Potomac Sweets

Introduction / Overview

For residents of Maryland seeking a true international experience in baked goods, Potomac Sweets in Kensington stands as a true culinary destination. This isn't just a local bakery; it's a showcase of global pastry artistry, combining rich European techniques with an American sensibility. The vast and meticulously crafted selection is what truly sets this establishment apart in the Montgomery County (MoCo) food scene, offering what some delighted customers have enthusiastically described as a "treasure trove of baked beauty."

The bakery’s mission is centered on baking pastries based on rich, international traditions, leveraging extensive experience to offer customers a unique and high-quality product. This commitment is evident in their ingredients, which include unconditionally unbleached and un-bromated flour, and their signature croissants and viennoiseries, which are made with 82% Euro-style butter. This dedication to superior ingredients results in a flavor and texture profile that rivals some of the best patisseries worldwide.

Potomac Sweets offers an overwhelming variety, spanning from elaborate, gourmet 6-inch cakes to a dazzling assortment of cookies, tarts, and freshly baked artisan breads. It serves as a perfect stop for those looking to grab a quick, high-quality breakfast pastry, pick up a stunning dessert for a special occasion, or simply indulge in some of the finest cookies and bread that the DMV area has to offer. While the quality of the products is consistently praised, potential visitors should note that the business operates with a direct, focused approach to service, which, as with any busy artisan establishment, may be interpreted differently by individual customers.

Location and Accessibility

Potomac Sweets is conveniently situated in the charming and historic town of Kensington, Maryland, making it easily accessible for residents across Montgomery County and the broader D.C. metro area. The bakery’s location within this quaint community adds to its peaceful, "old town feel," providing a pleasant experience for those seeking a unique local spot.

Address: 10419 Armory Ave, Kensington, MD 20895, USA

Accessibility is a key convenience for local patrons:

• Parking: Customers benefit from the availability of a free parking lot and free street parking nearby, which simplifies the process of picking up larger orders of cakes or multiple bags of cookies.
• Physical Access: The facility is designed to be highly accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and a dedicated wheelchair accessible parking lot.
• Quick Visit: The bakery is well-suited for a quick visit, whether you are picking up a pre-ordered cake or stopping by for a morning coffee and pastry on your commute.

Services Offered

Potomac Sweets provides multiple flexible service options to accommodate the varied needs of its Maryland customer base, from busy morning commuters to those planning special events. The extensive menu is supported by several convenient service avenues:

• In-Store Pickup and Takeout: Customers can visit the 10419 Armory Ave location to browse the vast selection of over two hundred varieties of baked goods and take their purchases to go. This is ideal for those who wish to view the dazzling pastry case firsthand.
• Delivery: For added convenience, the bakery offers local delivery service through third-party platforms, ensuring their gourmet treats can be enjoyed at home or work throughout the region.
• Special Orders: They cater to larger needs, offering a wide array of 6-inch cakes and 8-inch tarts for celebrations, with orders requiring ample preparation time (such as 24 hours for most cakes) to ensure freshness.
• Coffee Service: Complementing their sweet and savory offerings, the bakery serves well-prepared coffee selections, including espresso, cappuccino, and American coffee, making it a viable stop for breakfast or a mid-day pick-me-up.
• Payment Options: They accept various modern payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, allowing for a quick and seamless transaction.

Features / Highlights

Potomac Sweets shines through its sheer variety and an unwavering commitment to European-inspired quality, making it a standout in Montgomery County. The primary highlights that draw local patrons include:

• European Pastry Expertise: The bakery is run by an experienced Chef Pâtissier who was trained in Belgium and perfected skills in top hotels, bringing a sophisticated, international quality to every item.
• Signature Croissants: The "Potomac" signature croissants are a must-try, made fresh weekly using 82% Euro-style butter for a richness and flakiness that is highly sought after. Available in a wide range of flavors, from classic All Butter to Pistachio and Boston Cream.
• Extensive Cake and Tart Menu: The selection of 6-inch cakes (including Black Forest, Tres Leches, and Fresh Fruit Cake) and 8-inch tarts (Almond Apple, Mixed Berry) offers gourmet dessert options for any Maryland celebration or spontaneous craving.
• Artisan Bread Program: Beyond the sweets, Potomac Sweets offers a strong selection of Artisan Breads, including Sourdough, Challah, Ciabatta, and Harvest Bread, catering to those seeking high-quality, fresh loaves for home.
• Dedicated Cookie Selection: The "wall of cookies" described by customers is a feature in itself, with a dazzling array of European and American cookies, including Alfajores, Amaretti, various Shortbreads, and multiple Biscotti options.
• Savory Offerings: The inclusion of highly praised savory croissants, such as Ham and Swiss or Spinach and Feta, provides delicious alternatives to the main sugary attractions.

Contact Information

For Maryland residents looking to connect with Potomac Sweets in Kensington, the following contact details are provided for inquiries, ordering, and navigation:

Address:

10419 Armory Ave, Kensington, MD 20895, USA

Phone:

(240) 669-7625

Customers are also encouraged to check the official website for the most current operating hours, which typically include:

Tuesday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Limited Selections)

Wednesday - Friday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm

Saturday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm

Sunday: 7:30 am - 3:30 pm

Monday: Closed

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing just one item at Potomac Sweets is a difficult task, given the sheer abundance of high-quality options. However, for a first-time visitor in Maryland, three categories consistently stand out as the most worthwhile choices that truly capture the bakery's essence.

First, one must try the Signature Croissants (especially the Pistachio or Butter Croissant). These perfectly flaky, buttery viennoiseries, made with 82% European-style butter, are the foundational proof of the baker’s international expertise and are often highlighted by customers as a rival to French patisseries. The Pistachio Croissant, with its rich frangipane, is a truly gourmet choice.

Second, for those with a serious sweet tooth, one of the Gourmet Cupcakes is highly recommended. Customers rave about these, noting they are far superior to standard fare—moist, perfectly frosted, and featuring creative flavor combinations like the Carrot Cupcake with Cream Cheese Icing or the Yellow Cupcake with Vanilla Icing and Lemon Curd. The "Buy 4 Cupcakes, Get 1 Extra Free" offer also provides an excellent opportunity to sample a variety.

Third, for a more communal indulgence, the Artisan Bread (specifically the Sourdough or Challah) provides proof that the bakery’s skill extends beyond sweets. These fresh loaves are essential for weekend meals or special gatherings, offering a taste of authentic, high-quality baking for your home table.

While the products themselves are highly praised for their exceptional quality and variety, local patrons should also be prepared for a focused service environment. While one review described the service as friendly and efficient, another highlighted a poor experience with a senior member of staff, leading to a canceled order. This suggests that while the quality of the "baked beauty" is undeniable, visitors should focus on the extraordinary products while being mindful of the highly demanding environment of a popular artisan bakery. Nonetheless, the overwhelming quality, depth of selection, and undeniable appeal of items like the decadent cakes and celebrated cookies make Potomac Sweets a culinary experience well worth having in the Maryland region.

Potomac Sweets

10419 Armory Ave, Kensington, MD 20895, USA