Bakery Fans Are Flocking to French Import Maison Kayser

Fifth-generation French baker Eric Kayser just opened his first Maison Kayser in D.C. at 1345 F Street NW, marking the bakery’s first U.S. expansion outside of New York City.

Kayser’s casual sit-down eatery, founded in Paris in 1996, debuted stateside in 2012 and has since popped up all over New York City. There are now over 100 bakery-cafes in nearly two dozen nations, like Tunisia and Tokyo. Maison Kayser serves every meal of the day — including brunch — with options like salads, sandwiches, tartines, and pasta.

The inaugural D.C. location got underway February 8 near the White House with fresh baked breads, gourmet pastries, and cafe-style fare. A second location is now scheduled to debut on Wednesday, February 28 less than a mile away (650 Massachusetts Avenue NW). Here’s what the public is saying, a little over a week into service:

The Beyond Bread News: WTOP notes that “in addition to the coffee and pastry counter, and grab-and-go offerings, Maison Kayser also has a sit-down cafe that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Salads, sandwiches and classic French plates — boeuf bourguignon, roasted chicken, rillettes de canard — are on the menu.” Local blogger Hungry Lobbyist writes “the short ribs were extremely tender and melted in your mouth. The red wine sauce gave real rich flavor to the beef.” [WTOP, Hungry Lobbyist]

The American in Paris News: Hungry Lobbyist adds, “Maison Kayser makes you truly feel like an American in Paris without needing to grab your passport.” Yelper Veronique L. says, “It was spectacularly pretty, friendly, clean, well-lit, and reminiscent of French pastry shops without all the hustle and bustle.” [Hungry Lobbyist, Yelp]

The ‘What Competition?’ News: Yelper Bob W. notes that “MK’s baguettes are widely considered the best in NY, and should have no problem rising to the top of the much less competitive D.C. baguette heap as well ... Also first rate are the eclairs, financiers, croissants.” Yelper Leen R. writes that she “loved the fresh clean interior and the snobby French cafe vibe. Finally something to replace Paul! My only wish is that they maintain the excellent quality and cleanliness.” Yelper Sedela S. says “it’s about the same price as a Pret A Manger sandwich but tastier.” [Yelp]

The Badass Bakers News: Local blogger the Washington Lobbyist says, “the new DC locations feature the brand’s award-winning bread, which is made on site, from start to finish and throughout the day, by a team of dedicated bakers.” [Washington Lobbyist]

The Quick Look News: Yelper Max C. says, “Service was great they were super attentive and quick. The inside is nicely lit.” Yelper Nilsu G. notes “the bakery is quite spacious and has a very modern/clean feel to it.” Meanwhile Dustimothy W. says, “unfortunately, the patrons were largely rowdy tourists, but the food and service will get me to return.” [Yelp]

The Fine First Impressions News: Yelper Linda O. reports her first visit “was pretty darn good;” She describes the French toast as “killer.” and hails a croissant that is “flaky but not too soft, buttery, yummy.” Instagrammer @awesomeautumn12 is “thankful to now have the best baguettes & pâtisseries available in DC.” [Yelp, Instagram]