Top 5 Best Bakeries and Pastry Shops in Northern Virginia

I have to admit: I'm an expert on local bakeries. How so? Well, I'm not a pastry chef. Nor do I own a bakery. But, I do happen to live within walking distance of two of the most incredible pastry shops in the National Capital Region. As a longstanding and loyal customer of both establishments, I've seen them through their highs and lows, not to mention the long lines that begin well before opening on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. I've placed orders. I've consulted staff. I have had my pick of delectable bakery goods for every season and occasion, from birthdays and special events to Thanksgiving, Christmas and more.

The Magic of Local Bakeries and Pastry Shops

Of course, living so close to perfection does have its drawbacks. For example, I can't look at "store bought" pumpkin pie when Pastries By Randolph makes the best pies ever. I'm spoiled rotten when it comes to bread ever since I crossed paths with Heidelberg's specialty loaves. For several years, we couldn't host a family birthday around here without a visit to Brenner's Bakery on Columbia Pike for homemade cakes, cookies, and other treats. Brenner's has since closed but its delightful thumbprint cookies were a big hit with kids and adults alike, reminding us all that local bakeries foster pleasant memories for years to come.

Best Bakeries in Northern Virginia

If you're lucky enough to live in the National Capital Region, there are several bakeries and pastry shops well worth the drive from DC, Maryland and Virginia. Where to start? Check out these Top 5 Best Bakeries and Pastry Shops in Northern Virginia. Sure to open your eyes and pique your taste buds for the very best baked goods and pastry products only local artisans and culinary experts can deliver.

1. Pastries by Randolph
Website: www.pastriesbyrandolph.com
4400 Lee Highway, Arlington, Virginia 22207
Telephone: (703) 243-0070
Hours: Monday - Friday 7am-6pm; Saturday 8am-5pm; Sunday 8am-1pm

Hands down, this pastry shop is my all-time favorite for its delicate cakes, cookies, pies, breads and more. An Arlington institution since 1988, Randolph's more than delivers the goods on birthdays, holidays, weddings and other special events. Try a pound of Randolph's specialty cookies or Mexican wedding alone. Check out Randolph's fruit tarts for an incredible addition to your holiday table. Randolph's butter cream cakes and icing are well worth the drive to this incredible establishment.

2. Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe
Website: www.heidelbergbakery.com
2150 N. Culpeper Street Arlington, VA 22207
Telephone: (703) 527-8394
Hours: Open daily

A close second to Randolph's, Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe rocks as the most authentic German bakery in the D.C. metro area. Since 1975, Heidelberg breakfast pastries, breads, deli foods and German style desserts make Heidelberg a National Capital institution. Eat in or carry out. Barbecued brats and more on the weekends. School tours, sample treats, and more. Check out Heidelberg's holiday tables. Surely, the best holiday treats in town.

3. Mother's Macaroons Bakery
Website: www.mothersmacaroons.com
2442 North Harrison Street, Arlington 22207
Telephone: (703) 532-6991
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 6:30am - 5pm; Saturday 7am - 4pm; closed Sundays and Mondays.

A close third to Randolph's and Heidelberg. If you like macaroons and other yummy confections, run, don't walk, to this Arlington bakery. Macaroons and more like nothing else you've had. Beautiful gift baskets and more for friends, family and work colleagues alike. Briefly closed, Mother's Macaroons came back with a vengeance and its loyal following shows no sign of wavering.

4. Castros (2 locations)
Website: www.castrobakery2.com
Hours: Open daily

Castro's Bakery - Arlington
5515 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22205
Telephone: (703) 465-9401

Castro's Bakery - Falls Church
6276 Arlington Boulevard, Falls Church, VA 22042
Telephone: (703) 531-1340

Established in 1993, Castro's is a unique and family owned and operated bakery with two locations in Northern Virginia. Check out Castro's Bakery for freshly baked goods and cakes from Guatemala, Mexico, and El Salvador. Castro's breads are the best around. Try Castro's signature Tres Leches Cake and Fresh Fruit with Custard cake. Tier cakes, wedding and Quinceañera cakes are priced at $3-$5 per serving, making Castro's a real value for families across the DC metro area. Castro's is a prime example of how a specialty bakery can bring a little taste of home for adoring customers looking for more than just sugary treats.

5. Hollin Hall Pastry Shop
Website: www.hollinhallpastry.com
7920 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, VA 22308
Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30am to 6pm; Saturday 7:30am to 6pm; and Sunday & Holidays 8am-2pm
Telephone: (703) 768-9643

The Hollin Hall Pastry Shop is located in the Hollin Hall shopping area on Fort Hunt Road in historic Alexandria, VA. Hollin Hall specialties include mouth watering tarts, cakes, truffles and French pastries. Hollin Hall's been making a name for itself for over 10 years. Now, it's considered the premier choice for wedding cakes in the Washington DC metro region.

RESOURCES

Top Baking Schools & Pastry Chef Programs
The Reluctant Gourmet

Pastry Chef Central
www.pastrychef.com

Bakery Workers Union
www.bctgm.org

Retail Bakers of America
www.retailbakersofamerica.org/index.php

Cupcake Wars
Food Network