If you haven't been to Bear Claw Bakery & Cafe, you're missing out on one of the Bay Area's true hidden gems. This family owned and operated bakery has been serving the community for over 60 years, carrying on baking traditions that date back more than a century. Their famous buttermilk coffee cake recipe has been passed down through generations and is still made the old-fashioned way today. From what I've learned, they're the last bakery in the Bay Area still making this incredible family recipe. The baked goods are amazing, but what makes this place truly special is the family behind it. Everyone is incredibly friendly, welcoming, and genuinely cares about their customers. You can feel the history, passion, and pride the moment you walk through the door. In a world of chain coffee shops and cookie cutter bakeries, this place is something rare. The history alone is worth a visit, but meeting the wonderful family who keeps this tradition alive is the cherry on top. A local treasure that deserves all the love and support it can get! Ps- I got the iced coconut chai, a FAMOUS buttermilk coffee cake and the hot chick panini. I also got a dozen assorted pastries/donuts for my staff to try. Incredible is an understatement. You're welcome in advance!!! read more

Bear Claw Bakery and Cafe - Assorted donuts and pastries - Bakeries Near Me - Pinole, California

WARNING: Mary V. reviewing 4 Months ago is absolutely, the ultimate entitled person with a her service dog. Yes, Mary may be correct about CA laws, blah blah blah. But still... Mary is the epitome of a person who ruins the Service Dog community image as a whole and is the spot on definition of the Service Dog Handler stereotype. No matter how much Mary may want to be blind about her actions and stay in denile forever, Mary is just that; the true definition of whatever you choose to define Mary's actions as. Anyway, I've lived in Pinole for many years now. Unfortunately with my schedule, it is very difficult for me to make it to Bear Claw Bakery And Cafe. The small handful of times I've visited I have always felt welcomed and enjoyed delicious coffee and pastries, and sometimes a cookie or two. I thank Bear Claw Bakery And Cafe for being a wonderful establishment. I just hope there is adequate room for my Service Horse to sit down next to me on the floor the next time I go. Don't worry Mike and Terry, I'll have my paperwork avaliable for you to review. If things become mob like or hostile feeling no worries either, I'll be wearing my big boy pants that day. read more

Hibernator breakfast sandwich with the croissant was SO yummy! Fresh, hot, not too salty or greasy, hearty and filling with bacon, sausage, tater tots, and cheese. The buttermilk muffin is also one of my faves- soft, flavorful, and tasty. I love how it's like you're family upon arrival - the team is cheery- super friendly and helpful. Cute quirky interior- I usually claim the chess table. I still need to try the adobo tots and pizza! read more

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Came to visit this Cafe today and I was very impressed with the interior and exterior designs of the place. Love it. Service was awesome, the place smelled like delicious pastries being made in the back. I will say this is the most I have ever payed for a coffee. $9.90 for my iced coffee! I did substitute the milk for almond milk but even then I couldn't help but to laugh when I saw the price. Very cozy place tho! Will definitely be back to try the sandwiches! read more

Bear Claw Bakery and Cafe - Bakeries Near Me - Pinole, California

I was visiting my friend for his birthday brunch and we had some time to kill before we all had to head back. As we were walking around the area, we decided to stop by this little cafe to try it out. Space is a bit tight, but there is a fair amount of seating inside. They have a variety of baked goods, as well as drinks, pizza, sandwiches and other stuff. For me, I just wanted something cool to drink and this iced blended coffee sounded good. Iced Blended Coffee: My first thought would be something closed to what other chain places have as their iced blended drinks, but theirs is not like that. It was pretty good, though a bit more watery than I anticipated. I tasted the espresso immediately and it had quite a kick. It was refreshing and cool, which was what I was aiming for. Though, I wish I could have maybe added another syrup for more flavor. Still, I enjoyed it and had a great time here. Overall, I can see myself coming back here and trying other stuff. read more

Bear Claw Bakery and Cafe - Iced Blended Coffee - Bakeries Near Me - Pinole, California

Delicious food and pastries. Hot chocolate was rich and creamy with house made whipped cream. The cherry turnover is flaky and buttery. Great with a cup of Mike's Blend coffee (named after one of the owners)!! Service is always excellent. Feels like visiting family. read more

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Really good sandwich.Great roast beef and cheese.Easy to park.Friendly staff and got d prices.They have a pretty big menu.I go every few weeks. read more

The service was friendly and pretty quick, and the prices were very reasonable. It was quite busy today because the street was closed for an event, but the atmosphere was still nice. The pastries were okay--definitely enjoyable. I think they would taste even better if they were served warm. I ordered a Danish, an almond croissant, and a hot cocoa. The Danish was fragrant, the almond croissant was decent, and the hot cocoa was smooth and easy to drink. The bakery itself is small, with limited seating, so you might have to wait if you visit during peak hours. Overall, it's a cute little spot that's worth stopping by. Not amazing, but definitely not bad either. read more

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This place stands out as a great bakery. This is one of those places where you go out of your way for because they are that good. I often get a smoky B breakfast sandwich from them and they're really good. They're bear claw is the best I've ever had. The staff is awesome and friendly, and everything I've had there has tasted the best. If you forced me to say something negative about this place, the only thing I could think of is "why don't they put napkins out?" Getting a napkin here is always something you need to ask for. read more

The best pastries in the area! I've been coming here since 2020 and they have always been very consistent with their food quality, staff here are always very nice and welcoming. Keep in mind they get busy in the morning, if you want to order a breakfast sandwich order ahead. read more

July 3 2025 about 2 pm. 3.5 stars We stopped in for a cup of coffee and a pastry. I believe it's been about 25 or 30 years since i've been here. I remembered Bear Claw as being smaller and brighter inside. I have never sat in here before and the store has a lot more seating than I expected. Perhaps the wood furniture darkens the place and reminds me of the early 70's or 80's. Wood and artsy craftsy. For sure this isn't a chain restaurant look. The pastry selection shelves looked as if we had come by after the pastry rush. Not a large selection and the selection available wasn't displayed in an eye appealing way. A bit disorganized. The pastry we did choose was delicious. For some reason the large coffee I ordered was poured about two and a half man fingers short of a full cup, as if I wanted a medium in a large cup. I wasn't in the mood to go back hat in hand to ask to be topped off with what I paid for. Being a pastry shop, whenever a customer sits down, an employee is going to need to clean up after them. We found the larger seating room a little crumby. The bakery overall seems a little cluttery or maybe better to say overly homey or relaxed with lot of decorations that look as if they might need organizing and dusting. I think we might stop by one morning and revisit Bear Claw. I'll try not to wait so long this time. read more

Bear Claw Bakery and Cafe - I don't know what this is called but I call it Very Tasty. - Bakeries Near Me - Pinole, California

My husband and I stumbled upon this gem after the farmers market on Saturday and I am so glad we did. We grabbed the premade egg and cheese croissants and honestly they were incredible. So much bacon goodness packed into every bite. My husband got a little cinnamon roll topped with walnuts and if you are a nut person, do yourself a favor and get one because it was absolutely delicious. We also ordered two iced coffees and the flavor blew us away. You could actually taste the coffee, which sounds like a low bar but you know how it goes. I added a little sugar-free vanilla syrup and it complemented everything perfectly without overpowering that wonderful coffee flavor. The person taking our order was so nice answering all of our questions. It's a small quaint little place to have a few tables out front too. We took our goodies and drove to the end of the block to eat at a little park overlooking San Pablo Bay. Honestly the whole morning felt like such a find. We are already talking about coming back to try more things on the menu. One more thing worth mentioning: it looks like they do custom cakes too, and that is going straight onto my list for the next family celebration. This place is the real deal.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ read more

Food is great! And the pastries are delicious! Local and the staff is friendly and welcoming. Welcoming space and clean. read more

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Sandwiches here are great! And try their Thai tea its wonderful! I really like the space in this Cafe and the service is fast!

Bear Claw is doing their best to keep their business running. From Tuesday through Friday they're opening 6am-6pm with Monday and Saturday 7am-2pm and Sunday 8am-1pm. They been serving Pinole for a long time. I had their Adobo Tacos which are three tacos on a tortilla. It was very good! I finally got to use their WiFi inside Bear Claw but I was more focus on eating my tacos and donuts when I am dinning inside their business. Parking is still easy on the street or the lot in the back of Tina's or next to Bill's Liquor. I prefer just parking on the street or the lot behind Tina's. Keep up the good work Bear Claw! read more

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I can't believe I've lived in the area for over 2 decades and only in 2024 did I come in to try Bear Claw Bakery. Everything about this place is quaint and perfect. There are a few tables and chairs in the main section of the cafe but if you turn right at the door, there are more places to sit. The cafe does get very busy Saturdays when the farmers market is happening across the street. I've ordered the Chai Latte 3 times now and it always tastes consistent. The Ricco sandwich is another favorite of mine which is a simple toasted sandwich with mozzarella, pesto, and tomato, and basil. And of course I have to get one of the many pastries. Unfortunately cupcakes are only for special order unless there's a holiday, otherwise I would be getting cupcakes every weekend. read more

Bear Claw Bakery and Cafe - Cronut with strawberries and cream, The Ricco Sandwich, and a Medium Chai Latte - Bakeries Near Me - Pinole, California

Best pastries anywhere including the donuts and cronuts, delicious. I've had a couple of breakfasts and sandwiches but unfortunately I haven't been there in a while but what I had still makes me salivate. I will see you soon BC! Might check out one or two of those pizzas! read more

Cute little neighborhood gem! We love coming here for their breakfast sandwiches and pastries. For the sandwiches you can pick the bread, meat and several variations (the works either potatoes, classic, vegetarian, with a kick). Simple but done well and super satisfying. The sweets here are also great - the dough isn't your traditional croissant dough but a soft sweet bread like dough for the pastries. It's super homey and we love it here! read more

Bear Claw Bakery and Cafe - Bakeries Near Me - Pinole, California

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Friendly person answering phones. Good breakfast sandwich. Really liked the maple bar with bacon. Thank you.

The breakfast sandwiches are a 10/10 over here! I got the Smokey b and it was absolutely delicious. I came back the next day with my brother and it has become a great breakfast spot that me and my brother come to. Definitely worth trying, I'll probably try pastries the next time! read more

Sandwich was ok, the bread was a little over toasted for my taste. The Croffle was pretty tasty. It's a small cute shop. read more

Bear Claw Bakery and Cafe - The hibernator breakfast sammie - Bakeries Near Me - Pinole, California

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Been coming here since the 90's and never thought to leave a review until now. I brought my niece here to share my childhood experiences. Needless to say there has been some additions to the menu since the 90's but I'm glad they have. I wanted a breakfast sandwich and a donut and this made for the perfect choice. I ordered a egg, cheese & tomato breakfast sandwich on a croissant. It was good. They make their own pastries and so the croissant isn't a traditional croissant. This was thick like a panini bread. Different but not bad for $5. My niece got one of their specialty $10 breakfast sandwiches. She ate the whole thing! When I come here it's a must that I get 1 chocolate old fashion and 1 maple old fashion. My niece got the bacon maple bar. This whole in the wall is still as popular today as it was when I was a child. A true Pinole staple that I hope continues to thrive. Parking is in the back parking lot then you just walk through the side and into the front door. Or hope to get a parking on the street out front. read more

Bear Claw Bakery and Cafe - Egg, cheese and tomato breakfast sandwich on a croissant. - Bakeries Near Me - Pinole, California

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Bear claw has been a Pinole staple for decades, and for some reason we rarely stop in. Since it's been a while for us, a lot has changed. They have expanded their hot breakfast and lunch menus, and have modern menu boards. But we came to grab some delicious pastries to nosh across the street at our favorite coffee hang, EBCC. The pastry case is extensive with made-daily delights, but I couldn't pass the beautiful almond tart, and my Hubby is a sucker for apple turnovers. We were delighted with our choices. My tart was light and crumbly but not dry, and not too sweet--perfect with my latte. I did share a bite for a bite this trip and thought the apple turnover was equally delish. The pastry was flaky and buttery, and the filling was tart and sweet with a dash of cinnamon. Now that I know about the extended menu, we're coming back soon for a hot breakfast and lunch! read more

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The staff are always friendly even when they're busy. I love the breakfast sandwiches. The french bread pizza is also a wonderful (but probably not the healthiest) dinner. I'd definitely call it comfort food, and I've enjoyed everything I've gotten. read more

They have delicious sandwiches and fresh pastries. Staff is very welcoming. This is a great place to start out your morning before going to work. read more

Passed by this cute bakery on the way to breakfast because the assortment of pastries and donuts from the outside caught my eye! I was kindly greeted by the young lady at the front, I should have gotten her name, but she was very welcoming and friendly this morning. She asked if I've ever been there before, I told her no, and she offered me a complimentary buttermilk coffee cake and it was DELICIOUS. Not too sweet and fluffy. Would go perfect with coffee! All the pastries looked so yummy I had to get one to go home. I got the cheese danish and it was super yummy, a bit flakey and fresh. I'll be back for more! read more

Bear Claw Bakery and Cafe - Pastries Donuts Cinnamon Rolls - Bakeries Near Me - Pinole, California

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I just love this place they really make excellent sandwiches. They take their time and ingredients are always fresh. Pastry's are also great!!! read more

What a community gem! The coffee was so good and the Cali Panini on sourdough hit the spot! Young lady at the counter was so nice and welcoming. Young lady who made our panini did a great job preparing the yummy and fresh sandwich. She came by to check if we were doing ok and to see if she could get us anything. Loved the kick back vibe at this quaint spot. Looking forward to trying one of their baked good next time. read more

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The breakfast here is amazing! I had a scram grizzle, and when they say choice of meat, that would include things like roast beef or chicken breast, the traditional sausage and bacon and more! I had the herb chicken breast on a toasted croissant and it integrated beautifully! I added a bear claw, and it was wonderful and decadent. Also, I had forgotten a friend gave me a gift card almost 2 years ago. I asked if there was any chance they still had it and they found it in a drawer! Well done! I know they don't have a lot of space but I wish something could be done to make it a bit more comfortable with seating and I did request they get some Stevia in there. read more

Bear Claw is a very small shop. But it's very surprising it has a lot of different types of things that are so yummie from breakfast to lunch. Service is very good with a smile. I can only say get your goodie here & enjoy! read more

Very well, I think! I would recommend this place to anyone!, and it is close. You can walk there.

WARNING: Bearclaw Bakery is illegal, discriminatory, and unsafe for anyone with disabilities or service dogs Bearclaw Bakery refused service because my SD had no vest, subjected us to aggressive, illegal, and discriminatory treatment in clear violation of federal and Ca law. From the moment we walked in, staff harassed us. One employee rolled her eyes and stared me up and down at least 15 times, an intimidation tactic clearly documented on video. I immediately informed staff multiple times, and it is all on video, that my service dog is not legally required by the ADA or any other law to wear a vest. Despite this, they repeatedly demanded we leave simply because my dog was not wearing one and repeatedly accused him of not being a service dog, which is extremely serious. Under ADA Title III - Public Accommodations (42 U.S.C. §12182) businesses may not refuse access to individuals with service animals or demand unnecessary documentation. Mislabeling a service dog is illegal discrimination. I attempted to educate them on the law, but the staff, including owners Terry and Mike, demonstrated complete ignorance and blatant disregard for their legal obligations. While I was speaking with the store manager near the front of the store, the same employee who had just confronted me in the bakery area positioned herself next to the manager and began recording me on her personal phone. She stood close by, filming me and staring at me up and down while I was being told to leave. This took place in front of other customers and my child. The employee remained there filming and intimidating me and my disabled son throughout the interaction. I was already being removed from the store over my service dog, and this added another layer of intimidation and humiliation in a public space. Inside, an employee approached my dog and began petting him despite my explanation that he is a service dog. He let out a small bark, which is not the definition of being uncontrolled, and he remained calmly sitting at my side without moving or barking. Despite hostile treatment, my dog stayed calm; he is trained to handle stressful situations. The harassment escalated outside when Terry aggressively approached me and my child while I was speaking to a police officer at my vehicle. She began stroking my dog without my consent, which is a direct violation of ADA protections prohibiting interference with working service dogs. We were harassed by multiple staff members, and I believe we were racially profiled by a new employee. In the past, we were always treated with kindness and respect; Mike has greeted my dog and given him treats. While I was on the phone with the responding officer, Terry began involving nearby customers and people outside the store in the situation. This created a mobbing style environment that was intimidating and had the potential to become unsafe. Her actions escalated the situation rather than de escalating it and put both me, my child and my service dog at risk. After the incident, when I called to obtain the owners' names for my report, an employee hung up on me and accused me of harassment simply for asking. I have a witness, and everything is recorded on video, which is my First Amendment right. Their employee also recorded me, which further supports my statement. I will be filing a lawsuit for violations of the ADA, California Civil Code Section 54.1, and harassment as soon as possible. Bearclaw Bakery is in violation of federal and state law, repeatedly challenged the legal status of my service dog, illegally touched my service dog, and will aggressively harass you and your family. Their actions are illegal, unacceptable, and demonstrate a total lack of understanding of ADA protections, CA disability rights, and proper service dog etiquette. Regarding the bark my dog let out in response to the aggressive treatment from the staff was what he is trained to do when he feels that there is a pending threat against his handler. Since the incident, my heart rate has remained severely elevated, and I continue to experience significant physical and emotional distress. The combination of being personally targeted and witnessing my son's humiliation via staff and Terry when she aimed her negative remarks at him directly, triggered a heightened physiological response that my service dog was actively responding to. She mocked my disabled child and continued to accuse him of being embarrassed when all he was doing, was looking forward to getting his doughnut. This ongoing stress underscores that my dog was performing essential tasks. January 13 update. The Pinole Police Commander confirmed the owners Terry and/or Mike made fabricated claims about my dog. They lied in a statement claiming he was "aggressive", yet they approached and pet him, saying "he is a really sweet dog, but not a service dog." Making false statements in a police report or to a police officer is a criminal act. The true incident is on video. read more

I have been here several times in the past few months and I really love this spot. The staff is always friendly, the food options are diverse for a small Cafe, and the everything always tastes great no matter what I order. There have been small mix ups, example: I ordered a sandwich and they forgot the lettuce, tomato, onion. When I returned they made a fresh sandwich even though I only asked for the missing ingredients on the side and couldn't have been kinder to me while rectifying the minor mistake. I honestly felt bad coming back and complaining! If you want good food and coffee at a fair price with speedy, friendly service, don't hesitate to stop by the Bear Claw Bakery and Cafe. read more

Bear Claw Bakery and Cafe - Delicious turkey sandwich with everything on it and added pickles. - Bakeries Near Me - Pinole, California

To the most courteous, helpful staff; the huge array of items; the warm inviting atmosphere and the love they put into making their food, Bear Claw Bakery continues to be the best in the business hands down! My family has been going here since my eldest son had his first job there almost 16 years ago! We hope Bear Claw Bakery is around for many more years to come! Their coffee cake is always baked to perfection, a must try! Came home with two boxes of yum! read more

Bear Claw Bakery and Cafe - This coffee cake is perfection! - Bakeries Near Me - Pinole, California

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Bear Claw Bakery makes the best birthday cakes! Our favorite is chocolate with custard in the middle with whipped cream topping. Their bear claws are yummy as well. Since we moved to Elk Grove we've not been able to find an actual bakery. Lots of donut shops. But not a bakery that offers everything a bakery should. I really miss the small town feeling they offer and all the great pastries they make. read more

Best bakery ever! Nothing like it where I live. Must stop anytime I'm in the Bay. Coffee cake muffins for life!!

A very big thank you to the bakers & staff at Bear Claw for making my son's 8th birthday unforgettable. I went in with an idea and spoke to one of the bakers- she was great at making sure she could pull this off and voila she did! The cake was moist and delicious. All of the kids loved it, as much as we did. Thank you for making his birthday so special. read more

Bear Claw Bakery and Cafe - Star Wars Cupcake Cake! - Bakeries Near Me - Pinole, California

We've been looking for a good pastry/donut place around Hercules and we found this place on yelp. We're so glad that we came to this place. Parking is limited in front of the store. I came at around 7:30 am and parked in front of the store. Customers come in and go so even though it's limited, you can find one. This place is popular with their cro dough. They have several fillings so we had their blueberry. The donut is also filled with sweet cream cheese inside the dough. This is so delicious and quite filling if you just had one. We also had their danish bear claw, danish butter corn, buttermilk coffee cake muffin. They are also delicious. They're so many choices and I can't wait to come back and try their other donuts and pastries. I also found out that they make sandwiches and pizza. They all look appetizing and good. I will come back again and enjoy the other list on their menu. read more

Bear Claw Bakery and Cafe - Blueberry cro-dough - Bakeries Near Me - Pinole, California

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I did a quick google search of the nearest donut shop. Last night, I had no luck on delivery finding a place. Donut cravings come and go but when they're here I always follow through. This was bomb! I ordered the blueberry Cronut. After seeing it on Yelp I had to have it. It was the last one. I also ordered a strawberry Cronut, an old fashioned buttermilk glazed donut, an Apple fritter, and a buttercream cinnamon roll. Blueberry Cronut was 5/5. Exactly what I expected from the picture and a deliciously sweet breakfast. Old fashioned buttermilk glazed donut. 5/5. These have always been my favorite. It melted in my mouth even hours after being in the fridge. I ate it just now. Strawberry Cronut - my bf gives it a 5. Says it's the best he's ever had. Apple fritter - "that sh*t was good." Pinole has such cute places. Glad we came across this one. The reviews are high for a reason. read more

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Great food, exceptional service, friendly staff. Been a customer for over 30 years and they never disappoint. From baked goods, specialty coffees, sandwiches, pasta plus so much more, just pure deliciousness! read more