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Big Bear Cafe
Café and Coffee Shop$$$$
LeDroit Park - Bloomingdale, Washington
This café is famous for their coffee. It's one of the most popular in the city!
"Great counter culture espresso."(4 Tips)
"chicken pesto sandwich is great as well !"(5 Tips)
"unique french press coffee beans"(5 Tips)
"delicious chicken pesto and mozzarella sandwich"(6 Tips)
118 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- coffee
- sandwiches
- breakfast food
- bagels
- healthy food
- (15 more)
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Sabrina BorgesJune 17, 2016I wish I had taken a picture of my breakfast bagel and iced mocha but they were too delicious not to eat and drink right away. The ivy-covered building was one of the most beautiful I've seen.
The friendly staff always remember the regulars, and even put together a Valentine's Day playlist that ended up with the entire cafe singing Seasons of Love together.
Borys PierovNovember 20, 2017I usually prefer single origin pour over coffee but their blend drip coffee was actually pretty good! Also, I liked their burger. Cannot say it was one of the best I tried but I enjoyed it.
Paris WatermanOctober 26, 2014One of my favorite cafe's in DC. Local, neighborhood feel - great music selection. Large indoor space and outdoor patio. No WiFi on weekends!
I love the location, atmosphere and food here but for some reason about half the time the employees are dicks inexplicably. The bar tenders are awesome - above and beyond - but the day crew sucks.
Cheddar grilled cheese with apples is pretty effing good. And it's a cool place to work during the day.
Shala RomanJuly 19, 2013I haven't been here for a while and so sad they changed the chicken pesto sandwich into a wrap. :( The bread and mozzarella was so delicious! Nevertheless, giving the wrap a try.
Lamar McClainApril 24, 2017A cozy but wonderful place to enjoy a cup of coffee. They offer a limited menu of sandwiches and pastry that varies.
Hailey RoyJune 12, 2019The banana muffin was delicious! Not overly banana flavor and had raisins in it for a nice touch. Ice coffee is very good.
Anthony JonesApril 25, 2015I live across the street from this place 2007-12, and I stop going when I was asked by a barista "why do you need 2 cups of coffee"...Great food, shitty counter folk.
KassJanuary 12, 2015Love the cappuccinos, great patio in the summer, and really cute dinners on weeknights. Be warned, wifi only works during weekdays
Dawn ByrdJune 24, 2014Awesome coffee & Sunday Farmers Market. Have a new chef who's food I've yet to try. They grow their own herbs which I hear he uses!
Try the salmon lox breakfast bagel with added arugula, something introduced to me by the barista Michael. Also, ask for hummus on the regular breakfast bagel -- sounds weird but crazy delicious!
Granola with yoghurt us delicious and their daily specials for bagels are good to look out for. Score a spot in the patio when it's sunny.
Great lattes and cute outdoor seating area. I ordered out for dinner once too and the food was phenomenal
Mark J.February 16, 2015Great coffee and pastries, but somewhat pricey. Impossible to get a seat in winter and inclement weather.
Angie HarmonMarch 9, 2016A great place to have a dinner party with a set menu. The manager is super helpful.
Good food and espresso drinks, but the staff is beyond rude and aloof. I even once had a barista repeatedly lecture me about diet soda causing cancer when I ordered a Diet Coke for my diabetic dad.
Shawn CookOctober 10, 2017Great place to chill and people watch while drinking a great iced soy vanilla latte.
Bitches Who BrunchDecember 24, 2011Bitches Say A! Super chill, great quality coffee and breakfast spot. Not the place for a massive group brunch, but stop by with a friend for a quick bite.
Great place to work, especially outside. Amazingly nice staff. But for a "counter culture" place, it's $$$$$$$$$$.
CarolynJune 3, 2012Amazing coffee. Great food. Chill vibe. Reminds me of my favorite coffee shop in Santa Barbara.
The Ramsbury GroupFebruary 22, 2012Bring your jacket, and bring your high brow expectations. It can be chilly at times, but the french press (no other choice) is worth the shiver.- Come for breakfast (Monday-Thursday there are omelets and french toast!) stay for dinner (Small plates and cocktails, oh my!).
Matt SadlerJune 13, 2012Great place to spend a few hours working while enjoying a nice espresso. Don't discount the food. They actually cook here, not microwave.
Don't forget to get a pot of their Finca Los Alpes, they have it in their selection for the first time in 8 years and for a limited time
Ilker YazarMay 14, 2016Ok, so after 3 months, I've come to the conclusion that the U.S doesn't know how to make a good breakfast/brunch or latte. Big Bear is zero hipster and 100% fail. Y'all need to learn from Melbourne.
Jake FrasierJuly 13, 2014No wifi on the weekends or after 6pm on weekdays. Great atmosphere, food, and espresso!!
Porig SalbaApril 4, 2012Grilled cheese is killer. Hot sauce baked in provides a nice little bite. And cheese is muenster of course.
Norm SunDecember 7, 2013If you order the bubble & squeak, ask for the horseradish sauce. The two make a delicious combination.
Food & WineApril 21, 2011The tiny sidewalk patio—with umbrella-covered tables against an ivy-covered wall—is an excellent place to linger over Big Bear's sustainable coffee.
KVNovember 3, 2013Great coffee, good food, but sadly they are very slow with their food service. Waited 15 minutes just for a bagel with apple butter...and it's not the 1st time my wait has been an eternal.
Great coffee but expensive. Patio in the summer is the best part.
Esra KaymakNovember 20, 2016Coffee is good,The place has a bohemian atmosphere which I did Like. However, it would be much better if There wouldn't be A weird smell inside The cafe:/ and better if it would be cleaner
Alikia ReavesJuly 23, 2013Nice neighborhood spot. They use fresh ingredients from the local farmers market.
If you're here for cocktails (so delicious!) try The Muckraker, named for WCP's Shani Hilton
They have a pretty good beer selection, although it is all in bottles
Shilpi RoongtaSeptember 12, 2014There weren't too many vegetarian options for dinner but the outdoor seating atmosphere was so charming!!- $5 min on credit card is flexible. They keep a log of the remaining amount of the $5 to be used on your next visit
When single origin espresso is available don't miss it. Order it without milk for full flavour
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Closed until 7:30 AM (Show more)
- Mon
- 7:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Tue–Thu
- 7:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Fri
- 7:00 AM–11:00 PM
- Sat
- 7:30 AM–11:00 PM
- Sun
- 7:30 AM–6:00 PM
(202) 643-9222
Features
Reservations
No
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Wi-Fi
Free
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Dining Options
Bar Service
Restroom
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Happy Hour
Drinks
Beer, Wine, Cocktails
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- 8.7
"We love this place for many reasons: the chic, cozy space and convivial ambiance, the coffee-and-cocktails options, and the delicious Colombian cuisine that meets a variety of dietary needs."
Bitches Who Brunch - 8.7
"I’ve only tried the coffee (macchiato) and the pastries. Both are great!"
Gerardo Funes - 7.4
"Try their ethiopian dishes! Enriched with natural organic flavors! good food for vegans and vegetarians!"
Andrei Ponze
Places people like to go after Big Bear Cafe
- 8.8
"Go early for the best selection. Good vegetables and fruits, and lots of local stuffs!"
Camille Wright - 8.3
"The Arancini is delicious. One of the best things I've tasted in DC."
Michelle Stewart - 9.3
"Incredible selection of any cuisine available. Such a fun space with so many vendors and places to relax, eat, and socialize."
Valerie S
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