The Atlantic’s Caity Weaver apparently spent months researching, traveled thousands of miles, and sampled hundreds of restaurants, all to identify the best free bread in the nation.
Weaver traveled roughly 13,000 miles to sample all 555 unique responses she received from an initial poll that started the search for the nation’s best free bread.
While the search yielded some great (and some terrible) reviews of the free bread from various restaurants across the nation, one specific piece of bread stood above the others.
That bread that earned the crown as the best free bread in the country was none other than Le Diplomate’s remarkable cranberry-walnut loaf.
While you’ll find three unique breads served to you during your dining experience at Le Dip, the cranberry-walnut loaf is the apparent star of the show, a chewy sourdough with a thick, chocolate-colored crust that has the perfect amount of crunch.
The iconic bread can only be found at Le Diplomate, right here in the District, or at its sister restaurant, Parc, in Philadelphia — both are owned and operated by the famous restaurateur Stephen Starr.
That being said, Washingtonians can actually go out and purchase the bread directly from its supplier, a small, unassuming bakery right here in the District!
It may not be free like it is at Le Dip, but it will still be delicious when you eat it at home.
Where to buy the nation’s best bread right here in the District
The bakery behind the “best free bread in the nation” is a small bakery called Bread Alley, located in the District’s Union Market district.
You have heard of it referred to as a ‘bread speakeasy‘ in the past, after it went viral, because it’s quietly tucked away in an alley on Morse St NE and could be easily overlooked unless you knew it was there.
The bakery is open 7 days a week from 9 am to 5 pm, but to get the best bread as fresh as possible, you’ll want to arrive early to ensure all the best stuff doesn’t sell out.
Dining and Cooking