With summer fast approaching the rearview mirror, fall flavors are bursting onto the scene just in time for cozy sweaters, spicy sweet lattes and decadent hot chocolate. Washington Family Magazine asked local folks about their go-to spots for fall flavor favorites. Since Starbucks introduced the pumpkin spice latte (PSL for those in the know) in 2004, fall flavors have expanded into every corner of the market. While it is no surprise that pumpkin treats feature heavily, cinnamon and nutmeg make well deserved appearances as well. Read on to find out about the best places to grab a warm drink, a sugary treat and tasty fall flavors as we head into the colder weather.
Bakeshop | Virginia (Arlington, Falls Church and Vienna)
Priding itself on out-of-this-world flavors, Bakeshop in Northern Virginia features quite a few festive fall flavors on its menu. With a wide variety of cupcake flavors available, consider getting a box to go. Some favorites are pumpkin spice, pumpkin salty caramel, pandan, gingerbread and more. Bakeshop also sells cookies, cakes, macarons and beverages. A large vegan selection makes it a great stop for all foodies. bakeshopva.com
Call Your Mother Deli | Multiple locations throughout the DMV
A self-proclaimed Jew-ish deli, Call Your Mother Deli features several cool fall flavor favorites to keep you warm this winter. Check out classic autumnal beverages such as mulled chais, pumpkin spice lattes and hot apple ciders. Or kick up your boring bagel routine with the deli’s pumpkin spice cream cheese — available seasonally. callyourmotherdeli.com
Gwenie’s Pastries | Maryland (Frederick and Rockville), Virginia (Arlington)
This Filipino bakery features delights all year long, “but in the fall, they have pumpkin-cream -filled doughnuts. And their ube pies are a great swap for Thanksgiving,” says Denise Dutton of Rockville, Maryland. Drink a pandan latte for the fall season, and order holiday treats online though the Amazon storefront on its website. gweniespastries.com
Pie Shop | Northwest D.C.
Start planning your holiday food now with Pie Shop’s fall flavors. With a rotating cast of delicious sweet and savory pies, there is something for every taste. Try their Berger Cookie Pie (featuring Baltimore’s favorite cookie — the Berger Cookie), apple pie and pumpkin pie. In addition to the sweet treats, Pie Shop also has a wide variety of quiches and savory treats with fun fall flavors. pieshopdc.com
More To Spice Up Your Fall
Elle – Gourd spice latte | Northwest D.C.
Jake’s Ice Cream – Pumpkin pie ice cream | Falls Church, VA
Yellow – Medjool date cappuccino | Northeast D.C. and Northwest D.C.
Katie Schubert is determined to single-handedly improve the local economy by drinking a fall flavored latte at every single coffee shop in the DMV. Email her if you want to meet up for a coffee date.
