Their white chocolate mousse cake was our wedding cake almost 30 years ago. We've moved south, but EVERY time we go "home" to DC to visit, we indulge in this incredible cake. Nothing else comes close! read more

Avoid this bakery. We visited on a sat afternoon. I checked yelp and saw 4 stars only later to see the the good reviews were for the Watergate barber not the bakery. Selection was limited. Store was empty. We ordered three cake slices. Mine was moldy. Yes. Green mold. It was pre sliced and not fresh. We alerted bakery as luckily we were eating in. She replaced with another piece from the same cake which was less moldy the the first. Cashier noted the cake was delivered today. Hmmm. If the other items are treated with the same care I would not recommend. Service was average but not overly friendly as others have noted. read more

I purchased a cake for my parents' anniversary. I was trying to please the chocolate and vanilla lovers in the family and got a cake with both. The upper cake white (vanilla?) and the bottom half was definitely chocolate. We didn't finish it on the night it was served. It was delicious but we all agreed it was even better on the second day. We would order from them again! read more

Watergate Pastry - Marble cake with white chocolate and chocolate mouse. - Bakeries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Dang.. I checked in after I paid and ate my pastry! Discounted coffee on yelp check in!! Next time. I had a choco almond cookie crust with marzipan filling. Cup o joe and snack good. Also got two apple strudel for morning!! So many choices yum!! read more

Watergate Pastry - Chocolate almond ring with marzipan in middle, cookie bottom. YUM - Bakeries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Despite Covid this pastry shop continues to deliver quality cakes with a smile. Picked up two pre-ordered cakes curbside that was scrumptious.It was worth the 47.7 mile one-way drive. It added a whole level too birthday celebration. Sadly at this time they are only open two days a week. Keep this on your radar. Your palette will be appreciative. read more

Watergate Pastry - Hazelnut and chocolate shavings yummy! - Bakeries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I offer three stars, which is to say it was not bad. For any of us in the DMV, the Watergate is known to be a famously exclusive enclave for DC elite. I had an inappropriately biased view that every proprietorship located in the lower shopping lobby was going to be Tip Top. Watergate Pastry is situated directly across from a large concrete fountain in the shape of a shallow bowl. It resembles the height of that 1950 / 1960 "International Style" design sense that informs the sweeping shapes of the Watergate and UN building in NY. Yes, I was walking into a pastry shop...30 minutes prior to closing...on Mother's Day Weekend. Because of these extenuating circumstances, I forgive the obviously picked over selection. I'm also willing to wager that the fountain outside was the culprit responsible for the insane number of flies and other winged insects lazily fluttering around inside the business. The interior of the shop felt old, somehow. To their credit, the selections we made were not unpleasant. We bought an assortment of cake slices and small cookies. Even at the end of the day, the apple galette was still crisp, the éclair pastry cream still retained integrity, and the cookies tasted fresh. The favors and textures were...all there: everyone raised their hands. What I did not get was anything exceptional. Not everything in life has to be exceptional. I think part of me was just a tad crestfallen because I (wrongfully) expected the aura of hushed exclusivity that is the Watergate to have held halo over the shops situated therein. What I mean to say is that a visit to Watergate Pastry is perhaps not unlike the first time one rides in an old Rolls Royce. You expect it to be somehow transformative. What you get is the slight must of old leather, an admittedly smooth ride, but ultimately a memory matching slightly less than expectation. Nibble well, my friends. read more

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Everything and I mean everything about those cakes was pure perfection. I think I like the white ccointeu cake more. These girls were so efficient. They boxed them up and they were there as soon as the next day. Don't miss these cakes. Trust me ! DO IT NOW!!! read more

I had 30 minutes to kill before a training session nearby so I decided to check out the Watergate shops. I ended up stopping into Watergate Pastry for a coffee. No one was at the register when I walked in but there were two other patrons seated. I had to wait a few minutes to be acknowledged. I ordered a small coffee, and while I was not expecting much , I was still disappointed. The cup was filled less than 3/4 and the coffee itself was watery. I drank it nonetheless because I was super tired and hoped it would give me a boost. That it did indeed. A few people came in that seemed to be regulars while I was there ordering coffee and pastries. Some of the cookies looked good but the glazed pastries looked old. I would probably not stop here again and just try to find the closest Starbucks instead. read more

Best kept secret in Washington, DC! I've been shopping here for 37 years and have never been disappointed. The cakes, cookies, pastries, hand made quality chocolates and the coffee by the cup has consistently been fresh and delicious. I especially have bought a lot of the almond butter cookies over the years for all occasions, birthdays, bridal and baby showers, dinner parties, office, and even for home. I think its bargain for the price. Not cheap, but not expensive either. The service is always pleasant, laid back, professional and attentive. I love this little place! Many thanks for all the years and wishing you many more, Ann in SW/DC read more

Great little pastry shop that's a very short walk from the Watergate Hotel. They have coffee and rum cake too. Will have to come back to try one of the chocolate cakes. read more

Day 3 of the Flu, Hopefully Not Swine Flu: I finally muster up the energy to leave my room, which is better than I was able to do on days 1 and 2 of the flu. I realize this bout of energy will not last long, certainly not long enough to walk four blocks to buy groceries at Trader Joe's and walk back with them. No, desperate times call for desperate measures. I hobble across the street to the Watergate Pastry. It's a hobble rather than a walk, because the Nyquil makes me dizzy and kind of puts me off balance. I got a latte and a large apple strudel for $5. No complaints here. I quickly hobble back to my building and collapse in a chair. The strudel is delicious, more delicious than I remember it being, and far more delicious than anything you can get at the Cup'a Cup'a on the ground level of the Watergate. The latte is also far superior to the offerings at their competitor, not to mention cheaper. I should also mention that all their pastries are pretty good: croissants, danishes, etc. The cookies are also excellent, but ridiculously overpriced. And by overpriced, I mean $4 for an average sized cookie. Stick with the pastries and espresso. God bless the Watergate pastry for being across the street from where I live! read more

I've always wanted to try Watergate Pastry. I've heard great things about them. So, I decided to choose them for a friends birthday. I called last minute and they were able to help. I went with the boozy Grand Marnier chocolate. How can you not like a boozy dessert AND chocolate. Well the cake was just ok. At the party, I found quite a few unfinished slices. :( I was good, maybe just didn't live up to all the hype. Maybe I should have gone with one of the all time favorites chocolate or white chocolate mousse cake. :-| As for the service....the gentleman on the phone was very nice and very helpful. When I went to pick up the cake, the woman was not very friendly. Not unfriendly, but just not welcoming. I might go back to try something else, but would try by the slice before making a commitment to something like a birthday cake. One little sweet surprise...I grabbed a slice of the mango mousse cake, it was quite nice with a cup of tea today. read more

White Chocolate Mousse Cake. That's what we have been getting here for years as our standard order for a particular family member's birthday cake. Though we still enjoy the cake each year, the quality of this place has consistently gone down hill from when we first started frequenting it. It's funny because because physically and interior-wise, they have definitely not done a single thing to it and have, most likely, chose to do so (or not do so in this case) to keep it looking exactly like it did it in its heyday. That's fine and very rightly their choice. What I do have a problem with is the service. What used to be a very friendly neighborhood establishment type service has been replaced by the random encounter by unknown staff members who are surely not keeping on their old service manners - unfortunately. The cake is still good - very much a classic (it's filled with the same custard as in their Napoleons) and the white chocolate shavings are always plentiful. It's not my personal favorite type of cake, but those who enjoy classic flavors will. read more

I had a birthday recently and wanted a movie reel cake. Anton, the baker at the Watergate Pastry worked with me to get me what I wanted. I got a 10" yellow cake, with chocolate icing, fondant top and bottom to make the movie reel casing, and buttercream icing on the sides for the stars. The chocolate oscar statue is from Schokolad, and had to be laid down as it wouldn't stand. Tasted wonderful .... Everyone was asking me where I got the cake. I am very pleased with the Watergate Pastry and recommend them highly. Their service was prompt, professional and courteous. read more

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Ordered the Grand Marnier chocolate (on the right in the photo) and the Vanilla Almond (on left). The Grand Marnier was overkill on chocolate - so rich you could only stand to eat a teeny sliver (and then no takers on leftovers), but the Vanilla Almond was a winner. Light cake, fresh flavor - we enjoyed it for several days. The cakes are packaged in high quality boxes secured with ribbon. Lovely presentation and beautifully decorated. Recommended! read more

Watergate Pastry - Vanilla Almond and Grand Marnier cakes - Bakeries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

We made a special trip out here after we were done with the embassy tour. This is such a cute little bakery. We ordered a piece of chocolate fudge cake. The cake was kind of dry but i really liked the frosting. Overall, that cake was ok. I liked the interior and selections this place had. The prices are kinda on the high side - thats why it got a three stars. read more

Watergate Pastry - Bakeries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I would give the desserts here four stars, but my overall experience would have to be three. This bakery is hidden down a path of stairs, in a little corner. When you step in, you can tell that the bakery has been there for a while. There isn't a lot to choose from, but that's okay because everything they have is delicious! They have cakes, cookies, and chocolates here! I got a whole white chocolate mousse which tasted delicious. The mousse was was so rich and creamy. It had flakes of white chocolate all over the cake, so you got even more of a white chocolate flavor. When I went there, it was so hard to decide from the white chocolate mousse and the milk chocolate mousse, so I ended up getting a slice of milk chocolate mousse and I was pretty happy I did. I actually liked the white chocolate mousse, so I was happy I got the bigger version of that, but both were delicious! The lady working at the bakery wasn't friendly and she wasn't very welcoming. That's why I would say my experience here was a three star rating. read more

Watergate Pastry - Drool- chocolate mousse cake - Bakeries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Muffin was delicious, but wouldn't recommend for breakfast foods and coffee. This is a perfect place for an afternoon snack. read more

== **TOP SECRET** EYES ONLY Central Intelligence Agency 25 October, 1975 MEMORANDUM FOR: DCI, Directorate of Plans FROM: Secret C. Information Review Officer, DDI SUBJECT: YR-00200, Richard Nixon Re: Presidential Tapes, 18 1/2 minute gap. Per the department's inquiry of Sept 20th, we have located a copy of item No, 006-N23 recorded on the Oval Office on June 20, 1973; item which conveys the contents of the 18 1/2 minute gap, in which President Richard M. Nixon admits and confesses foreknowledge of the Watergate break-in by former CIA operatives [sic] The contents are of a very disturbing and distressing nature, revealing in full force the truth behind the break-in. Enclosed is a transcript of said contents for your eyes only. It is the department's opinion that the enclosed evidence should be destroyed alongside this memo. To release such information to the American Public and the world at large, could prove detrimental to the image and prestige of the United States and the Presidency, not only in the eyes of our enemies but of our allies as well. Indeed, much is left to be wondered about this case, and we will continue to report on further evidence or secret documents as they become available. Transcript: Haldeman: That the way to handle this now is for us to have Walters call Pat Gray and just say, "Stay the hell out of this...this is petty business here we don't want it to blow further out of proportion" That's not an unusual development,... Nixon: Um huh. Haldeman: ...and, uh, that would take care of the last crumbs. (Laughs) Nixon: What about Pat Gray, does he suspect? Haldeman: Pat doesn't want to believe it; that former agents would [unintelligible] break in a pastry, and steal cake for the president? He called Mark Felt who told him... Nixon: Yeah. Haldeman: you were hungry.. Nixon: Yeah. Haldeman: Ah, he told him, "You can smell those fresh buns and croissants from across the river; the almond marzipan doughnuts, the brownies, you can't really compete with that" Nixon: You mean? Haldeman: The White House pantry, they don't really stock too many baked goods. But the FBI agents working the case thought that we were using that as a bogue excuse, specially when they knew the CIA was involved. Nixon: Have they traced the money to 'em? Haldeman: Well they have. Nixon: C[sic]ksuckers, this is it, this could ruin my political career Bob; the president using taxpayers money for CIA agents to break in a pastry and steal some chocolate goodies? The goddamn left will take over this country in a jiffy. Haldeman: Yeah, I agree. I say we give Hunt and the Cubans more money to stay shut on this, or at least set the feds on a wild goose chase; that's why I mentioned the Democratic National Committee Headquarters since it is... Nixon: Close to the Watergate. All right Fine. Haldeman: But the only way to do that is by White House instructions. And Helms knows about your sugar fixes, the Cubans have been secretly debriefing him ever since the time they went in to get you those filled bonbons [pic evidence No. 0063] Nixon: That was Kissinger's idea, not mine, fudge he's [expletive deleted] everytime I send the boys in to get me some sweets, everytime.. Haldeman: So should I not give the order? Nixon: No-give the order. Fine. God help me if I'm going down in history as a goddamn glutton; I rather go as a spaz, a crook. Haldeman: We will not let it get out of hand Nixon: Call Hunt and explain to him the situation, and put a leash on those [expletive deleted] Cubans; they've been licking their fingers with the pastries too, I found a fingerprint on my cake once Haldeman: Uhh, that was me chief Nixon: [unintelligible]... and about Helms, don't worry, I can barter with him some other time; the important thing now is that this becomes the Watergate scandal instead of the Watergate Pastry scandal. One Checkers was one too many. Haldeman: Four, if you count Mao, Elvis, and Yelp. Nixon: That's right. Now be a sport Bob, and tell Manolo to bring me some pudding. And by the way, who the hell is Yelp? **End of transcript** read more

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Watergate Pastry makes amazing mousse cakes (especially white chocolate and mango mousse). Prices are on the higher end though. Four stars because their in-store selections are limited and you have to order most of the things on the menu (I guess it pays off, because my cake was always super fresh!) read more

We have been getting the White Chocolate Mousse (WCM) cake here for OVER 30 years!! My sister was the angel who got us hooked - her law firm ordered from the bakery. We love, love, love it! We have also gotten other pastries that have been wonderful - but always (also) the WCM cake. We have made believers of 100's. Moreover, we have worked with Gloria over the years and she has always gone above and beyond for me, my family and friends. We hope to be using the bakery and ordering the WCM cake for 30 more years. read more

Watergate Pastry was THE patisserie in the 80s, probably 70s too, but I wasn't around for that. When someone would show up w/ a box of mini pastries and petit fours from here, you could hardly contain yourself. Now I knew it was long past the heyday, but as I walked back to work from the Kennedy Center I couldn't help, but take a little excursion through the "Shops at the Watergate" and visit the old haunt. A lone babushka sat there sipping some coffee and eating a pastry next to a table of discounted chocolate. The Toblerone on the counter was a familiar sight and I remembered when Toblerone was a treat that was not readily available at various retail establishments like today. I looked and the cases were half full, the upscale feeling of yesteryear all but gone. The napoleons looked old, as did the eclairs. The slices of cake held no appeal, but I looked an saw some cookies and figured they couldn't mess that up, I suppose. Linzers. I asked the girl when they were made. She said she "didn't know." Warning shot. I got 3 small Linzers, 3 small palmiers, and 3 shortbread cookies. I bit into the Linzer as I walked out. It tasted terrible - no better than a jelly filled cookie out of a tin. Next came the palmier. Meh. Lastly the shortbread. Meh, as well. That's when I concluded that I didn't even think they were made with butter. It's hard to be tasteless and made with butter. These were tasteless, particularly the palmiers. And maybe I just have to accept that there is a time that will be no more. read more

Revisited this place on an impromptu road trip this weekend. I used to get my birthday cakes here when I was a kid, as well as all kinds of delicious pastries whenever I was in the area. I remembered it as one of the best bakeries ever. But this time, i was a bit disappointed. Everything that I got, including the Nixon donuts (rings of dough and marzipan smothered in almonds and chocolate - and not really called Nixon donuts, by the by..) and cookies, were really good. But the cakes did not look at all as elegant and delicious as I remember them. The wedding cakes in the display were melting and the icing roses wilting, for one. They no longer have all the imported chocolates I remember, though what chocolate they did have looked OK. Just your standard imports, like Lindt. But nothing hard to find, which used to be one of the things they were known for. Maybe it's because the Watergate is being renovated. Maybe it's just all the changes Washington has been going through in the past few years. The Watergate as a whole just looks pretty sad now. read more

Well this review is for the recent customer service - not the cake which is always excellent. When purchasing a birthday cake, I came home and it was dented. I let the bakery know via email that this happened, and added photos. The phone call I recieved was SO DAMN RUDE. I was really surprised because I thought they would say, sorry - instead they insisted the cake wasn't like that to begin with and they would never sell such a cake. You did. I don't lie and don't accuse me of it either. I've been going to this place for 15+ years and its a damn pity because all they had to do was say, "sorry". Instead they said here's a 25% off coupon which really doesn't make it better. Thank goodness it was for a birthday...imagine if it was a wedding cake...now that would have been a disaster! read more

3 slices of mango mousse cake: $12 2 Christmas Christstollen: $56 The jokes over the next several days that you must have actually bought the body and blood of Christ for how good and how expensive it was: priceless. If you're in dire need of a Stollen (a German christmas bread that is a cross between fruit cake and challa), go for it, because their stuff is GOOD, but geez-o-pete they want a lot of money for it. Their other offerings are not particularly unique, so I would skip it unless you happen to be rich and live conveniently above in the Watergate. read more

Delicious! Beautiful! Delivered On time! If you are looking for cake to wow the masses (i.e. your friends and family) look no further! Watergate Bakery has cakes that have no equal. The strawberry white chocolate mousse cake we purchase for our daughter' birthday wasn't just gorgeous, it was spectacular! I used Yelp to find a great cake and I ended up signing up with Yelp In order to positively review Watergate Bakery! Delicious and delightful. Good old D.C. Goodness!! read more

Watergate Pastry - Watergate Bakery White chocolate mousse cake with strawberries...too good to put into actual words. - Bakeries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The area as the store feels likes it is 40 years old , more like a retro shop that did not update . Pastries are fair like the service, although small selection, lots of cookies like in Italian shop. More for grabbing something to go and not a place to sit and enjoy a cup of tea and pastry. Only paper cups and one selection of tea makes it feel like a diner. Truly feels like the the heart of the owner is not there, just lack of competition keeps this going.. Would not return. read more

A small coffee is tiny- glad I realized that and ordered a large (medium size at most places). The prices of pastries and coffee are excellent. What a surprise. And my cherry danish was the size of my head... and absurdly good. I loved the look of the cakes, though I haven't tried those yet. read more

Ordered my Birthday cake from Watergate Pastry and it was horrible! I specifically ordered a 12" round cake that was pound cake base with butter cream icing. Well, the cake was beautiful but it was a single layer, had no flavor, very crumbly and extremely dry. And, to top it off, no one ate cake at my party because the cake was wet and you could see it as soon as it was sliced. Called them immediately the next morning and was told that they did not know how it happened and they determined that it was the vanilla spray that they use on their cakes. Well, this mistake ruined my Birthday and they had the nerve to offer me at 6" cake the next time. Wrong--there won't be a next time! read more

Watergate Pastry - Bakeries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Watergate Pastry makes some fantastic Stollen. The problem is, it costs a fantastic amount of money. $25 for a large Stollen to be precise. (They didn't have any small Stollen left.) A piece of their Mango cake runs $3. I loved the flavors on both of these...BUT: Their staff has a difficult time communicating. I asked for a Stollen with Marzipan inside on Christmas Eve and it was like the bakery had never heard of marzipan. Maybe the kitchen had, but that wasn't coming through with the front of house staff. I was kind of bummed. I left this review and had to revise upwards. 4 days later, we've finished the Stollen and it was just so darn good. Flaky with fresh raisins (golden and dark) and the crust is slightly crunchy with the sugary goodness coating. Watergate Pastry definitely caters to the incomes of those who have retired in the Watergate Apartments, but I'll be saving until I can go get next year's Christmas Stollen. read more

It's a bit difficult to find and not the most inviting of bakeries. There's a wide array of pastries from croissants, muffins, to eclairs. The pastries are all fresh and taste great! The cakes look beautifully decorated, however, rely on other reviews as I did not order any. The reason for the three stars. I went down for a quick breakfast. The service is very slow, especially if other people are in the shop, as only one individual is behind the counter. There are no real coffee options--just American drip. There are random items scattered throughout the bakery such as Godiva chocolates to sale items on a fold out table. It's not eye appealing. Overall, for breakfast pastries it was fine. You may need to hike a few blocks to GW to get a good cup of coffee. read more

Just after I came in to pickup a white chocolate mousse cake, a gentleman walked in to pickup two white chocolate mousse cakes. Said they were for his 88-year old father who used to live in DC & could never find a better cake than this. He was flying back to Houston with cakes on his lap! I understood. read more

My partner and I went in to order a birthday cake for a party. The lady behind the counter treated us like garbage under the summer sun. We were utterly shocked. Obviously we left without buying anything. Till today we are still puzzled how a bakery can stay in business treating customers like this. Maybe it's not because what we did but who we are. read more

My family has been going to Watergate Pastry for years. This is our favorite bakery that we go to for all holidays and birthdays. Compared to other bakeries with similar cakes, Watergate Pastry's cakes are the most delicious. This bakery deserves nothing less than 5/5 stars. My favorite desserts from Watergate are: chocolate mousse cake, mango mousse cake, strawberry short cake, fruit flan, and fruit tart. I'm sure there are also other delicious pastries at Watergate Bakery, but those are our go-to items because they are so goood! I am also grateful that they are delivering during this pandemic; I had cakes delivered to my house, and they arrived intact and beautiful and delicious! Thanks Watergate Pastry!! read more

I was in DC for a vacation. I came across this place by accident and since I had time before my show at the Kennedy, I figured I would drop in. Its a classic bakery with all the essentials from black and white cookie to canolies to Napoleons to eclairs, etc. Its a cute place with solid tasting desserts for a reasonable price. read more

The white chocolate cake from this pastry shop is a cake that I will never forget for my entire life. I've never tasted anything nearly as good. It is made with moist vanilla cake, white chocolate mousse, and white chocolate shavings covering the entire thing. If you like sweet cakes, this is the one to keep you addicted. Over the course of over 15 years, I've had it quite a few times and it's always been as good as the first time I ever tried it. I've also tried some sort of chocolate cake, carrot cake, and tiramisu from this shop (all of which were good), but my favorite is and always will be the white chocolate cake. -------------------- Edit 5/16/2008: In the past, I was never the one who was in charge of ordering a cake from here until recently. I am removing one star from my review because I agree with Julia S. on customer service. The shop's website encourages you to call and inquire about prices, so I did. The woman who answered the phone seemed very annoyed that I was interested in buying a cake. I asked what sizes the cakes came in and she refused to answer my question until I told her how many people would be sharing the cake. Just because you bring cake to a party doesn't mean everyone's going to have some. After reading Julia S's review, I'm now wondering if they're going to tack on some extra charge without telling me for writing a message on the cake... Darn it, if only these cakes were not so delicious! read more

The cake itself might be good, but the customer service is not. I called about having a cake delivered and was quoted a certain price. I was not informed that the delivery fee was equal to the price of the cake! Once it was delivered and my card was charged, I tried to ask for some sort of adjustment since no mention of this fee was ever mentioned. They told me that they would not adjust the charge and if I wanted to take my business elsewhere, it was a free country. read more

Outstanding pastries and very reasonable prices. The napoleons and white chocolate mousse cake are out of this world. Recently ordered the white chocolate mousse (which though it is frosted with whipped cream and white chocolate shavings is layered with the same excellent custard used to fill those napoleons) and everyone who tried it was asking for the bakery info. It's light and yet still rich and so delicious. Nice selection of imported chocolates as well. Note: cake was very delicate, and I should have carried the box carefully to my car rather than swinging the box up the steps in its plastic carrier bag. The white chocolate shavings were a bit askew when I opened the box again! Go here! It's an institution and a gem. Fruit and custard tart also delish. read more

As Watergate Pastry offers delivery, and given the likelihood that I would somehow manage to ruin a cake driving it back to Georgetown, I have never actually been to the bakery. That said, this review is strictly for their amazing mousse cakes. I attended a party where the white chocolate mousse cake was served and as others have said -- its incredible. People who swear not to have a sweet tooth (myself included) went back for second and potentially third (shh!) slices. I ordered the strawberry mousse cake for my boyfriend's birthday and it was a hit with all attendees. The cake was delivered exactly when they said it would be and in perfect condition. All of the staff I interacted with were very polite. Overall, a great experience. I will definitely be using Watergate Pastry for future cake orders. read more

ordered a custom cake from here (mocha buttercream) and it tasted great. I spoke to more than 10 cake stores across DC, maryland, and virginia and watergate pastry offered the cheapest price for the design and size. they also did great with the cake design read more