Living around the mixing bowl (pun intended) Northern Virginia is host to many mom and pop bakeries. Each one has a unique story of how it began. Here are a few of our favorites:
Swiss Bakery
The Swiss Bakery has been offering fresh baked artisan breads, French pastry, cake for over 20 years. If you are in the mood for traditional swiss food, The Swiss Bakery offers a wide variety of traditional Swiss dishes made daily for breakfast and lunch in their Cafe. They also sell a variety of Swiss and European goods to take home including Swiss, European and American cheeses, over 10 varieties of Swiss chocolate, locally made sausages as well as German Bratwurst, Wiesswurst and Baurenwurst. Looking for something cold? They also make their own ice cream and sorbets using fresh fruit sourced from local farmers markets which are available in cups, pints and ice cream sandwiches.
Ravensworth Shopping Center, 5224 Port Royal Rd., Springfield, VA
Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe
In business for over 40 years, Wolfgang and Carla Büchler started their business by bringing crusty European style breads to northern Virginia in the early 70s. Initially, customers returned the bread thinking it was stale. Now a full service German bakery and delicatessen, you will find a variety of cakes, pastries, bread, wedding cakes. At the deli you can get made to order sandwiches which include options from their German deli fare. And if you are planning a large get together, Heidelberg offers catering as well.
2150 N. Culpeper St., Arlington,VA, 703-527-8394
Moms Apple Pie Company
If you are looking for a delicious pie, Moms is a great place to start. All of their pies are preservative-free and they work with a local berry farm to grow as much of their own fruit as possible. They have over 15 assorted pies as well as seasonal pies to include cranapple and sweet potato pies. The bakery also makes bread, cookies, cakes and quiche. They don’t accept orders between November 9th – January 4th – so you have to stop in at the bakery and get your holiday pies on a first come first serve.
220 Loudoun St SE, Leesburg, VA, and 126a Commerce St, Occoquan, VA
The Happy Tart (Gluten Free)
The Happy Tart is a gluten free patisserie in Falls Church. The brainchild of chef and owner, Emma Cech, it became a passion when she learned she was gluten intolerant. Everything made at The Happy Tart is gluten free. They offer gluten free breads, pastries, cakes, cupcakes, cookies and macarons. If you are hungry stop in for some breakfast favorites including sweet or savory crepes, omelets, quiche, and french toast. For lunch they have many options including salad sandwiches, chicken pot pies and biscuits and gravy.
410 S Maple Avenue, Falls Church, VA 22046
Rise Bakery (Gluten Free)
Michale Kritko, owner and founder of Rise Bakery, was inspired to open the bakery after he was diagnosed with Celiac Disease and found the gluten free baking options in the DC area lacking. The bakery offers gluten free cupcakes, breads, pastries, bagels, scones and cookies. They have two locations in Sterling, VA and Washington, DC. The DC location has a cafe that serves gluten free breakfast, sandwiches, paninis and pizza. Rise also labels everything with primary allergen markers and also offers many vegan options.
2409 18th St NW,Washington, DC AND 201 Davis Drive, Unit K, Sterling, VA
