Washington, D.C., is a big city, but it retains a small-town vibe, with plenty of locally owned and operated bakeries. The best bakeries in Washington, D.C., offer the freshest breads, coffee and sweets. Many are loved because they offer the classic warmth of the traditional bakery, while others are on the cutting edge of baking trends and technology!

CakeLove

1506 U St. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 588-7100
www.cakelove.com

Lawyer-turned-baker Warren Brown opened Cakelove in 2002 on U Street, and since has opened six other locations in the metro D.C. area. Layered cakes, cupcakes, pies and various other treats make up the menu of this local treasure. Across U Street sits Love Café, a cozy neighborhood coffee bar that offers sandwiches, salads, and, of course, cake slices and cupcakes.

Sticky Fingers Bakery

1370 Park Rd. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20010
(202) 299-9700
www.stickyfingersbakery.com

Washington City Paper readers voted Sticky Fingers as D.C.’s Best Bakery and Best Vegan Restaurant in 2010, drawing both vegan and non-vegan foodies to Columbia Heights. The non-dairy cupcakes, cookies and other treats are joined by a full brunch menu, lunch dishes such as chili dogs and made-to-order sandwiches, and even ginger dog treats. Did we mention it’s all vegan?

Firehook Bakery

1909 Q St. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 588-9296

912 17th St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 429-2253

555 13th St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 393-0951
www.firehook.com

The quintessential cozy neighborhood bakery comes to life inside Firehook Bakery’s walls. This D.C. staple has been around since 1992 and has expanded to 11 locations in D.C. and Virginia. Fresh breads, warm coffee and an array of baked goods has led Firehook Bakery to become one of W magazine’s top five bakeries in the world – it’s certainly one of the best bakeries in Washington, D.C.