Pluma by Bluebird Bakery

Welcome to Pluma by Bluebird Bakery, an essential destination for anyone in the District of Columbia with an appreciation for finely crafted, European-style pastries and artisanal bread. Located conveniently in the bustling Union Market District, Pluma offers a bright, airy, and sophisticated retreat where the focus is on quality ingredients and masterful baking techniques. The name "Pluma," which is Spanish for "feather," evokes the light, flaky perfection found in many of their signature offerings.

Before opening Pluma, proprietors Camila Arango and Tom Wellings made a significant name for themselves in the DC culinary scene through Bluebird Bakery, providing high-quality wholesale baked goods to many of the area's top restaurants and cafes for years. Pluma is the realization of their dream to serve their delicious creations directly to the community in their own café concept. The bakery’s ethos emphasizes seasonality, and they strive to source locally whenever possible, ensuring that every bite is as fresh and flavorful as possible. This commitment to excellence has quickly made Pluma a highly-rated spot, cementing its place as one of DC’s most beloved bakeries.

The atmosphere at Pluma is frequently highlighted by patrons as a key part of the experience. The interior design blends mid-century modern style with charming, personal touches. You’ll notice beautiful blue-and-white Colombian tiles—a nod to co-owner Camila Arango’s home country—paired with marble countertops and warm wood accents. Gold mid-century-style light fixtures hang overhead, contributing to an overall bright and airy feel. It is often described as feeling like an oasis amidst the perpetual bustle of the surrounding Union Market area. Seating is often centered around a large wooden communal table, inviting a shared, community experience, though it's important to note that during peak weekend hours, securing an extended stay may be challenging due to limited seating.

The commitment to creating a positive and inclusive environment is also a cornerstone of Pluma’s identity. The bakery is actively involved in community support, fundraising for various charities and causes, including those benefitting the LGBTQ+ community and other social justice initiatives. The owners have expressed a strong dedication to fostering a supportive and empathetic work environment, which translates to a welcoming and professional experience for every visitor.

Pluma by Bluebird Bakery serves the DC area from a couple of locations, but its primary presence in the Union Market District has made it a favorite spot. The Union Market location is nestled under the Edison apartment complex, adding a modern aesthetic to the surrounding area.

The Union Market District is one of Washington, DC's vibrant culinary and retail hubs, known for its creative energy and density of quality food establishments. This area is a bustling neighborhood, offering a dynamic environment that makes Pluma a convenient stop for locals and visitors exploring the broader NOMA and Union Market neighborhoods.

Pluma by Bluebird Bakery is located at: 391 Morse St NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA.

Accessibility is a key consideration for all local businesses, and Pluma offers a Wheelchair Accessible Entrance, ensuring a quick visit is comfortable for all. For those driving, free parking is available, including a free parking lot and free street parking. Patrons often find the bakery ideal for a quick visit, whether stopping in for an espresso before work or grabbing a loaf of bread for dinner on the way home.

Pluma accepts a variety of modern payment methods, including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments, making transactions fast and easy.

Pluma by Bluebird Bakery is a full-service café and bakery, offering more than just baked goods. Their service options are designed to meet a variety of needs, whether you are on the go or wish to stay and enjoy the atmosphere.

Services Offered:

• Dine-in: Enjoy your breakfast, coffee, or pastries inside the bright and sophisticated café space.
• Takeout: Perfect for grabbing your favorites quickly, whether it’s a morning bun or a loaf of their renowned sourdough.
• In-Store Pickup: Pre-order and collect your items with ease.
• Delivery: For days when you can't make it to Union Market, delivery options are available.
• In-store Shopping: Browse their selection of freshly baked goods, loaves of bread, and savory breakfast options.
• Onsite Services: The café provides an excellent environment for a quick, casual meal or coffee break.

Pluma has earned a reputation in the DC area not just for its core baked goods but also for the thoughtful curation of its menu and the quality of the café experience. Their menu is divided into comprehensive sections covering pastries, bread, savory items, and a full coffee and tea program.

Features / Highlights:

• Artisan Bread: Their naturally leavened loaves, such as the Baguette, Multigrain, and the highly-rated Sourdough, are staples that draw customers specifically for their quality and flavor.
• Signature Croissants: A must-try, the menu includes classic Croissant, the richly flavored Chocolate Croissant, and the decadent Almond Croissant with frangipane. The savory Smoked Ham & Gruyere Croissant is a popular morning choice.
• Specialty Pastries: Beyond the classics, Pluma offers unique and popular items like the Morning Buns (often noted for cardamom sugar and orange zest), Monkey Bread, and Sweet Scones.
• Savory Breakfast & Lunch: The menu goes beyond just sweets with substantial options like the Breakfast Sammy, Sammy #2, Avocado Toast, and the Fresno Caesar Chicken Sandwich.
• High-Quality Coffee & Beverages: A full espresso bar features all the staples, including Cortado, Macchiato, and Latte, as well as specialty drinks like the Matcha Latte and the Iced Espresso Tonic. Non-coffee options include Iced Tea and Fresh Orange Juice.
• Welcoming Atmosphere: The café is widely noted for its bright interior design, featuring Colombian-inspired tiles and an open-kitchen layout, providing a sophisticated backdrop to your morning or afternoon visit.
• Community Commitment: Pluma is LGBTQ+ friendly and actively supports charitable causes, underscoring its commitment to inclusivity and giving back to the DC community.

The menu and offerings at Pluma cater to a wide range of tastes, but their deep roots as a wholesale bakery focused on perfection are evident in their foundational products.

Contact Information:

Address: 391 Morse St NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA

Phone: (202) 544-2429

What is Worth Choosing

If you are planning your first visit to Pluma by Bluebird Bakery, there are several items that consistently stand out in customer recommendations. The bakery’s exceptional reputation largely stems from its mastery of laminated doughs. Therefore, choosing one of their croissants is highly recommended. The Almond Croissant is frequently cited as a decadent treat, perfect for those with a sweet tooth looking for that crispy shell and creamy, sweet frangipane filling. For a savory start to the day, the Smoked Ham & Gruyere Croissant is a more substantial, rich option.

Beyond the pastries, the baked goods at Pluma truly shine, which is why locals often advise visiting earlier in the day to ensure you get the best selection before popular items sell out. The Sourdough loaf is a top seller, highly praised for its quality and flavor, making it an excellent take-home choice. For a unique sweet treat, the Morning Buns, infused with orange zest and cardamom sugar, are a signature item that captures the bakery’s flair for subtle, elevated flavor combinations.

For beverages, while they offer a full range of high-quality coffee and tea, don't overlook their specialty drinks. The simple yet perfectly crafted Latte is a popular choice, and for a refreshing change, the Fresh Orange Juice is noted for being freshly squeezed.

The experience at Pluma is best enjoyed when considering what you are seeking. If you are looking for a quick, high-quality bite and excellent coffee, the café delivers on its promise of delicious food and a visually appealing setting. While the environment is bright and sophisticated, the limited seating and the bustling nature of the surrounding Union Market area suggest focusing on their incredible takeaway items if you are seeking a quiet, extended working space.

In summary, Pluma by Bluebird Bakery stands as a beacon for artisan baking in the DC area. From their perfectly laminated pastries and crusty loaves of bread to their strong coffee and inviting atmosphere, it is a must-visit spot in the Union Market District for anyone seeking genuine, high-quality, and delicious baked goods.

Pluma by Bluebird Bakery

391 Morse St NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA