Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery at Hill Center

Where to Eat King Cake in D.C. — But Don't Choke on the Baby

Be careful when eating these annual Fat Tuesday treats.

by Ross Perkins Jan 28, 2016, 3:00pm EST

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Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery at Hill Center

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by Ross Perkins Jan 28, 2016, 3:00pm EST

Mardi Gras comes a little early this year. Right after everyone recovers from Super Bowl hangovers, it will be right around the corner, and Tuesday, Feb. 9 will be a time to chill a few more cases of beer, attempt to make gumbo, and dig those plastic purple beads out of storage. But like any Cajun or Cajun-lover will attest, no Fat Tuesday celebration is complete without a king cake — a traditionally round cake that sometimes has a filling and is topped with sugar icing and yellow, green, and purple sprinkles. Inside: a potential choking hazard for a prize, usually a tiny plastic baby.

Here are nine places around town getting in on the King Cake action. Some are actually making traditional king cakes, but others are just taking inspiration from the king cake and making other desserts, from donuts to kolaches.

Acadiana

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At this Cajun restaurant, the prix fixe Mardi Gras menu is $45 and comes with classic Louisiana dishes, including rabbit étouffée and oyster pan roast. To finish the meal: king cake donuts.

901 New York Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

(202) 408-8848

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Baked & Wired

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Starting February 1, the Georgetown bakery will be taking orders for king cakes. But the bakery needs at least 48 hours notice to get that order filled.

1052 Thomas Jefferson St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

(202) 333-2500

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Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery

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Voted one of the best king cakes in the country, David Guas and his team are selling their famous king cakes at both Bayou Bakery locations — the other is in Courthouse. For those looking for the famous cakes, here's how to pre-order.

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901 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

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Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe

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This Arlington bakery has king cakes for less than $10. And that price even includes the plastic baby.

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2150 N Culpeper St, Arlington, VA 22207

(703) 677-8809

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Le Diplomate

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While not the same as a what everyone considers a king cake, Le Diplomate is serving a Galette de Rois for Mardi Gras. And instead of a plastic baby that's a chocking hazard, there's a bean instead. Time is running out to enjoy them since they are only available until January 31. Call the restaurant to order.

1601 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

(202) 332-3333

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McClellan's Retreat

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With Sazaracs and Hurricane Punch, McClellan’s Retreat will have joie de vivre on Mardi Gras. And to absorb all that alcohol, there will be slices of king cake until the last slice is gone.

2031 Florida Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

(202) 265-6270

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Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

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For $30, people can get a Mardi Gras king cake for to their homes. Orders must be in by February 5 and pick up is available from February 6-9.

1612 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009-4307

(202) 319-1612

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Republic Kolache

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In partnership with David Guas of Bayou Bakery, the Republic Kolache, which pops up at American Ice Company Saturdays, will be serving up king cake kolaches through the weekend of February 6. And the lucky eater who finds the baby can score a free kolache.

917 V St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

(202) 758-3562

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Sticky Fingers Bakery

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For vegans who want to be part of Fat Tuesday celebrations, Sticky Fingers has king cakes available for pre-order with pick up on February 7, 9, and 10.

1370 Park Rd NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

(202) 299-9700

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