Embers Bakery & Cafe
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Embers Bakery & Cafe

Permanently Closed

James Beard award-winning bakery known for bierocs & pastries

Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null
Embers Bakery & Cafe by null

Information

312 Norris Ave, McCook, NE 69001 Get directions

$1–10

Order delivery
See Menu
Restroom
Credit card accepted
Debit card accepted
Contactless accepted
Free street parking

Information

Static Map

312 Norris Ave, McCook, NE 69001 Get directions

+1 308 345 6500
embersbakeryandcafe.com
@embersdowntownmccook

$1–10 · Menu

Features

•Restroom
•Credit card accepted
•Debit card accepted
•Contactless accepted
•Free street parking
•Free Wi-Fi
•Coffee
•Wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Oct 26, 2025

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 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@travelleisure
28,277 Postcards · 5,516 Cities

America’s Best Small Towns of 2023

"McCook, Nebraska, has a population of just 7,500, but this small prairie town boasts a culinary and cultural scene that far outpunches its weight class. It's home to the only James Beard Award-winning eatery in the state, Sehnert’s Bakery." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/americas-best-small-towns-2023-7643148
Sehnert's Bakery & Bieroc Cafe
@afar
25,132 Postcards · 3,699 Cities

James Beard Foundation Adds 5 Restaurants to Its America’s Classics List - AFAR

"A multi-generational family bakery dating back to 1957, this McCook establishment is known for bierocs—savory yeasted pastries filled with seasoned ground beef and cabbage or sauerkraut that trace to 19th-century German-speaking Russian immigrants—and has been run by the fourth generation of Sehnert bakers since 1991; the pastry is described by the James Beard Foundation as integral to Nebraska culture much like Husker football." - Lyndsey Matthews

https://www.afar.com/magazine/james-beard-foundation-announces-2019-americas-classics-winners
Sehnert's Bakery & Bieroc Cafe
@eater
391,161 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

James Beard Awards 2019: America’s Classics Winners | Eater

"A family has been baking bierocs — beef-filled yeasted dough pockets — for more than 100 years, and they have been running this particular bakery in McCook, Nebraska, since 1957." - Monica Burton

https://www.eater.com/2019/2/1/18205470/james-beard-foundation-awards-2019-americas-classics-winners
Embers Bakery & Cafe

Raj L.

Google
I came here for a JAG-K class from Norton and we had a amazing tour and we got to sample a bit of bread and it was also amazing. I got to try a donut with strawberry on top and it was the best donut I've ever had and when I'm back in McCook I will come back here!!!!

Aeowynn S.

Google
Loved the atmosphere, the sitting area is a great place to study/get work done! The staff are friendly and the coffee is good

John B.

Google
The place is old and rundown inside, but the real kicker is I ordered a 16oz cold brew with no ice and they delivered it as seen in the photo, a little over half full. I curiously asked if they dont fill it up all the way, and she responded that is the space for the ice. This so ridiculously cheap and a stupid way to run a business. Do they also only fill up 16oz hot coffee halfway? Cheapness beyond cheapness. Bad business. You have to ask yourself, where else are they cutting corners in food preparation? I should've went to Joltin Joes!

Stephen

Google
Liked the place. Nice little coffeeshop downtown. The coffee was great, didn’t try the food but that looked good as well. It has a big space for seating as well. The coffee was great and they had plenty of flavors for lattes. I had an iced latte and it was great, it was also a 32 ounce one. I like how they have these massive sized lattes, don’t usually have these at other places. Great stuff and friendly staff. Definitely check them out!

Rebecca's W.

Google
The owner is amazing and friendly and so helpful! Picked up cinnamon roll and German crispie for my dad. He loved them. Wish I lived closer. McCook had a real treasure here!

John S.

Google
I got the cobb salad, it was massive, would have ordered half if I'd realized. It was very good, the balsamic was ordinary, next time I'd order different dressing. I don't know what bread came with my salad but it was warm and buttered and tasted like angels I think! It may have been sourdough, had that look, but not necessarily the same taste, and I really like sourdough. The tea was unsweetened and they made a good choice when they chose that brand. If it were closer I'd go back and I regret that I didn't take pictures. The restaurant is very Charming and worth a visit. I'd probably give four and a half Stars if I could.

Jon

Google
What a cool place. Stopped by around 3 in the afternoon during the week for a coffee and snack. Donuts were fresh tasting, light, delicious. Had something with peanut butter icing on top. It was wonderful. Everyone loved what they had. Folks behind the counter were helpful and friendly. Cool space--looked like they do live acts in the space next door. If I'm ever in McCook again, I'm heading back.

C

Google
The food choices are great! Deliciously prepared sandwiches made with high quality ingredients on in-house baked breads and buns. Everything was delicious! Very reasonable prices. We couldn't leave without taking home a box of pastries - and they had baklava! All made right there. This is our new favorite place to eat when we go to McCook.

Debbie H.

Yelp
This was a very nice and friendly family owned business. We were welcomed and made to feel very much at home. The pastries we bought were outstanding and fresh.
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Alyssa P.

Yelp
I'm eating this restaurant relative to the city. Small town bakery. Nice environment and great customer service Food was ok but probably good for the limited options of the town.
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Mandy H.

Yelp
I love to stop here when I come to McCook. The lunch and desserts are delicious, the atmosphere is cozy and warm and the staff is friendly. I do wish they were able to bring back their baked gluten free treats but understand the stress of cross contamination.
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Eric H.

Yelp
Exorbitant prices for minimal portions. The quiche we had was $8, for a tiny, tiny slice that was less than 1" thick. Not your typical slice. Sandwiches are small with little ingredients, but very costly. Thus, the coffee too is terrible. Very weak - probably to save them money.
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Sarina P.

Yelp
The gluten-free muffins were delicious! There's plenty of seating inside and out for large groups to being by yourself rearing a book/working. Ordered a latte as well and it was warm, not even hot. I was really disappointed in that part as I typically don't go out for coffee so when I do, I like it to be delicious and worth the cost and wait. Also, making the latte took a long time. All this being said, the staff was friendly and the latte did taste good plus, the muffin was great which is hard to come by when it's gf. I bet their other bakery items are also delicious as well - they smelled great! Just beware if you order a drink and want it hot to order it extra hot.
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Kent M.

Yelp
Definitely the 'go to' bakery for whip cream filled long john/logs...whichever name one prefers. Best ones we know of. They corrected me this morning because they had already sold out that type filling. Can't recall exactly what is called. But not actually whip cream. They still had the Bavarian creme/pudding filling but we are not fans of that. And we shared a breakfast panini. Was ok. I did try another type donut thing. Was a fried bread pastry with vanilla cream and flakes of coconut. Really good. We had 2. Almost as good as the logs. Apparently we need to arrive earlier for the logs we like!
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Darby S.

Yelp
I came in as a new customer from a very hot outside. A sweet lady (owner perhaps) quickly greeted me and offered an ice water. I ordered two delicious breakfast items and wasn't disappointed. The atmosphere was great!

Courtney L.

Yelp
I always enjoy my stops into Sehnert's! I enjoy how many different options there are for coffee.
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Merlin D.

Yelp
Great Doughnuts & pastries, wear your signature clothes to help advertise your business. Keep up the great job your whole staff does there

Sandy L.

Yelp
We were in town so gave it a try. Was hoping to pick up some fresh bread but it was all frozen. The pastries however looked amazing. We tried a variety and they were all great. Their iced mocha coffee was phenomenal!

Viet P.

Yelp
Great place to go for coffee and pastries. Nice seating area inside and out. Service and ambiance were great

Brandy B.

Yelp
Passing through McCook on a road trip. Stopped in to Sehnert's for a quick bite - oooo boy! We were not disappointed! Everything we ordered was so good! I am a sucker for a good cream horn. It was so light, flakey, and not too sweet. Good coffee, too! Would definitely come back again if we ever find ourselves in McCook again!
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KhalDoyGo T.

Yelp
Best French toast I've tasted around Nebraska. Donuts and Turn Overs are pretty mouth-watering. Wanna take out some more. You need to visit the place. Great customer's service too.
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Rebecca S.

Yelp
if you have not tried a bierock...we call them Runzas. I found out that was a no no here. I tried mine made with kraut. It was delightfully thin for the dough. Lonnie had the German sandwich...their bread was a swirled bread. the crunch was perfect. If you want your long John stuffed, all you do is ask. they have Bavarian cream as well as a vanilla flavored one. ADA if you ride like me...with some extra wheels. One may negotiate quite well in this bakery. A vertical bar in the female bathroom would be helpful to transfer From the chair to the toilet seat. Plenty of room.
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Cory R.

Yelp
Cool location in downtown MCCOOK. Good beirocks and great service. I would recommend.
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Roxann A.

Yelp
We ordered French Toast and was absolutely delicious!! Didn't get the chance to take a picture because was so hungry and the foods looks so yum!!
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Eliza H.

Yelp
Visited Sehnert's while on a road trip with the hubs. We didn't try the famous, James Beard award winning bierocs, however, they look and sound like a fancy Runza. We did try the spiced chai tea, banana-strawberry smoothie and a "Sunday" donut. The chai tea was adequate (being a chai tea snob I would not order it again), the smoothie was "exactly what I wanted" according to the hubs (whatever that means) and the "Sunday" donut was pretty good (it tasted like they added malt mixture to it). The customer service was verbally okay. The older (sorry) woman was friendly and answered all my questions, the younger girl was friendly, but, seemed a little lost (maybe she was new?). We got my chai tea within two minutes, the other items were another story. After waiting ten minutes, and watching three other customers get their orders, I asked how long it would be on our smoothie and donut. The younger girl admitted she forgot and immediately made the smoothie and gave us the donut (after I reminded her again). Overall, the service, drinks and donut was okay (not what I would expect from a James Beard winning business). However, I would give Sehnert's another try to see if the service was just a fluke. Happy eating and drinking Yelpers!

Renae S.

Yelp
Amazing donuts. Look no further than this little gem ! We had my niece pick us up some while traveling and they still managed to taste fresh a day later. Of course, nothing beats having a fresh donut!

Joe A.

Yelp
Good. I like it. Would go again. Recommend getting two bierocs, maybe more for the road if you drive here.
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Joey P.

Yelp
Was driving though the area and could not wait to stop here for lunch and take some desserts for the road. Used to work for a business in the area and ate here for lunch all the time! Was equally excited to bring my kids here so I can share with them a placed to eat at while I traveled back in the day!

Brittany L.

Yelp
We were so pleasantly surprised with this place we had to leave a review! We go through a lot of small towns and can be skeptical when we see highly reviewed eateries because they're usually not that great. When there's no competition around the standard seems to drop. However, this definitely lived up to its reviews! We stopped by twice during our 3 days in McCook. The cinnamon roll was fluffy with just the right amount of icing and cinnamon. The Apple fritter was also great and not oily. The bar donut with the crunchy pieces on top was unique and the dough was soft. We tried the german crisp and the other crispy thing shaped in a circle. Everything was quality and fresh. Nothing overly sweet or oily. The iced Americano was good and the staff were friendly. We will definitely come back next time we're in the area!
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Kelly M.

Yelp
A friend and I brought our combined 8 kids to the bakery as we were visiting from out of town. Often times bringing a gaggle of kids to an eatery can be daunting, but the manager was extremely helpful and welcoming to our crew. The rest of the staff was just as helpful as well. The food was not only reasonably priced, but was delicious as well. Their vast selection of pastries will satisfy any sweet cravings while their lunch selection will fill your savory appetite. My sons, who both have gluten allergies, were beyond thrilled to hear they offered gluten free bread and muffins. We definitely recommend checking this place out!
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P.J. H.

Yelp
This cafe and bakery is clearly a vibrant center of downtown McCook; it was quite busy with diners and foot traffic. We opted to eat in, and each had one of the signature bieroc sandwiches. Clearly not unlike a Runza, but certainly different and quite tasty!
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Kathleen G.

Yelp
We always look forward to a coffee meetup here, while we are in town,! They make a great latte and the pastries are consistently great, reminiscent of the same ones we grew up with! Love the small town community feel of this place!
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Dena N.

Yelp
Best grilled cheese I've ever had... this is an awesome and unexpected treat in such a small town!

Julie H.

Yelp
Delightful and delicious . Definitely an award winner , but only tried the donuts and rolls . Anything with peanut butter frosting I'd recommend!
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Lala B.

Yelp
Not sure what the fuss is. They do have very nice employees. They were out of what we came for so we took some frozen Bieroc. We were supposed to have two cabbage and two kraut but when we got home, there were three kraut and one cabbage. We were surprised we liked the cabbage better, the kraut was overly mealy inside and too tangy (and we love tang). If you're going to home cook, we suggest brushing with a bit of oil and sprinkling a little course salt on top before baking. The jiffy burger wasn't awesome. The bun was pretty amazing but the meat needed more spices and honestly, could have used a couple pickle slices. Think sloppy joe minus tomato sauce and spices with finely chopped onion and mustard on top-but on arguably the best bun you can get. Oddly sweet minced potato salad that didn't even fill the tiny styrofoam container by half and in no way resembled their photos...had zero chives on top. We wanted to try the cinnamon rolls too...but you guessed it...out. I'm glad we tried it but it wasn't worth the massive drive to get there. If you're in town already, then yes, definitely go and take some burger buns home with you.
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Jon P.

Yelp
Sehnert's is such a staple in McCook. This place has such a charm and an elegance to it. I've visited three times now, and each time I'm so impressed! My favorite sandwich is the Apple Planter, but I also have really enjoyed this bakery. I'm Currently snacking on some fresh holiday stollen bread!
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Olivia C.

Yelp
Me and my family come to Sehnert's at least once a week! Donuts are always fresh and tasty. Their jiffy burgers and apple planters are delicious and filling! If you want something delicious to take home, grab a loaf of cinnamon bread (you will want more than one ) It's one of our favorite places in town.
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NeverMonday S.

Yelp
Great simple place with a yummy Cuban! Staff is friendly and the place has rocking music too. Free WIFI too. Prices extremely fair.
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Shelby R.

Yelp
If you get the chance, I would definitely recommend eating here! Everything tastes amazing. The doughnuts, the sandwiches, the coffee. Sehnert's doesn't disappoint.
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Paxton F.

Yelp
Bieroc = Runza, just in case you didn't know that. This is one of my two favorite places to eat in this town. I will eat lunch here every chance I can get. My normal order is two kraut bierocs and a jiffy burger. God I'm salivating just thinking about it. It's the only place I know that actually serves jiffy burgers. Yum. 'Nuff said.

Kayla W.

Yelp
Stopped by for a quick bite and had an ah-mazing apple chai for only $2, and a bierock (option of either cabbage or sauerkraut) and it was so great. So glad we stopped here! Legit am returning later today for another apple chai!
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Becky B.

Yelp
Honey Sriracha wrap is delicious! But also the Jiffy Burger is a must ! Dining area is super cute too.
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Karen K.

Yelp
Wow! I just found my new favorite cafe! Best bierocks ever! Caramel latte was spectacular!
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Brad R.

Yelp
Beirocs are great! Pizza is so so. Get there before lunch or they may be outta Beirocs. Gourmet sandwiches and Delaware donuts are pretty darn good. Great local business.

Allison L.

Yelp
My favorite thing about going back to McCook is Sehnerts and Mac's! Nothing beats a Sehnerts bieroc or Sehnerts melt, or apply planter, or southwest pizza, oh and the Jiffy Burgers!!!!!!!! Plus the donuts first thing in the morning with a chai tea or espresso. Nothing is bad, family owned business passed down, and you can tell they actually care about the business, the staff and the customers!

R. N.

Yelp
Delicious. I love their Bierocs (Runzas) and the Apple Planter sandwich. They have delicious donuts and drinks as well. A little pricey for the amount of food you get but it is a great place in a town that size to meet up with a friend for lunch to catch up.