Local Love: Black Bear Bread Co.

Black Bear Bread Co. is everything you want out of a neighborhood bakery. At first glance, it is a cute little cafe- very fresh and inviting with white walls, large windows, and chic decor. But don't let the bijou space fool you; the bites and beverages they feature boast some major flavor, with quality ingredients that are mindfully sourced. 

Long-time friends Dave Rauschkolb and Chef Phil McDonald created Black Bear Bread Co. in 2016. Chef Phil McDonald is known in this area for a few of his successful restaurant concepts such as Bud and Alley’s and the Pizza Bar and Taco Bar in Seaside. He and Dave came together to try something new, with a shared mission to use only the freshest ingredients, sourced from the “beautiful bounty” of local farmers and vendors. This mission is one you can surely taste- which could be said by a few local Black Bears helping themselves to the team’s experimental recipes that were tossed in the dumpster at their original location in Grayton Beach, FL- which is how Black Bear Bread Co. got its name. Their consistent quality earned them a quick following by loyal customers which resulted in the brand growing into 3 locations- Grayton Beach, Grand Boulevard, and Seaside. 

It goes without saying that Black Bear is known for its astounding artisan loaves of bread and pastries. Made fresh by the bakery in Grayton Beach every morning, they use ancient grains and organic ingredients. Black Bear Bread Co. has received many awards for its high standards, flavorful fares, and exceptional service- including Best of the Emerald Coast in 2020 and Florida Trend’s Golden Spoon Award, highlighting some of the best dining in Florida.

Don’t take our word for it though- you have to come to try for yourself.

I visited on a sunny day during Spring Break. Between locals dropping in for their favorite cup of coffee, or tanned tourists shuffling through the door, Black Bear at Grand Boulevard was ready to serve everyone efficiently with an endearing smile and deliver an unforgettable experience. 

I went with a Smoked Salmon Tartine on Multigrain bread and - HOLY COW! The salmon was covered with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on a perfectly fluffy piece of bread smeared with Crème fraîche. Topped with capers, radish salad, and finished with preserved lemon, this tartine melts in your mouth and tingles the taste buds. You can tell these ingredients are top-notch, and knowing they are chosen with love from locals, makes the heart just as full as the tum. Paired with a Bear Latte featuring mocha, hazelnut, cinnamon, and half and half, I was blown away by such a simple breakfast that delivered serious piquancy.

I also couldn't resist trying their Key Lime Pie Croissant. It was so flaky and tangy, a marvelous play on a Florida classic. It looked so pretty that I almost felt guilty biting into it, but it tasted just as amazing as it looked. 

At ECHC, our community holds a very special place in our hearts. Black Bear shares that same appreciation for how extraordinary and unique our area is, which earns them extra points in our book. Whether you are looking for a quick cup of coffee, want to treat yourself to a pastry, sip a local beer or Kombucha, or want to eat a spectacular meal in a casual setting, Black Bear Bread Co should be the first place on your list to try. 

Have you been to Black Bear? Let us know what your favorite items are! 

Visit Black Bear Bread Co. 

Grand Boulevard: 325 Grand Blvd, Miramar Beach, FL 32550

Grayton Beach: 26 Logan Lane, Unit G Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Seaside: 2311 E. County Hwy 30A Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Website: https://blackbearbreadco.com/

Instagram: @blackbearbreadco