Bread may be the staff of life, but for many folks, so is the sandwich. Fortunately, both can be found in giddy abundance at The Bread Store, midtown’s well-loved (and well-patronized) casual dining spot. Located on the busy J Street corridor, The Bread Store cranks out excellent morning pastries (try the croissants and pumpkin muffins) and a plethora of rustic, gorgeous loaves of bread, ranging from sourdough and ciabatta to Asiago and a hearty honey-wheat. As you might imagine, the fresh-baked breads are also used in the shop’s very popular sandwiches and even the salads, which is what makes them taste so darned good. Simple selections include the tasty ham and cheese and the BLT, more unusual offerings include the hot pastrami sandwich with marinated onions and Swiss cheese. Try the bountiful panzanella salad—a wholesome heap of veggie goodness featuring juicy tomatoes, chunks of bread, garbanzo beans, feta cheese, cucumbers and fresh basil leaves tossed in a Champagne vinaigrette. There’s even a hearty vegetarian chili so crammed with goodies you won’t miss the meat. The Bread Store’s simple interior is colorful and pleasing, with plum and cream colored walls and metal chairs and tables. The counter area is decorated with an interesting mosaic tile pattern and floors are a shiny brown concrete. Big windows invite you to watch the sidewalk activity on J Street, and the luscious bready fragrance of the store will lure you into a relaxed state as you wait patiently for your sandwich. Arrive early—the place gets packed at lunchtime. — Kira O'Donnell

Insider tip: The last hour of every day, The Bread Store offers a 2-for-1 special on all its baked goods.

Payment methods: Debit cards and cash only

Hours: Monday–Saturday 6:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.