Try sitting outside around the heater with your favorite people and furry friends and sip warm delicious latte! We had amazing time at Big bear cafe. Spinach&artichoke pizza was delicious, right out of the oven and each of us got mocha latte, brown sugar oat milk latte and white chocolate mint oat milk latte and everyone was happy with the taste of coffee! Warm, creamy and yummy! We sat outside around the heater with our dog, the atmosphere is relaxing and cozy even outside the building, and warm from the heat from the heater. Also, they only have freshly baked pastry everyday and do not keep their pastries for the next day. We visited 2hrs before the closing time and hanged out for a while and were given some free pastries nicely packed in a paper bag to try. I tried the muffin and it was good that I wanted to check other menus like sandwich etc. The service was amazing, friendly and polite staff, I pressed no tip (I wanted to press custom tip) accidentally and as we ordered extra drink later, my mom ran inside to tell my dad to make sure he leaves some tip, and I felt so sorry after hearing he left only $4 of cash he had in his wallet. (There is no tip culture in Korea.. so my parents are not really familiar with tip)Next time, we will make sure we leave some tip appropriate to the quality of time and service we had from this place! Thank you and good night! Ps.the big bear painting on the wall is so cute and the ivy on the wall is beautiful!
Overview
Looking for a cozy, welcoming spot to grab a bite in Washington, DC? Look no further than Big Bear Cafe, located at 1700 1st St NW, Washington, DC 20001. This charming cafe offers not just a meal but an experience. Whether you're in the mood for a relaxing brunch, a coffee break, or a leisurely dinner, this cafe hits the mark with its blend of comforting food and inviting atmosphere.
The moment you walk into Big Bear Cafe, you're greeted by a warm and friendly ambiance. The cafe’s rustic décor, with its wooden tables and cozy lighting, immediately sets the tone for a laid-back, welcoming dining experience. It’s the perfect place to unwind, whether you're alone, with friends, or enjoying a date. The seating area is spacious but intimate, and you’ll find both indoor and outdoor seating options, making it ideal for every kind of weather in DC.
The menu at Big Bear Cafe is one of the highlights. Featuring a delightful mix of hearty and healthy options, there's something for everyone. If you're a fan of breakfast at any time of the day, you’ll love the menu offerings. One standout item is the avocado toast, topped with fresh eggs and a sprinkle of chili flakes, which packs a punch in every bite. For those who prefer something a bit more indulgent, the cafe's signature pancakes, served with maple syrup and a side of bacon, never disappoints.
If you’re in the mood for lunch or dinner, Big Bear Cafe continues to impress. Their sandwiches are especially popular, with the grilled cheese taking the spotlight. Served with a side of homemade tomato soup, it’s comfort food at its finest. For something a little more on the healthy side, the quinoa salad with roasted vegetables is a must-try. The ingredients are always fresh, and the flavors are perfectly balanced, making it a great option for those who want something light but satisfying.
What really sets Big Bear Cafe apart, though, is its strong sense of community. It’s not just about the food, but the experience of dining in a place that feels like home. Whether you’re having a casual lunch with friends or catching up on some work with a coffee, the vibe is relaxed, and the staff is friendly, offering exceptional service every time.
Many locals rave about their coffee, too. Sourced from local roasters, it’s the perfect pick-me-up for anyone who loves a rich, smooth cup of coffee. If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, the cafe’s seasonal specials are always worth checking out. From pumpkin-flavored lattes in the fall to refreshing iced drinks in the summer, there's always something new and exciting to try.
Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with many mentioning the welcoming staff and the consistent quality of food. Whether it's for a quick stop during your workday or a leisurely afternoon with friends, Big Bear Cafe makes sure that you leave satisfied, often promising that you'll return for another meal soon. The reviews highlight not only the delicious food but also the exceptional atmosphere, making it a hidden gem in the heart of Washington, DC.
If you're planning a visit, it’s worth noting that the cafe gets busy, especially on weekends. Arriving a little early or making a reservation is always a good idea if you're looking to avoid a wait. Despite the occasional crowd, the cafe’s relaxed atmosphere ensures that everyone feels right at home, whether you're enjoying a meal indoors or taking in the fresh air on their charming patio.
With its great menu, friendly staff, and perfect location, Big Bear Cafe has earned its place as one of DC’s favorite spots for both locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re just in for coffee or ready for a full meal, this cafe offers the kind of experience that will have you coming back for more.
Good to know
From the business
âś“ Identifies as women-ownedService options
âś“ Outdoor seating âś“ No-contact delivery âś“ Delivery âś“ On-site services âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-inHighlights
âś“ Fast service âś“ Great coffee âś“ Great dessert âś“ Great tea selection âś“ Live music âś“ Live performancesPopular for
âś“ Breakfast âś“ Lunch âś“ Solo dining âś“ Good for working on laptopAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car parkOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Coffee âś“ Comfort food âś“ Happy-hour drinks âś“ Happy-hour food âś“ Healthy options âś“ Organic dishes âś“ Quick bite âś“ Spirits âś“ Vegan options âś“ Vegetarian options âś“ WineDining options
âś“ Breakfast âś“ Brunch âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Bar on site âś“ Toilet âś“ Wi-FiAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ TrendyCrowd
âś“ Family friendly âś“ Groups âś“ LGBTQ+ friendly âś“ Tourists âś“ Transgender safe space âś“ University studentsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ Good for kids âś“ High chairsParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Paid street parking âś“ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
Nice cafe, lovely setting, nice people. Friendly servers and smiley faces when you come in, lovely setting (vines on the outside of the building which made in look like an Italian place, and nice wooden tables inside and out), and nice atmosphere with a good soundtrack! Coffee and drinks were surprisingly cheap compared to the other places in Washington DC. Food was overpriced for what it was, which was the only small downside. Having said that, everywhere in DC seems v pricey!
I enjoyed a flat white and breakfast burrito here. The overall atmosphere was lovely to enjoy my breakfast and read for a bit. Lots of people were working from their laptops (they have wifi), chatting with one another, or grabbing something to-go. The staff was friendly, and there was ample seating inside and out even on a busy day. The drink prices are reasonable for DC.
Lovely little café, and a lovely little neighborhood, they also have a farmers market outside on Sunday mornings, which makes for a full Sunday experience: cute latte, and baked goods and a stroll of the stands, what more could you ask for? I won’t claim it. It’s the best coffee I’ve ever had, and I wouldn’t come here for a meal, but the baked goods are. .. good , and they have some pretty neat flavors for seasonal coffee drinks
I swung by this little cafe last weekend and honestly, it was a nice change of pace. The coffee was decent, not the strongest I’ve had but smooth and easy to drink. I also tried one of their pastries, and it was fresh and flaky—definitely worth it. The place has a cozy vibe with plenty of natural light and a few comfy chairs, which made it easy to just sit and relax for a bit. The staff were friendly, nothing over the top, but you could tell they cared. Overall, a solid spot if you’re looking for a quiet morning coffee or a casual afternoon break.
This place is such a vibe. I discovered it during my daily commute to Washington Hospital Center. What makes it most exceptional beyond the delicious flat white and drip coffee is the staff. I feel like I've known them forever. They are warm and friendly with wonderful personalities. Lastly, there's a wonderful farmers market on Sunday's from 9-1 that is full of great vendors selling vintage clothing, organic meats and veggies, flowers and pastries galore.
We hosted our 60-person wedding at Big Bear Cafe in May 2025, and we are so thrilled we did. From the start of our venue search, the event manager Bri was attentive and organized. On the day itself, the staff were so proactive, helpful and kind. Many guests told us that they loved the venue, and that the food was absolutely delicious (the beef short ribs especially got rave reviews!). Staying in Big Bear's guest house next door made getting ready and staging decor for the day especially easy. And it was fun to invite folks back the next morning to debrief over coffee and breakfast, once it re-opened as a coffee shop. Highly recommend hosting an event here!
What a cute little gem of a cafe. Ordered a blondie brownie and a London fog tea. I was expecting the tea to be thrown in a to-go cup with a generic cheap tea bag inside, but NOPE. It was put in a huge cup, and it was loose leaf put in a custom tea bag pouch. It was lightly but perfectly sweetened and so good. And that brownie was PERFECT. It was gluten free too, but you wouldn’t be able to tell from the flavor and texture. Will definitely make a visit if I’m ever in the area again.