When asking yourself about something to do near me in San Diego 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 standout dessert destination known for its custom ice cream sandwiches, making it an exceptional place to meet friends for a delicious treat. What sets this shop apart is its commitment to quality: all cookies and brownies are baked from scratch daily using original recipes, paired with super premium craft ice cream made from the highest-quality ingredients. Guests can personalize their dessert by mixing and matching over a dozen cookie and ice cream flavors, including vegan and gluten-free options, creating unique and indulgent combinations. The inviting atmosphere and friendly service enhance the experience, offering both seating and takeout options. With locations in multiple cities like Nashville and San Francisco, and delivery availability, The Baked Bear offers convenience as well as flavor variety. Its playful and creative approach to classic ice cream sandwiches, combined with fresh, homemade elements, makes it a memorable spot where friends can enjoy casual gatherings or celebrate special occasions with a sweet twist. The vibrant environment and the original recipe creations highlight The Baked Bear as more than just a dessert shop but a fun, social experience worth sharing.
Here's what people think of The Baked Bear
As of recent, The Baked Bear holds a 4.5-star rating based on 377 reviews.
Customer reviews consistently praise The Baked Bear for its delicious, high-quality ice cream sandwiches and the ability to customize flavors, which makes every visit unique. Positive feedback often highlights the freshness of the baked cookies and brownies, the premium quality of the ice cream, and friendly, efficient service. Many reviewers note the fun concept and welcoming ambiance, recommending the place as perfect for a sweet night out or casual meetup with friends. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention occasional wait times during busy hours and variability in service quality depending on location or time. A few reviews suggest the prices can be a bit high for some customers. Despite minor criticisms, the strong majority of feedback reflects satisfaction with the overall experience, product quality, and customization options. The Baked Bear maintains a solid 4.5-star rating from hundreds of reviews, affirming its reputation as a favored dessert spot. In summary, the positive reviews demonstrate that The Baked Bear successfully delivers a great dessert experience, while any negatives tend to be isolated or related to operational hiccups rather than product quality or concept.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
David W
Nice after-movie snack with ice cream cookie sandwiches and a relaxing atmosphere. Sit outside for some fresh air. If you are coming from an Angelika Theaters movie, Baked Bear offers a 20% discount.
Christina DLP
Definitely a good place to go on a hot summer day to get some ice cream and some freshly baked cookies. The cookie sandwich is huge. It has about three scoops of ice cream in between two cookies. I could only finish half of it. This is a pricey place. Has seating inside and outside available.
adamltw
Freshly baked, soft cookies combined with delicious ice cream makes a perfect ice cream sandwich. I chose chocolate chip cookies with cookies and cream ice cream. So good !!
Stephanie Singer
Consistently delicious and always arrives cold when we order through uber eats! Gooey butter cookie FOREVER. Also, it’s the little things: I added names to the bottom of each order on the app and they put each persons name on a cute little sticky note and a smiley face to notate whose was who’s!! THANK YOU!
Stalker Penguina
Cute place to get an ice creme sandwich! So many different types of cookies and flavors of ice creme to choose from. 😋 Unfortunately, I found the ice creme and cookies to be too sweet. I recommend sharing the ice creme sandwich cookie. The ice cream sandwich cookie is a bit expensive as well. It is $8 for 1 cookie, although it is quite large.
How to reach The Baked Bear
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Website: None
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?
Gathering your friends or family at The Baked Bear offers a uniquely delightful experience that combines indulgent treats with a welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for social meetups. The Baked Bear is not just another dessert shop; it’s a destination where creativity meets comfort, allowing everyone to customize their own ice cream sandwich nestled between freshly baked cookies or brownies. This hands-on, personalized approach turns a simple dessert outing into a fun interactive adventure. With a 4.5-star rating based on hundreds of reviews, it’s clear that guests consistently rave about the quality and taste, making it an assured crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a sweet escape, The Baked Bear’s vibrant and casual setting encourages friendly conversation and shared smiles. Additionally, the ability to order online for pick-up or delivery adds convenience for group planning, ensuring no one misses out on the fun. This combination of exceptional desserts, customization, and a warm social vibe makes rallying at The Baked Bear a recipe for memorable moments with your loved ones.
What activities are available at The Baked Bear that make it perfect for a group meetup?
The Baked Bear is all about creating an engaging experience centered around delicious ice cream sandwiches that you get to customize yourself. The key activity here is the making of your own dessert — guests can choose from over a dozen freshly baked cookies and brownies, paired with a wide selection of original-recipe ice cream flavors. This level of customization means not only is there something for everyone’s unique taste, but it also sparks conversations and sharing as everyone chats about their favorite combinations. It’s a laid-back yet interactive activity, perfect for groups who enjoy discovering new flavors and mixing sweet treats collaboratively. The shop’s atmosphere encourages wandering, tasting, and comparing, turning dessert eating into a mini-event rather than a mundane snack break. Additionally, The Baked Bear offers monthly rotating cookie flavors, injecting a sense of novelty that can inspire multiple visits and shared excitement among your group. For larger gatherings, the venue supports catering and fundraising options, which can be ideal for organized meetups or themed group activities. The overall hands-on, social experience makes The Baked Bear a standout locale for group indulgence.
Why is The Baked Bear’s menu ideal for diverse groups of friends or families?
One of the prime reasons The Baked Bear stands out is its thoughtful and inclusive menu designed to appeal to a range of dietary preferences and taste profiles. The shop features classic favorites like chocolate chip and snickerdoodle cookies, alongside vegan and gluten-free options such as vegan chocolate chip cookies and fudgy brownie cookies. This inclusive variety ensures that guests who have dietary restrictions or lifestyle choices won’t feel limited or segregated from the group’s dessert enjoyment. Moreover, the diverse ice cream flavor options—from traditional vanilla and chocolate to unique and seasonal creations—offer something to excite every palate. Because everyone can choose their top and bottom cookie or brownie and pair it with their preferred ice cream, there’s freedom to craft a dessert that’s uniquely personal while still part of a collective experience. This thoughtful curation helps groups bond over trying each other’s creations and sharing new flavor discoveries, making The Baked Bear not just a dessert stop but a communal taste adventure. This combination of variety and customization makes the venue perfect for groups with varied tastes.
What’s the vibe and setting like at The Baked Bear for hosting a group?
The Baked Bear’s environment is designed to be vibrant, casual, and inviting, making it an excellent gathering spot for friends and families looking to relax and connect over something sweet. Unlike formal restaurants or noisy chains, it offers a cozy yet lively atmosphere where guests feel free to linger and enjoy their customized treats at their own pace. The shop's aesthetic is friendly and warm, evoking a laid-back beach-town charm (originally inspired by its Pacific Beach roots), which helps make guests feel at ease. This ambiance encourages spontaneous conversations, laughter, and sharing, which are essential ingredients for any successful meetup. Moreover, with multiple locations across various states, many of which are situated in popular social or shopping districts, The Baked Bear integrates easily into broader plans for a day out. Whether your group is popping in after an outing or settlng down for a relaxed dessert session, the space supports casual socializing without pressure or rush.
How does The Baked Bear cater to convenience and group planning?
Catering to groups is made simple at The Baked Bear thanks to its flexible ordering options and services. You can order customized ice cream sandwiches online and have them ready for quick pickup, which is especially helpful when organizing meetups where coordination and timing are key. For those who prefer to gather at home or another venue, The Baked Bear offers nationwide delivery, making it easy to share their signature desserts with friends and family who can’t make it to the shop in person. Additionally, their catering and fundraising programs provide scalable solutions for larger parties or community events, ensuring that groups of any size can enjoy the experience without hassle. This adaptability means you’re not restricted to just visiting the store — the sweet experience can be brought to your chosen gathering spot, enhancing your group’s convenience and enjoyment. These options demonstrate a thoughtful approach to meeting the needs of group planning, reinforcing The Baked Bear’s position as an excellent meetup destination.
What makes The Baked Bear’s desserts stand out among other ice cream shops?
The secret to The Baked Bear’s appeal is the combination of quality, freshness, and customizability. Every cookie and brownie is baked from scratch on-site following original recipes, ensuring a freshly made and superior taste profile that elevates the ice cream sandwich beyond a simple store-bought treat. The use of high-quality ice cream flavored with creativity and care adds rich texture and flavor that complement the baked goods perfectly. This commitment to craftsmanship shines through in every bite, creating a truly memorable dessert experience. Moreover, the ability to mix and match cookies or brownies with ice cream flavors to build your own signature sandwich introduces an element of excitement and personal expression uncommon in other ice cream shops. This artistic freedom invites guests to experiment, craft their perfect dessert, and share their unique combos with friends — turning the act of eating ice cream into a social, enjoyable experience. Many reviews praise The Baked Bear as having some of the best ice cream sandwiches around, a testament to their standout desserts.
How accessible is The Baked Bear for all group members?
Accessibility is an important consideration for any group outing, and The Baked Bear takes this seriously. Many locations are designed to be accessible, accommodating guests with mobility needs and providing an inclusive atmosphere. The menu’s variety includes vegan and gluten-free options, making it easier for guests with dietary restrictions to participate fully without feeling left out or sidelined. Furthermore, the online ordering system streamlines the pickup process and minimizes wait times, which is especially helpful for those who may have difficulty standing for long periods or prefer a quick transaction. The company’s emphasis on community events, catering, and fundraising also speaks to its inclusive and welcoming ethos, aiming to provide enjoyable experiences across a diverse customer base. This combination of physical accessibility, dietary inclusiveness, and operational convenience ensures that The Baked Bear can comfortably host groups that include people of different ages, needs, and preferences.
Why should you consider The Baked Bear for your next friends or family meetup?
Choosing The Baked Bear for your next meetup brings a recipe that combines deliciousness, fun, and social engagement. Its highly rated, freshly baked cookies and brownies paired with premium ice cream offer a dessert experience that feels special yet approachable. The shop’s focus on customization allows everyone to feel like a dessert creator, making the experience interactive and memorable. The setting is warm and casual, encouraging relaxed conversation and time spent together away from the everyday hustle. Plus, with convenient ordering, inclusive menu options, and multiple locations, planning your gathering becomes easy and enjoyable. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, catching up with old friends, or seeking a sweet ending to a family outing, The Baked Bear delivers on flavor, fun, and friendship. It’s more than just a place to eat dessert — it’s a gathering place where good times and great flavors bring people closer.