Fresh Baguette

"This acclaimed French bakery is tucked away in a corner of Bethesda that’s better known for car dealerships and a Giant grocery store. Follow the smell of freshly-baked bread for baguettes, croissants, and Viennese pastries made on-site and at a larger production facility in nearby Rockville." - Tim Ebner

"This tidy bakery takes its king cake cues from the French galette des rois, showing off the puff pastry version of king cake instead of the brioche-based king cake. Indulge in the most traditional variety of this puff pastry dessert filled with almond cream and a splash of rum, or delight in the one filled with apples and salted caramel. Both cost $29.80 and are available at all three locations (Rockville, Bethesda, and Georgetown). Pre-order on the website." - Stephanie Carter

"The name is all about bread, but Fresh Baguette also has a nice selection of croissants and related pastries. The selection includes plain, almond, and chocolate croissants, plus blueberry-cream cheese kouign amman and French apple turnovers. Mini croissants are also available." - Julekha Dash, Lisa Ruland

"Winner of the Best Capital Baguette contest audience prize, the name pretty much says it all. Fresh Baguette’s bread is made in the old-world style and baked throughout the day in an oven imported from France. Crusty and chewy, walking home with one of these tucked beneath your arm will bring you one step closer to Paris. Additional locations are in Georgetown and Rockville." - Lisa Ruland

"Fresh Baguette opened its first Washington location and is distributing free white baguettes all day. The bakery also has locations in Bethesda and Rockville, Maryland." - Gabe Hiatt