Roasted Chicken Skewers
Tender, citrus-marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection with smoky char marks, infused with aromatic olive oil and garlic.
Tender, citrus-marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection with smoky char marks, infused with aromatic olive oil and garlic.
Crispy, golden zucchini fritters crafted with red quinoa, flax seeds, fresh dill, mint, and sesame oil, served alongside a refreshing coconut yogurt tzatziki dipping sauce.
Artisanal white pizza topped with homemade mozzarella, savory parmigiano reggiano, sliced garlic, and fragrant oregano.
Traditional marinara featuring rich organic crushed tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic oregano on a blistered, charred crust.
A gourmet creation featuring pickled Fresno chilies, fresh arugula, homemade mozzarella, ricotta, parmigiano, pecorino romano, and a sweet hot honey drizzle.
Timeless classic pizza layered with homemade mozzarella, rich parmigiano reggiano, organic crushed tomatoes, and fresh basil.
Vibrant green pizza featuring roasted broccolini, melted mozzarella, herbaceous pesto base, and sweet caramelized onions.
Savory pizza topped with spicy pepperoni or soppressata, homemade mozzarella, parmigiano reggiano, organic crushed tomatoes, and basil.
Rustic artisan pizza loaded with roasted eggplant, peppers, onions, organic crushed tomatoes, homemade mozzarella, and parmigiano reggiano.
Hearty pizza topped with savory crumbled sausage, homemade mozzarella, parmigiano reggiano, organic crushed tomatoes, and fresh basil.
Luxurious pizza featuring a rich pesto base, delicate prosciutto, fresh arugula, creamy burrata cheese, and parmesan.
Rich white-sauce pizza layered with pecorino, grilled artichoke hearts, baby spinach, mushrooms, and olives.
Crispy fried chicken breast served with cabbage slaw and sriracha mayo on a housemade toasted brioche bun.
Rhode Island calamari fried to a golden crunch, tossed with peppers, onions, giardiniera cabbage pickles, and a zesty Calabrian chili mayo sauce.
Juicy grass-fed Happy Valley beef patty topped with tomato, arugula, and sriracha mayo on a housemade brioche bun.
Warm, creamy butternut squash soup simmered to perfection and served piping hot.
Nourishing bowl with roasted seasonal veggies, arugula, quinoa, fried chickpea farro, fresh cilantro, and parsley.
Garlic-marinated shrimp seared 'a la plancha', tucked into tortillas with crunchy coleslaw and vibrant red salsa.
Crisp Lacinato kale and romaine lettuce tossed with crunchy croutons and generous shaved parmesan cheese.
Roasted beets tossed with arugula, rainbow carrots, sweet potato, goat feta, sunflower seeds, and balsamic vinegar.
A rich, concentrated double shot of freshly brewed espresso with a velvety crema.
Strong espresso lengthened with hot water for a smooth, bold coffee experience.
Large serving of bold espresso combined with hot water.
Traditional espresso stained with a delicate dash of foamed milk.
Equal parts robust espresso and perfectly textured steamed milk.
Harmonious blend of espresso, steamed milk, and a thick layer of rich foam.
Smooth espresso combined with velvety microfoam milk.
Espresso combined with plenty of creamy steamed milk.
Chilled double shot of espresso poured directly over crystal-clear ice.
Refreshing blend of bold espresso and cold water served over ice.
Smooth espresso and chilled milk poured generously over ice.
Freshly brewed daily selection of premium drip coffee.
Traditional house drip coffee mixed with warm steamed milk.
Chilled freshly brewed coffee served over ice cubes.
Choice of premium steeped hot loose-leaf or bagged tea.
Fragrant Earl Grey tea infused with vanilla syrup and velvety steamed milk.
Premium ceremonial grade Japanese matcha whisked with steamed milk.
Freshly brewed and chilled black tea served crisp and refreshing over ice.
Chilled ceremonial grade matcha blended with cold milk over ice.
Warm, comforting steamed milk delicately infused with natural honey.
Warm, creamy steamed milk sweetened with aromatic vanilla flavor.
Warm spiced chai tea blend combined with rich, velvety steamed milk.
Rich cocoa blended smoothly with warm steamed milk.
Refreshing Italian sparkling citrus soda with authentic fruit flavor.
Crisp, refreshing premium sparkling mineral water.
Freshly pressed fruit juice bursting with natural vitamins.
Fluffy scrambled eggs, savory caramelized onions, fresh arugula, and melted cheddar cheese on a toasted artisan bun.
Warm flour tortilla packed with fluffy scrambled eggs, cheddar, arugula, peppers, and onions.
Authentic woodfire oven baked bagel, available toasted plain or as an everything bagel.
Crunchy artisanal Michele's granola served over creamy Greek-style yogurt.
Chilled, refreshing blend of fresh tomatoes and sweet watermelon garnished with microgreens.
Fresh spring salad with mixed greens, hard-boiled egg, grilled asparagus, snow peas, and radishes with green goddess dressing.
Nourishing bowl featuring roasted seasonal vegetables, farro, quinoa, and fresh greens.
Fresh bagel layered with rich cream cheese, gin-cured salmon, capers, and tangy pickled red onion.
Decadent bagel piled high with tender short-rib pastrami, caramelized onions, pickles, and zesty mustard aioli.
Crispy ciabatta grilled cheese oozing with aged cheddar and fontal, complemented by thin slices of crisp apple and garlic butter.
Griddled tortilla wrap packed with curried chickpeas, cucumbers, arugula, ginger yogurt, and pickled red onion.
Artisan panuzzo stuffed with savory prosciutto, ripe heirloom tomato, fresh mozzarella, baby arugula, and red wine vinaigrette.
Nestled in the vibrant Bloomingdale neighborhood of Washington, DC, Big Bear Cafe stands out as an iconic architectural landmark completely draped in lush ivy. Stepping inside reveals an interior steeped in character, featuring exposed brick walls, vintage black-and-white photography chronicling old DC neighborhoods, and handwritten chalkboard menus. Whether you are settling into the cozy upstairs fireplace seating resembling a charming chateau or soaking up the sun on the grapevine patio, the ambiance bridges historic soul with a lively modern neighborhood spirit.
Culinary offerings span morning comfort to candlelit dinner favorites, emphasizing scratch-made preparations and fresh ingredients. Signature items anchor the menu with exceptional flavor profiles:
Priced comfortably in the $10–$20 range, Big Bear Cafe delivers generous portions and exceptional quality that justify the commute from across the DMV area. The crowd is a lively mix of college students, remote workers taking advantage of the daytime Wi-Fi, families, and neighborhood regulars. It also serves as an intimate venue for private events and boutique weddings.
The cafe operates with daytime counter service and transitions into relaxed evening dining. While alternative milk supplies and gluten-free bread options can occasionally run low during peak morning rushes, the overall hospitality, dog-friendly outdoor seating, and commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients make Big Bear Cafe an absolute must-visit destination in the District.
1822 1st St NW, Washington, DC 20001
501 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
606 Florida Ave NW #1853, Washington, DC 20001
1547 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
1334 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
1005 1st St NE Ste 3, Washington, DC 20002
Big Bear Cafe is located at 1700 1st St NW, Washington, DC 20001, in the heart of the historic Bloomingdale neighborhood.
The cafe is renowned for its iconic ivy-covered exterior, wood-fired artisan pizzas like The Fresno, crispy fried chicken sandwiches, lox bagels, and expertly crafted espresso drinks including dirty chais and iced lattes.
Most menu items range between $10 and $20, offering generous portions and high-quality, organic ingredients that provide excellent value for casual dining or weekend brunch.
Yes, the cafe features a wonderful dog-friendly grapevine patio with outdoor heating and seating, making it a popular spot for guests with pets.
Yes, the menu includes numerous vegetarian options such as the Green Goddess Pizza, Zucchini Fritters, Farro Veggie Bowl, and various house-baked pastries and salads.
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