Washington, D.C./ Food & Drinks
Published on February 28, 2020
Explore 4 best inexpensive bakeries in WashingtonUn Je Ne Sais Quoi | Photo: Wen Jin G./Yelp

Looking to try the top bakeries around?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable bakeries in Washington, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to venture next time you're on the hunt.

1. Un Je Ne Sais Quoi

photo: meibin z./yelp

Topping the list is Un Je Ne Sais Quoi. Located at 1361 Connecticut Ave. NW in Dupont Circle, it is the highest-rated affordable bakery in Washington, boasting 4.5 stars out of 658 reviews on Yelp. 

The site can tell you a thing or two more about Un Je Ne Sais Quoi.

"Owned by two French expats, we are a family business," according to the business's Yelp profile.

Regarding signature items, "We are a French pastry shop providing a high-quality dessert from the north of France made of meringue, whipped cream and ganache: the Merveilleux," it notes on Yelp. "Five flavors: dark chocolate, white chocolate, coffee, violet. In the morning you can choose various breakfast pastries: croissant, pain au chocolat, apple turnover, brioches."

2. The Pretzel Bakery

photo: tammy d./yelp

Next up is Capitol Hill's The Pretzel Bakery, situated at 257 15th St. SE. With 4.5 stars out of 306 reviews on Yelp, it has proved to be a local favorite for those looking for a cheap option. 

Yelper James B., who reviewed The Pretzel Bakery on Jan. 12, wrote, "We always go when it is busy and they are constantly churning out fresh, hot soft pretzels and making lots of fresh coffee (free refills on hot coffee). Try the pretzel bombs (Nutella-filled) and sweet pretzels topped with a special glaze."

Aarti B. noted, "The pretzels are like soft Philly pretzels. While I appreciate that the Original Pretzel wasn't too salty, it was a bit bland and something was missing. A touch of butter would have been nice. The roasted red pepper calzone loaded with cheese had a nice spicy kick."

3. Sticky Fingers

photo: michael u./yelp

Columbia Heights' Sticky Fingers, located at 1370 Park Road NW, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the inexpensive bakery four stars out of 894 reviews. 

The site has lots more information on Sticky Fingers Sweets & Eats.

"Doron Petersan, a longtime vegan animal activist with a discerning sweet tooth and nutrition background, decided once and for all to do something about the lack of rich and satisfying desserts for those who eschew animal products," according to the business's Yelp profile. "And what better way to demonstrate that delicious eating and a concern for animal suffering, the environment and human health need not be mutually exclusive? Thus, Sticky Fingers was born."

Furthermore, we found this about the business's signature items: "We specialize in egg and dairy-free desserts and deli foods, all 100% vegan," it notes on Yelp. "From sticky cinnamon buns to wedding cakes, sandwiches to lasagna, we can satiate a sweet tooth or provide for your next lunch meeting."

4. Three Fifty

Photo: Tawfeeq K./Yelp

Three Fifty in DuPont Circle is another much-loved, low-priced go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 240 Yelp reviews. Head over to 1926 17th St. NW to see for yourself. 

If you're hungry for more, we found these details about Three Fifty:

"After years working in finance, Michael always wanted to open his own business," the business's Yelp page says. "His partner is a baker, so they decided to open a bakery in 2014. Michael takes pride in the quality of the products Three Fifty sells, as well as the great customer service."

Furthermore, we found this about the business's signature items: "Three Fifty serves baked desserts and pastries," it notes on Yelp. "We serve fresh-brewed Illy brand coffee with great pride and as an official partner. Imagine the aromatic smell of fresh baked desserts, sweets, treats and pastries."

This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.