Highlights
- Great dessert
oChef » The Baked Bear – San Francisco
The Baked Bear - San Francisco
Photo from The Baked Bear
The Baked Bear at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🍰 Dessert Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 88 of the guests
#1330 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#4 Dessert Restaurant out of 8 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
569
Reviews
72.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious desserts
- Friendly service
- Inviting ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Inconsistent service
- Parking issues
The dessert restaurant The Baked Bear in San Francisco’s vibrant North Beach neighborhood is your go-to spot when you’re craving something sweet. You’ll discover a fantastic selection of great desserts here, perfect for satisfying any craving.
This casual yet trendy establishment offers a welcoming atmosphere, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a late-night treat. You can even find delicious vegan and vegetarian options to enjoy.
Overview: Introducting The Baked Bear
The Baked Bear offers a delightful experience for those craving custom ice cream sandwiches, with many praising the quality and variety of their sweet treats. The friendly staff often contributes to a pleasant visit, making the ordering process enjoyable.
However, some visitors have found the offerings to be overpriced for what you receive. Additionally, occasional lapses in service and challenges with parking can detract from the overall experience, so it’s worth keeping these points in mind.
Good
7.3
out of 10
569
Reviews
72.1%
Satisfaction
126
negative
33
neutral
410
positive
Overall, The Baked Bear earns a solid 7.3 on our scale, reflecting a generally positive experience for many. This is further supported by a 72.1% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 569 customer opinions, with 410 positive remarks outweighing 126 negative ones, providing a clear picture of what to expect. Diving deeper, the Food (7.7) truly stands out as a highlight, consistently receiving high praise for its quality and variety.
Ambience (6.8) also contributes positively, offering a pleasant setting. While Service (6.4) is generally adequate, it occasionally falls short.
The main area for improvement lies with Value (3.8), which many customers perceive as a significant drawback, suggesting that pricing could be a concern.
What people like
- Delicious ice cream sandwiches
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- High prices
- Inconsistent service
- Parking difficulties
With a solid 7.5 recommendation score, The Baked Bear is generally a worthwhile stop if you’re seeking a customizable sweet treat. It’s particularly recommended for those who prioritize a quality dessert experience and don’t mind paying a bit more for it.
However, if budget is a primary concern or you expect flawless service and easy parking, you might find aspects less appealing. Consider it for a focused dessert outing, keeping in mind its strengths lie squarely in its creative and tasty ice cream combinations.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Dessert Restaurant
8.4
out of 10
out of 10
487
85%
- $$
- Inner Sunset
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Dessert Restaurant
7.8
out of 10
out of 10
196
78.1%
- $$
- Fisherman's Wharf
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Dessert Restaurant
7.5
out of 10
out of 10
342
75.4%
- $$
- Richmond District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Dessert Restaurant
7.2
out of 10
out of 10
734
69.6%
- $$
- Duboce Triangle
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Dessert Restaurant
6.9
out of 10
out of 10
460
67%
- $$
- Richmond District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Dessert Restaurant
6.9
out of 10
out of 10
464
64.4%
- $$
- Hayes Valley
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on The Baked Bear
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot generally hits the sweet spot! With a solid score of 7.7 and customer satisfaction at 78.3%, it's clear many are enjoying their treats. Based on 311 positive remarks, guests rave about the customizable ice cream sandwiches, freshly baked cookies, and unique flavors, including excellent vegan options.
However, not every bite is perfect. Out of 397 total comments, 64 point to some downsides. A few found items to be flavourless or have an undercooked texture, while others noted things were too sweet or cookies could be stale.
It seems consistency might be a slight issue.
Food
397
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
64
negative
22
neutral
311
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Custom ice cream sandwiches
- Freshly baked cookies
- Great vegan/GF options
What people don't like
- Flavorless food
- Undercooked texture
- Overly sweet items
Often praised
- ice creamMy experience at this restaurant was phenomenal! We happened to walk in during their customer appreciation day and were delighted to walk out with delicious ice cream. The cups were packed full, and the texture was incredibly creamy and smooth.
- cookiesThis is a good spot for ice cream sandwiches and watching the world go by, with great flavours and cookies to make the sandwich with. However, the staff were rude to a homeless guy who came in counting his pennies and were not happy when I bought him a cookie dough cup.
- ice cream sandwichesMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, especially concerning the ice cream sandwiches. While I found that the pricing could be a little high depending on what you order, the quality and variety of the ice cream sandwiches were fantastic. The food itself received a perfect score, and the atmosphere was also rated highly.
- ice cream sandwichMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic for anyone who loves cookies, brownies, and ice cream! I was able to build my perfect ice cream sandwich. They even offer an option for a doughnut ice cream sandwich, or you can mix it up with their other dessert options.
- foodThe food was so good
- FoodFood:4
- browniesWhat a cool experience! The burgers are made of ice cream with brownies or cookies. Very good!
- portionseven if you get some pretty big portions
- sandwichPrepared my sandwichito with galleta Lucky Charms and Butter
- brownieThe brownie had that perfect balance of fudgy and chewy
Frequently criticized
- cookiesMy experience was with the ice cream, which was very sweet but delicious. I would probably get a cone if I were to order again, as the cookies, whilst good, do harden up with the ice cream. This is a minor point, though.
- ice creamthe ice cream seemed to harden the Cookie Monster cookies
- cookieThe cookie lacked integrity cuz it fell apart halfway through
- browniebrownie... flavourless with an undercooked sticky texture
- flavorBetter texture, flavor, service and quality.
- textureI ordered a cookie, brownie ice cream sandwich, and hot fudge to try a bit of everything. Unfortunately, the cookie, brownie, and ice cream were all flavourless with an undercooked sticky texture, worse than mass-processed supermarket cookies. The ice cream was also flavourless.
- Nutella cookiethe nutella and chocolate chip cookies had been sitting
- chocolate chip cookieMy wife had a chocolate chip cookie topped with mint chocolate chip and mud pie ice creams. The only reason I'm removing a star is because my wife's cookie was too hard/crunchy. Otherwise, it was a very delicious experience.
- foodI don’t mind spending money on good food and dessert, trust me. This was NOT worth it at all. Go somewhere else!
- Cookie Monster cookiesthe ice cream seemed to harden the Cookie Monster cookies
If youre craving a highly customizable ice cream sandwich with fresh cookies and unique flavors, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that while many love it, a few experiences suggest some items might lack flavor or be overly sweet. Go for the custom creations, and youll likely leave happy!
Service (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
When it comes to service, many customers have had delightful experiences, praising the friendly staff and their attentive and helpful nature. Guests frequently mention receiving good advice and prompt service, sometimes even from the owner themselves, contributing to a pleasant visit. With 56 positive remarks out of 96 total, there's a solid foundation of good interactions.
However, the overall picture is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.4 and customer satisfaction at 58.3%. Some patrons reported issues like long waiting times, feeling unacknowledged, or encountering staff who seemed rushed or less than friendly. These 36 negative comments suggest that while good service is common, inconsistencies can occur.
Service
96
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
36
negative
4
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Prompt, attentive service
- Kind, engaging owner
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Unfriendly staff attitude
- Lack of attention
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, primarily due to their amazing ice cream sandwiches and even better service. I had forgotten to get a receipt, and the team was incredibly helpful and thorough in assisting me to track down the expense and send a receipt over.
- staffThe moment I stepped inside, the inviting aroma of freshly baked cookies set the stage for an unforgettable ice cream adventure. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, enhancing the overall enjoyment. The ice cream itself was the star of the show!
- ServiceService:4
- attentionThe attention for explain me how to prepare it
- ownerEmma, the owner, couldn’t be more friendly. She is a gem!
- person workingperson working today was helpful, and professional
- Eastern European womanthe Eastern European woman helping me out on 3/26/25 was simply fantastic
- StaffThe result was a big AND delicious treat. The staff was very friendly, and you have the option to eat inside or outside. Definitely give it a try!
- adviceThe ice creams were good, and the cookies were incredibly soft, just how I like them. The waitress was very kind and truly adorable, taking her time to advise us.
- attentive and friendlyI tried out their ice cream, which was a delightful treat in the middle of my favourite cookies 😊. The lady who served us was very attentive and friendly. Thank you.
Frequently criticized
- staffboth members of staff were having a conversation at the back of the shop. Basically ignoring me
- serviceThe service from the person behind the counter was not the best
- ServiceService:2
- acknowledgedIf I could give zero stars, I would. I waited for like 10 minutes and wasn’t even acknowledged. Also, I had no clue how their line works.
- attitudegirl who helped my wife and I got attitude real quick
- birthday celebrationWe wanted to take it home for a birthday celebration.
- checkoutMy experience at the restaurant was marked by pricey portions and limited options. The staff seemed busy and were in a hurry to checkout. The taste of the food was just okay.
- compassionplease show more compassion to people struggling
- customer serviceCustomer service needs more attention
- expectationsWhat I was expecting and what I got were two different thing’s
Service here can be a bit of a gamble. While many rave about the friendly and helpful staff, others have encountered long waits or less attentive interactions. If you catch them on a good day, you'll likely have a great experience, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies.
Ambience (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 6.8, which is good, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 67.2%. Many guests, 39 out of 58 comments, loved the atmosphere and vibe, especially appreciating that its "open late" with "outdoor seating" and a delightful "aroma" of baked cookies. Its often described as clean, cozy, and a fun spot for groups.
However, there are some clear areas for improvement, noted in 13 comments. A recurring issue is the limited seating and the complete lack of a bathroom, which can be a real dealbreaker for some. Parking is also frequently mentioned as difficult, making the location a bit tricky to access for drivers.
Ambience
58
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
13
negative
6
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Open late hours
- Inviting atmosphere
- Outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- No bathroom
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere were also excellent
- AtmosphereAtmosphere is clean and very cute as well, it feels like youre in a little igloo.
- ambianceThe ambiance of The Baked Bear was warm and inviting
- dining areadining area was pretty spacious and clean
- locationthe location is so good
- open latethey are open late
- ambienceThe place was well lit
- aromadelightful aroma of freshly baked cookies
- aroma of baked cookiesI was too full from lunch to have the ultimate experience but will definitely go back again. The aroma of baked cookies will entice you into the store!
- casual dessert placeIt’s a great casual dessert place
Frequently criticized
- bathroomdoesn’t even have a bathroom
- parkingThe only concern that you need to be aware is the parking
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- claims on the wallMy experience at this restaurant was just okay, nothing special. They tend to overhype their offerings with claims of premium quality, which didn't quite live up to expectations. The food quality was decent, but not exceptional.
- difficult to find parkingDifficult to find parking
- establishmentAvoid this establishment like the plague
- indoor and outdoor seatingIndoor and outdoor sitting so dirty
- open on the weekendsThe place is only open on the weekends though which is so sad.
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- seatingThe ice cream tasted good, and the place was well-lit and comfortable. However, there were limited spots to sit inside. The service speed was okay, but the staff didn't seem to be having a good day, which was evident in their interactions.
If youre looking for a late-night dessert spot with a fun, inviting vibe and dont mind potentially standing or dealing with tricky parking, its definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for limited seating and no on-site restroom, which might disappoint if youre planning a longer stay.
Value (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
When it comes to value, a small handful of guests found some bright spots, noting the price per person was fair and even enjoying free single scoops. Some felt it was reasonably priced for what they received. However, with a score of 3.8 and customer satisfaction at a low 22.2%, these positive experiences are unfortunately quite rare.
The vast majority of feedback, comprising 13 negative opinions out of 18 total, paints a different picture. Many customers felt things were simply overpriced or expensive, with some even mentioning price gouging and concerns about price for tourists. Pricey portions and the absence of a military discount also left a sour taste for others.
Value
18
Reviews
22%
Satisfaction
13
negative
1
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Free scoops offered
- Reasonable price found
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Tourist price gouging
- Pricey portions
Often praised
- Price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- free single scoopsgot free single scoops
- priceFor Environ 10$ je ne peux que vous conseiller
- reasonably pricedThere were so many different flavors to choose from, and I loved that I could mix and match to have my ice cream sandwich any way I wanted. The staff member was friendly, and it was reasonably priced.
Frequently criticized
- priceWay too overpriced for what it is
- expensivewayyyyy too expensive for that
- ice creama little bit overpriced when it comes to the ice cream
- military discountthey didn’t give a military discount
- over pricedjust a little over priced
- overpricedincredibly overpriced for a less than average ice cream sandwich
- portionsMy experience at the restaurant was marked by pricey portions and limited options. The staff seemed busy and were in a hurry to checkout.
- price for touristsMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. They charge double to tourists and do not provide a ticket. Furthermore, the saleswoman was not friendly at all.
- price gougingdon’t love the price gouging
If you're looking for great value, this spot might leave you disappointed, as most customers found it to be quite expensive. While a few found it reasonably priced, the overwhelming sentiment points to significant overpricing, especially for tourists. You might want to consider other options if budget is a primary concern.
How are the prices at The Baked Bear?
On average, you’ll spend around 12 per person – from 88 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Dessert Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Most guests find themselves spending in the $11–$20 range, but there’s also a good cluster of options in the $1–$10 bracket. This shows prices are quite focused around the average, offering a nice mix for different budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 88 reviews.
How does this restaurant’s value stack up against similar spots in San Francisco?
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Dessert Restaurant. It offers a good balance, catering to both those looking for a sweet treat and those willing to spend a bit more for a special dessert experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Baked Bear
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Ice Cream Quality
My experience at the restaurant was centered around their different offering of ice cream. However, the quality of the ice cream was not good. It tasted low quality and lacked flavor.
The serving itself was okay. The reviewer rated Food, Service, and Atmosphere with a 2.
- serving6
- ice cream quality2
- ice cream taste2
- flavor2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Diabetic Sugar Shock - Amazing Ice Cream!
My experience at this restaurant was a delightful sugar shock! The ice cream and cookies were amazing, all rolled into one. It's the perfect place if you're looking for an indulgent treat.
The Custom Cookie Sandwich is a must-try.
- ice cream10
- cookies10
- Custom Cookie Sandwich10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Gem of a Dessert Spot!
My experience at Baked Beer Ice Cream Sandwiches was fantastic. I tried the brownie sandwich filled with mango and caramel ice cream, and it was truly unreal. The brownie had the perfect balance of fudgy and chewy, and the ice cream combination was both refreshing and indulgent.
The staff was friendly, the vibe was fun, and it's clear they genuinely care about the quality of their offerings. This is easily one of the best dessert spots I've found in San Francisco.
- brownie sandwich10
- mango and caramel ice cream9
- brownie9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Late Night Treat!
My experience at this place was a fantastic late-night guilty pleasure. I was so excited to discover it, and it was absolutely delicious. The fresh cookies and delicious ice cream, combined with so many toppings, made for a wonderful treat.
I highly recommend trying the ice cream cookie sandwich – it was so good!
- fresh cookies9
- delicious ice cream9
- ice cream cookie sandwich10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Cookies and Ice Cream!
It was our first time having Baked Bear while staying in Chinatown on vacation, and it was so good we got it twice! The cookies were super soft and the ice cream was reallllly good.
- cookies9
- ice cream9
What The Baked Bear offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Late-night food
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Seating
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is The Baked Bear accessible for everyone?
Yes, The Baked Bear is designed with accessibility in mind. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and a wheelchair accessible restroom. This ensures that all guests can comfortably enjoy their great desserts and quick bites in a welcoming environment, making your visit smooth and enjoyable.
What dining and service options are available at The Baked Bear?
You have several convenient options at The Baked Bear. Enjoy your dessert with outdoor seating or dine-in. Takeout and delivery services are also available for when you’re on the go. Plus, it’s a great spot for kids, making it a family-friendly choice for a quick, delicious treat in North Beach.
How is The Baked Bear rated overall by customers?
The Baked Bear holds a good overall score of 7.3. Its Food (7.7) is highly praised, while Ambience (6.8) and Service (6.4) are also positive. However, Value (3.8) is noted as a significant area for improvement.
What do customers enjoy most about the food at The Baked Bear?
Customers frequently highlight the delicious and customizable ice cream sandwiches, often praising the creamy texture of the ice cream and the quality of the cookies and brownies used.
What are common concerns regarding the value and service at The Baked Bear?
Many customers find the offerings to be overpriced. Additionally, some experiences mention inconsistent service, with staff occasionally being inattentive or having an unhelpful attitude.