Brown Bear Bakery
A laid-back bakery crafting some of the best artisanal sweet and savory pastries, from unique croissants to decadent cookies.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Brown Bear Bakery
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A laid-back bakery crafting some of the best artisanal sweet and savory pastries, from unique croissants to decadent cookies.
"Possibly the best Bakery on planet earth. Everything they make is delicious."
Visit Early
Arrive early for the best selection, as popular items sell out quickly. Be prepared for a line.
Try Seasonal Specials
Don't miss out on unique seasonal creations like the orange ricotta cornmeal cake or pumpkin cinnamon bun.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Bakery
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Unique Savory Croissants
Artisanal croissants with creative fillings like feta and fig, or everything bagel, elevate this bakery's offerings.
Delectable Pastries
Indulge in possibly the best pastries on earth, from cinnamon rolls to chocolate chip cookies and seasonal cakes.
Cozy Atmosphere
Enjoy a laid-back vibe with both indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for a coffee and pastry break.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit Early
Arrive early for the best selection, as popular items sell out quickly. Be prepared for a line.
Try Seasonal Specials
Don't miss out on unique seasonal creations like the orange ricotta cornmeal cake or pumpkin cinnamon bun.
Sweet & Savory Options
The menu features both sweet delights and impressive savory pastries, so explore both!
Stay Informed
Follow on social media or join the mailing list for updates on new items and seasonal offerings.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit Early
Arrive early for the best selection, as popular items sell out quickly. Be prepared for a line.
Try Seasonal Specials
Don't miss out on unique seasonal creations like the orange ricotta cornmeal cake or pumpkin cinnamon bun.
Sweet & Savory Options
The menu features both sweet delights and impressive savory pastries, so explore both!
Stay Informed
Follow on social media or join the mailing list for updates on new items and seasonal offerings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Brown Bear Bakery is widely praised as one of the best bakeries, known for its exceptional artisanal pastries, both sweet and savory. Diners rave about unique creations like the feta and fig croissant and everything bagel croissant, alongside classic favorites such as cinnamon rolls and chocolate chip cookies. While the quality is consistently high, be prepared for lines, especially if visiting later in the day.
"Possibly the best Bakery on planet earth. Everything they make is delicious. Brown Bear is an absolute must stop anytime we are in Cincinnati, usually twice.
The savory croissants are just on another level, not only are they the best croissants I’ve ever had, they are up there for the best food I’ve ever had. We had their Feta and Fig croissant a few weeks ago and it was just delightful.
If anyone I talk to even mentions driving through Cincinnati, I tel them they have to stop. Never disappointed.
The people who work inside are great too, always friendly."
Jake
"The pastries were excellent!! They clearly sell out fast - we visited twice and the first day we showed up an hour after opening to a very limited remaining selection. The croissants had excellent flavor and a really nice textural contrast between the exterior and interior. I tried a number of pastries and think a must-try is the artichoke croissant. If I were local I’d be here all the time!"
Abby Thompson
"Yum. A must stop. Everything was so amazing. I wasn't expecting to get the orange cornmeal cake since I'm not a huge fan of citrus but my husband wanted it. It was my favorite. The mushroom croissant was impeccable. And everything about the bagel croissant was literally everything. I cannot wait to come back to Cincinnati just to come back here."
Kimberly Ogden
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Customers highly recommend the unique savory croissants like the Feta and Fig or Everything Bagel croissant, along with the classic cinnamon rolls and chocolate chip cookies. Seasonal specialties are also a hit.
Yes, it's a very popular spot and lines are common, especially later in the day. Visiting early is recommended for the best selection.
The menu changes regularly, often based on the season, so you can expect to find both familiar favorites and new, exciting creations.
The bakery offers a variety of pastries. While many items are vegetarian, it's always best to confirm with staff for specific ingredients if you have strict dietary needs.
Yes, Brown Bear Bakery serves coffee, including specialty lattes, which are often paired with their pastries.
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13th St., Over-the-RhineCincinnati pastry artist Blair Fornshell uses all-natural ingredients to create so-beautiful-you-almost-feel-bad-about-eating-them desserts, such as salty chocolate chip cookies, gooey cinnamon rolls and a variety of matcha-infused baked goods like their Matchadoodle cookie. The OTR bakery and café space is the perfect blend of old and new and has a very Lower Manhattan vibe. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Highest-rated Dessert Shops in the Cincinnati Area by Diners
- Rating: 4.8/5 (377 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 116 East 13th St. Cincinnati, Ohio - Categories: Bakeries, Desserts- Read more on Yelp. This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 241 metros. You may also like: Best options in Cincinnati for 6 popular outdoor activities
Must-Visit Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Restaurants for Foodies
Take one look at Brown Bear’s Instagram and you’ll want to visit immediately to try the cinnamon roll. Blair Fornshell, who moved somewhat quietly behind the scenes at different venues like the City Flea, launched her own brick-and-mortar venture in 2017. She takes her time tirelessly developing recipes, and the results are baked to perfection.
Top Local Eateries & Best Places to Eat in Cincinnati
Brown Bear Bakery offers a variety of mouthwatering baked delights, including cookies, muffins, and pastries. Located at 116 E 13th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, the bakery has a cozy, inviting atmosphere that makes it perfect for enjoying a sweet treat. It’s affordable, making it a great spot for a quick coffee break or a leisurely morning pastry.
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Located along E 13th Street in Over-the-Rhine, Brown Bear Bakery, which is open Tuesday through Sunday, uses all locally sourced ingredients in its pastries. The bakery's menu changes regularly based on the season, and customers can expect both savory and sweet treats, such as foccacia, croissants, brownies, pain au chocolat and much more.
Best Bakeries in Cincinnati
Specializing in thoughtfully created pastries and desserts featuring a variety of sweet and savory options with coffee and tea to compliment them, Brown Bear Bakeryis a one top shop for some of the best desserts in town. Don’t miss out on their seasonal orange ricotta cornmeal cake!
88 Date Ideas in Cincinnati, OH: Romantic Things To Do in Cincinnati
Here's one of the best date ideas in Cincinnati if you both love pastries. For this, you can go to the Brown Bear Bakery. This is a lovely bakery where you can try out a large variety of pastries with your partner.
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116 E 13th StreetCincinnati, OH 45202(513) 975-2142 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Brown Bear Bakery is a chic, casual eatery serving freshly-baked artisanal pastries from morning to late afternoon.
Where to Eat in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine Neighborhood
You're going to be eating a proper breakfast soon enough but it wouldn't be wise to pass up the pastry at the fashionable Brown Bear Bakery, a favorite morning hangout for the neighborhood.
Cincinnati - Rick Steves Travel Forum
Another great little bakery for treats and a coffee is Brown Bear Bakery. It is not at Findlay Market, but is located on 13th Street in OTR.
Cincinnati Hidden Gems: Discover These Must-Visit Local Spots
Brown Bear Bakery – OTR: A charming spot with baked goods that taste as delightful as they look. Prepare for a line on the weekend.
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I have Sunday morning Brown Bear Blackouts at least twice a month - open up online ordering right at 9:00 and just start clicking.
Savory pastries are 'the best of both worlds' at Cincinnati bakeries
Each was created by Blair Fornshell, one of the city's most talented bakers, who also owns Brown Bear Bakery, in Over-the-Rhine.
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