Satisfy your pumpkin spice and fall flavor cravings at these restaurants, bakeries and more in the District.
With pumpkin spice rolling out earlier and earlier every year, you can satiate your sweet tooth while bringing full-on pumpkin power before the leaves even change colors. But pumpkin’s not the only fall flavor on the block. We’ve got a roundup of the best places to find tastes of autumn amazingness in DC, from the sweet and cinnamon-y to the savory and spicy. And don’t worry, we’ve thrown some pumpkin in there, too.
Compass Coffee
The Made in DC coffee shop is ready for sweater weather in the city. Spice up your pick-me-up with autumnal options including a maple latte, spiced apple cider and a pumpkin spiced latte at one of the many Compass Coffee locations studded across the metro area.
1535 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
1401 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
849 18th St NW, Washington DC 20006
District Doughnut
This doughnut shop is DC through-and-through, founded by locals and home to some of the tastiest flavors in the District. This season, traditionalists can get their pumpkin on with the pumpkin-glazed creations. Indulge in other fall flavors like the sweet potato pie, featuring pumpkin dough, sweet potato pie filling, a marshmallow glaze and a pecan topping, or the caramel apple streusel. And round out your next dozen with the maple butter pecan – a staff favorite featuring a vanilla bean doughnut dipped in a maple syrup and butter glaze, then garnished with candied pecans.
749 8th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
3327 Cady’s Alley NW, Washington, DC 20007
5 Market Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Ted’s Bulletin
A contemporary American restaurant with diner vibes and a bakery, Ted's is bringing all the sugar and spice to the DC-area this season. Indulge in flavors from the orchard with caramel apple cheesecake, fried caramel apple pie and apple Ted Tarts (a signature take on a nostalgic Pop-Tart). And for the pumpkin fans? A creamy, pumpkin pie milkshake – yes, please.
1818 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
505 8th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Ice Cream Jubilee
Even after summer ends, this popular ice cream spot in Capitol Riverfront and U Street continues churning out inventive flavors. Making a triumphant return to cones and dishes everywhere starting Friday, Oct. 1, the pumpkin honeycomb ice cream. Think of eating pieces of pumpkin pie and bits of honeycomb nuggets on on a cone. A sweet molasses ice cream variety is also said to be coming soon. You can order pick-up or delivery from this local ice cream hub.
301 Water Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
1407 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Chaia
Non-traditional taco shop Chaia prides itself on seasonal and fresh ingredients and that’s no different this fall. The seasonal menu features a smoky collard greens taco with queso fresco, paprika salsa and radish. Or, skip the taco and opt for sweet potato nachos, which include black beans, pepper jack, arugula pepita salsa, cilantro, pickled red onions and cilantro-lime jalapenos (only available at the 615 I Street NW location).
3207 Grace Street NW, Washington DC, 20007
615 I Street NW, Washington DC, 20001
Osteria Morini
Chef di Cucina Tommy Levandoski typically taps into the season at Osteria Morini with ingredients like pumpkin seeds, squash, apple and fennel. In the past, Osteria Morini has featured seasonal dishes such as braciola, a bone-in Hampshire pork chop with pancetta braised cabbage and apple mostarda, as well as an autumnal take on burrata, which comes bedecked with pumpkin seed crumble, granny smith apples and shaved fennel.
301 Water Street SE #109, Washington, DC 20003
Colada Shop
Located off the buzzing 14th Street Corridor and The Wharf's Pearl Street, this all-day Cuban cafe is famous for serving up empanadas, cocktails and coffee. This fall, you can find new menu items including seasonal libations from the dulce flan latte to the La Coqueta cocktail with rum, amaro, apple and lime, and autumnal bites like the sweet potato, caramelized onion and Swiss cheese croquetas.
1405 T St NW, Washington, DC 20009
10 Pearl St SW Washington, DC 20024
Lupo Verde Osteria Palisades
Fall is all about comfort, and perhaps the ultimate comfort food is pasta. You’ll find plenty of it at Lupo Verde Osteria near Georgetown. Dig into the delicious cacio e pepe, featuring tonnarelli pasta, pecorino romano and black pepper. The restaurant's homemade lasagna is also mouthwatering, with pork and beef ragu, bechamel and mozzarella cheese.
4814 MacArthur Boulevard NW, Washington, DC 20007
Café du Parc
Welcome the season with a harvest-inspired menu from Café du Parc at Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. Savor decadent flavors from the duck pâté made of foie gras and mallard duck with crisp apples, apple compote and brandied cherry coulis to the wild boar entrée with butternut squash purée, broccolini, house-made gnocchi, and pomegranate reduction. But save room for the caramel vanilla tart, featuring caramel chocolate crémeux and vanilla mousse with crisp poached pears, caramel sauce and spiced ice cream.
1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
District Winery
Enjoy the scenic Yards Park and autumn reds (and whites and rosés) at District Winery. Try a sampling of the neighborhood winery’s small batch offerings with a tasting flight and delectable bites. Seasonal flights include Falling into Autumn featuring Unoaked Chardonnay, Pinot Gris Ramato, Washington State Pinot Noir and You Had Me at Merlot featuring a trio of Merlots.
385 Water Street SE, Washington, DC 20003