It's not called "Bread Alley" for nothing! They sell bread and it's located in an alley. If you're not specifically looking for Bread Alley, it's an easy place to miss. You're basically walking up to a doorway with minimal signage. It's almost speakeasy-esque, but instead of a password, you just ring the doorbell and wait for someone from the inside to come and grant you entry. I rang the doorbell, and a worker came to open the door shortly afterwards. I went during lunch, and the shelves were running bare, but I was able to grab one of the last few Cranberry Walnut Sourdough loaves ($13 before tax). The loaf was hefty and my family raved about it. Service was efficient and pleasant. Bread Alley is definitely where you want to go for a bready pick-me-up. I'll be back to grab more baked goodness! read more

Bread Alley - Cranberry Walnut Sourdough ($13) - Bakeries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

You come here to get the same bread that you get at Le Diplomate, however, they do have various other breads such as sourdough and a few other pastries. I stuck with what I came for: a baguette. The baguette was massive and was hard and crunchy on the outside whole being soft and chewy on the inside. They also have various butters, jams, and spreads that I was tempted to buy but didn't. Maybe next time. The worker here wasn't very friendly. He kinda just stared at people but never said a word. read more

I've had BA bookmarked for a while and finally got the opportunity to visit....felt like a spy ring the bell and entering in this side alley establishment, lol. Immediately greeted upon entrance and noticed they didn't have any Cranberry Walnut Sourdough out. Mentioned to the cashier that my sole reason for visiting was to nab a loaf and she smiled and said that some would be put in a minute, YES. Paid for my loaf and some cultured butter and explained that I was headed to a brunch and could they hold my purchase for me. She gladly say yes. So nice and accommodating. After brunch I stopped in and retrieved my purchase. The bread is delicious and filling and you can't go wrong with small batch dairy. Can't wait to visit again and pick up some pastries. Tip: walk the alley, the wall art is creative. read more

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Super cute semi hidden spot in Union Market. Is all and intimate, with the most incredible smell of bread wafting from the door. I tried the kouign amann, which was excellent. I want to come back soon to try some loaves. read more

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Super friendly staff and even better bread!!! You have to ring the doorbell to get in which can be annoying if it's cold or there's a line but it's a small space once inside. I got a black sesame crusted harissa sourdough and it's the best loaf I've ever had. Such an ingenious combo. It's sweet and spicy and umami all in one. Freeze and use this for your breakfast sandwiches. Thank me later. The cookie is pricey good, reminded me of the lemon white chip cookie from levain. read more

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This may be a controversial take... so hear me out. In theory, I like the concept of this kind of bakery as it's a no thrill bakery with a limited selection of fresh pastries and breads that get distributed to other food vendors throughout DC like Le Dip and the same restaurant group. I personally like their baguettes and pastries, but the selection is whatever you see. The bread is nothing to rave about as it's bread, but I personally like the cozy feeling knowing I can have an intimate experience shopping for bread. Because of the small space too, you aren't fighting inside to get in line. The staff will quickly ring up your total. What I don't get is how there's a line outside most of the times I pass by and people calling this place a "hidden gem". Yes - this place is in an alley. But it's not like the best bakery known to mankind. It's also not the cheapest place in DC and that the hype allows them to charge prices I find a little too much. If you want to go to their sister bakery with more selection, I recommend Pluma nearby. This "gem" of a place may have a good photo opp, but I would just visit once and mark it off your bucket list of trendy places in DC read more

Bread Alley - Me in front of Bread Alley (2024) - Bakeries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Very charming setup, the inside is small and the baguette and sourdough are allegedly the best things on the menu, but I tried the croissant. The staff was kind enough to tell me that. However it was like walking into a mud room. Then you but your bread. I must say the croissant was good but perhaps a bit more than I'd prefer to pay. If I'm correct it was like over 5 dollars. It was very good. I might not go back again soon as the experience didn't touch my soul philosophically. read more

Bread Alley - Croissant - Bakeries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Bread Alley is everything like it sounds. It's tucked away around the corner from Union Market in an alleyway. It is a 100 square feet bread speakeasy with a level of mystery because you have to ring the doorbell for entry. All the bread is baked daily and there are many specialty breads available. Tucked in the corner are local items for sale like honey, Jams, butter, etc. I picked up the Harissa Sesame Crusted Sourdough and it was both spicy and delicious. This is a spot worth visiting! read more

Bread Alley - Harissa Sesame Crusted Bread - Bakeries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I had the opportunity to order online from this small bakery spun off of a large restaurant. I apparently should have, because when I meandered down the alley leading to the door and rang the doorbell to get in, I found only a single loaf of bread. Even on a Monday, at 2:00 or so. Fortunately, I snapped that thing up, along with a pastry and some butter, before the next guy got in. It was a resplendent cranberry walnut loaf and despite being on the sweeter side it went great with butter. I assume the croissant was good but someone else ate it for me. It irks me that their hours say they're open until 5 and they sell out that early. But if you can get a bread here, the quality appears to be as promised, and I appreciated the option to order a few extras on the side as well. Bear in mind that it's hidden in an alley and parking in this area is increasingly difficult as it blows up. read more

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I've had this bakery saved on my list for awhile and finally got a chance to go this morning with my parents. The inside is really small with no seating, but a good variety of options. We grabbed a couple pastries (pain au chocolat and kouign amann) which we enjoyed. The kouign amann was our favorite because the crispy sugar layer was perfect. The pain au chocolat was tasty, but would have preferred the chocolate to be a bit melted. There were other items like full loaves of bread and jams available for purchase. Overall, pretty solid find and I hope to stop by again eventually. read more

Bread Alley - Bakeries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Went here to get some sourdough bread to take home and it didn't disappoint. Bread was great. Crust on the outside and very soft and airy inside. Service was nice and friendly. I ordered online it was ready for my with my name on it when I go there. Great quality and service finding it is a little difficult but it's right passed Minetta tavern. read more

Bread Alley - Bakeries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Crispy $6 baguette. Didn't have much variety of breads remaining but it was crispy and crunchy. Ring the doorbell and not near Union Market. It is across the street from Union Market. read more

This is a bit odd - but I'm gluten intolerant and can't eat bread but I always buy from this little bakery because it's a total hit with friends. I stop in and get fun and unique breads whenever I'm running to a brunch, potluck, dinner at a friends house, etc. They also have desserts and decadent butters and spreads. I've only received rave reviews! read more

A hidden bread speakeasy in Union Marlet DC that I heard about in social media, and is probably some of the best bread I've ever had!!! Bread Alley is small bakery tucked away on Morse Street NE! You need to ring the doorbell and explore their amazing, limited selection of breads. I recommend visiting early because the breads go quick! I went around 1pm and there were only 3 different sourdoughs still available, and a few croissants. I loved their Cranberry Walnut Sourdough and Gingerdoodle Cookie. read more

Bread Alley - Pain au chocolat - Bakeries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The best bread in DC hands down! It's always fresh, staff is helpful and very knowledgeable about the products and inventory! It's a grab and go in the alley, where majority of DC restaurants get their bread! Grab a loaf and make a cozy breakfast or go on a picnic date! read more

Came to bread alley with a friend who is a baker visiting from CA. She'd pinned Bread Alley in her favorites because she'd heard really great things and had to visit. Bread Alley is literally in an alley in Union Market and the cutest little shop. We'd stopped by on a Wednesday around 2 ish. There was not much left except for cookies, a couple sourdoughs and a baguette. I opted for the baguette so that I could try something and it was good. Not the best bread I've ever had but still really good. I'd definitely come back for the croissants sometime soon. Thanks! Oh and they do not take Apple Pay as a heads up. read more

Bread Alley - Bakeries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Bread Alley is tucked in an alley, and has a smaller storefront, as it looks like they make their bread in the back of the shop. They have a small selection of pastries, bread, jams and butter. Their sourdough bread is worth trying - my boyfriend and I opted for their sesame harissa sourdough, which has slightly too many sesame seeds and spice for my taste / comfort but I'd like to try another sourdough some other time. Their croissants are flaky and good! On our second time here, we had selected a croissant and a ham and cheese pastry. However, upon checkout, we were unfortunately told that they do not take Apple Pay. It definitely was a bummer - hopefully they offer Apple Pay as a form of payment in the future! In the interim, if you have a physical credit card, that worked for us the first time we visited. read more

Bread Alley - outside - Bakeries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

My wife and I love the bread here! Be sure to go early before they run out for the day. Only disappointment is they discontinued their ginger doodles, which were one of my wife's all time favorites. read more

Bread Alley is an awesome hidden gem. Literally in a sketchy alley they are serving up some of best bread in dc. From the staples of sourdough and baguettes to any of the specials you cannot go wrong here. read more

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. read more

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Alley seems sketchy but it's not, especially if the graffiti tag has a quarterback throwing a croissant All the bread is simply amazing-would have bought out the entire store but was only visiting for the weekend Grab a baguette and that salted Parisian butter and you're all set. Oh but don't forget the kouign amin, the best I've ever had...flaky, buttery, caramelized with a hidden taste surprise! Note: teeny, tiny but you can snag a table at nearby Union Market. read more

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Delicious bread and croissants soured by underwhelming customer service. Cashier didn't disclose when we discussed on Thursday that we'd try returning the next day for the sold out pastries (kouign amann, ham and cheese croissant) that they actually wouldn't be available the next day. Only charcoal colored croissants were available, would've been considerate to mention the day before since we were clearly visiting from out of town and wanted to try their baked goods. Still got the Halloween specials but she also failed to disclose the pan au chocolat was KitKat filled vs standard batons...Can't just assume every customer has your IG for said info, we walked in from off the street hoping she could've guided us through and instead she made it seem as though our inquiries were an inconvenience. The crumb on the croissants were tasty but I wouldn't rush back next trip back to the city. read more

super cute spot! fun to ring the doorbell and be let inside. staff was super helpful in deciding what to get, and everything tasted amazing. we got a french baguette ($6), a mini pepe saya butter ($2) and a sourdough! read more

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Let's get this bread (no seriously). I saw this place on instagram and wanted to try it for the novelty, bread in an alley? Sign me up! And it did not disappoint. This place is literally in an alley and we got there 5 min before they opened and were 5th in line. However, we were standing in an alley on a hot DC summer day so you can imagine the ~aroma~ wasn't great. But the line moved quick so we didn't wait too long. Warning they don't take cash or Apple Pay only physical credit card, which is a bit weird in this day and age. I got the normal croissant and my friend tried the harissa bread. The croissant was unreal. It's hard to make a plain croissant special, but it was butter and flaky without falling apart or compressing. Overall, I would definitely go back and try other things from them. This place is worth the hype. read more

Bread Alley - Bakeries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Incredible cranberry walnut loaf. Finding the location was also fun, like a mini escape room. Can't wait to try more bread!

Heard great things from friends, and finally had the chance to check it out. I went around 1 PM and most of the sourdoughs were already sold out--definitely a sign of how popular this place is! The employee was also nice and gave a great suggestion when I asked what was still available. I managed to grab a cranberry walnut loaf, and it did not disappoint. Toasted a few slices at home, and the flavor was amazing--you can really taste and smell the cranberry and walnut in every bite. Heads up: it's a small space with no seating, so it's more of a grab-and-go kind of spot. Go early in the morning for the best selection. read more

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Happy to find the place! Although there's lots of construction going on in its alley and overflowing dumpsters making the smell almost unbearable. We were excited to try the cranberry walnut sourdough loaf only to be extremely disappointed. Not a lot of flavor, it's very heavy, bland, sourdough doesn't go well with the cranberries. It's not savory or sweet, just $12 of blah. I'll give it to the employees, they were kind. read more

Best baguettes in DC. If you're feeling really indulgent, grab one of the fancy French butters they sell, or a delicious spread, and make a meal of it. read more

Great spot that genuinely cares about their work. They put their heart into it. Definitely support

I heard they are the suppliers of the delicious Le Diplomate bread, so I had to visit! I also saw their ham and cheese croissant mentioned on IG, and I was intrigued. During my first visit, I needed help locating the entrance, and to worsen matters, they ran out of bread. However, on my second visit earlier in the morning on a Saturday, they still had some of their bread, like the black sesame bread, cranberry walnut bread, some croissants, and baguettes. But they had already sold out of their ham and cheese croissant. So, I ordered the black sesame bread. It was surprisingly spicy but delicious. On a subsequent visit, I successfully obtained the ham and cheese croissant, which was very flavorful and tasted fresh as well. I would recommend it! They also have challah on Fridays. It was my first time trying it, and I did not know what to expect. The taste reminded me of brioche, and since I do not like brioche, I was not a fan. However, my sister enjoyed it with some Nigerian malt drink. They also sell some interesting butter, such as dark chocolate butter, which I have yet to try because the price is steep. Overall, it is worth a visit to satisfy your carb cravings if you are in the area! read more

Bread Alley - ham and cheese croissant - Bakeries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Tapenade bread - savory and it tastes great with cultured sea salted butter then seasoned with trader's joe umami... I'd come back and try other bread to see how it taste! Maybe experiment with Chocolate croissant - soft with small piece of chocolate in middle. It's good sweet snack if anyone enjoy that. Ham and cheese croissant - amazing crunchy outside then flaky and buttery inside then you'd get an even bite out of it with ham, cheese and crunchiness exterior layer along with soft flaky pastry! Service was friendly and quick even if it was taunting with a long line in the small alley. It's worth the wait. Better come in the morning before it runs out or even sold out by middle of the day or afternoon! I haven't tried going in the afternoon but I did not want to miss out on wonderful selection at the spot! read more

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This bread is insane. If I had to pick a song to describe my experience at this establishment, it would be "All By Myself" by Celine Dion because I can literally finish a loaf in under two days all by myself. Almond croissants are just OK--get the loaf, skip the pastry. read more

I had been excited to try this place for quite a while and it lived up to the hype! We came around 9:30am on a Sunday prepared to wait outside but luckily there was no line! Perhaps because it was winter. The interior was really small though and only fits a few people at a time. Google Maps also makes it a little hard to find, but it's down a wide street alley and the outside is painted black. Bread Alley has the best croissants I've had in DC so far. I got both the chocolate croissant and plain croissant. They told me they don't have the triple croissant at all so maybe that was an item in the past from other Yelp reviews but not anymore. They were also unfortunately not serving the ham and cheese croissant on the day we went. I preferred the plain croissant over the chocolate croissant since the chocolate had hardened inside and wasn't gooey. It may have tasted better if it were heated up at home rather than enjoyed right away. The croissants were nice and flakey. I would return to order a plain croissant and try the ham and cheese if they're in stock. My partner got the Harissa and Black Sesame Sourdough Loaf and it was delicious! I wasn't sure what to expect of it since black sesame is usually a sweet flavor in asian cuisine, but this loaf was savory all the way and had a pleasant spicey kick to it. As a home sourdough baker myself, they do sourdough really well here. read more

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Found this spot on IG like most of their clientele and was not disappointed! Went around 11:30am on a Sunday and it looked to be about half sold out. I grabbed a baguette and a jar of Maine blueberry jam. The shop is small and hidden around the corner of the alley, so keep walking past where the GPS leads you! Pro tip, take your baguette to the market down the street and grab a charcuterie board to enjoy with it! read more

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I didn't realize that their storefront was literally in the alley, hence a VERY fitting name. I got there around 10am (place opens at 9am) and there was already quite a long line. The store is quite small so only a few people can enter at a time. I wanted to try the ham and cheese croissant but it was ALREADY sold out. I got their baguette, pain au chocolate, croissant, Harissa and black sesame sourdough. I absolutely loved everything, but my favorite was probably the harissa and black sesame sourdough. I love the nutty flavor of black sesame and the pairing with harissa was PERFECTION. I'm so sad that they don't have one of these in Miami b/c I would be visiting a few times a week to pick up my breakfast. They also have an interesting selection of butter such as dark chocolate butter or cultured seaweed butter. read more

Bread Alley - Bakeries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Such a cute place!! The croissant was so good! This place is easily missed if you're not looking for it. It's a very small shop with a small selection, but everything there is well made. Even though there was a line, it moved quickly. read more

Such an amazing spot. The first time I went, I went a little later at 10 am and almost everything was gone! I was able to snag a cranberry walnut loaf but was determined to try everything else, so finally went as soon as they opened on a weekend. Everything was incredible, with the standouts being the black sesame harissa loaf and the ham and cheese croissant that had tons of ham and cheese along with the perfectly flaky croissant. Will totally return! read more

It's worth the transfer from the Yellow to the Red line to get here from Alexandria. The bread is that good! It's tiny inside, so the line usually forms in the alley outside. read more

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The items they have are so good and I'm never disappointed! This is a place I came across not too long ago and I'll for certain keep going back. If you knew my family, you'd understand why I have no pictures... they eat everything so fast lol The service is incredible! There was a young lady there, she had her head shaved on one side (not relevant but I thought it was cool). She was great, telling me what played well with what, recommending spreads and such. I'm not usually upsold, but I definitely walked out with more than I planned and she was definitely not wrong! It's a place on the smaller side, but cute. I felt like I was making some seedy transaction lol but it just adds to the greatness of bread being such a staple, but also a delicious treat. Never thought I'd rave about a bread place lol read more

If you can get over having to wait in an alley to get in, this place is worth checking out. Loaves are expensive but really great quality for the occasional treat. My go-tos are the baguette and cranberry walnut loaf. Their butter croissants are my favorite in the union market area. read more