When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin 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 popular dessert shop known for its unique and delicious custom-made ice cream sandwiches. What sets it apart is the combination of freshly baked cookies or brownies with high-quality, premium ice cream, allowing customers to mix and match for a personalized treat. Founded by childhood friends who shared a passion for desserts, The Baked Bear emphasizes fresh, from-scratch baking of its cookies with a variety of original and seasonal flavors. The shop is inviting and family-friendly, making it a great place to meet up with friends or enjoy a casual dessert outing. Alongside its tasty offerings, the venue often features friendly service and a fun atmosphere. With a strong presence in multiple locations across the United States, including its headquarters in San Diego and other outlets like Columbia, SC, and Myrtle Beach, The Baked Bear offers convenience and accessibility for ice cream lovers. The ability to customize your sandwich, including warming the cookies, adds an extra layer of delight for visitors. This makes the experience special and memorable, ideal for group visits or a sweet solo indulgence.
Here's what people think of The Baked Bear
As of recent, The Baked Bear holds a 4.6-star rating based on 702 reviews.
Reviews of The Baked Bear highlight a consistent appreciation for its fresh ingredients, generous portions, and the fun concept of customizable ice cream sandwiches. Many reviewers praise the quality of the cookies and the variety of ice cream flavors offered, as well as the friendly and accommodating staff. Positive feedback often mentions warmed cookies as a favorite option, enhancing the overall taste experience. Customers also enjoy the laid-back and welcoming atmosphere, making it an attractive spot for families and groups. On the other hand, some negative reviews point to the richness of the desserts, which can be overwhelming for some, or occasional service slowdowns during busy times. A few reviewers wished for more seating or faster service. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall consensus remains highly positive, with many visitors returning multiple times and recommending the spot. The Baked Bear continues to earn praise for its creativity and quality, securing a solid rating of 4.6 out of 5 across hundreds of reviews, underscoring its appeal as a must-visit dessert destination.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Megan Holladay
We tried out Baked Bear while in Austin on Spring Break. After reading some other reviews, I think my order was the issue, not the actual location. We ordered Ice Cream bowls and we should have gone with Ice Cream sandwiches. The bowls were okay but nothing amazing. Next time I will get a sandwich! The serve however was great and the location is super cute.
layla cunningham
the customer service was amazing! they were really welcoming and let us taste almost every flavor! The cookies were pretty basic but still good. a little hard to find if you’re not from the area and slightly pricey.
Kevin Phung
I recently visited The Baked Bear in Austin, TX, and had an excellent experience! The food was super good, and the service was quick and efficient. The staff made sure we were well taken care of, and the delicious treats were the highlight of our visit. I highly recommend The Baked Bear for anyone looking for tasty desserts and great service. 🍪🍦
Inessa King
This place was awesome. My husband and I went here after getting poké around the corner and I wasn’t even planning on getting one but decided I’d do it for a few bites. Spoiler alert: I finished the whole sandwich myself 😂 The cookies are super fresh and doughy - you’re also given the option to heat up your ice cream sandwich - DO IT! My hubby is boring so he got the chocolate chip cookies with French vanilla ice cream. I got the gooey butter cookies with the butter brittle cake ice cream. I also got mine drenched in caramel sauce. After you choose your cookies (which you can mix and match) you choose the ice cream which they allow samples that totally helped me make the yummiest sandwich! Then comes the extra toppings and the heating option. I would actually skip out on the caramel for next time or ask for a “light” serving of it but honestly - the sandwiches were unreal. The two workers - young man and woman - were super patient with us, friendly and helpful! Overall, a great treat and totally worth the visit!! There’s a nice green courtyard out front with tables and Adirondack chairs so if inside isn’t comfy enough you can opt for dining outside! Check this place out :)
Soukaina L.
Melts super quick and the size is quite overwhelming. But if you’re craving a sweet treat, this will definitely satisfy it! Several cookie, ice cream, and topping options.
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?
When planning a fun outing with friends or family, The Baked Bear stands out as an exceptional destination to rally around. This trendy dessert spot is famous for its custom ice cream sandwiches, which combine freshly baked cookies or brownies with premium craft ice cream made from original recipes. Gathering here means indulging not just in delicious treats but also sharing a playful social experience over creations that everyone can personalize to their liking. Its inviting atmosphere and the chance to mix and match from over a dozen cookie and ice cream flavors create a lively and engaging environment perfect for conversation and bonding. Whether you want to catch up on life, celebrate a small milestone, or just enjoy a sweet treat together, The Baked Bear offers a unique and memorable way to connect. Its popularity, reflected in a stellar 4.6 rating from over 700 reviews, guarantees a consistently satisfying experience that can make any meetup special. Plus, with locations across the country and convenient online ordering, it's easy to coordinate a visit that works for everyone’s schedule. Overall, The Baked Bear combines delicious desserts, customization, and a welcoming vibe, making it an ideal spot to gather with friends or family.
What activities and experiences does The Baked Bear offer for group meetups?
At The Baked Bear, the main activity revolves around customizing your own ice cream sandwich, which is both fun and delicious for groups. Guests choose from a variety of cookies or fudgy brownies baked fresh daily, along with rich, original-recipe ice cream flavors that include seasonal options and rotating “cookie of the month” varieties. This process encourages social interaction as everyone shares their choices and tries each other's creations. The tactile experience of watching your sandwich being assembled adds to the enjoyment and provides a great conversation starter. Additionally, the friendly and efficient service allows groups to relax and focus on enjoying their time together rather than waiting long periods. Many locations also offer seating areas that are casual yet comfortable, encouraging guests to linger, chat, and savor their treats. The setting is family-friendly and accessible, making it welcoming for groups of all ages. Whether you want to drop in for a quick dessert or make an afternoon of it, The Baked Bear’s offering of customizable sweet treats provides a shared activity that strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories.
Why is The Baked Bear perfect for group meetups?
The Baked Bear’s environment and menu are thoughtfully designed to encourage collective enjoyment, making it an ideal venue for groups. The emphasis on customization means everyone can tailor their dessert exactly how they want it, addressing diverse tastes all at once without compromise. This inclusivity helps avoid the frustration that sometimes accompanies group dining decisions. Its reputation for high-quality ingredients and freshly baked goods reassures guests of an exceptional culinary experience. The shop’s energetic yet relaxed atmosphere keeps the mood light and happy, perfect for celebrating any occasion or just unwinding. Its popularity and solid rating also signal great customer satisfaction, which translates to reliable and consistent service during visits. Moreover, many locations have extended hours, often staying open late, accommodating flexible meetups for after-dinner treats or casual evening hangouts. Coupled with convenient locations in lively neighborhoods, The Baked Bear offers not just delectable treats but a vibrant social destination tailored for groups to connect and have fun.
What makes the custom ice cream sandwiches so special at The Baked Bear?
The secret to The Baked Bear’s success lies in its dedication to originality and quality. Each ice cream sandwich starts with cookies or brownies baked in-house fresh daily from original recipes, ensuring the base is soft, chewy, and full of flavor. Their ice cream is crafted to be ultra-premium, creamy, and rich, enhancing the overall indulgence. The sheer variety of options—more than a dozen cookies and flavors—enables endless combinations, from classic chocolate chip and snickerdoodle to vegan and gluten-free alternatives for those with dietary restrictions. Seasonal flavors and “cookie of the month” specials add excitement and encourage repeat visits to try something new. The opportunity for guests to visually watch their dessert being created fresh fosters anticipation and social sharing. This personalized approach means each sandwich feels unique and special, far exceeding the typical dessert experience. The high ratings and the loyal fanbase testify to the thoughtful balance of taste, freshness, and customization that keeps visitors coming back for more.
How can The Baked Bear accommodate different group sizes and preferences?
Whether you’re planning a small gathering of close friends or a larger family outing, The Baked Bear is equipped to make everyone feel included and satisfied. The menu’s flexible customization suits a wide range of preferences, including those who prefer classic desserts, want to try vegan or gluten-free options, or are adventurous eaters looking for unique mixes. Many locations provide ample seating space where groups can sit together comfortably, fostering interaction and communal enjoyment. For larger groups, the ability to order online or in advance helps streamline the process and minimize wait times, which enhances the overall experience. The friendly staff is trained to accommodate special requests and offer recommendations, making coordinating a group visit stress-free. Furthermore, the shops are often located in vibrant neighborhoods or热门 spots, making it easy to combine a meetup at The Baked Bear with other activities like visiting parks or local attractions. This versatility solidifies its role as a convenient, crowd-pleasing choice for visitors seeking a sweet communal outing.
What else makes The Baked Bear a memorable place to visit?
Beyond its tasty ice cream sandwiches, The Baked Bear creates a memorable experience through ambiance and customer service. The shops have a vibrant, casual setting that appeals to all ages and encourage joyful socializing. The staff’s friendliness and quick service contribute to the welcoming feel, making guests feel appreciated and excited to return. Being a spot that often receives positive reviews for cleanliness and atmosphere reassures visitors that they’re in a place that values quality on all fronts. The element of fun involved in building your own custom treat can turn a simple dessert run into an event—one that people anticipate and talk about afterward. This combination of food quality, interactive experience, and excellent service builds a loyal following and makes The Baked Bear a true highlight for group meetups. Additionally, with locations expanding nationwide, many people now have the opportunity to enjoy this unique ice cream sandwich experience close to home. Whether for casual get-togethers or celebratory occasions, The Baked Bear offers an exceptional venue that elevates any social gathering.