Dan the Baker - Toast Bar

As a total fangirl who has watched countless IG panettone-flipping and dough-shaping reels, the stars finally aligned and I found a free day to visit Dan the Baker! There was a line down the sidewalk, but the vibes were great and it moved quickly. When we got to the counter, the gentleman helping us made us feel welcomed and didn't rush us at all. It’s been a long time since I’ve genuinely felt like a business was happy I was there. We ordered cinnamon rolls, croissants, cruffins, and bread. Everything was delicious. I can’t wait to go back for one of those giant sandwiches…and to spend the rest of my paycheck on gelati and carbs. 😄

Exceptional bakery, at a cost. They say that you get what you pay for, and here you pay a lot. Over $10 for a croissant is unheard of. That being said, it is a beautiful, artisanal croissant, with a perfectly folded, rich dough that is crispy on the outside and fluffy and airy inside. Is it worth the price? Maybe. It certainy is exceptional quality, but then again, you can find really good bakeries at half the price. Based on the long lines, I guess most people do prefer best quality over price.

there are a few pastry shops in the world that people have begun to talk about, and this one earned its spot on the list for sure. something that I believe people have become accustomed to as a higher level of pastry like Dan the Baker does and as you could see in these pictures, I tried almost everything and right out of the gate. It’s the balance that will get you. it’s not just the intense flavors but the balance between them a lot of times things are just too much but not here and you get to taste every little component to each one of these fantastic items. It doesn’t matter what you get you can’t lose so just go in and try stuff and if you’ve been here before, and you’ve been sticking to the same thing, definitely venture out. Great service and worth hanging out in line.

Bacon and egg croissant was delicious—very flavorful filling and croissant was light, crispy, and buttery. A very special treat and worth the stop in from out of town! Country Sour bread smells wonderful. Would stop here again!

This bakery is one of the best and I have been to many!!! Visited on a Thursday AM- was lucky there was no line and lots of delicious looking pastries to choose from. The staff were super helpful and friendly. The cardamon bun- probably the best I have ever had- last summer I went to Scandinavia where had about a dozen and this one stands above them all! So good. Each bite so flavorful! The egg pancetta pastry was so unique and delicious! I wish I could go back and try every pastry they have! Definitely will stop by again when in Columbus.

Update: I originally said it was over priced… I’ve been back at least two days a week 😂 it’s that good!!! The iced honey vanilla latte is the best latte I have had in Columbus. I ask for an extra shot for a stronger coffee taste and for it to be sweet. The coffee alone keeps me going back. All pastries are so fresh buttery, not too sweet and perfectly balanced. The breakfast burritos and house made salsa are delicious. I haven’t tried something I don’t like yet. Great bakery!!! Original: Truly delicious pastries and drinks, but fare warning… it’s pricey. $18 for a pastry and 8oz tea. I loved my vanilla raspberry cruffin. Excellent customer service, clean nice restaurant, and free parking.

TLDR; grab pastries & bread. Pass on coffee & sandwiches. We have frequented Dan the Baker for years for consistently excellent bread and pastries. They are phenomenal and worth the money and the wait in line. We do not recommend the breakfast burrito & turkey sandwich after trying them today. The burrito was fine but at $18 was not exceptional. The sandwich was $20 and so salty that three people tried and passed on it. Tofu Bahmi was rated “ok”. The coffees were also expensive and just fine. They are great at bread and baked goods and would recommend them for those things to anyone I know!

Wow!!! Sooo so good!!! After coming back from France, these are my favorite chocolate croissants in Ohio! The cardamom know was sooo good too! I especially love that everything is handmade and locally sourced ingredients!!! Amazing! The customer service was amazing as well!!! Overall, a great experience, will be coming back!!!