Bakeshop: Cupcakery Review

While you'll never hear me complaining about the virtual inundation of cupcakeries in Washington, DC, I'm thrilled to be getting a little more cupcake love on my side of the Potomac River. With the recent soft opening of Bakeshop in Arlington, VA I'm so excited to have another cupcake shop in my own neck of the woods.

Last night I braved the impending snow to check out owner/baker Justin Stegell's flagship location in the Clarendon neighborhood of Arlington. A quick walk from the Metro, the bright and welcoming bakery joins a host of other trendy new storefronts along N. Fillmore St. Although I was momentarily heartbroken to see the case empty when I walked in, I was quickly told that the cupcakes were fresh out of the oven and that my order would be iced while I waited--such service! :)

Although this is Bakeshop's first store location, DC locals are no stranger to Justin's cakes. Since 2006, Bakeshop's sweets have been found in cases at (now defunct) Murky Coffee and recently at H Street's Chinatown Coffee. On my visit I sampled the classic Red Velvet and adorable Chocolate Chip (you can bet I'll be back for an Oatmeal Blueberry cookie). I have to tell you, this is one of the best Red Velvet cakes I've ever had--the cocoa flavor so often ignored in favor of overabundant red dye is deliciously pronounced in Bakeshop's cake. Also, Bakeshop forgoes the standard cream cheese frosting for a small cap of vanilla bean frosting, and the combo really works (I swear I saw real flecks of bean!). The chocolate chip was super soft and moist and it's also a unique choice not on offer at most other shops in town--a good twist for those that usually opt for the standard vanilla. At $2.75, these cakes are a little smaller than some others in town, though I think that makes them the perfect sized accompaniment to a cup of coffee...or maybe just a second cupcake :)

Look for lots more to come from this great addition to Clarendon, and those lucky enough to live in the area can even order their favorite cupcakes or cookies for delivery.

If you go
Bakeshop

1025 N. Fillmore St.

Arlington, VA 22201

(571) 970-6460

Standard hours to come

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