Spork and Knife

Georgetown is a shoppers destination point, but when it comes to food, for many people the neighborhood isn’t the first that comes to mind.  Recent additions, such as Hook are bringing it up in status, and old standards such as Citronelle and 1789 will wow you every time, but the area lacks good cheap restaurants where you can eat for under $20.  You could say that’s the essence of Georgetown…nothing is cheap, but I’ve found that if you wander the streets long enough, you can stumble onto some great and reasonable finds.

A gold standard that I’ve found myself craving lately is Patisserie Pupon.  If you’re in the mood for good French cafe basics like croissants, quiches, baguettes and sweets galore, then you’d be mindful to stop by. 

The atmosphere is akin to stepping into a cafe just off the Champs-Elysees.  The smells of freshly ground coffee, hot out-of-the-oven bread and sugar envelope you as you open the front door.  Instantly, a pastry case just begging to be bought out stares you in the face with rows of delicate cakes, lemon-raspberry-almond-chocolate macaroons , lemon and berry tarts, croissants (plain, chocolate and almond) and quiches.  The desserts are so beautiful, you may not want to eat them.  (may being the operative word)  Did I mention they are out of this world?!  If you’re in the mood for savory, try the tomato quiche.  It’s reminicent of delicate pizza with a flaky crust and an earthy tomato taste.

If it’s lunch you’re looking for, then you can dig in to one of their paninis or salads.  There’s also soup du jour for those colder times or if you’re just feeling in the mood.  Skip the baquette sandwiches…premade is not the way to go.  Further back, in the narrow brick-walled townhouse Patisserie Poupon calls home you’ll find the espresso bar.  Here you can pick up your Illy coffee, cafe au lait or espresso served Euro style, with individual pots for each person.  This extra touch really exemplifies the overall experience at Patisserie Poupon.  A friendly and warm atmosphere with class and high quality.      

Seating is tight, with only a handful of spots in the back and at the espresso bar, but in the warmer months an outdoor patio makes it feel even more like a French cafe.  If you get there during peak times and the cafe is full, be sure to pick up something to-go.  Everything on the menu is available for take-out and sure to impress whomever is fortunate enough to be on the receiving end.  Side Note: A co-worker picked up one of their cakes for a colleagues birthday, and not a crumb was left over.     

 Bon Appetit!

Patisserie Poupon

1645 Wisconsin Ave. NW

Washington, D.C. 20007

202-342-3248