Best bakery in OTR! Definitely recommend swinging by and checking this place out. Great customer service as well, though only has maybe seating for five people inside. read more

Brown Bear Bakery - Everything bagel croissant- to die for. buttery, flaky, one of the best pastries I've had in my life. - Bakeries Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

A great local bakery serving up sweet & savory baked items. Come early to get your pick especially on a weekend. We stopped by around lunch time Sunday and many items were sold out. However, they still had a decent amount of other items (prolly due to the marathon that morning). The spinach guyere cheese paw wasn't my favorite (spinach was a bit stringy and didn't taste much cheese in there), but the peanut butter brownie was divine! For both items the total came to $11.50 (seems average for most specialty bakeries). The cashier was friendly and was excited to hear it was my first visit! Plenty of indoor seating and a restroom too. Parking is challenging in the area. I just quickly put my blinkers on across the street and ran in to grab items to go! I'll have to get there early to try other items. read more

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Blueberry hand pie amazing! My mom would drive up from SC just for these! Black Bear has been my wife and I's go to destination on my weekends off. Very nice staff. Do not be afraid if there is a line. They keep it moving and are well worth the wait! read more

Brown Bear Bakery - Blueberries! - Bakeries Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I love croissants. I love sweets. What you'll find here are delicious pieces of art. Because they're in such high demand, I suggest you make use of their online ordering system. Saturdays at 9 a.m., their sales go live and you can see what's in stock, order, choose a pick-up time and pay. I've tried the plain croissant, chocolate croissant, cheese and mushroom croissant ans savory everything bagel croissant. All are excellent. A plain croissant, warmed with some butter...wow! My favorite and not to be missed are the salty chocolate chip cookies. They aren't chocolate chip, but chocolate explosion! More chocolate than I've ever seen in a cookie, plus they're soft, chewy and full of taste. We've also tried the cinnamon rolls (with a nice kick of orange zest) and chocolate brownies. While good, the brownies are more cake-like than fudgey (the latter my personal preference.) I'll just get more chocolate chip cookies instead! read more

Brown Bear Bakery - Brownies, salty chocolate chip cookies (look at the chocolate in those!), plain croissant, cinnamon roll and chocolate croissant. - Bakeries Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Omg the best bakery I've ever been to. It's so clean and beautiful inside and every single thing I ate was absolutely delicious I'm from florida but I would literally go back to Cincinnati just for the pastries here!! You will love everything you eat I promise! read more

Brown Bear Bakery - Must haves - Bakeries Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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As a Cincinnati local and Desserts person, I feel bad leaving this review. I love BBB- local small business, experimental desserts, nice people; what's not to like? This place is my go-to for splurge desserts. If you stalk them on Insta (like I do), you know they have great things consistently. I wouldn't go to say EVERYTHING is good, because everyone has their own preference with flavors. But, you are likely to find something you like. That's why this hits more! I love that BBB now has the convenience of online ordering. I can imagine it must be hard to manage that, given how people wait for 9 sharp to place in their orders. I totally understand that. I had my eyes set for their Raspberry curd almond croissant for weeks and this past week was going to be IT. I tried on Saturday and it went out of stock in 2 minutes (as I was just paying). Sunday, I thought I was lucky. I ordered that and the Lemon pistachio coriander bun. The order was placed and I arrived at the store at 12.30 pm to collect. That's when I was told that the croissant was not available as it went out of stock. I do understand that it can happen. I really do. But, if I was probably informed earlier, I'd have considered canceling the order. As I was at a friend's, I drove 40 minutes amidst a snow drizzle, just for this. That was my experience last week. I hope they get better at this. read more

Brown Bear Bakery - Lemon pistachio coriander bun - Bakeries Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Saw this place highly rated online so tried it out while in town with my bf. I got the vanilla bean latte with oatmilk & it was pretty good! I'd give it a 7/10. He got the brown bear latte also with oatmilk and we both disliked it. Felt very plain & bitter which isn't our vibe. Wanted the egg sandwich but they sold out There weren't as many options as I'd expect for a bakery? There were like 8 pastries, most being cookies. I did try the miso cookie which was good and my bf got a croissant which was also good, would've been nice to have them warmed up perhaps. Overall I'd say 6/10 for the options/taste. Staff was friendly. Don't think I'd tell someone they need to go try this place though. read more

Brown Bear Bakery - Order area - Bakeries Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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My go-to for pastries in the city! I'm partial to savory, but their sweet variety is amazing too. Highly recommend.

I will keep this short since it clearly already has great reviews. Believe the hype....this bakery is like no other in the city. My favorite was the lemon cream cheese danish (had some sort of spice on top) and the cinnamon roll (had a hint of orange). The reason for 4 stars is because I didn't like the cardi b, nothing to it really, not worth $5. The cardi b reminded me of a churro with minimal flavor. I really liked the everything bagel croissant with cream cheese but wished I would have made eggs and bacon to go with it. I think what stands out with this place is that all of the flavors are perfectly balanced. I'm happy I finally tried this place out. I'd recommend ordering online right at 9 when ordering for the day begins. Walk in hours are limited on the weekends, be sure to check the website. I'm already planning a trip back to BBB. read more

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Brown Bear Bakery is the best of the best! A class act! They jumped in to cater my event with pastries with less than 24hrs notice. Ian, the owner, was helpful, patient, and oh so talented! The creations are unreal. Sweet and savory pastries are worth getting. What we learned but trying literally everything is that it's all worth getting! Thank you Brown Bear. Can't wait to come back and tell everyone that they've gotta check it out. read more

Tried their peanut brittle brownie. One of the best brownies i have ever had. Staff is super friendly and helpful! Highly recommend!

Delicious treats and easy and efficient ordering process. I ordered several baked goods for a small party on a Saturday. The entire tray was gobbled up - even the crumbs. It's a little pricey, so not for everyday, but worth it on a special day. read more

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Brown Bear Bakery is my 100% favorite bakery to go to in Cincinnati. Loving staff and great people. Everything you could buy from there would exceed your expectations by 1 million. I looooove this place. read more

Brown Bear Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

My SO and I planned a road trip to Cincy, and I knew that if there was one thing we had to try, it was Brown Bear Bakery. We were going for the cinnamon roll, but I was also stoked because I saw they had released a lemon pistachio bun on Insta. In order to guarantee that we got the items we wanted, I placed an order online in the morning at 9 a.m. for pickup at 10. Their online ordering process is seamless and done through their square site. I walked up at the designated pickup time and was able to pick up my order without issue. The staff at the bakery were also kind and directed me since it was my first time there. I ordered the lemon bar, lemon pistachio bun, cinnamon roll, matchadoodle (matcha snickerdoodle), and the fall savory croissant. Everything was awesome--the citrus in the cinnamon roll, the crispy texture of the croissant, the thick but soft matchadoodle. You could tell that all of the pastries were made with a lot of thought and care. If we're ever back in the area, we'll definitely pay another visit. read more

Brown Bear Bakery - From top left clockwise: Matchadoodle, lemon pistachio bun, cinnamon roll - Bakeries Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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This bakery is presently selling mostly through online preorders and is doing outdoor pickups only. I ordered fast, because it seems like they sell out, as quality bakeries often do. My impressive haul included a triple chocolate brioche that was an utter mess but totally worth it, and intriguing miso buttercream cookie, and a delectable brownie topped with cacao nibs. My foccacia was probably the best of the lot, a perfectly toasty and robustly filled square with artichokes and garlic and spinach. The relative low point was a cheddar chive scone which was just a bit too much chive for me. Overall, though, fantastic quality stuff. I hope they'll be open to visit normally, but until then a to-go box will do nicely. read more

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When you show up to a Place, and there's a line out the door, you really have to hope that it was worth it. Luckily brown bear bakery seem to be exactly that. I had the cinnamon roll, my girlfriend had a summer squash croissant, we split a chocolate chip cookie. We also both got a coffee, mine was the honey cinnamon latte. She got the brown butter latte. First and foremost. If it was just about the cookie, I would give this a five stars review. The coffee was a solid four stars, the other baked goods definitely 4.5 or above. Sadly know half stars. Staff was kind and we're very personable. Even with such a long line we got in and out quickly. Enjoyed the venue. read more

I would literally drive the 4 hours back to Cincinnati just to come back to this bakery. The "everything bagel" croissant was the best thing I've ever eaten in my entire life. There was a line but it goes by really fast and it's soooo worth it! read more

Brown Bear Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Amazing bakery and customer service! We are from out of town and we were recommended this place and it didn't disappoint! Sooo good! read more

Brown Bear Bakery - Raspberry almond croissant, cinnamon roll, focaccia pizza, and everything bagel croissant. - Bakeries Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I still find BBB to be one of the best bakeries in the area. All of their pastries are designed well and look fantastic. However, not all of their pastries are great. Hands down their ginger turmeric scone, lemon bars, orange zest cinnamon roll and honey almond cake are my favorite. Each of these pastries has a unique flavor profile and a dulled sweetness, which I love. Everything has a natural well blended flavor and doesn't taste artificial. So here's why I have reduced my updated review to 4 stars. Their pound cakes are so DENSE. I've tried their matcha, chai and carrot cake. Though the flavors were unique, the cake texture is so hard and almost fudge like. In addition, their brownie is also the same way. Don't get me wrong, I love chewy brownies and pound cake, but the texture on these items just seems off and don't align with my expectations. I've tried the matcha slice multiple times and it seems like it just only gets more and more dense each time I try it. I would NOT recommend trying their pound cake. However, their non-refrigerated cakes are not nearly as dense and are pleasant (TRY their coffee and cornmeal cake). Thankfully, people have caught on and they now have a following. Several times I've gone there and there's been lines out the door especially on holidays. My one concern is the bakery has decided not to produce more items to keep up with the demand and instead they now just choose to close once they sell out. I can understand this tactic if you are a new bakery, but they are established and have a following who wants to try their baked goods. By just randomly closing without noticing customers seems like a poor business model. This is just my two cents. If you don't live downtown try calling them to make sure they still have baked goodS to avoid a wasted trip. Just a few more notes: Parking is limited. They do not offer a wide selection of drinks and seating is minimal. The cool thing is they do allow well-behaved dogs to come inside! read more

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This OTR bakery is on the small side for seating but with delicious pastries like these I will be going back. The cinnamon roll was good but the peach cookie was great. I even ended up buying a few of their very generously sized chocolate croissants as a gift. The staff were very friendly and inviting. I was impressed by their professionalism and passion for their work. read more

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Wonderful local bakery with the friendliest staff. Welcoming and always offering interesting seasonal specials that will tempt you back for more weekend after weekend! I am generally a purist and their plain croissant hits the spot time & time again. Take my recommendation and plan to go home with multiples to warm up for breakfast/lunch sandwiches the next couple of days and/or a nice afternoon treat. Do NOT miss the raspberry croissant in February! Many other rotating offerings that I treat friends and family with, from the apple hand pie to the palmier (elephant ear). You will want to start building a stop by into at least your weekend morning activities. Accolades are well-deserved. Absolutely Cincy's best croissant and has to be one of the best in the country. read more

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If I could give this place six stars I would. Every time I am back in town I have to stop here. The texture of their croissants is phenomenal (French husband agrees) and their flavor profiles are really unique and delicious. The staff is super nice and patiently explains what all of their delightful confections are if you ask. After you have breakfast and take a walk around OTR, don't forget to circle back and grab some focaccia for lunch or dinner. read more

Brown Bear Bakery - The most delicious pastries - Bakeries Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

The summer tomato pastry & everything bagel croissant are amazing! 10/10 The staff is very friendly and accommodating as well! 10/10 read more

Brown Bear Bakery - Everything bagel croissant, summer tomato pastry - Bakeries Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I am not one to leave reviews, but this is the BEST bakery I have been to. My husband and I are in Cincy for our anniversary and decided to stop by to get a coffee. I walked in and was immediately hit with the wonderful smells of baked goods and so I knew I had to get a pastry. I got the chocolate croissant and the everything bagel. The everything bagel is the BEST bakery item I have EVER had and the chocolate croissant was extremely good. The coffee was wonderful too! Highly recommend this place for a coffee & pastry! read more

OK STOP READING AND DRIVE THERE NOW *if they're open at the time of reading.* They make my tastebuds dance. I have been so disappointed in pastries lately and just keep thinking, "it's just not brown bear." So there's that. The cookies, the cinnamon roles (which I never recommend), the everything - just go! There are places to sit and eat and I've never had an issue with enjoying my treats there. The owner is so creative in what she makes and all of the bakers/staff are so nice!! read more

Best bakery in Cincinnati. Creative an delicious desserts and savory items with gray ingredients. Try the cookies and the cinnamon rolls ! read more

Wow! First time visiting Brown Bear today. Even though it was super busy, line wrapped around the building, the employee who assisted me once I got to the counter, took time to walk me through their philosophy of baking, types of pastries they offered and recommendations. Plenty of space to eat in but we took our goodies to go. When we got home and finally were able to try them - WOW! Amazing flavors and the pastries were so flaky and delicious. Definitely recommend this place and will be going back! read more

Brown Bear Bakery - Coffee cake, chocolate croissant, apple popover, raspberry pastry, butter croissant, and pesto mushroom pastry. - Bakeries Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I just realized I haven't said anything about Brown Bear Bakery yet. SHAME ON ME. Friends, if you're familiar with the Indianapolis food scene, Brown Bear Bakery's pastries are Milktooth-good. If you're not familiar with the Indianapolis food scene, I just offered the best compliment I could give. You HAVE to stop by and get yourself both a sweet and savory pastry. Good luck trying to decide because they're ALL worth your while. read more

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Good food Good service Good coffee We were in between breakfast and lunch and were lucky enough to still be around for the flatbread out of the oven. read more

I first discovered Brown Bear Bakery during Covid when I would set an alarm to make sure I got on their site to secure my goodies, very happy that they are allowing walk ins now because the atmosphere is just amazing. You walk in and are greeted by the most friendly staff and the best smelling pastries you can think of. The next part is the hardest part, trying to choose what to get because everything they make is absolutely delicious! Their pastries are always so fresh with the menu changing with the seasons it's great to go there all year round! read more

Brown Bear Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Creative, delicious, and an efficient ordering system. My only complaint is that they sell out of their stuff so quickly! But that's just a testament to how wonderful their items are. I have loved everything I've had from Brown Bear, and I've tried to have just about everything on the menu. The staff is so warm and friendly despite the interactions being quick. This has become my favorite weekend ritual during the pandemic and I can't wait to continue it long after! read more

Brown Bear Bakery - Garlic palmier, asparagus croissant, rose and fig scone, cinnamon roll, salty CCC, and everything croissant - Bakeries Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Delicious fresh made bakery items. Cinnamon roll was delicious, the chocolate chip cookie was yummy, and other pastries looked appealing will definitely be back. Looking forward to trying The focaccia bread that is different daily after 11 AM read more

Brown Bear Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Brown Bear Bakery was my favorite before COVID hit. However, this place has been a significant bright spot since last March. I don't get to do much these days, and ordering from BBB has been easy and safe. Also, the whole team is friendly and engaging during pick up! The baked goods are always delicious and thoughtfully made. I get excited to try the new options and have my favorite standbys as well. For anyone new, you have to start a a Cinnamon Roll and Chocolate chip cookie! My current fav is the Everything Bagel Croissant and a shortbread cookie! My advice, get more than than you think you need and drop off one on a friend's doorstep. You both will feel happier for it! read more

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*looks into camera* the hype was not real. The coffee cake was kinda dry and the rosemary shortbread cookie had a weird flavor. It's hard to mess up chocolate chip cookies and a brownie but they weren't the best I've ever had by any means and I didn't even end up finishing them. I'm willing to give it one more shot bc I love baked goods (maybe I ordered the wrong things?) So if you have any recommendations please let me know! read more

Brown Bear Bakery - (From top left going clockwise) Rosemary Shortbread Cookie, Nibby Brownie, Salty CCC, Strawberry Rhubarb 'Coffee Cake' - Bakeries Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Gorgeous assortment of sweet and savory pastries. All of the treats are creative and full of flavor. I really appreciate that Brown Bear Bakery has gone above and beyond to accommodate covid safety. The online menu goes live at 9am, and the pickup is quick and seamless. They have made the entire part of the customer experience journey delightful! read more

Brown Bear Bakery - Lemon ricotta cornmeal cake - Bakeries Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Came for breakfast pastries and left with probably too much food. They are very busy in the am so I would recommend getting there before 11. They have sweet and savory pastries with different flavor combos that seem to change weekly. Not ideal to sit for a while there when they are busy, but this place gets great light. The staff is super friendly and patient while taking your order. read more

Bar none one of my favorite spots in Cincinnati! If you like baked goods and unique flavor mixtures stop here; the rotating menu is inspired by local and seasonal options. Cheddar chive scone is always a great choice. Matcha Bar when offered is top notch. Cardi B is a classic and a favorite, especially when it has filling. Lemon bar is AMAZING. The rhubarb strawberry cookies are a treat! There used to be donuts from time to time, if you see one on the menu snag it! The list goes on and on. The trick is, if it's an item that sounds like something you've never heard of, try it!!!! Brown bear knows flavors and craft bakery perfection! Make sure to check their IG for the latest treats read more

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It was our first visit and arrived well before opening on a Saturday. Ian greatest me outside and gave me the rundown. He was extremely helpful and friendly. All while preparing for a crazy busy morning rush. The everything-bagel-criossant was amazing, as were the others things we purchased. It's the pastry shop I wish was down the street from me. read more

Brown Bear Bakery - Everything-bagel-criossant - Bakeries Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

On my first visit to Cincinnati, I went wandering into OTR looking for the first coffee shop to catch my attention. I stumbled upon Brown Bear, which invited me in with its quiet, bright atmosphere. The kale sundried tomato scone was scrumptious, and the coffee was rich. read more

Brown Bear Bakery - Kale scone - Bakeries Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I'd been stalking BBB on Instagram for a while, and their baked goods have always looked so delicious. We got there right when they were opening, and there was already a line out the door. We ended up with a goat cheese strawberry scone, a lemon bar, and a piece of coffee cake. Their food almost has a healthy bend to it, which was surprising for a pastry shop. I definitely want to go back and try more baked goods! read more

Brown Bear Bakery - Baked goods - Bakeries Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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