When asking yourself about something to do near me in Miami Beach with a group of friends or family, consider
The Baked Bear
Why The Baked Bear is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Baked Bear is a beloved dessert destination specializing in custom-made ice cream sandwiches that bring friends together for a uniquely delicious and interactive experience. With over a dozen original cookie recipes baked fresh daily, and a rich variety of premium ice cream flavors made from original homemade recipes, visitors have endless options to craft their perfect treat. Guests select their choice of cookies or brownies for the sandwich's exterior and fill it with their favorite ice cream, then add from a wide array of toppings such as sprinkles, hot fudge, nutella, and more. The shop offers an inviting atmosphere ideal for social gatherings, with opportunities to customize creations on the spot, fostering a convivial vibe perfect for meetups. Locations, including one in San Francisco's lively Thrive City near the Warriors' home arena, stay open late on weekends, providing a sweet retreat after events. Aside from ice cream sandwiches, The Baked Bear also serves ice cream cups, cones, sundaes, and warm Bear Bowls—cookie or brownie bowls with ice cream—for additional variety. This commitment to quality ingredients, customization, and a welcoming setting makes The Baked Bear a great place for friends and families to enjoy memorable dessert moments together.
Here's what people think of The Baked Bear
As of recent, The Baked Bear holds a 4.8-star rating based on 308 reviews.
Customer reviews for The Baked Bear consistently highlight the exceptional quality and customization of their ice cream sandwiches, contributing to the strong 4.8-star rating from over 300 reviews. Positive feedback frequently praises the freshness and flavor of the homemade cookies and premium ice cream, noting the joyful experience of selecting and combining cookies, ice cream, and toppings to suit individual tastes. Reviewers appreciate the friendly and accommodating staff who enhance the interactive aspect of building each sandwich. Many mention the cozy atmosphere and convenient locations, particularly the San Francisco shop near thriving social areas like Thrive City, which make it an inviting spot to relax with friends. On the other hand, some negative remarks focus on occasional long wait times during peak hours and the relatively higher prices compared to standard ice cream shops, which a few find limiting. A small number of reviewers also note the shop can get crowded, impacting seating availability. Overall, the overwhelmingly positive customer impressions emphasize The Baked Bear's dedication to quality and customization, reinforcing its reputation as a top destination for dessert lovers seeking a fun and tasty experience. The balance of delicious offerings and personalized service effectively outweighs minor drawbacks, making it highly recommended for social outings and casual treat indulgences.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Ronni L
After a hot day on the beach, we cooled off with a sweet stop at The Baked Bear—and it totally hit the spot! I ordered a warm chocolate chip cookie bowl topped with their signature Bear Batter ice cream and a generous drizzle of hot fudge—pure dessert bliss. I also tried a cinnamon roll cookie and a gooey butter cake cookie, and both were just as delicious—soft, rich, and packed with flavor. Everything was freshly made and indulgent in the best way. If you’re looking for a fun and satisfying treat in the heat, The Baked Bear is the perfect go-to! 🐻🍪🍦
Katie Mastronardi
The Baked Bear in Miami Beach is a must-visit for dessert lovers, offering fully customizable ice cream sandwiches made with fresh, warm cookies and premium ice cream. I've had the ice cream sandwiches (highly recommend) but this time I just grabbed some cookies. The cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor— I got cookies and cream, white macadamia nut and Nutella chocolate chunk. The ice cream is creamy and indulgent, with standout flavors like Cookies & Cream and Birthday Cake. The combination of warm cookies and cold ice cream creates a perfect balance of textures. Generous portion sizes, friendly service, and vegan options make it a great treat for all visitors. A delicious and fun dessert experience!
M A
The Baked Bear is very delicious! I haven't had a treat like this in several years, so it is so fitting for me to go here. I can't say enough good things about this place. Clean, professional customer service, good variety of ice cream. Not your normal chocolates/ Vanilla ice creams. The bathrooms were clean. Just an all around top class eatery. Hidden 💎. I would definitely suggest anyone in the South Beach area to check it out! The menu is not too pricey. I purchased the homemade brownies still on the warmer with old fashioned vanilla on top drizzle with Carmel. You can see the menu and ice cream choices from my Photos.
Mark Shapiro
Amazing service and ice cream at perfectly fair prices. They allow you to sample all of their flavors of ice cream. They have about a dozen kinds of cookies and a dozen kinds of ice cream. You can get either solo, or ice cream in a cone, or any way you would like (even in Cookie bowls).
Jose Mendoza Soto
Delicious ice cream, very creative idea. We got vanilla scoop, which wasn't too sweet but was a great compliment to the banana and the almond cookies that completed our sandwich. And then we topped it with more almonds! Once the sandwich was built that have this double iron where they squeeze your sandwich to warm up the cookie. Love it!
How to reach The Baked Bear
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Why The Baked Bear may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Baked Bear with your friends? The Baked Bear offers a unique and memorable gathering spot perfect for friends and family to come together and celebrate the joy of custom-made ice cream sandwiches. Unlike typical dessert places, The Baked Bear allows every guest to craft their own personalized treat by mixing and matching a variety of freshly baked cookies or brownies with an array of premium ice cream flavors. This interactive element creates a fun, engaging experience that sparks conversation and creativity within your group. With a consistently high rating of 4.8 based on over 300 reviews, guests often praise the quality, freshness, and welcoming atmosphere that make The Baked Bear an appealing destination. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or just hang out on a sunny day or after an event, its customizable and indulgent offerings make it a delightful spot to bond over something sweet. The friendly environment ensures everyone from kids to adults can feel at home, making it an ideal location to rally together with your loved ones for a relaxed, joyful treat.
What activities can you enjoy at The Baked Bear that make it ideal for a group meetup? The primary activity at The Baked Bear is creating your own custom ice cream sandwich, a process that is both interactive and satisfying. Each visitor starts by selecting from over a dozen types of cookies or brownies, all baked in-store fresh daily using original recipes. Then, you pick from a variety of premium ice cream flavors, which include seasonal and rotating options ensuring something new to try each time you visit. The excitement continues by adding toppings and extras that personalize your treat even more, such as sprinkles, chocolate chips, or drizzle sauces. This hands-on dessert crafting naturally invites group participation — members of your party can share samples, offer flavor suggestions, and even compete to invent the most creative sandwich. Beyond just eating, this customizable experience encourages bonding and shared enjoyment, making it perfect for groups who want to engage together rather than merely sit and eat passively. The Baked Bear also offers a takeout option, useful for meetups on the go, supporting flexibility for your group's plans.
Why is The Baked Bear’s atmosphere perfect for hosting family and friend meetups? The Baked Bear’s welcoming and casual atmosphere makes it an inviting place for groups of all ages to relax and connect. Its locations, including the popular spots at Broadway at the Beach and Thrive City, feature friendly staff who are devoted to delivering prompt and warm service, enhancing the overall group experience. The decor and layout foster a comfortable environment where guests can linger over their custom desserts while chatting and laughing together. Moreover, many locations are open late on weekends, allowing for flexible meetup times — you can gather before or after other activities, including sports events or shopping outings, adding convenience to the pleasure of hanging out. The accessibility of seating and takeout options means the venue can accommodate different group sizes and preferences, from families with kids to groups of friends seeking a casual night out. By combining quality food, a social atmosphere, and considerate service, The Baked Bear creates a space where memories can be made around a shared love of great desserts.
What variety and quality do The Baked Bear’s menu items offer for groups with diverse tastes? One of The Baked Bear’s standout features for group meetups is the wide range of cookie and ice cream flavor combinations, ensuring that every taste preference can be satisfied. With over a dozen cookie recipes to choose from, including classic chocolate chip, double chocolate, and inventive monthly cookie flavors, every guest can find something to love. The ice cream options include premium, craft flavors made with high-quality ingredients and change seasonally, so there’s always something fresh and exciting to sample. This extensive menu allows a group to explore different combinations and share samples, turning a simple dessert outing into an adventurous tasting event. The option to customize ice cream sandwiches means dietary preferences or restrictions can also be easily accommodated by selecting appropriate cookies and ice cream, making The Baked Bear an inclusive spot for varied palates. The consistently praised freshness of every item underscores the business’s commitment to quality, making each bite irresistible. For groups who appreciate flavor variety and indulgence, The Baked Bear delivers an exceptional dessert experience.
How does The Baked Bear support social and celebratory occasions for groups? The Baked Bear is designed to be a natural hub for celebrations and social gatherings, whether it’s a casual meet-up, a birthday treat, or a post-event indulgence. Its customizable ice cream sandwiches themselves make for a memorable treat that elevates any occasion — guests can mark birthdays by creating their own signature sandwich, complete with personalized toppings and flavors that reflect the celebratory mood. Additionally, group orders are easy to place and often enjoyed by people sharing the experience together, strengthening connections and creating fun memories. The late-night hours at certain locations mean The Baked Bear can serve as the perfect after-party dessert spot following concerts, games, or other evening events. The staff's enthusiasm and flexibility help accommodate groups with special requests, providing attentive service that adds to the festive ambiance. Moreover, The Baked Bear’s social media presence often highlights community events and promotions, further encouraging groups to choose it as their go-to dessert destination. This combination of customizable treats, warm service, and a lively atmosphere makes The Baked Bear ideal for turning simple gatherings into cherished celebrations.
What additional conveniences and features make The Baked Bear an excellent venue for group meetups? Beyond its delicious offerings and inviting atmosphere, The Baked Bear provides several conveniences that enhance group outings. Multiple locations across the United States, including in popular tourist and urban areas, make it accessible to diverse crowds. Many stores offer online ordering and pre-order pick-up options, allowing groups to save time and reduce wait periods, which is especially helpful when coordinating larger meetups. Takeout and delivery services also mean that groups can enjoy their favorite ice cream sandwiches in various settings, whether gathered at the store or hosting an event elsewhere. Facilities are designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that everyone in a group, including those with mobility needs, can enjoy the experience comfortably. The reasonable pricing coupled with the high quality of ingredients makes The Baked Bear a cost-effective treat for groups looking for an affordable yet premium dessert option. Collectively, these practical benefits contribute significantly to why so many choose The Baked Bear as their preferred destination for socializing over sweet treats.
In summary, The Baked Bear excels as a gathering place thanks to its unique, customizable ice cream sandwiches made with freshly baked cookies and premium ice cream, its friendly and adaptable atmosphere, and its excellent group accommodations. Whether you’re rallying with friends or spending time with family, The Baked Bear offers an interactive, delicious, and memorable experience that brings people closer through shared enjoyment of one of the best dessert concepts available today. Its combination of quality, creativity, and convenience positions it as a top choice for those seeking a fun and indulgent venue to host their next meetup.