I've heard a lot about Big Bear Cafe / pass it all the time so I decided to stop in today. It's cute and cozy with great organizing / activist decoration on the walls. I really wanted to love it but...it took more than 20 minutes for them to make my espresso-based drink. As I was on my way to work this was really, really annoying. I don't think this is the norm (one of the baristas was apologetic) but it is what happened. **edit** I have to amend my review because I found a metal rod in my coffee cup (it appears that something from the machine broke off? don't know how sanitary this is but I'm a little appalled that I drank my latte before realizing it was in there). This made an eh experience bad. :/ read more

Big Bear Cafe - metal rod in my coffee cup, gross! - Cafes Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Very cute spot. Come for a drink but skip the mediocre food. We had the fish tacos (meh), brussel sprouts (bland and barely roasted.. couldn't have more than a few bites), and crispy calamari (mostly tiny bits of fried breading). Hard to imagine they intended the food to come out as it did... can only hope there are better things to try from the menu and we ordered the wrong things. read more

This place is a DC institution, both historical and through reputation. And you know this because if you're trying to brunch on a weekend, be prepared to wait. This is the place you want to come to on warm enough days to sit outside on their patio which is truly charming. I know at least once I tried to come for brunch and they were closed to the public because someones were having a wedding reception. So yes, its that sort of charming place. This is the place where you take your out-of-towner guests for a midday drink or a busy brunch when you want to impress a date with your chic-but-subdued style. The menu is a brief one page, sadly, slim pickings for vegetarians. They make a mean side of fries and their dipping sauces are great. Yes, on a Sunday you'll find their variant of eggs benedict, but don't expect to be blown away. Admittedly, the thing that I like best about this place - beyond the atmosphere - is their red berry tea. No, its not quite hibiscus, but they serve it cold and not too sweet. Perfect to sip under the trellises. This place serves coffee and beer as well, but I can't really speak to those. I hear it's good ;) They make a spicy fried chicken sandwich too. read more

Since arriving in DC from San Francisco over a week ago, I have not found a place that makes me feel like home. That is, until Big Bear. While yes, the place has an aura of self-righteousness there is some truth to that once you taste the french press coffee. Cool atmosphere, large community table, and nice outside patio. Bring your one-speed, vintage clothes, and beards to Black Bear and get a taste of San Francisco! *It is true, the wifi is less than fast... read more

Awesome hipster coffee shop! They have indoor/ outdoor seating and a small stand outside to order food and black coffee. If you want an espresso drink you will need to wait in line indoors. The iced coffee was good, pretty standard. I enjoyed the breakfast burrito and wish I would have gotten the yogurt bowl because it looked amazing! I would highly recommend stopping here for your caffeine fix! read more

Big Bear Cafe - Breakfast burrito - Cafes Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Every time I've been to Big Bear it has been a terrible experience. I've waited an hour for cold food (that was supposed to be hot), been told 20 minutes after placing an order that my item was not available, and even been told, after ordering a stout beer, that the light-yellow drink that arrived on my table was in fact the porter, and that I was wrong for questioning. Luckily, with that one, my husband talked directly to the bartender, who gave me what I had ordered. It's been two years since I've been to the restaurant, and I guess I had forgotten how terrible it could be. Trying to support a local business, I went to their website, which asks all customers to order online, rather than at the store, given COVID restrictions. I placed my order and was told that it would be 32 minutes before it was ready. That seemed like a lot, especially compared to every other place I've ordered from during the pandemic, but I waited. I arrived at 9:20, when my order was supposed to be ready, assuming the experience would be like every other online order and contact-less pickup I've done during the pandemic, and it would be either waiting for me or ready shortly thereafter. Nope. Instead, I was told that they hadn't started making it, and that they don't start making online order until the pickup time that they give to customers. I waited. Meanwhile, three other customers walked up to the business, placed similar orders, and were served immediately. I went back to the register and asked what was happening, noting that I had placed my order online 40 minutes ago, waited 10 minutes past my pickup time, and multiple customers were being served before me. She said there were different lines for online and in-person ordering, and "that's just how it works." I asked why, since I had followed the procedure requested on their website, and she rolled her eyes and walked away. A few more minutes passed and another employee walked by the pick-up window. I asked if my order was ready yet, and she said that it was just being started, 10 minutes after my pickup time and contrary to what I was told when I first arrived. Finally, the drink came out. I asked about the food I had also ordered and the employee, with attitude, said "that's why it's taking longer - because you ordered food." As if I had done something wrong by adding food to my order. I noted that I had just ordered a muffin, which should already be made and not take any additional time. Two minutes later, the muffin arrived, and the employee said that I "snatched the bag up too quickly, and that was rude." It was now 45 minutes after I placed the order, and 15 minutes after I was told it would be ready. There was never an explanation of why my order (or anyone else who had been waiting for online orders) was put at the bottom of their "list" and delayed. Never an apology for being behind schedule. Only rolled eyes and sighs, and comments that I was being rude. I guess it is my fault in the end, because this is how they always treat customers. In a time when everything in the world seems out of sorts, in a way it's reassuring that Big Bear remains the same rude, slow establishment that somehow stays in business. Some things never change. read more

The ambiance is absolutely adorable here. Very chic & trendy which I absolutely love. I ordered the Mac & cheese with fried brussel spouts which was bomb and my barista helped me choose the perfect coffee for my quick afternoon pick me up as a waited for traffic to die down after my day trip. I love how close this place is to my apartment and I definitely wanna make a trip back to try their breakfast. Such elegance and quality. Staff was super quick with my order and hospitable. Really loved my overall experience except for the mosquitos were attacking me since it was dusk, obviously not the cafe's fault just something to keep in mind. Would LOVE to see some seasonal flavors here since the quality is so good read more

Big Bear Cafe - Mac & cheese with fried Brussel sprouts - Cafes Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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You knew I felt overwhelmed in the big city of DC so you'd plan the best "neighborhood visits" - all day events devoted to one section of the city. The first neighborhood visit had us in Big Bear Café, drinking coffee and listening to some live music before walking through Crispus Attucks park. Nando's Peri-Peri: https://www.yelp.com/biz/nandos-peri-peri-washington-8?hrid=wa8KYwEEZeW01w3XHxly9w&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) read more

If you like burnt coffee and being served food by individuals with exposed stomachs, this is the place for you! 2 stars because the decor is actually super cute. Lots of potential...unfortunately they don't live up to it. read more

This place had all the potential to be amazing. My wife and I planned to get lunch together and this place was closest to her school. My wife's coworkers also typically walk here to get their coffee. The inside is super cozy and a perfect place to do work or read inside. We ordered the fried chicken sandwich and the grilled cheese with bacon. It took 30 minutes to prepare with no warning from the employees that it would take that long. We had to go up to them twice to ask about our order. We only had 45 minutes for lunch. We didn't know it would take 30 minutes just to get a fried chicken sandwich and grilled cheese. It was slightly annoying. We had to walk and eat. When we started eating the grilled cheese, we realized that there was no bacon...like we ordered. The fried chicken was also pink to the point where we couldn't truly enjoy it. It was just so disappointing. We won't be going back. read more

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As a tourist to DC, I relied on my friend to show me around, and while there, I made him aware of my fascination with coffee. He said to me, "before you leave here, I'll take you to a great coffee shop." Big Bear Cafe is that shop, and I have to agree with him on that. Every bit of the experience prior to ordering reminded me of other truly organic independent cafes across the country. The place feels warm and old fashioned. The casual, intellectual vibe existed both inside and outside, where we ended up enjoying our cups of direct trade brew. They know how to prepare a good cup of coffee, and they do it with a smile. The coffee was great - strong, well balanced, a perfect pick-me-up after a morning at the farmer's market. They get their beans from Counter Culture Coffee, a well-known distributor in the area that prides itself on all things coffee. I take that as a promising sign, and the staff at Big Bear agree. I felt like a regular sitting outside, drinking and chatting with my friend the day before I took off to continue my cross-country trip. I took a button from them that had they're adorable "Big Bear" logo on it, a memory distilled, even after several future experiences of coffee consumption. Next time I visit DC, I plan to revisit this place. read more

Big Bear Cafe - Pin - Cafes Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Meh. Expensive food. Poor service. The good: food was yummy and I got it quickly. The bad: I asked for the breakfast sandwich on a biscuit instead of a bagel and she said it would be a "little extra." Turns out on my email receipt the extra was actually me purchasing a whole pastry! So they take away the bagel and make me pay for a whole extra item?!? That is a rip off. In addition, I asked for iced coffee. She asked where I was sitting and I said outside. She said great and to display the number outside so they knew where I was. I waited and after I got my food and she took away the number, I finally went inside to ask where my iced coffee was. She said I went outside and they don't serve the drinks outside. Ummmmmmmm. I wasn't told to wait for my drink so I didn't know this. And were you then just not going to give me what I paid for?!?? Really? To top it off when I went back outside a bird had started eating my food. read more

A terrible experience this morning. I came in to Big Bear cafe excited to get a breakfast sandwich and my usual doppio espresso. The strange thing is that when I asked for an espresso at the register, I was told by the cashier that they do not have to go cups for an espresso. Then I simply pointed to the cups behind her and asked, "Are those to-go cups?" So the doppio could simply be served in one of those. After a brief use of the restroom, I came outside. Perhaps the manager, a woman stood there explaining to me that they can serve it to me this time, but "next time I cannot request it to go." This was a very strange stipulation, it seemed. I had been to hundreds of other cafes and no place tells its customers that an espresso must be consumed in the establishment exclusively. Not even Starbucks has such a policy! I explained this to her. She got combative and said that it is written up on the menu. Perhaps it is but when I see that a coffee shop has an espresso machine, I will know that they serve espresso, and I won't need to scroll though the menu to know that. I asked If I could have it to go If I just bring my own cup, still she said no. Not once did she even say "sorry", she said all of this is a condescending negative tone. This is especially upsetting since this is not my first visit, I had been here a few times already and I really liked this place. However this treatment is very very bad, just unacceptable. read more

Awesome staff, coffee, and food! It is a little chaotic ordering in person at times, recommend ordering online read more

We visited here for a bite to eat early one Saturday morning. Walking up to the cafe, you are met by the cutest patio covered with grape vines that truly sets the atmosphere of this coffee shop apart. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating, and even have a station to order food and non-espresso drinks outside. This was a great advantage as the line for inside ordering was quite long, and this saved us time to continue our adventures for the remainder of the day. I ordered the Breakfast Bagel with ham, which was very good and an iced coffee. This cafe had a great selection of coffee and breakfast options, and even offered a bar for nightlife activities. The service was quick and the food was delicious. Definitely recommend stopping in here on your next visit to the area! read more

Big Bear Cafe - Breakfast Bagel (everything bagel with ham) + Iced Coffee - Cafes Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This is about the Haenyo popup dinner at Big Bear. Rarely has a meal made me so angry. As a Korean and a former chef, I was disappointed by every aspect of the meal. The tempura wasn't cooked at the proper temperature, so the batter got very greasy. The bossam was dry and falling apart. It was clearly overlooked. The saewoojut was.... just bad and uninspired. Adding insult to injury, the portion size was tiny compared to the price. If it had been executed at a higher level, I could see justifying $15 for 4 slices of what wasn't even pork belly, but it wasn't. While I do appreciate the intent and the attempt to make Korean food more mainstream by referring to it in its original language, the food was just plain bad. I sent the plate back and immediately drove to Annandale to cleanse my palate with some real Bossam. read more

Everything I've ever wanted in a neighborhood coffee shop/cafe/pizza place! Love the breakfast burrito with chorizo

I heard rave reviews about Big Bear. The first time I went, the service was poor. I chalked it up to bad luck and everyone having an off-day. Tried it again today. For $9.50 they serve eggs and toast, with french fries -- for breakfast. Their explanation? They've switched "for the season." I'm not sure what "season" makes one way to prepare potatoes invalid and requires another, oilier way, but whatever. Then the meal comes out and it's cold. The toast isn't really toasted, it's more just bread. The fries were room temperature to the touch. I asked for something else and was first told that it wasn't that person's job. Eventually someone promised to remake the fries and I suggested they just give me a buttermilk biscuit instead, figuring it would be faster even if they take a moment to warm it up. A good five minutes passed, no biscuit. New explanation: "we only have one cook." It's a Sunday, there's a farmer's market outside your shop every Sunday until 1 p.m., there are always MASSIVE amounts of people when I look in (part of the reason I hadn't tried it again until now -- the line was shorter today because I got there closer to 1 p.m.), maybe you should have more than one cook? Other issues: you order at the counter and the register suggests a tip before you've experienced the service. Sort of negates the purpose of a tip to reward and incentivize good service -- which maybe is part of the problem here. So, when the server brought the food out, they didn't bring anything or ask if I wanted anything, just threw it down, took the table number, and fled. No butter or jam for the toast. No ketchup for the fries. So then you have to go find someone at the counter, leaving your food to get colder. I won't be returning. read more

I'm such a fan of Big Bear! Mostly, I can't get enough of the space. It's sunny, it's casual, it's got a patio where a real-life songbird might land beside your notebook hoping for a scrap of food. If you sit outside, the landscaping blocks the road from view, making it feel a bit like a (small) garden oasis. Plus the staff is funky and the food and coffee are satisfying. It can be hard to find a seat at prime coffee-shop o'clock. Finally: friends of mine had their wedding reception at Big Bear recently, and that was great too, if a bit cramped. The food was absolutely stellar; one of the few weddings where the food was memorable! read more

great service, great food! the ambiance is amazing, can be overpriced but still worth it read more

There is a certain category of foods for which the two important categories are not "good" and "bad" but "real" and "not real." I.e., foods for which the real version is inherently good, and the not-real version is inherently disappointing. These include barbeque, brownies, cakes, and cappuccino. So the important thing to know is that the Big Bear Cafe's cappuccino is the real thing. Excellent espresso mixed with foam, not hot milk with a few meager bubbles. So balanced that my wife didn't even want to add sugar to it. Is it better than the cappuccino at the Mid-City Caffe? I don't really know, but I don't really care. read more

Really cool place to hang out & grab a cup of coffee & pull out the laptop and get a little work done. And there is street parking right in front! Downside: I'm not sure how often they clean the tables on the patio, but make sure yours is clean before you put your things down on it!!! read more

Big Bear Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This is the cozy coffee oasis in this barren neighborhood. I just needed to waste a few hours in the area before dinnertime and this was somehow the only coffeehouse open. Good thing this place was cute, with an empty hightop in the middle just for me. I was a little disappointed by my $2+ french pressed coffee though.. since it was just coffee poured in a mug, not in a french press.. and if they did use a french press to make it, it surely was not fresh. Their food looks pretty good though, and the atmosphere seems like a fun time. $5 minimum for credit. read more

Can't stop coming to this place. It's the music, the environment, and their falafel salad that keeps me coming. You never know what this place is going to play when you walk in, and that's why I like it. One day they were playing Gucci Mane, the next, they were playing The XX. I like the fact that you can sit inside or outside. The only thing about sitting outside is that there isn't any outlets to charge your computer, so I just make sure it's charged prior to going. I did read some reviews about the customer service. The first time I went, there was a lady that had a pretty bad attitude, but I decided to give big bear another chance, and I actually haven't seen her that much. Since then, I really haven't had any issues in regards to customer service. I gave the review 4 stars because I'm not that crazy about their coffee, but overall, the place is great. The food is good, and I always enjoy the sweets they have. They have this bacon scone thing that's amazing!! read more

The food was hella good! The quiche was hella exquisite! It was light enough to start off the day, and but substantial enough to hold you up for a long day of sight seeing. The lime San Pellegrino was bomb, and my girlfriends chai latte phenomenally crafted! We didn't have anything from the bar, but it looked locked and loaded, ready to go! The inside had a cozy and warm atmosphere, and the patio was perfect for a chilly day with a sunny sky. Perfect for them IG/FB check ins and for all the bumping hashtags! read more

Big Bear Cafe - Breakfast Quiche with side of avocado and bacon. - Cafes Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Such a cute place with amazing craft cocktails! Taylor made our drinks and she was FANTASTIC!

Cute, casual atmosphere great for breakfast, brunch, lunch or drinks on the beautiful patio covered in grape vines. I was there for brunch. The employees are personable and the neighborhood is a great place to stay when visiting the DC area! read more

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Had a private event here and the staff was so friendly! Great space and even better food!!

This place could take a lesson in operational efficiency. So much standing around people doing the roles they're assigned rather than pitching in and getting the line down. They also have a terrible setup for fulfilling orders. I want this place to be successful since it's so close to me but they do themselves no favors. read more

What are you in the mood for? A latte? A glass of wine? Appetizers? Desserts? Good conversation and ambiance? Big Bear Cafe has got you covered. This cozy cafe is housed in the beautiful neighborhood of Bloomingdale DC. A secret garden of sorts. The service was good, and our waiter was especially pleasant (read: he laughed at all my jokes). :-) This is the perfect place to meet a friend or a date in the fall. I highly recommend this spot! I will be returning soon. read more

I remember Big Bear being so much better 4 years ago. I moved back to DC recently and ordered a burger. For $14 it was just bread, butter and patty. I thought hmm, maybe it will be delicious. It was dry, bread stale. The side salad portion was measly and they gave no mayo and no vinegar in the salad. I would have returned it, but the cafe closed and I was hungry. The sad part--the cafe guy even checked the to go box before giving it to me. I ordered in desperation. Last time I came here and got tea, and the service people could not afford a smile. I am sorry Big Bear--you can just throw community events and be part of a "community" while serving horrible stuff. Dont be a cafe then-be a community center. read more

Big Bear Cafe - Dry burger, teeny salad portion, no aoli= $14 - Cafes Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Maybe it was because the weather was beautiful but the staff and the other customers were quite pleasant when I stopped in today. I will definitely be wandering over here on a more frequent basis. It is a lovely spot and a gem in the neighborhood. Sure, there are plenty of hipsters here, but hey, such is life. Nice patio area, average prices, cool building, and a farmer's market is right out front on Sundays. What's not to like? read more

This place is a gem and a much needed hub in the neighborhood. While I can't speak for the food, the coffee and cappuccino are sufficient. The standards for decent, independently-owned coffee shops are abysmally low in this city, that the minimum one can ask for are serviceable coffee, serviceable atmosphere, serviceable food menu, and serviceable staff. This place has all these components, more or less, as well as the entertainment, such as jazz and improv, on the side--what used to be a novelty but is now a near-given for these places to stay competitive. What I like most about this place is the young, hip (sometimes self-consciously so) clientele that make for excellent people-watching. The outdoor seating is nice. Working here can be less than desirable with its limited number of outlets, loud music, dim lighting, and miserably slow wi-fi Internet. The one aspect in its favor for those who like to work here is the late hours. As I write this review, I realize that I crave so much for this place to be more than it really is, crave for DC to offer more superior coffee shops. Sadly, one must do with what DC has - a real dearth of quality coffee shops with character and good vibes - and settle for third best. read more

Very quaint little yuppy place. Not much seating unless you can sit outside. Has an extremely nice outdoor seating area with grape vines. Did coffee, but very crowded for a workday morning breakfast. read more

I love Big Bear Cafe. They're in a spot that I drive by frequently, so it's convenient but I'll happily go out of my way, pass one or more Starbucks locations and pay a little extra for so much more. I only wish I was't working when I visit. The place is so cozy and nice, but I never have time to sit back and relax there. I usually get tea to go. The grilled cheese is MONEY. Free Wifi is a nice bonus. read more

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I love supporting local independent cafes over Starbucks, but I also feel conflicted about how pretentious they can be in a very hipster way lol. Fortunately for big bear, the offerings live up to the hype. I came in wanting a bagel and lox and didn't know at 4 pm they switch from the "day menu" to the "dinner menu." Fortunately that also includes some excellent cocktails so I ended up with a Last Word and Mac and cheese. Both were good enough to make me return. There's one daily special cocktail versus having a happy hour, but I like the simplicity in that if you're trying to find a decently priced craft cocktail and not some discounted rail drink. Plus it encourages me to try something I might not have picked otherwise. They have entrees but I didn't want anything too substantive. The Mac and cheese was delicious. The pasta was the perfect consistency with a strongly cheddar cheese sauce base. I usually prefer having strings of cheese hanging between my pasta and the dish but this was so good I couldn't object. Ample seating on a weekday. I've seen this place packed for weekend brunch though, especially when the weather is nice and it's not huge. I didn't test the wifi but it's offered on weekdays. Overall, this is a place that makes me wish I lived in Bloomingdale/Eckington rather than just working in Shaw. read more

Big Bear Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I always saw this place on my drive home from work and on a hot summer day couldn't help but stop for simple glass of wine on the rustic brick patio... very simple .. with tiny tables and a few umbrellas... kid and pet friendly -- my friend enjoyed a cold beer.. and I a glass of white.. the coffee selection seemed great as well as the food menu -- even though i didn't try any thing from either.... very fun local spot... gorgeous tulips in the spring -- an added bonus for nature lovers! read more

Big Bear Cafe - spring tulips on the patio - Cafes Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

We stayed in a flat close to this cafe while we were in town for the first time. It was right around the corner so we ate here for breakfast and coffee numerous times. The place was busy but we were able to order and get a table in short time. The menu has good offerings and the coffee was great. The quiche was very good. The crust was perfect and the flavors were very savory. The eggs and toast plate was just what you would expect but the potatoes are served as French fries. You can get greens in place of the fries which is good too. read more

This place offers delicious beverages, tasty food and all packaged in a cute location. They play trendy music but its kind of loud. Overall I would recommend it for a quick bite , checking email or catching up on work. read more

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Love this neighborhood cafe! This was one of the best breakfast sandwiches I've ever had. The staff are very friendly. read more

Big Bear Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia