ALEXANDRIA. This well-known bakery is always full of dessert-lovers and bread fiends who can't get enough of Firehook's fresh-baked treats. An excellent selection of coffees and coffee drinks are perfect alongside crisp biscotti, tempting pastries, and an ever-changing roster of cakes and breads. The friendly interior is a pleasant place to linger, and the menu includes plenty of sandwiches and soups if you want to have lunch before you indulge in something sweet.

CAPITOL HILL. The smells of baking bread and fresh-from-the-oven chocolate chip cookies draw passers-by into this neighborhood bakery and coffeehouse. The menu lists a multitude of sins - cookies, cakes, pies, tarts, and more. It also offers a selection of breakfast and lunch items, including muffins, pastries, soups, and sandwiches. Firehook breads have a signature "crusty" texture from being baked in a steam-oven chamber. Earth tones, wooden floors, and large windows make for a comfortable interior.

CLEVELAND PARK. Gene Gathright is Firehook's head baker, not to mention the mastermind behind the place's fantastic, fresh-made breads. At his side, Kate Jansen prepares a fine selection of pastries, cakes, and tarts. Grab a cup of coffee and a chocolate espresso chew cookie for a perfect mid-day pick-me-up. You'll also want to gather a few peanut butter cups on your way out - they put any commercially-made confection to shame! METRO: Farragut North

DUPONT CIRCLE. This well-known bakery stays filled with dessert-lovers and bread fiends who can't get enough of Firehook's baked treats. An excellent selection of coffees and coffee drinks perfectly complements crisp biscotti, tempting pastries, and an ever-changing roster of cakes and breads. The welcoming interior invites folks to linger, and the menu includes sandwiches and soups if you want something savory before you indulge in something sweet.

ALEXANDRIA. This French-style bakery is a convenient place to stop for a fresh cup of coffee and a meal or snack. Great desserts include pies, pastries, cookies, and tarts. The casual, cafeteria-style dining room is full of quaint decor and French posters, and the full lunch menu offers tasty options like tomato basil soup and baguette sandwiches. Regulars particularly enjoy the complimentary French bread promptly brought to each table.