Dog Tag Bakery — Restaurant in Washington

Walking into what might have once been a warehouse that is now a converted into a café, I tried Dog Tag Bakery for the first time. The vibe inside was eerily subdued. Service was discovered via a tiny break squeezed between tall counters, blocked by tables for patrons, and at the way back. Initially, the barista seemed confused by my order of medium cortado, but prepared it anyway. While waiting, I inspected the rest of the snacks in the case, and was sticker-shocked by sandwiches that were over $10 each! (Sadly, perhaps, that is going rate in Georgetown for a sandwich these days?) When the drink was ready, it appeared a bit small to me, so I asked if this was a medium. It was only then that I learned that although it is clearly written on the menu board above the counter that cortados come in three sizes at three different prices, the reality is that they are all made in the same-sized glass. Perhaps, this was her confusion when I asked for a medium? I now shared her confusion, and I didn’t know how much the drink was? As for the taste of the coffee, it was fine. Also, I later learned that café honorably assistants disabled war veterans, but this wasn’t apparent to me during my visit. I thought “Dog Tag” was a clever theme related to canines. So, with unclear pricing, over-priced sandwiches, and a confusing theme, I’ll try another...

Polished, sincere, yummy, and well-run, this place hits all the marks.

DECOR: Someone tried hard to get this right. The red-white-blue motif is subtly done, it doesn't scream "AMERICA F-YEAH" like the sorts of places that hang flags floor to ceiling. The chandelier is as pretty as it is overwhelming.

SERVICE: After maybe a dozen visits I can assure you everyone is polite, friendly, and helpful.

FOOD: SO weird, I have never had a bad meal here. Sandwiches, pastry, coffee, espresso, it has all been phenomenal. I suggest literally everything.

So why only for stars? Believe me, I've been clicking 4, then 5, then back. Here's my conundrum: it's a touch expensive. Clearly I don't mind, I think the food is worth the price, and it's Georgetown so you should expect to pay more. I eat dive, I eat posh, but this is the only place where I notice the $ every time...

Echoing others’ recent reviews below. Georgetown resident here who appreciates Dog Tag’s mission and has enjoyed their reliably good coffee and tasty pastries but is getting increasingly frustrated with the customer service. The man who now often takes orders at the counter has a dismissive attitude—as if customers are somehow doing the store a favor by patronizing them—and generally appears as if he doesn’t want to be there. Quite a few other cafes and bakeries exist in the neighborhood whose staff are friendlier and don’t treat you as if you’re an inconvenience, so I’m hoping the managers here will wisen up and afford their team members some appropriate guidance. (There are definitely other staff who are more professional, but they don’t seem to be at the...