Chocolate Crust

I’m not sure how many stars I should give this place. I stopped in once and they were out of cronuts/​doissants and I got some pretty delicious bagels. I came back for their famous confection to discovered they closed their doors on Halloween :(I will say this isn’t a great location for a retail food establishment even though they tried to make it hospitable with very limited seating inside. No nearby metro and parking is a big hassle (it’s on a Main Street and trying to get to the neighborhoods behind it is extra challenging because of the assortment if prohibited turns). Hopefully this means though that we will get a decent donut place in northeast!

This review is for both the service and the pastries that I experienced at Chocolate Crust. A friend visiting from out of town really wanted to try a dossaint, and this is the only location in town where I could find that they definitely existed. As suggested on their website, I called ahead and reserved a dossaint over the phone.
One delayed Metro ride, a walk, and a cab ride later, we arrived at the Chocolate Crust to try this pastry. Turns out, they did NOT reserve my dossaint (they knew my name — but said that they had to give it away since customers were there that wanted one). Why even suggest on your website that you will take orders in advance or take one over the phone if in fact you won’t? They said that would have one in an hour, but we had to be in another part of town shortly thereafter.
We ordered a few other pastries since we were starving and won’t have time to eat before our ticketed event — and we were both sorry that we did. My friend did not like her cookie (too crunchy — but that might be good if you prefer crunchy cookies). I ordered the vegan brownie, and was glad to see that they had something vegan on the menu, but it was very dry.
Please do not try to order in advance — unless you have a really big order and pay in advance. If she had told me over the phone that it was very likely that she was going to give my reserved item away, we wouldn’t have made the very long trek out to Brightwood. And I wouldn’t have been left so ticked off and leaving this bad review.

I was looking for dossaints all over DC and heard about the Chocolate Crust from a friend. After spending about an hour there enjoying the breakfast menu and the absolutely outstanding breads and pastries, I can safely say it is one of the best bakeries in DC.
The atmosphere of the small space is casual, eclectic, and welcoming. Its a great spot to relax, read, or chat with friends without feeling like your intruding or having to fight to speak over music.
The service was impeccable. When looking over the menu, we were not only greeted by the employee at the counter, but one of the chefs, Robert, out front. Following breakfast and while waiting for their fresh dossaints to bake, Robert came out and greeted us again, informed us it would only be a few more minutes, and gave us a few other baked treats for our patience (these were also absolutely stupendous).
Finally, the food was something to write home about. The bagels and breads are unique, freshly baked, and refreshing compared to the stock bakeries you find around a large city.
In sum, I have cannot find anything to improve in this shop. The people, the food, and the atmosphere are something I found pleasing and will definitely be returning soon.

YeSSSS! For stopping in at Chocolate Crust.
I love that they have daily specials. The dessert display looked delicious and then the sample cookie I tried (oatmeal chocolate chip) lived up to my expectation. Just happen to be the special was buy one cookie get one ½ off … so I got one of those and one chocolate chip. Both delicious. Right amount of chocolate to cookie to crispy to softness.
I also got a bagel (spinach and feta). It was alright — texture was good. Soft and chewy on the inside and a nice hardness (but not too hard) on the outside. I was disappointed by how little feta and spinach there was in it. Still flavorful and even better once I heated and added a bit of butter.
I will try to go back for food one day … but unlikely as I’m not in the neighborhood often.

A new addition to the Brightwood area that is seriously lacking in amenities and particularly good places to get a bite.
Chocolate crust offers lots of items dedicated to chocolate. It’s more so that chocolate is the ingredient, while you can of course have chocolate muffins and so forth, there are pizzas, bread, salads, even french fries dusted with cocoa powder.
I ordered a simple sandwich with side greens and it was actually half decent, with the side salad for once a mixture of dark spinach and romaine as opposed to iceberg lettuce.
The place seems to do a lot of take out and getting an order takes a long time. It was alright, but needed some tweaks, but I think I would easily go back again sometime.

Went to CC for the first time Sunday morning. Gotta say first that I’m so happy we have a neighborhood café serving Brightwood and the upper part of Petworth. The menu is a good kind of compact. They have some specialties you won’t find anyplace else and just enough on the list so you know if you bring friends, there will be something for everyone. There are more than too many Manny and Olga’s and «chicken-​subs-​Chinese» joints, so that alone is refreshing.
I just had a breakfast sandwich and coffee. The eggs batter was delicious. A little black pepper and plenty of flavor. I had cheddar cheese and a wheat bun, both of which were super fresh and flavorful as well. Coffee was solid and although I am not a big coffee snob it was light years beyond what any other place nearby is serving.
My only complaint is really more of a note to the owners. Basically the place seemed not all that clean to me. The floors had not been swept in a while. The seating area seemed in disarray and not very inviting. The countertops looked like those of a busy kitchen with spoons and plates and crumbs around, yet I was the only customer there. It just doesn’t give you much confidence as a patron when things seem out of order and plain messy.
All in all, I dig this place a lot and will be giving it another shot soon, with friends in tow. Owner/​manager: Make the effort to keep the place looking a bit more tidy and clean, and you will have a die hard fan in me.

This is the shining star so far for Brightwood’s newer food offerings. Ok, yes, all the review agree that’s true, so let’s take a slightly different approach.
Robert C., the brilliant baker for the doissant seeking fanatics has landed a gold mine for the neighborhood. There are few choices for quality food, and even fewer for vegans. Thus, I was reluctant to go… But, vegan items have they, and gluten free available too. However, remember they cater to the crowd, so… There aren’t a zillion choices but choices there are.
Mmmmm soy latte? Check. Excellent price? Check. Rich, robust, unsweetened? Check. This is my official go to coffee spot in Brightwood because they also have some fancy energy bars without dairy or sugar, vegan baked items (even if it’s just a brownie or bread item, still!), a vegan sandwich AND, vegan salads and pizza for lunch and dinner.
Admittedly, I was skeptical, but the care and attention to different diets here is clear– unlike many bakeries and cafés with traditional backgrounds. I appreciate that nod to gluten free, vegan and some organic items here.
Can’t wait to go back!

The chocolate doissant is absolutely perfect and very innovative! It contains the best parts of both a croissant and a doughnut. We met the owner and he was a really nice, cool guy. It’s a cosy little place and we will definitely be back.

Great food, service, and decent prices. Love this place. Actually not a fan of the doissant, too sweet and that’s saying a lot for me, but every other bakery item I’ve tried has been wonderful. Brownies/​soufflés thingies have been my favorite. Also love their breakfast sandwiches.

Chocolate Crust was just the treat I was looking for on a sunny Saturday morning. I tried the doissant and it lived up to its billing. There were so many textures I had trouble distinguishing them on my palate. I loved the flakiness along with the smoothness of the cream cheese. This is definitely a fork and knife treat!
I also had the maple pecan scone, chocolate chocolate cookie and cinnamon bun. No… I did not eat them all in one sitting. I spread the deliciousness over a matter of 24 hours. All were really yummy and worth each and every calorie.
The shop is quaint with very limited seating and of course, parking in the area is always a challenge. But take it from me… it is well worth the effort. Chocolate Crust… I can’t wait to visit again :)

Love at first sight. When I walked in it was about 10 degrees outside but as soon as I walked in and hear Ella Fitzgerald in the back ground I and smelled the coffee aroma I was instantly warmed (stars for ambiance of course). Its a place that doesn’t move like fast food place. It draws you in and makes you want to get comfy. For this New Englander that’s saying a lot because Im always fast forward!
Obviously I came in stalking the ever illusive cronut or doissant as some may say BUT they were sold out. I guess early bird gets the worm or you can call ahead to reserve. Reserve a pastry I thought? Dang – this must be one serious pastry to require reservations.
I planned Bed it– Bacon, egg and cheese (BEC) on whole wheat of course. Being somewhat a B.E.C. connoisseur I can say the one they serve there stands out from many in the area because its served on fresh baked bread. The B.E.C. there was good but you will need a beverage to to go with it. Because they don’t use ultra greasy bacon or a mound of cheese to moisten that can be saturated by that fresh baked bread, this sandwich is one you’ll need a coffee, tea or orange juice to accompany it. However, they do serve it with a side of fresh fruit – which no one else in DMV does, at least not when you order to go. My verdict on the BEC here? Not bad especially because its fresh and not processed.
All and all – this is a cute place with character on the inside and friendly service to go along with their baked goods. I’ll return for that CRONUT and their signature hot chocolate.

I’ve heard stories of the «cronut,» how people would start waiting in line before the sun comes up, just to have a chance to eat a pastry. How there was so much demand for it that a black market was created because you just can’t beat a flaky crust. I want the «cronut» but I also have a life.
Heard about the «doissant» before it made Washington Post’s «40 Things to Eat in 2014,» but after making said list, it solidified my desire to have it. Drove all the way from Gaithersburg to Chocolate Crust’s bakery in DC. I would never wait in line 5 hrs for a pastry, but driving all this way during my limited lunch break is just like waiting in line for 5 hrs.
Got the maple bacon doissant, it was about $ 4.50. First reaction was positive, visually appealing; it went downhill from there. It was like I was a eating a deep fried croissant that was cooked in bacon fat. The doissant was crunchy, oily, bacony, and after 3 bites I was asking myself «is this life?» I’ve never had a cronut but this couldn’t be what one would be like. This couldn’t be similar to the product people revolve their vacations to NYC around. After another bite, I spun the top, it wobbles slighty, I hope it doesn’t fall, this can’t be life.

Just got back from a great breakfast there. The bagel was one of the best I’ve ever had and I’m a true bagel snob. Light and fluffy on the inside, crisp and crunchy on the outside. Perfectly toasted in their oven with the perfect amount of butter on it.
My coffee was great. I got the Bordeaux which had chocolate, raspberry and vanilla. A perfect start to a Saturday.
But, what I brought home blew my mind. I took home one of their maple bacon doissants and it definitely ranks in my top 10 list of things I’ve ever tasted. Crispy, soft, buttery, gooey, creamy, not too sweet, falls apart with a fork. Can someone please deliver me a dozen more RIGHT NOW?!? I’m in love just thinking about it.
So why the four stars instead of five? A few simple things. One, seating is limited so if you are meeting someone there, you take a chance getting a table. Two, I think the staff is still trying to figure out their roles, so it was hard to tell who made the coffees, who cooked breakfast and who was ringing you up. Three, service was slower than I might expect probably because of the lack of clarity of staff roles. Your cashier really can’t be the barista on a busy Saturday morning. And fourth, this place may be trying to be too much. They are trying to do breakfasts, baked goods, coffees, lunches and pizza. I’ll be curious to see how well they can manage to do all of these as they grow.
But, I’ll definitely go back. And, for better or for worse, this place is on my way to my office on the days that I drive in. My wallet and my waistline may take a few hits.
Good to know: While I did not try any of their vegan or gluten free options, they do have them. But for now, I’ll take my buttery, eggy, gluten filled goodness.

«Not going anywhere for a while?» At Chocolate Crust you’d better bring a Snickers because you will be waiting for you food, even if it’s a pre-​order.
I placed a pre-​order the previous day for a Saturday pickup at 12noon. I got there at 12:05pm. When I arrived I was told the doissants would be «a couple more minutes.» I didn’t get my food until 12:40pm. It’s like the Seinfeld episode about reservations. What’s the point of having pre-​orders if the pre-​order isn’t going to be acknowledged and ready at the time of pickup?
I ordered the doissants, the chocolate cupcake, and the pecan sticky bun. The doissants were quite surprising. They were soft, yet crunch like a croissant, but with a splash of sweetness. One single flavor doesn’t overwhelm you. I know it helped that they were seconds from being freshly made. The cupcakes however, I could have done without. The chocolate taste like something from a Betty Crocker box. They should consider adding other flavors, but then again if they’re going taste like a box mix, I’ll stick with my DC usual suspects for cupcakes (Georgetown Cupcake and Baked & Wired).
I agree with the other Unilocal reviews that the doissants are nothing to drive hours out of the way for. If you know you’re going to be in the neighborhood, definitely place a pre-​order and arrive an hour before your scheduled pre-​order time – I’m not joking. Also, this place is really small. Literally, there are three tables. There were four other people present while I waited for my order and it felt extremely crowded. I had my DC doissant experience, now if I can only muster up some mental strength to trek to NYC for an authentic cronut. Stay tuned…

Doissant Review Only! I repeat, Doissant Review Only!
We bought a GILT deal for 6 Cronut knockoffs and a box of coffee for $ 30. This wasn’t much of a deal since the Doissants are $ 5 each and you were only getting the box of coffee for free but that’s not the reason for my appalling score.
The reason for a one star review is because the Doissant was inedible. Plain and simple. Inedible.
There is nothing croissant about this donut. The layers are thick and in our case UNDERCOOKED. Yup, we got RAW dough.
The center layers were completely undercooked in all 6 donuts and the 4 people in our group couldn’t finish the donut we each got.
We ended up throwing away the last two donuts.
As if getting raw food wasn’t enough, the taste was terrible. The doissant was filled with a lemon meringue cream that was incredibly bitter.
It was a horrible experience and we drove 40 minutes to pick these up. Such a disappointment. I’m not sure how they are still able to sell these. I wish somebody would stop them because they’re going to make somebody sick.

I came all the way up here, far away from where we were staying in the center of the city mostly just to get tiles (
yo), but also because I bookmarked it after hearing about them as one of the first Cronut copycats to pop up.
Sadly, though not nearly as popular as Dominique Ansel, it seems to sell out here as well, as I was not able to get one here either (I did arrive at around 11 AM though, so I didn’t try very hard).
Since we trekked all the way over here, we got some other stuff instead, which actually happened to be really good. We got a regular old Chocolate Chip Cookie, which actually happened to be quite good. It was large and very thin, with a very chewy consistency. We also got a Pecan Sticky Bun with some really obscene-​looking Cream Cheese Frosting on top. They heated it up for about 5 minutes or so, so it came out nice and hot, which made it pretty tasty.
The rest of the stuff here looks pretty good, especially if you love chocolate like I do — it seems like just about every item in the store has some chocolate in it (e.g. chocolate french toast, chocolate pizza, etc.).
I don’t know if I would come all the way out here again though. If I did for some reason, I know now after talking to the owner that they actually accept advance orders for the Doissants, which is something that could’ve been brought to my attention yesterday.

Mmhmm. I concede, I’ve driven past Chocolate Crust a few dozen times, and each time, I’ve thought «I really should stop.» But today, I finally made the extra effort, parked, and popped in. It’s true that there are a few rough edges here — the beautiful pastries NEED labels saving customers from having to ask «oh, what’s that? Oh, what’s THAT?» and saving customers from having to awkwardly ask «and how much is that?» And it is true that there’s something about the vibe here that doesn’t quite signal charming little bakery– too much signage (including on the door), too clumsy of an interior. When I think bakery, I think cute (like Frosting in Friendship Heights), rustic, or café-​like. But forgive all of that.
The woman working the desk today was beyond friendly, and seemed to sense my giddiness at so many amazing baked goods. She kindly walked me through everything a few dozen times — thank you. And here are the results: Chocolate Crust has — wait for it! — one of the very best chocolate chip cookies I’ve sampled in metro DC. Just pure buttery sugary chocolatey perfection. So much so that I had eaten one before I even got home. And then there’s something like a brownie soufflé (again, here’s where names would be helpful) that looks like a big chocolate muffin with powdered sugar on top but that has the perfect lightness and delicacy of soufflé. Yes, please. I’ll be back for more of everything! Keep it going, Chocolate Crust.

This is basically a review of the doissant — their version of the cronut. I’ve never actually tried a cronut so I don’t know how the doissant would compare. I guess I was expecting a croissant’s buttery lightness but enhanced somewhat. Instead, I got a dense, very sweet, … I don’t know…, thing. It tasted fine, really, but I expected something a bit more transformative for $ 4.50 a piece. The sesame bagel I tried was fresh and tasted fine (but as a fan of New York bagels I can’t say it was particularly impressive).
Chocolate Crust is rather far removed from DC’s foodie centers and I can’t say it’s necessarily worth the trip. But if you’re passing through the area, it certainly seems worthwhile to stop in check out some of their other wares. The baked goods are freshly made, the cookies looked tasty, the coffee smelled good, and the prices for sandwiches and brunch-​y items seemed reasonable (as for the doissant, presumably its high price is a result of the labor required to produce one).

Fresh to order breakfast takes time, but worth the wait!
Only downside is the french toast, not crispy enough, I dont know why, maybe the bread is too thick, so the batter never crisp up…
I had a living social coupon, so I tried the shrimp salad which was delicious! Cajun spiced shrimp, so good on top of a dress-​less spring mix salad. My dad finished the 3 egg omelet in three bites, jk. We also bought two goods to go: chocolate bread pudding and lobster crossiant. I dont know how great the crossiant was, but the chocolate bread pudding tasted amazing and if I could go back in time, I would have ordered chocolate bread pudding for breakfast over the french toast. The bread pudding is a mix of white and chocolate bread and came with a delicious cream sauce.

I’ve been a few times now, and I can say that as a bakery, I love it, but for a meal I’ll pass.
I came about a week after they opened to check them out and I left with a chocolate scone w/​white chocolate chips. It was good, but didn’t blow me away. I came for their ‘Grand Opening’ on ⁴⁄₁₃ and while they weren’t too busy out front, the owner and chef were busy in back. The employees out front were a bit like deer in the headlights, but probably not all their fault. None of the bakery goods had name tags by them, or prices. Each time I asked what something was, I got an, «Ummm… let me go ask.» Even the samples they had out were not labeled. If this were my grand opening, I’d want customer to know. The pizza samples were cold and overcooked on the bottom, so it didn’t highlight their signature item in the best of light.
I had their French Cocoa Toast ($ 7.25 for two slices of bread) It didn’t taste like egg dipped French toast. It simply tasted like a piece of toasted bread with Maple syrup. What it needed was some kind of fruit compote on top to add more flavor. I’ve had much better for only a few dollars more.
I also had their ChoGrilled Cheez ($ 6.50). Or as I call it, Grilled Cheese. Again, this sandwich needed something more. The menu says «a heap of extra sharp cheddar and provolone… grilled to perfection», but two thin deli slices is not what I consider «a heap». I was expecting a sammie that had cheese oozing out of it when I pulled it apart. The thing is, the chocolate bread is overwhelming, and that’s all I tasted. It didn’t taste too different than my previously mentioned French Toast. I think they need to gourmet it up a bit, by adding a slice of tomato, or even better, avocado slices to it. Now that would be perfection.
One thing though, that will bring me back is their everything cookie (see pic). Oh, yum! I bought three, with intent on sharing, but I just couldn’t part with a single one. You must try this cookie when you visit!