Love the family friendly/pet friendly vibe of this place! While the bakery itself isn't anything out of the ordinary, it's the open space right next to the building what is amazing! The huge sandbox is what keeps us coming! Kids can play here for hours on end, my kids actually think we are at the beach when we come here lol! Parents can sit back and relax while sipping on some beers and drinks. Food menu isn't as extensive, but it's straight forward and enough to serve its purpose. They recently added some TVs so now I can drag my husband easier, since he won't miss any of his sport games. The only downside is that there is only one bathroom available. Considering how busy this place gets, you can end up waiting a while in line. And when your little one needs to go potty right.now. that can be an issue! Overall great spot to spend a chill afternoon! P.S. don't forget to pack the sunscreen! Only a couple of tables get shade. read more

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This small French cafe in Del Ray in very good. Fresh Pastries, desserts, sandwiches and soup are available among other items. We were very pleased with the food and the staff handles the customers in line with easy and are still very friendly. There are approximately 10 tables inside and when the weather is warmer they have an outdoor area as well. read more

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UPDATE: Bravo, Gustave They Listened, They Fixed It -- First Class All the Way Credit where credit is absolutely due. Since my original review, the owners of Gustave Boulangerie have gone above and beyond and replaced the entire front door structure with a proper, commercial-grade door custom fit to the frame -- and it has completely transformed the guest experience. Many operators would have brushed off a review like this, chalked it up to "one opinion," and moved on. Gustave did the opposite. They listened, took it seriously, and invested in a real solution that benefits everyone who walks through the door. That speaks volumes about the ownership and how they run their business. The result? The same vibrant Parisian café energy, the same exceptional coffee and pastries -- now without the unintended wind tunnel. Warm, cozy, inviting, and exactly what you want when sipping a cappuccino or digging into something hot and indulgent. First class all the way around. Issues happen; how you respond to them defines you. Gustave lived up to its reputation and then some. À votre santé -- or perhaps more appropriately, à la French toast. Cheers. read more

Gustave Boulangerie - When a cozy café forgets that ambiance includes keeping the cold out -- great pastries, but this door needs a bouncer. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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The bottom line: we were underwhelmed by the service on our last visit, received the wrong order (both food and drink), and the food and beverage were mid, as the kids say. Although the service has been slow before, it was particularly tortoise this last time. We also received just a buttered croissant instead of the ham and cheese one that we had ordered (so we were overcharged). However, the server seemed un-joyed that we asked when the order would be ready (and for the items we actually ordered), so we left without follow-up. The good news, the strawberry matcha latte was tasty and we have had tasty bakes from here in the past, though the price is high. (This review was written in conjunction with my offspring, who had this experience.) read more

Love this place so much. The pastries are delicious. I especially love the chocolate croissants though I've been happy with everything I've tried. But for me it's the ambiance that makes it stand out. They had a huge sandbox outside and a big outdoor space in general, all gated in so it's perfect to let your toddler run around while you eat. read more

Gustave Boulangerie - Sand box - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Stopped in again to try their outdoor eating & play area. Got a nice flavored hard cider served up quickly & courteously, but they had plenty of other options & multiple IPA options. Service was ok, but not stellar. Seemed like I caught them when still setting up shop. Unfortunately the ground was also soaked from the day before, but there were plenty of dry spots. The kids seemed to be enjoying the sand pit. But plenty of spaces in or out of the sun. Am looking forward to going back again soon. read more

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Everything at Gustave Boulangerie was amazing! We tried a little bit of everything, but my absolute favorite was the vanilla eclair. I'll definitely be back! read more

Gustave Boulangerie - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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A neighborhood favorite. The outdoor area is extremely spacious and is dog and kid friendly. I have come here a handful of times and tried the breakfast sandwich, salmon quiche, and quiche Lorraine. The gem is the quiche Lorraine! I always order it for friends and family visiting from out of town. The slice is jumbo and can feed 2. The cold brew coffee is also really good and has a chocolate tone to it. Last but not least, some of the best baguettes in the area. Highly recommend! Given the popularity, prepare to wait for your food up to 15 minutes on the weekends. read more

I went to the Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market today and asked some vendors what they recommended for coffee. They mentioned both Gustave Boulangerie and St. Elmo's, but one person said they preferred Gustave's. I went and tried a pumpkin cream cold brew - it was yummy, though noticeably a little grainy with spices. Nevertheless, I chugged it because it was yummy and easy to drink. Service was alright; after I ordered there was quite a long line and my drink took a while. read more

Pleasant bakery and pastry shop. While the pastries are tasty, the bread is outstanding - and reasonably priced. Welcoming staff. Numerous items (including the bread) are not available at opening time, so I recommend waiting at least half hour after posted hours. read more

Love this close-to-authentic French bakery! Located in the heart of Alexandria, this bakery holds one of the best pain au chocolat, coming from someone who has traveled globally! Its soft, fluffy, and filled w chocolate. Plus, their baguettes has won a former title of best baguette too! Need to come back for other pastries! Def recommend them! read more

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Small but cozy French cafe with a solid selection of drinks, baked goods, pre-made baguette sandwiches, + a small selection of hot foods as well Limited seating inside, but also have a few outdoor tables + a large space with picnic tables that becomes a beer garden at night I tried a vanilla latte and a breakfast pastry and both were very fresh and tasty People were very friendly and everything was prepared very quickly As mentioned previously, the space is fairly small and it was starting to get a little cramped by the time that I left read more

Gustave Boulangerie - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Lovely and clean place, not usually crowded. Nice staff, really kind and helpful. Food is pretty good, I had a Ham Croissant Breakfast Sandwich. read more

Gustave Boulangerie - area - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Stopped in for lunch today and it was an ok place. Food was what you would expect nothing spectacular about it. Desserts looked delicious but lacked flavor. Service was a little hectic, there wasn't a clear sense of how you got your food when it was done. It was a cross between getting a number for your table, waiting as each item was done, and having to figure out where your order was. The restaurant itself was cozy on the inside with plenty of room outside to sit. I may go back in the spring to see what the outside seating area is all about if I happen to be in the area. read more

Gustave Boulangerie - Jamon Parisian - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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Cutest lil cozy bakery in Del Ray, adding to my love for the neighborhood! The staff is so friendly, and the pastries are so beautiful. I wanted everything, but I landed on the Bratwurst Brioche and Za'atar Croissant (with something inside it that I can't remember what). Both were phenomenal. Love the atmosphere and place, cant wait to come back! read more

It was ok. The pastries had great potential but were kept in a fridge that was too cold and made the cream in the cream puffs frozen. The menu also wasn't up to date and the staff didn't seem to know what beer or wines they had to offer. I was served a very cold glass of Syrah when I ordered a glass of Pinot. I don't think we'll be back. read more

Honestly I had no idea what to expect. I ordered the salmon avocado croissant and was blown away! So tasty and a welcoming airy environment. read more

Gustave Boulangerie - Salmon avocado croissant - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

This is my favorite spot in all of Del Ray and perhaps even in all of Alexandria. Everything I've tried is nothing short of perfect. There is so much love and care put into every single pastry and every single cup of beverage. I keep raving about it to my friends and sending them over! I am hooked on their ham and cheese croissant as well as the spinach and cheese feuilleté. I also love the Nutella beignet, cappuccino, and hot chocolate (legit European-style hot chocolate). I stop by every weekend and I always want to try something new, but end up getting my usuals because I need my fix. One of these days, I will get to the crêpes and other pastries! The owners is a sweet couple from France and, from my conversations with them, it's clear that they're proud to be a part of the small business community in Del Ray. read more

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I visited this place recently with my husband and my dog. I got coffee while my husband got a beer. We visited this place because we saw an IG post about how this is a dog friendly spot and has a dog park. When we visited, we were happy to see the dog park however, this was not an off leash dog park. You still have to have your dog on leash in the dog "park" area which was a bummer. I wished that the dog park itself is fully fenced so that the dogs have freedom to roam around and play. The tv outside was also nice but I think they could use another tv somewhere else especially if your table is in the back area. Additionally, they could also use more umbrellas or maybe built some sort of tarp shade because it does get very hot in the summer if you're sitting outside. read more

Gustave Boulangerie - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

This is a new business on Mount Vernon Avenue in the Del Ray section of Alexandria. The food was wonderful. The woman behind the counter could not be more friendly and the prices were actually pretty reasonable. I hope locals will patronize this business and give the owners a fighting chance. I know we'll come back! read more

Gustave Boulangerie - Half of a Caprese sandwich on a freshly made crusty roll. It was delicious and we'll be back for more! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

The vibes are great here. Wonderful place to hang out, have a few beers and some food, and let the kids run around and rummage in the sand box. The beer selection is very good, and runs the gamut from radlers to Other Half Broccoli. A very good choice if you're looking for a location that can accommodate a group hang and kids. read more

I was driving by Delray to find a coffee shop to set up and work and I literally just passed this place and made a u-turn to check it out. I don't know about you but anything named with the word Boulangerie has me salivating. I parked across the street near the church and parking was free. Overall, I love that this is a beautiful corner store and love the color outside and the openness inside. At this point I think I was at my third cup of coffee for the day and wanted another iced coffee. I almost got tea but I'm glad I got the coffee because I love illy coffee. I had just had lunch in Annandale and needed something sweet so this was the perfect place to satisfy my craving. After looking through the case, I opted to get smaller portions of their pastries. I'm so glad they have the smaller versions to make me feel less guilty:) I chose the following: -Mini chocolate croissant -Chocolate torsade -Apple chaussom These pastries were all nice and flakey and delicious. I would definitely get them again or try something else. I also enjoyed the coffee and the overall service. It was the perfect place to have a place to work and set up my computer. My only wish is that they have outleta or.power strips to plug in your electronics. read more

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I am so glad Gustave opened their beer garden here in Del Ray! I feel like The Garden was the only beer garden in the area and we sort of started getting into a routine going there, but now we have options! Gustave's is a great bakery with some amazing pastries, but we go here for the beer garden. There are plenty of picnic tables and a sand box area for the kids. They have a handful of beers on tap, and my fav, a "mystery beer" for $5, which could be just about anything! I'm thrilled they usually have a German style pilsner on tap, which is my go-to in the summer. They don't have much food available, so plan in advance. They do serve a very tasty pretzel, which we often order, but not much else besides that and a bag of chips. You can always pop into the bakery for some treats though! Overall, this is a great place to chill with some friends during a lazy summer afternoon. Highly recommend, and I'll probably see you there :) read more

I give Gustave's 5 stars. Never had a pastry I didn't like here lol. They also have some interesting coffee and alcoholic beverages. Extremely kid + dog friendly! The best thing on the menu is the pistachio chocolate croissant. Thank me later. read more

Gustave Boulangerie - Massive fig Brie and prosciutto sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Let's start with that this isn't a cheap place to eat, followed by it's got great food and large portion for the quiche and sandwiches! Yes teen boy size and extra yummy too. Pastries were normal price and size. Coffee was Lilly so was wonderful! Counter service was fast, friendly and helpful. Seating outside ( was full), seating inside was well spaced and comfortable but the chairs got harder as you sat for more than an hour!! ( wasn't busy so we didn't feel the need to rush out. ) So glad to have you moved into this previous business space. Parking is 2 hrs near by so set your clocks. read more

Finally!! A place that reminds me of the cafes in Vienna Delicious!!! Fresh! Delicate! Not overly sweet, but tasty You better get dressed now because you need this in Your life! read more

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Cute little bistro. The options are fairly straightforward; they have pre-made baguette sandwiches and baked goods, plus outdoor seating. I had to look it up, but 'Boulangerie' is French for 'Bakery'. A 'Brasserie' is a fairly informal eating establishment. Both are very accurate here, although I think cafe or bistro are equally accurate. I believe breakfast food will also be available in the morning. The owners speak French but I think they are from Francophile Africa. None of the goods here necessarily scream they belong to any particular geographic area, but everything comes off as well made and a great place to get a bite and coffee. read more

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Enjoyed the pistachio chocolate croissant and will definitely be back to try more pastries. Lots of outside seating and a chill vibe in the morning. Staff were really nice. read more

Gustave Boulangerie - Pistachio chocolate croissant - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

We picked this place specifically for the biscuit breakfast sandwich that was on the online menu. They only have 1 "real" menu by the register, but with the long line, we didn't want to wait to make our decision so used the online menu. Get my sandwich and it has meat. Get it a second time, still meat. Go back to the counter to figure out the disconnect and learn they've changed the menu, but not updated online. They agree to make it the "old" way" but the third time very clearly had only removed the bacon. They did give us a refund, but if you aren't going to have printed menus, update it online!! Other thing we ordered - salmon tartine - was delicious, but didn't get to have the biscuit breakfast sandwich that I was craving. read more

Looking for a rustic French cafe in Alexandria's Del Ray neighborhood? Come to Gostov's for authentic, freshly prepared eats! We got the Nicoise sandwich (essentially a Niçoise salad in a baguette, aka tuna salad with eggs and olives) and a Parisian (aka ham & cheese) sandwich. Both amazing, delicate and fresh. We washed it down with a light orange soda and an Evian. We finished off with an iced latte and a pan de chocolat. All delicious! So put on a beret and watch couples walk the left bank of Mt Vernon Avenue, visit Gostov's and you won't be sorry! read more

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The business hasn't been claimed on Yelp yet and is actually spelled GUSTAVE. Regardless, yum! I've peered in the windows at Gustave's since it opened last year and everything looked like true, French art boulanger art work. Today, I finally made it inside with a friend for pastries and cappuccinos and it was delightful. If you have chronic decision fatigue like I do, you may be overwhelmed while salivating at the counter. Here are my recommendations for you for before you walk in the door: (1) decide on choosing a savory or sweet item or both because they have several options under both categories; (2) decide on the size of your meal or snack- for example, Gustave's has large and mini beignets, thick slices of quiche and smaller savory tarts; (3) inside or elsewhere- Gustave's has a decent size of indoor sitting and small tables, but it can be busy. There you have it. Now go and get something at Gustave's! read more

This place has that je ne said quoi that's was missing from the area. Amazing French pastries and quiches. Lovely and friendly staff, busy bistro vibes. You won't be disappointed. read more

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This bakery is such a find. Everything I've tried has been fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care--especially the croissants and baguettes. It's the kind of place you pop in for "just one thing" and end up leaving with a whole bag. Great customer service! Jade is a big reason I keep coming back. She's warm, welcoming, and genuinely cares about making your visit enjoyable. Her knowledge of French pastries and attention to detail make the experience feel truly authentic. She's a native French speaker and, if you ask, will happily help you learn how to pronounce the names of items in French. She remembers customers, gives great recommendations, and brings a charming "small town" feel that makes the bakery even more inviting. read more

I can't believe that I have lived here for nearly 20 years, walked past this place many times, and just discovered it several weeks ago. WOW! The pastries and, cakes, muffins and croissants are excellent. Their homemade jams are wonderful. Their breads, quite yummy! I love their iced coffee , which has s a very subtle taste of cocoa. And, I am a very picky coffee snob. Service is sometimes a little chaotic, but the staff is super friendly. Weekend mornings are insanely busy- a reflection of how good they are. Amazing, spacious outdoor seating! LOVE this place. read more

I have not been back to Gustavo since it opened but had to stop and get some bouche de Noel and it was delicious. The best treat for the holiday season and they have multiple flavors. Stop by and try a slice before the holidays end! read more

Gustave Boulangerie - Bouche de Noel - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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This review is for coffee only. My partner and I ordered iced coffee and the seasonal special of the maple latte. For the maple latte the syrup mixture was piled up at the bottom of the cup and i could barely taste the coffee over the sweetened/chunky mix. The iced coffee was also more bitter than other iced coffees we've tried. I've read good things about the pastries so would be open to giving those a try, but I felt like the coffee left a lot to be desired. Especially given the cost/size read more

Alexandria, Va - nearby for a haircut and decided to stop in the early evening to bring home some breakfast pastries. The shop was pretty quiet - probably more of a morning and afternoon place. Though I did notice they have a BIG outdoor area with food ordering outside. All the pastries looked delicious and were well displayed. Most were priced between $4-5. Service was quick and friendly. I took home an apple turnover, a raisin pastry and a cinnamon roll. The turnover and raisin pastry were buttery and flaky. Very good! The cinnamon roll had just the right touch of sweetness without being overly sweet. I would definitely return. Also kudos to Gustave Boulangerie for fighting food waste with the Too Good to Go app. I hope some more local shops take this on as well. read more

Such a cute little French spot! We stopped in earlier this week for some breakfast pastries. Got the raspberry croissant and a spinach and feta pastry. The spinach and feta one was crazy. I kind of wasn't expecting it to be that good but I would definitely come back for it. The raspberry croissant was perfectly flaky. Probably not the best croissant I've ever had but a good option if you like croissants. They were offering free samples of their salmon quiche and it was awesome. Really soft and packed full of flavor. Will definitely be back! read more

They have such a cute shop and a HUGE place to sit outside with awesome ambience where you can have drinks and your dog! BUT THE sandwiches were HONESTLY super bland and probably one of the worst sandwiches I have ever had. Meat in sandwiches were soggy and processed even the cookies were bland like they cut all the sugar out. Super disappointing. read more

Meilleure Boulangerie par ici, hands down! Rien à dire. Juste merci. On voit la super attention aussi et ça, ça compte aussi. J'adore, c'est mon #1 place quand j'ai envie de boulangerie...épicerie car les sandwichs sont bons et frais, et parisserie...Ramenez le gâteau à la poire SVP? Je mange rarement du sucré mais ce gâteau, peu sucré, à la poire.....j'en rêve encore!. Et les baguette, parfait et frais. Merci. read more