What is Big Bear Cafe known for?

Big Bear Cafe is a community cafe and event space in Washington, D.C.'s Bloomingdale neighborhood. It is recognized for its commitment to sustainability and local sourcing, and it is housed in a 120-year-old Victorian building.

Daytime hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Evening service is available Wednesday through Sunday starting at 4:00 p.m.

What kind of food do they serve?

The cafe offers a day menu featuring espresso, breakfast, and lunch, as well as evening options including wood-fire pizza, dinner, and drinks on the patio.

Can I host an event there?

Yes, Big Bear Cafe is available for private celebrations of all sizes, including weddings, cocktail-style receptions, holiday parties, brunches, birthday parties, and bridal or baby showers.

It is located at 1700 1st St NW, Washington, DC 20001, in the Bloomingdale neighborhood.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Big Bear Cafe in Washington, D.C.

Name: Big Bear Cafe
Address: 910 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, US

Big Bear Cafe

A community-focused cafe and event space in Bloomingdale, housed in a 120-year-old Victorian building featuring a lush cobblestone patio and a commitment to sustainable, local sourcing.

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What to know

Established in the summer of 2006 by Lana Labermeier and Stuart Davenport, Big Bear Cafe serves as a vibrant community hub in the residential Bloomingdale neighborhood. The establishment is housed within a 120-year-old Victorian building that was previously vacant and once served as a local market sharing the same name. The cafe is renowned for its commitment to sustainability and local sourcing, a dedication highlighted by the DC Department of Energy & Environment. This eco-friendly approach extends to the outdoor space, where visitors can find a cobblestone patio accented by flowering herbs, native grape vines, and a functioning kitchen garden. Culinary offerings shift throughout the day to accommodate different moods. From Tuesday to Sunday, the cafe provides espresso, breakfast, and lunch from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. In the evenings, from Wednesday to Sunday starting at 4:00 p.m., the focus shifts to wood-fire pizza, dinner, and drinks served on the patio. Beyond daily dining, the venue at 1700 1st Street NW is a popular location for private celebrations. It frequently hosts weddings, cocktail-style receptions, holiday parties, and bridal or baby showers, blending its historic Victorian charm with a welcoming community atmosphere.

Visitor tips

Visit between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday for espresso and breakfast.
Plan for an evening visit Wednesday through Sunday after 4:00 p.m. to enjoy wood-fire pizza on the patio.
Look for the functioning kitchen garden and native grape vines while exploring the outdoor area.

Nearby context

Located at 1700 1st Street NW, Big Bear Cafe is a cornerstone of the Bloomingdale neighborhood, bringing a mix of historic architecture and sustainable dining to this largely residential area of Washington, D.C.