Indulge in fascinating DC tales while savoring a rainbow of new pastry flavors on this epic DC donut history tour date. Come satisfy your tastes, and theirs.
The Background
On this historical Underground Donut Tour, you’ll explore the richness of Washington, DC’s political and confectionary past. Taste desserts perfected over five generations at the centuries old Western Market before passing the White House and Lafayette Square. Indulge in local celebrity favorites in the city’s heart and then end in Palmers Alley for an international pastry amidst an Instagram-worthy backdrop. While savoring your ninth donut, you’ll revel in this quirky tour.
The Standout Features
Here’s why you donut wanna miss this date:
- Burst of Flavor: You’ll delight in each of your nine mouth-watering donuts together. What a treat!
- Dash of Mystery: Every stop is a surprise, adding a fun, flirty touch to the sweet affair.
- History Buff: Historical DC tours are common, but only this event shows how donuts played a role in the capital’s past. Their captivating factoids will charm history lovers, even long-time residents.
- Be Active: Seeing world-class sights while enjoying the fresh air is just the ticket for an engaging date.
The Experience
Date Lead Up - Prepping the Batter
At 9:50, we pass through the glass doors by the French bakery, Paul, and enter Western Market. Before us, a pleasantly energetic man in an underground donut T-shirt chats with our fellow pastry-enthusiasts. Soon, we discover the diversity of the group which hails from Pennsylvania, Texas, and even Canada. Our guide, Jimmy, runs the business and it’s clear why. He’s a natural and charming orator.
Main Event - Taste Test
To kick things off, Jimmy distributes pins and the inaugural treat. It’s simply delicious, especially when dipped in the assortment of sauces. To preserve the surprise, I won’t tell you where we get each donut, but I confess this one has an international origin. While licking sugar off our fingers, we head towards our next location. Along the way, Jimmy tells us fascinating facts about the city’s history, beautifully interwoven with the tour’s pastry theme. I’ve done dozens of DC tours over the years, but I’ve never heard these tales.
Before long, we’re at spot #2. Jimmy arranged for us to enter the shop before it opens. Once seated, he brings boxes of multi-colored pastries, each with their own vibrant spice. Now, my date claims maple bacon is his all-time favorite. When he tastes the pineapple upside down cake donut, he changes his tune! After the initial bite, he moans his uncontainable approval. This discovery alone makes the tour worth it. I’m partial to the cherry blossom-themed dessert. And the PB&J. It’s hard to choose.
Our guide sprinkles more history on our walk to destination #3. I’ve visited this establishment before, but never knew they sold donuts. Why? They bake 70 per day and when they’re gone, that’s it. Jimmy placed the order at 7am. Even then, they’re not always guaranteed. If they’re unavailable, our leader has a delectable backup plan. Alas, today we’re in luck. These sweets are light as air and I can taste the fresh ingredients. I’m thankful to enjoy them without rising early for the privilege.
Finally, we stroll to our last location. Here, I discover a new foreign pastry. Is this my top confection? The flavor of each lingers on my tongue, vying for first place. Yet, they’re all winners to me.
Date Wrap Up - Last Bites
The Planning
No need to figure out all the logistics. We did it for you.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best for... | ✔ A few dates in ✔ Steady couple |
| Seasons | Runs year round |
| Typical Hours | Tours are held daily at either 10am or 1pm. |
| Duration | ~2 hours |
| Cost | $65 with occasional deals. |
| Website | |
| Address | Begins inside Western Market (use the East entrance on 20th St NW by the Bindaas restaurant). Bindaas address: 2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006 |
| Transportation | Parking is challenging in this area. Recommend Rideshare, metro, or biking. The closest metros are Farragut West (5 min walk) and Farragut North (11 min walk). The nearest Capital Bikeshare is on 21st and I St NW (2 min walk). Note that the tour begins inside Western Market but ends at Palmers Alley. |
| Attire | Wear comfortable clothes and good walking shoes for the ~2 mile tour. |
| Contact Info | Phone: (844) 366-8848 Email: info@undergrounddonuttour.com |
| Special Considerations | If you have food allergies, let the guide know before tasting! |
| Rescheduling & Cancellation Policies | Receive a full refund if you contact them 24 hours prior to your event. If you contact them within 24 hours of the event, you can't receive a refund, but can rebook for a future date. Read more on refunds and cancellations. |
| Accessibility | All venues should be ADA compliant. |
The Pre- and Post-Date Options
If you want to keep the date going, we have a cheat sheet to guide you to your next destination. You can visit these places before or after your date. Make this list your own. The map shows the tour starting place at Western Market (purple), as well as bonus date options (green) in one place. Before you go, though, always check times in case something’s changed.
- Oyamel Cocina Mexicana (13 min walk): Step into one of Jose Andres incredible creations, this time honoring the vibrant Mexico City. This Michelin star establishment will transport you to another land filled with delectable tacos, enticing margaritas, and more at a price point you’ll love. Open Mon: 11:30 – 10pm, Tues-Fri: 11:30am – 11pm, Sat: 11am – 11pm, Sun: 11am – 10pm.
- Matchbox (11 min walk): From bottomless brunch to a killer happy hour, their American fair with a Southern flair delivers time and again. Open Mon 11am – 10pm, Tues-Thurs: 11am – 11pm, Fri: 11am – 12pm, Sat: 9am – 12am, Sun: 9am – 10pm.
- Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee (2 min walk): The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Saveur Bon Appetit agree. This gelato is one of the country’s best. Their award-winning gelato, coffee, and croissants make this stop a no-brainer. Open Mon-Thurs: 7am – 11pm, Fri: 7am – 12am, Sat: 8am – 12am, Sun: 8am – 11pm.
- Cafe Riggs (6 min walk): Timeless furnishings, gold accents, and vibrant colors set an irresistible atmosphere at this modern French bistro. The gorgeous interior is only matched by the decadent dishes. Open Mon-Thurs: 7am – 3pm, 5-10pm, Fri-Sun: 7am – 3pm, 5pm – 12am
- Maman (4 min walk): With charming antique decor, gorgeous tile flooring, and flowers bursting from every corner, this hidden secret is the perfect spot to get to know each other. Open Mon-Fri: 7:30am-6pm, Sat & Sun: 8am-6pm.
- The Smith (15 min walk): The impressive backlit bar, rustic ironwork, early century tiles, and smart atmosphere make this place a winner, whether you’re dinning in or sharing a drink. Don’t miss Martini hour! Open Mon-Tues: 8:30am – 10pm, Wed-Fri: 8:30am – 11pm, Sat: 9:30am – 11pm, Sun: 9:30am – 10pm.