Fresh Baked Bread in DC: The Best DC Bread Bakeries

Let’s talk about the best DC bread bakeries, but let me add a caveat first: I live on Capitol Hill and I don’t drive unless absolutely necessary (read: only if I’m leaving town or crossing a bridge). So, yes, my recommendations are east-centric. Note: I say this because I got some grief for not including a particular NW bagel shop in my Best Bagel in DC round-up, to which I’ll say, I lived in NW for 8 years and Bethesda Bagels’ Dupont location was my favorite back then, too.

Best DC Bread Bakeries

I love a fresh baked loaf of bread. (Who doesn’t, right?!) And I’ve convinced myself that it’s better for me when I get it from a local DC bakery rather than the grocery store. (Is it true? I have no idea.) Which is to say, I’ve tried a lot of loaves and now consider myself an authority on the best DC bread bakeries — knowledge I’m obviously now going to impart on you. So, let’s get into it.

Ravenhook

Eastern Market | 225 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003 

I’ve done an entire blog post basically dedicated to how I eat my Ravenhook bread every week. I’m obsessed with their jalapeño cheddar loaf, but I also love the asiago cheese and the rosemary and the za’atar focaccia. They’re at Eastern Market every Tuesday and Saturday.

Capitol Jill Baking

Capitol Hill 

This in-home sourdough baker opens up her orders every Wednesday for pickup on Sundays. I got a taste of her French Onion loaf, which is on hiatus until the fall, and it was love at first bite. She’s also experimenting with other items like pretzels, so keep an eye on her Instagram page for the latest. 

Wine and Butter 

Capitol Hill | 1023 E Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003

This charming coffee shop and gourmet grocer isn’t necessarily a bakery, but their baguettes are perhaps my favorite in DC, so I had to include them.

Bread Furst

Cleveland Park | 4434 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Hey, a non-Capitol Hill baker! Bread Furst is a warm, delicious-smelling spot filled from floor to ceiling with every bread you could want — sweet or savory. Try to go in there for just a baguette. I promise you’ll walk out with a bag full of pastries, too.

Souk

Barracks Row | 705 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

I always have to include my favorite coffee shop, spice shop, bakery, and restaurant, Souk. And, as I’m writing this, I’m realizing it’s been weeks since I’ve been. All this travel is keeping me away from my favorite Hill spot. Just make sure you order your bread at Souk a day ahead of time!

A Nod to the Fresh Baked Bread in DC I Haven’t Tried

Like I said, this isn’t a fully comprehensive list since I haven’t tried every bakery in the District and, also, I mostly walk to pick up my carbs. So, I did want to give a shoutout to two bakeries which I’ve heard are absolutely wonderful, but I haven’t yet tried.

Seylou Bakery

Logan Circle | 926 N St NW Suite A, Washington, DC 20001

Elle

Mount Pleasant | 3221 Mt Pleasant St NW, Washington, DC 20010

Don’t worry, when I do make my way to these bakers, I’ll have an update.