I love to try the best bakeries around the world and Bread Alley’s quality is definitely world class.
The harissa sourdough with black sesame crust was one of the best sourdoughs I’ve had in the US. Same for the almond croissant - insanely crunchy, buttery, not too sweet, with an almost custard like almond paste (devoured before we took a photo).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wendy M.
Bread Alley had been on my foodie radar for a while. It’s the secret spot behind some of DC’s best restaurants, including Le Diplomate. 🍞
On a recent Saturday morning, I finally followed the scent down the alley and joined the small line of locals waiting for a taste of this hidden gem bakery’s weekend special. The shop is tiny and can fit maybe three people at a time, but that’s part of its charm.
I went straight for the limited-edition charcoal croissant 🖤—flaky, buttery, and the perfect moody bite for Halloween season. The pastry case was filled with chocolate croissants, kouign-amann, and a ham & cheese croissant (Friday–Sunday only).
Their bread selection was just as tempting: award-winning baguettes, “spooky” sourdough, and a harissa loaf with black sesame crust that looked incredible. And yes, they even sell various butters including a truffle butter. ✨
If you love discovering hidden gems and bakeries worth the buzz, add Bread Alley to your DC list.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Baguette
Claire Nichols
Seriously some of the best bread I’ve had! Definitely one of the best bakeries in DC. Not sure if they make them anymore but if you ever have a chance to try their almond croissants, you will not regret it.
Sonya Green
Rudest customer service associate I’ve ever met in my life. I am disappointed. I came in at around 2:30/3pm and this customer service associate was blatantly rude. Very bad attitude.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 1
kathryn santivasci
I am OBSESSED with the cranberry walnut bread!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
PS Y
Great sourdough breads and a nice selection of specialty butter. Prices are about $9 to $13 for a loaf. These are some of the best loaves I’ve had in DC! The kouign amann is also yummy. I wish they would offer a more unique croissant than just ham and cheese, which is a little pricey for what it is.
Food: 5
wanphen Tee
Love croissant 🥐
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Ziyi Xiao
Please please buy their croissant. If possible get one blueberry earl grey jam too (I believe that jam is sold by a Montana brand called roots). I am a dedicated croissant fan and I have a high standard for fluffy, fresh croissants. Their plain croissant brightens my day. Coming back from Boston and missing clear flour bread, Bread Alley gives me hopes for living in dc again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alejandra Sanchez
Please please please get a bread slicer 😭 I love this bread but it’s too much for one person so I usually freeze it, would be great if it could be sliced in store! Pleaseee
Jake Schroeder
My partner took me here for the first time recently. It’s the best bread in DC. I hope that the employees’ unionization efforts are recognized soon. They do great work and deserve living wages and adequate healthcare.
Best bread I’ve ever had! Got the walnut cranberry
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Elie Singer
This place is so good!! If you’re looking for a good sourdough, you’ve found it. I’ve tried a dozen other bakeries in the city looking for a decent loaf and they were all highly disappointing (except Saylou in Shaw, but they only make whole wheat). Only qualm is it’s hard to get to. But definitely worth the trek when you have time.
Food: 5
Brian
Usually go an hour after they open, the door is always locked and someone has to open it for me! The persons working don't seem enthusiastic to work there, one guy didn't even know how to use the gift card but we got it going. Easy pick and choose what you want, ery small space with shelves of bread and butters in the small fridge. Bread is always on point. Be sure to check out the cookies when the machine is working. Over all good spot! They should start making loafs of bread!! But I understand it's also a bakery for their local Michelle star restaurants!!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
Yaakov Bressler
Secret bread spot!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Charmie Modi
Hidden gem for sourdough lovers! 🥖 This tiny bread spot is tucked away in an alley, you’d never expect it, but it’s 100% worth it.
Only room for 1–3 people inside, so expect a quick in-and-out vibe. The selection is small but curated, with certain loaves only available on weekends.
If you go on a weekend, do not skip the harissa sesame sourdough. It’s insanely flavorful with the perfect crust. One of the best sourdoughs I’ve had in DC.
I love to try the best bakeries around the world and Bread Alley’s quality is definitely world class.
The harissa sourdough with black sesame crust was one of the best sourdoughs I’ve had in the US. Same for the almond croissant - insanely crunchy, buttery, not too sweet, with an almost custard like almond paste (devoured before we took a photo).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bread Alley had been on my foodie radar for a while. It’s the secret spot behind some of DC’s best restaurants, including Le Diplomate. 🍞
On a recent Saturday morning, I finally followed the scent down the alley and joined the small line of locals waiting for a taste of this hidden gem bakery’s weekend special. The shop is tiny and can fit maybe three people at a time, but that’s part of its charm.
I went straight for the limited-edition charcoal croissant 🖤—flaky, buttery, and the perfect moody bite for Halloween season. The pastry case was filled with chocolate croissants, kouign-amann, and a ham & cheese croissant (Friday–Sunday only).
Their bread selection was just as tempting: award-winning baguettes, “spooky” sourdough, and a harissa loaf with black sesame crust that looked incredible. And yes, they even sell various butters including a truffle butter. ✨
If you love discovering hidden gems and bakeries worth the buzz, add Bread Alley to your DC list.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Baguette
Seriously some of the best bread I’ve had! Definitely one of the best bakeries in DC. Not sure if they make them anymore but if you ever have a chance to try their almond croissants, you will not regret it.
Rudest customer service associate I’ve ever met in my life. I am disappointed. I came in at around 2:30/3pm and this customer service associate was blatantly rude. Very bad attitude.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 1
I am OBSESSED with the cranberry walnut bread!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great sourdough breads and a nice selection of specialty butter. Prices are about $9 to $13 for a loaf. These are some of the best loaves I’ve had in DC! The kouign amann is also yummy. I wish they would offer a more unique croissant than just ham and cheese, which is a little pricey for what it is.
Food: 5
Love croissant 🥐
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Please please buy their croissant. If possible get one blueberry earl grey jam too (I believe that jam is sold by a Montana brand called roots). I am a dedicated croissant fan and I have a high standard for fluffy, fresh croissants. Their plain croissant brightens my day. Coming back from Boston and missing clear flour bread, Bread Alley gives me hopes for living in dc again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Please please please get a bread slicer 😭 I love this bread but it’s too much for one person so I usually freeze it, would be great if it could be sliced in store! Pleaseee
My partner took me here for the first time recently. It’s the best bread in DC. I hope that the employees’ unionization efforts are recognized soon. They do great work and deserve living wages and adequate healthcare.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Best bread I’ve ever had! Got the walnut cranberry
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is so good!! If you’re looking for a good sourdough, you’ve found it. I’ve tried a dozen other bakeries in the city looking for a decent loaf and they were all highly disappointing (except Saylou in Shaw, but they only make whole wheat). Only qualm is it’s hard to get to. But definitely worth the trek when you have time.
Food: 5
Usually go an hour after they open, the door is always locked and someone has to open it for me! The persons working don't seem enthusiastic to work there, one guy didn't even know how to use the gift card but we got it going. Easy pick and choose what you want, ery small space with shelves of bread and butters in the small fridge. Bread is always on point. Be sure to check out the cookies when the machine is working. Over all good spot! They should start making loafs of bread!! But I understand it's also a bakery for their local Michelle star restaurants!!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
Secret bread spot!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hidden gem for sourdough lovers! 🥖
This tiny bread spot is tucked away in an alley, you’d never expect it, but it’s 100% worth it.
Only room for 1–3 people inside, so expect a quick in-and-out vibe. The selection is small but curated, with certain loaves only available on weekends.
If you go on a weekend, do not skip the harissa sesame sourdough. It’s insanely flavorful with the perfect crust. One of the best sourdoughs I’ve had in DC.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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