For years, The Montgomery Leek (formerly The Montg“O-word”) published its annual O-word Soup List, a proud civic tradition honoring deeply caramelized alliums and legally uncomplicated headlines. That tradition ended abruptly after a cease-and-desist from Global Tetrahedron, publisher of The ONION®, reminding us that even soup genres can be expensively litigated.

Hence Potato Leek Soup, a dish that is creamy, respectable, and unclaimed by any corporate overlord. Until now. Potato Leek soup may lack the drama of a glazed crock topped by nutty, earthy gruyère, but it compensates with stability, versatility, and a lower risk of trademark conflict. Below are the inaugural rankings, reviewed by The Montgomery Leek’s own food critic, Fluellen Llewellyn.

The Top Five Potato Leek Soup Spots in Montgomery County

#1 — Mannequin Pis (Olney)

Creamy Potato & Leek Soup – $16: Velvety to the point of indulgence, this bowl delivers depth without heaviness and richness without sloppiness. The leeks are assertive but restrained; the potatoes are luxuriously smooth. The bacon arrives crisp and purposeful, not decorative. This soup knows exactly what it is and never apologizes for it. “Worth the price,” a phrase never written lightly, is a sweeping understatement.

#2 — The Limerick Pub (Wheaton)

Potato Leek – Cup $5 / Bowl $8: If a pub promises soup, this is what it should mean. Hearty, garlic-forward, and built to withstand a Maryland winter. Its thickness and warmth pairs especially well with a pint. This soup does not whisper. It speaks firmly, from across the table.

#3 — Bread & Chocolate (Bethesda)

Potato Leek Soup – Cup $6 / Bowl $8: This is a lighter, more refined take—clean flavors, balanced seasoning, and no unnecessary theatrics, favoring consistency and freshness over decadence. It’s not trying to impress you; it’s trying to see you again next week. A soup with excellent posture.

#4 — la Madeleine (Gaithersburg)

Country Potato Soup – Cup $5.79 / Bowl $6.99: Cheesy, bacon-topped, and intentionally comforting, this version leans into familiarity. It is rich, filling, and predictable—in a good way. Purists may object to the toppings, but this reviewer celebrates them. It is potato leek soup that brought snacks.

#5 — Golden Fig Cafe & Bakery (Bethesda)

Potato Leek Soup – $5.95: Mild, smooth, and dependable, this bowl earns praise for value and approachability rather than boldness. Ideal when you want warmth without commitment. A quiet soup that keeps its promises.

Closing Thoughts

The Montgomery Leek will continue to cover food courageously, legally, and with minimal exposure to corporate attorneys. We look forward to bringing you our annual Top 5 Vichyssoise List next summer!