025, the Baltimore City Council approved a new liquor license for Moe's Place, a full-service restaurant set to open in the Hopkins Student Center by August 2025. Nestled on the third floor of this modern facility at 3290 North Charles Street, Moe's Place aims to cater primarily to the Johns Hopkins University community, offering a traditional pub-style menu that includes a variety of appetizers, sandwiches, and classic entrees.

The restaurant, which will accommodate 94 guests, is designed to enhance the dining experience on campus, marking it as the only full-service sit-down restaurant serving alcohol within the student center. The establishment's hours of operation will be Monday through Thursday from 8 AM to 10 PM, Fridays from 8 AM to midnight, Saturdays from 10 AM to midnight, and Sundays from 10 AM to 10 PM. To ensure compliance with alcohol regulations, all staff will be TIP certified, and strict ID checks will be enforced to prevent underage drinking.

Tim Ma, the individual licensee and a Johns Hopkins alumnus, brings a wealth of experience to the venture, having previously operated a successful restaurant on Georgetown University's campus. His partner, Steven James Jones, a Baltimore resident since 2023, will also play a role in the restaurant's management. Together, they have engaged in significant community outreach, including meetings with the Charles Village Civic Association (CVCA), which has expressed support for the application through a formal letter.

The council's decision to grant the license reflects a broader commitment to enhancing the local dining landscape while ensuring community safety and welfare. The agreement between the applicants and the CVCA will be incorporated into the license, reinforcing the restaurant's dedication to responsible operation.

As the Hopkins Student Center prepares to open its doors, Moe's Place stands poised to become a vibrant gathering spot for students, faculty, and staff, fostering a sense of community within the university's bustling environment. The approval of this liquor license not only signifies a new chapter for dining at Johns Hopkins but also highlights the importance of collaboration between local businesses and community organizations in shaping a thriving campus culture.