My Mom's Bakery is the first new Czech/European bakery to open in the Cedar Rapids area in quite a while (it's located in the quaint town of Ely, just 10 minutes from Cedar Rapids by car, or a fun 45 minute bike ride on the Cedar Nature Trail), but despite being so new, they are already a strong contender for baking the best kolaches in the region. My Mom's Bakery opens EARLY every Tuesday through Saturday: they start baking their goods in the wee hours of the morning, and by 6 AM, their front doors are open and their kolaches and other baked goods are ready to be enjoyed. Their hours technically go until 11 AM, but they actually close for the day when they sell out, which is almost always earlier than that because they are so popular. So, it's important to get here as close to 6 as you can if you want the best selection. As I mentioned earlier, their kolaches are some of the best I've ever had. This quintessential Czech pastry, which comes in many different fruit (or possibly cheese or poppy-seed) varieties, is a very popular treat in this part of Iowa. However, even though it's easy to find kolaches around Cedar Rapids, it's difficult to find really good, traditional ones. The kolaches here remind me of the types I used to enjoy when I visited Cedar Rapids as a child, with a super light, airy dough and generous helpings of fruit in the middle. Their other pastries, including pecan cinnamon rolls and lemon bars, are fantastic as well. My Mom's Bakery also has a brand new, state of the art espresso machine, and they offer a full range of espresso drinks. I really enjoyed their plain espresso, but you can get drinks with milk as well. The shop itself is small, with just some counter seating (as well as a couple tables out front), so it's probably best to plan to take your baked goods to go. They do have a large, clean bathroom. The staff here is super nice, and we really enjoyed chatting with them about their story and operation. They obviously put their whole heart into this little shop, and it shows. We can't wait to come back the next time we are in Cedar Rapids. read more

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If pictures could smell, the fragrance would be sweet, yeasty, and soothing. It is like walking into my grandma's house when she was making cinnamon rolls. I get here at about 5:55 on a Friday or Saturday to get my fix. I've heard they can run out before their closing time, and I don't want to take that chance! Always cinnamon rolls...but this morning, a lemon bar too. The lemon bar is fragrant and the crust is buttery perfection. After a few bites from my new favorite, I moved on to the pecan roll. Goodness gracious they are delicious. Perfectly baked bread and the caramelization and nuts are perfectly toasted. I hope to see you at 5:55 am at My Mom's Bakery! read more

My Mom's Bakery - Welcome to My Mom's Bakery! - Czech Near Me - Ely, Iowa

True Iowa nice and delicious local pastries. The staff is the best, kind and efficient. The food is all great but the frittatas and quiche are the best I've ever had, honestly the best. My only complaint is they aren't open enough, but when you're that good you get to set your own hours. read more

Very good kolaches and cinnamon rolls. Very good service. And done so with a smile. Easy street parking in front of the store. Love it.

Took some time to stop by My Mom's Bakery and boy was it worth it! Left with a half dozen kolaches, a cinnamon roll, and a caramel latte. I scarfed the cinnamon roll down in the car, but saved the kolaches. A couple of the kolaches were baked fresh in the morning, and a few of them were frozen from the previous day. They all tasted so good I couldn't tell the difference! The scarfed cinnamon roll was light and fluffy, and the only downside was that I love cream cheese frosting and these guys have a sweet powdered sugar frosting. I would still eat one if it were in front of me though. I'm not a monster. The latte was deliciously smooth and exactly what you want on a cold morning! People are not lying when they say get there early!! For the best selection try to make it in around 6am when they open. Even by 7:30-8:00 the selection was getting pretty sad. Which was disappointing because it seemed like blueberry and strawberry kolaches are really popular. I guess this means I just have to go back, right? This location is super convenient and the people were so nice! It was a little chaotic because there were a lot of people waiting to order so the employees were a bit outnumbered. That's something you'd expect from a place like this though! I'm already thinking of what I'm going to get when I go back. read more

I was in town visiting my sister in Solon. She said we had to go to this place to get kolaches like our grandma used to make and she was right!! SO GOOD! read more

I ordered kolaches for pick up! They were ready on time, carefully packaged and absolutely delicious!

Hands down the BEST Czech kolaches around! I understand they use a family recipe. Delectable pecan rolls and cinnamon rolls. They are NOT dry or crumbly. The only improvement would be to offer cream cheese frosting on the cinnamon rolls. It is SO worth getting up early and driving to Ely for these expertly-baked goods. And, of course, you have to get a coffee concoction, too. The quiche is delicious, everything is delicious here. Just remember - get an extra to eat "on the way home" because you won't be able to keep your hands out of the box. read more

Absolutely amazing. You won't be disappointed with anything you choose. Get there early or order ahead!

My Mom's Bakery is the best family owned Bakery in the area! They start every night at 7pm baking everything fresh for the next morning! Definitely call ahead to make sure you get what you want because they can only make so much per night! Oh I need to mention the amazing coffee!! Our family loves "the Grinch" hot, iced or blended it's amzing!!!! read more

Delicious cinnamon rolls and cold brew! Plus, great service! Have to get there early to get a good selection (especially kolaches), but I can't wait to try one when we get there early enough. A must-have bakery in the CR area. read more

Hours are very challenging to make. Over all thought i thoroughly enjoy everything about this bakery. Just wishing their hours were a lot better! read more

This is THE bakery for authentic Kolaches. EVERYTHING they make is delicious and the hospitality is second to none. A unique small town gem. read more