The Baked Bear

Dessert cup with colorful cookies and ice cream at a cafe in Congaree National Park.

Freshly baked cookies meet cold, creamy fillings in The Baked Bear's Custom Ice Cream Sandwiches. You pick the cookie base, ice cream flavor, and toppings for a hand-crafted dessert with contrast in texture. Bear Bowl offers a warmer, mess-free option when you want the same flavors without the sandwich.

Quick facts

Meals Served: Lunch
Afternoon
Evening
Signature Dishes: Custom Ice Cream Sandwich; Bear Bowl
Local Specialties: No distinct local specialties highlighted; emphasis on fresh ingredients.
Popular Items: Custom Ice Cream Sandwich, Bear Bowl, Bear Batter ice cream flavors

What to order

Meals Served: Lunch
Afternoon
Evening
Signature Dishes: Custom Ice Cream Sandwich; Bear Bowl
Local Specialties: No distinct local specialties highlighted; emphasis on fresh ingredients.
Popular Items: Custom Ice Cream Sandwich, Bear Bowl, Bear Batter ice cream flavors
Menu Recommendations: Gooey Butter Cake Cookies base with Bear Batter ice cream; Bear Bowl as a cleaner option
Dietary Options: Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten-Free

Prices & reservations

Price Specifics: Custom Ice Cream Sandwich: $7.50-$8.95; Pints: $11-$12; Single Cookie: $2-$3.50; Custom Dozen Cookie Box: $28
Reservations Policy: Walk-in only.
Typical Wait Times: Peak hours bring queues; waits can reach about 18 minutes.
Cash Only: 0

Hours & seating

Operating Hours: Monday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Seasonal Hours: No seasonal changes indicated.
Closed Days: Open daily; no closed days indicated.
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Parking Details: Parking varies by location; street parking commonly available nearby.
Accessibility: Casual counter-service; accessibility details not specified.

Visit strategy

Best For: Dessert lovers
Families with kids
Not Ideal For: Those seeking a formal dining vibe
Service Type: Counter service
Service Speed: Moderate
Vibe: Casual
Family-friendly
Vibrant
Noise Level: Moderate buzz; busy in evenings
View Type: Street views
Busiest Times: Evenings and weekends
Best Visit Times: Weekdays mid-day or early afternoon
Tips Advice: Go for Custom Ice Cream Sandwich with Gooey Butter Cake Cookie base and Bear Batter ice cream.
Visit weekdays or earlier in the day to dodge lines.
Share a sandwich; portions are generous.
Takeout to skip the queue during peak hours.

More details

Park Area: Congaree National Park
Takeout Available: 1
Delivery Available: 1
Delivery Details: Delivery via DoorDash, Grubhub, Seamless, and Uber Eats
Dress Code: Come as you are
Beverage Program: Dessert-focused; no bar program.
Tasting Flights: 0
Tours Available: 0
Bottle Sales: 0
Parking Available: 1
Dog Friendly Patio: 0
Wi-Fi Available: 0
Family Friendly: 1
Family Friendly Notes: Kid-friendly; compact interior; lines possible
Bar Seating: 0
Has Gift Shop: 0
Unique Attractions: Custom Ice Cream Sandwich customization with mix-and-match bases
Unique Factor: Custom Ice Cream Sandwiches with mix-and-match cookie bases and ice cream
Best Time To Visit: Weekdays or earlier in the day to dodge the longest lines; evenings are busiest.
The Order Strategy: Skip the basic dessert pairing and go straight for the Custom Ice Cream Sandwich—Gooey Butter Cake Cookie base with Bear Batter ice cream. For a drink, water.
The Vibe Check: Casual, family-friendly dessert stop; not laptop-friendly.
The Crowd Factor: Evenings and weekends bring queues; arrive early or order ahead to snag a seat.
Eat Here If Skip If: EAT HERE IF: Families with kids and ice-cream-dish lovers. SKIP IF: You need ultra-fast service or a formal setting.
Distance From Park: approximately 21 miles from park entrance
Review Summary: Fans praise warm, freshly baked cookies and creamy fillings; lines form during peak hours; interior is small but the lineup shines.