Sign of the Bear Kitchenware

The Sonoma Plaza offers a unique experience. It gives you the opportunity to shop in an environment that is historical, but is given a modern twist.The Sign Of The Bear from the outside looks like an Old West General Store. It specializes in Kitchenware. There is so much to look at, you can spend alot of time there, and not be in a hurry to leave. The staff is friendly and very helpful. My wife just bought a coffee maker that she is very happy with.

Vast selection of all home goods you would need to cook something successfully. Every kitchen tool you can think of is here. Every kitchen accessory is also here. It’s a great place for gifts or if you need something specific. The workers were nice and checkout was speedy.

Great cooking supplies store with a huge variety of items. Other items also, such as greeting cards and culinary books. I purchased a great new cocktail/mocktail recipe book (DRINKING FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE GLASS) penned by Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka.

Sign of the Bear is a treasure trove of wonderful items that left me truly captivated. From the moment I walked through the door, I was greeted by a captivating display of wood items that showcased the shop's commitment to craftsmanship and quality. It was a feast for the eyes, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for the skill and artistry that went into creating each piece. The staff at Sign of the Bear deserves special recognition for their exceptional service. From the moment we entered, their warm and friendly demeanor immediately put us at ease. They were knowledgeable about the products and enthusiastically answered all our questions. What stood out, however, was their kindness towards my children. They went above and beyond by surprising them with free glow sticks, which instantly brought smiles to their faces. It's these small gestures of generosity that truly make a shopping experience memorable. The variety of items available at Sign of the Bear is impressive. From beautifully carved wooden utensils to unique home decor pieces, there is something for everyone. The attention to detail and the commitment to sourcing high-quality products is evident in every corner of the shop. It's clear that the owners have a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and take pride in offering unique and exceptional items to their customers. I was particularly drawn to the wood section, where I found an array of stunning wooden pieces that would make fantastic additions to any home. The craftsmanship was impeccable, and the natural beauty of the wood was allowed to shine through. It was a pleasure exploring the different textures and designs, each telling its own story. Overall, my experience at Sign of the Bear was delightful. The combination of a charming atmosphere, friendly staff, and an incredible selection of wood items made it a memorable visit. I highly recommend this shop to anyone seeking unique and beautifully crafted items. Whether you're looking for a special gift or something to enhance your own home, Sign of the Bear is sure to exceed your expectations. Thank you to the staff at Sign of the Bear for their warm hospitality and for creating a truly enjoyable shopping experience. I look forward to visiting again soon!

One of my favorite shops in Sonoma! Lots of kitchen gadgets and tools. Everything felt like a reasonable price as well - with both high end items and everyday items. I also loved the mix of unique little treasures. I found a Ginko leaf charcuterie board spoon and beautiful little crystal pottery dishes. Such cute items in this shop! I also got accessories for my cast iron pans. This is a great store!

Great selection. AMAZINGLY kind and patient staff. The staff was all throughout the store double checking if people needed a closer look at something or had any questions. We left a bag from another store in Sign of the Bear on accident and not only did they hold onto it for us, they checked the receipt, pulled our name up in their system to see if we had shopped there before, and then sent us an email to let us know (because they didn't have our phone # on file) Absolutely above and beyond just to make sure we were able to reclaim our Xmas gifts.

Sign of the Bear is our go-to place to find What I Need for my newly-renovated kitchen! Laura & Steve's team are tops for helping us figure out the perfect items to help in our culinary journey! This must-visit store has great selections of chef's knives, cutting boards, countertop appliances (think coffee makers, mixers, blenders, air fryers, etc.). When I purchase a knife or an appliance, I want to talk to someone who is very familiar with what differentiates the different styles of tool I'm about to buy. The beauty of Sign of the Bear is the fact the team there are all cooks and foodies - geeks regarding subtleties of the differences that I never would have figured out on my own without hours and hours of research. So, while I do enjoy that kind of research, these guys did save me a slew of time when I needed to grab a roasing pan for the joint our friend from the UK wants to cook for a Sunday Roast! (In the British Isles, the Sunday Roast is a national specialty!) (I got a beautiful stainless steel Hestan roasting pan with integrated rack) These guys rock! Make the trip and you'll see why! Photo is of my new Le Cruset Dutch Oven!

Great store with beautiful kitchen options at reasonable prices

Best local store! Love Laura and the team. It feels like Cheers, they all know your name! I can buy some items at William Sonoma but instead I believe in supporting our local community stores. if they don't have an item, just ask they will order it for you. Simply the best!

So I went into the store, because I was really only looking for a pot holder. They had lots to choose from, and I wanted it to be for my daughter. She loves avocados, and I found one with avocados. The people were very friendly, and I noticed they were telling everyone where they could find whatever they needed. I thought the price of the pot holder was perfect. If I was looking for other kitchen items, they have a very wide selection.

I visited for the first time today. It's a nice enough store, but I was very surprised they didn't have the very basic item I came for - an extra large cookie sheet. I ended up buying two at Target for $17.99 apiece (Wilton 15"x21" Mega Sheet). The selection they had at this store were all smaller sized. Then I tried to email the business privately to let them know, instead of calling them out publicly on Yelp. No can do. They don't list an email address on their website.

Again, Sonoma Square at the holidays is second to none. Find a place to park ,plenty of areas to choose from. Although it just may take a trip or two nascar style to fine an opening. For all the foodies, budding chefs and the unique gift ideas. I can't show a photo of what was purchased because it is still a secret. Shop local this and all holidays.

Still one of my favorite kitchen stores anywhere!!! These guys have a fabulous selection of all kinds of things! From pots,pans, knives. Oh my the knives are amazing!! To all kinds of cute towels, bowls etc. They go from fun to completely utilitarian and everything in between!! And these guys know what they are talking about so just ask if you need help!!!

Totally fun fun place to find unique gadgets for the kitchen. For those hard to buy folks , this is a great place to find fun gifts for them. My husband found this store as we were heading towards Sunflower Caffe, and the window displays had fun items (mouse cheese knives sooo cute, cute handtowels, but we came back because of some knives they had for promo which was 25% less then online). Unfortunately, they were still close after we had breakfast hours are 10-6pm. I loved finding some really cool things for the kitchen. This place had everything from cookware, chinaware, grillware, bakeware, barware, any kitchware you can think of!.. lol whatever you can think of for the kitchen (and many you wouldn't even dream of) they had. Super friendly service. They provided free gift wrapping for one of cool pewter spout for a wine lover (different designs but my friend loves mermaid so found her that). The kids wanted me to buy a construction cutlery which would be so cute for a 5 year boy bday gift. I definitely want to come buy and buy more things for christmas and birthday gifts. Prices were reasonable with excellent promos.. My husband bought a beautiful 14" knife (for brisket) that online costs $95 (plus shipping) .. they had it on sale for $59 (SCORE!) It's fun visiting Sonoma lots of great food, park close buy for the kids, and fun stores to visit and window shop (or BUY).

Love the stock. Love the service. Wish it was open 'til 6:00 to be able to visit every time we went to Sonoma for our early 6:30 to 7 dinner!

Well stocked store with almost everything that you might need including high end products. But they do tend to charge full price for most of their offerings. It's a fun place to walk through and make impulse buys. I do!

This place is unique and is definitely all about things for the kitchen and house wares. Staff is friendly, helpful and gracious. The Sign of The Bear has a lot of really one-of-a-kind items and gift ideas. From my humble perspective, this place is beyond Martha Stewart and Williams Sonoma; they have things and ideas that neither Martha or WS has. Yet on average Sign of The Bear is reasonably priced, especially when compared to WS, Martha Stewart or even Pottery Barn. Not only does Sign of The Bear have a more robust variety of items offered but they have a sense of taste and style that is both eclectic and well-thought out. Sign of The Bear also has original specialty items that are produced locally, that reflects the beauty and quality that is Sonoma Valley. So if you're looking for something that says "this is from wine country" then Sign of The Bear is the place to go. Parking is available on the street, right outside the door, but is limited. Sign of The Bear gets busy on weekends, especially during tourist season. This is not a place to rush through. Take your time.

Check receipt!! I was overcharged by almost 20%. They guy at the register had absolutely no personality and seems bored to tears at having to work. I think he was just randomly charging since most of the customers are tourists. Otherwise, the store is very cute. Very similar to Sur La Table and extra quaint in downtown Sonoma.

Man, this is the best and coolest place to shop for home decor. They have everything you can imagine. I love how many of their items are exclusive to them. I ordered a few things to be shipped back home to me in Florida. The lady who helped me was very knowledgeable and made sure everything arrived well protected as to not be broken. Everything arrived safe. I wish I took pictures there. They have a lot of street parking in this area. This is a great place to stop and even just browse. But I bet you will buy something because of all the cool loot they have such as cookware, dishes, pot holders, pictures, etc.

Laura has her shop well-stocked; and has friendly and informative staff! A fun place to browse and shop for all your kitchen needs and wants.

This shop is amazing . Friendly , helpful staff ,and stocked well W kitchen supplies , and gadgets , cutting boards , gorgeous cheese boards , been here a few decades . Downtown Sonoma proper !!! Check it out !!

I don't know what it is but one of the places that my husband and I like to check out when we're in a new place is a kitchen store. This one did not disappoint. The staff were great with us. They seemed like they were informed with their products which you will definitely not get from big box stores. Also their prices are good!

Great find in Sonoma, located right on the square. Wine Country has many unique shops and boutiques. If your looking for kitchen/cookware this shop is your spot. I have been to CIA kitchen/cookware store in St. Helena, which I loved also, but I really like to support this store as it is owned by a nice Husand/Wife team. They do a great job and work hard at supplying unique, useful kitchenware. The store had a big banner in the display window thanking all the "first responders" fighting the North Bay wildfires. They expresses their gratitude to the fire fighters for saving their business! I look forward to visiting Sign of the Bear again soon. I think this business is going to help me find gifts for the Cook's in my life. I saw classic, quality items that are reasonably priced. Next time I'm in Sonoma, I'll be sure to stop in and take a look around!

One of the very best kitchen stores in Northern California. Entertaining and something for everyone!! Quality items (high end wood cutting boards and custom oak wine barrel lazy Susan tops, expensive knives) - funny items (hilarious "Thug" cookbooks, rifle bearing army men bottle openers, pewter Viking and unicorn wine stoppers, funny cocktail napkins & kitchen towels) - cool items like useful & unique gadgets (wine charms, avocado slicer, microwave potato chip maker, flasks, mushroom brushes, tiny spoons and salt bowls). This place is amazing. My little family spent 30-minutes in here today just shopping around and having fun! We left with a few treasures and enjoyed our time at Sign of the Bear! You have to check it out when you come to visit Sonoma.

The middle aged folks of this establishment are extremely rude and musty. They hella look at me like my pants are on fire. I won't be back af. Don't shop here!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As someone that enjoys cooking, Sing of the Bear is a great place to shop for kitchen ware. Their goods are well curated and cover a variety of price ranges, tastes and levels of ability/expertise. While they have a lot of products to offer, it doesn't feel overly crowded to me. The displays can be whimsical and fun. I appreciate that the items in stock aren't geared towards just tourists or those that only eat/drink wine and cheese. This is a fully stocked store for residents as well. They offer gift wrapping services, which can be very helpful if one is looking for a last minute gift. I found the staff to be helpful and quite friendly.

Found their website while looking for purchasing knives. I called to ask some questions and found their personal service super helpful. Placed an order over the phone and they shipped fast.

Sign of The Bear Kitchenware is the kind of store that has things that you didn't even know you needed! Even though I was taught many years ago that you should be able to do everything in the kitchen with only three knives, I can't help but have a love of gadgets! They have a whole section for baking gear... maybe I should take up baking...hmmmm. They have great visual stimulation. It's a wonderful place for tourists to find the right gift for someone back whom if a bottle of wine won't do the trick. So many beautiful, fun, unique items that will always remind you of your trip to Sonoma, long after you've drank the rest of your souvenirs. Since I'm fairly local, I stop in often enough to be reminded of something I already have that could use to be renewed. And I love their selection of soaps. Something fresh and floral to brighten up the kitchen or guest bathroom. Perfect! Stop in, treat yourself to something special. You deserve it. Shopping Tip: Check out their selection of Cast Ironware.

Totally wonderful cooking store. Great mix of brands and items and the staff were amazingly helpful. After our initial visit,I barely made it back to the car before heading back in to the store to buy a Heritage saucier (that has been a wonderful acquisition). Ended up caLling them from home after we got back to San Jose to purchase a frypan in the same collection. Another great experience with their helpful staff. This is a place worth a detour to visit when you're up in Wine Country. Independent. Passionate about all things cooking. And lovely people. Well done, folks!

I stopped by here wanting to support local business, and left feeling completely unwelcomed. Not one employee said hi to me or asked if I needed help, while other customers who happened to be Caucasian were greeted as they entered the store or were asked if they needed help. The only employee who spoke to me excused herself to get past me. Interestingly enough, my Caucasian husband who entered this store on the same day without me, was greeted by at least one employee. I am not one who sees "racism" everywhere I go, but the way I felt treated today left me feeling sad and like I didn't belong.

Had such a fun time in this store yesterday! Soo many cute items! Course we took many great things home with us. It's a great little shop to buy things not only for yourself but so many gift ideas! Everyone has those hard to buy for family and friends well this is the place to get gifts for them! Highly recommend checking it out. Family owned and operated and owners were very friendly and helpful!

This place has everything for your kitchen. It's like a mini Sur la Table in the heart of downtown Sonoma. Kitchen gadgets, coffee makers, knives, you name it, they've got it. And because they're located in wine country, they carry plenty of wine related gadgets. Even if you leave empty handed it's a great place to browse.

Over the past ten years I've bought kitchenware and cook books galore from this shop. This very charming shop. More fun than a sur la table store, maybe because it's more cluttered and quirky. Or maybe because it doesn't feel so corporate cookie cutter. Lots'a high quality merchandise. And when an item is on sale it can be priced lower than an e-Bay or Amazon deal. Recommended.

Sign of the Bear has everything kitchen, from the practical to the whimsical. It's chock full and you have to be mindful in some of the narrower spaces, but it's worth the fun. I've bought fun aprons, cat dishes, olive wood utensils, bakeware, mini glass measuring cups, popsicle molds and so much more here. Plus it's located right on darling Sonoma Square. Worth a visit, whether to browse or buy.

Great service and advice! Bought one beautiful japanese knife at a great price. They also sharpened and restored two of my other knives. They look incredible and I can't wait to take them back to my kitchen!

This year, I wanted 2 more cups for my collection of Sorrento dinnerware. They had the colors I wanted, and even though it was quite busy, I was helped with a big smile. This is truly on of the best kitchen store ever!

I'm a sucker for culinary supplies. I love to window shop and although it wasn't my birthday, I wanted something for myself and home. They have so many gadgets and appliances that I was like a kid in a candy store. The baking section is impressive and the wood carved items were really beautiful. I tried to keep in simple and pick up a couple small accesories for my kitchen. Perfect place for anyone who loves to cook or gifts for those who do. A culinary based gift is a gift that keeps on giving.

I'm sure I'm not the first customer to walk through the door of Sign of the Bear and stop dead in her tracks with mouth agape. Holy cow, what a fantastic store! I nearly went into sensory overload walking up and down the aisles. My eyes could barely take in all the wonderful kitchen gadgets, many of which I'd previously only seen on cooking shows. It's unbelievable how many goodies they've packed into this store, but they manage to keep it nicely organized. About a third of the store is very pricey in my opinion, but that means it's perfect for finding a gift for the cook or hostess who has everything. You can still find plenty of reasonably-priced wares for yourself...some you didn't even know you needed but suddenly can't live without. The staff greets you the moment you walk in and gives the perfect level of service: In other words, they leave you in peace to browse to your heart's content, but they are very present and tuned in and are eager to answer any questions. I will be making a beeline to this store every time I find myself in Sonoma!

Need a Shun knife? Oh.... what about a sous vide machine? some new cutlery? gourmet tools for the kitchen? stemware? Flatware? cute gifts? a new Le Creuset anything with their awesome lifetime warranties? Sign of the Bear, IMHO, has some of the best inventory in gourmet kitchen fineries out there....amazed me walking around yesterday afternoon. Found the cutest little dainty, unique salt spoons...a luxury?! oh yes! Butter bell crocks, aprons, dish towels, little fun knick knacks that assist you on your journey to unleashing that Top Chef in you! Quite the impressed window shopper cum mini purchaser....so much inventory that the place seems stuffed silly to the rafters with merchandise!

I always shop at Sign of the Bear when I visit Sonoma. However, as I made my purchase today, the cashier was extremely rude to another employee - right in front of me! I will never shop there again.

I don't like to write bad reviews, but beware of the female owner/manager. 2nd time I've been in and have witnessed her being rude to both her employees and customers. I'll be taking my business elsewhere.

Lots of kitchen gadgets, obscure stuff, if it's not in here.....well, you get it, right??? Great place to find things that you didn't know you needed

Excellent stock. Things from local artists as well as national brands. Adequate staff to help. The only down side is with so much merchandise the store is generally very congested and crowded. But you WILL find cool things you didn't know you needed. It's s fun place to stroll.

Super cute locally owned kitchen ware store with reasonable prices. Perfect place to find that special gift and to pick up something unique for yourself. The staff is super nice and friendly and has really good customer service.

If you have the slightest interest in kitchen gadgetry, cookbooks, tableware, unusual cleaning tools, etc., you will love Sign of the Bear right on the Sonoma square. It's a tad overwhelming, actually, even for a fan of this particular genre such as moi. But it's way more fun and sensory pleasing than a trip to Williams-Sonoma or Sur la Table. Skip, hop, don't stop, get thee to the Sign of the Bear Kitchenware.

Do you need an apron that reads "Danger: Men Cooking," a beer cozy with your initial embroidered on it, a Le Cruset 7.25 quart french oven, a french press, and a cookie cutter shaped like an ostrich, but you don't have time to make stops all over town? Oh, wait, that's me. I used to think that Sign of the Bear was a tourist trap: specialty kitchen items that no one really needs for twice what they'd cost somewhere else. But I was wrong. Again. There's no Target in Sonoma, so when you need, say, a pastry bag or a tray for cooking madellines or a strainer, Sign of the Bear has you covered. Sure they have $80 pepper mills and other silly items, but that's what makes me love them more. I like to go to SOTB when all the stuff left on someone's wedding registry sucks and I want to get them something cool and useful. WARNING WINE TASTERS: Sign of the Bear is small. It is filled with lots of expensive glass items. Don't break shit. Oh, and they gift wrap.

Even though I'm not much of a kitchen maven, my visit to the historic Sonoma Plaza isn't complete without a visit to the Sign of the Bear. The inventory is packed in and huge, and who knows what you'll find inside. And I usually find something that I can actually use and discover other stuff that I wish I could.

Having some time to kill before a cooking class at Ramekins, we decided to walk around town. Being the aspiring baker (me) and chef (him) that we are, we found this little shop on Yelp and wanted to check it out. It has a little bit of everything from fun ktichen gadgets and cute aprons to cookbooks and Le Crueset kitchenware. You are bound to find something that you really don't need but it's so cute/inventive that you'll find a use for it someday. At least that's what happened to me. I ended buying a whole set of decorating tips that I'll probably only use 2 of the 30 that it includes. I don't really need this, but, ahh, what the heck! I'm rarely over on this side of the bridge, so I might as well go all out! You may not be a professional chef/baker, but this place may have all the right tools to inspire you to become one!

Do you have onion goggles yet? Because if you don't they are worth every flippin' penny! All 2,095 pennies + tax. Boyfriend got these from here for me for Christmas and they are by far, the best Christmas present I've even gotten. You may be thinking, "The BEST Christmas present ever?" YES! I'm not kidding. If you like to cook and you use onion, come buy these goggles. While you're there, buy yourself one of the beautiful blown glass iced tea pots/makers, a new ceramic knife and anything else your heart desires. Sign of the Bear never disappoints.

Whats not to like? We live pretty close but only cruise Sonoma Square every few months or so....always stop in here. Have NEVER witnessed any attitude or obnoxious salespeople. We ALWAYS find something, yesterday we got an awesome special scrub brush for wine glasses. There's a LOT to see, its just a FUN store, even friends who don't like to cook like it here. Highly recommended! My only negative (sorta) thing -- time for a new window display, its been the same for a while! Cool store! Go there!!

My husband and I spent the day in Sonoma on January 5th to celebrate our anniversary. While there, we popped into this wonderful store and bought a few things. When we got home (we live about an hour away) we saw that the mug we bought had a crack on the handle. I called the store the next day and talked to Laura who was sooo nice and who really wanted to make it right. Fast forward a couple weeks, our new mug arrived yesterday and is perfect. This is such great customer service, I will certainly be back to see them next time I'm in Sonoma. Laura, thank you to you and your team, you are amazing! Ellen

Very cute kitchenware store that was kinda like a cross between a Sur La Table and Bed Bath and Beyond because of their mixture of high end and mid grade goods. The place was packed when I visited but I still managed to oogle at all the wares that would look good in my kitchen. You see, I have this illness. An illness that I have been called out on countless times. I tend to want to purchase kitchen electrics and goods for one sole purpose...it looks good on my counter! If you know me well, you know I can't cook or don't cook but sure do love those fancy shmancy electrics and tools! I'd love to come back and buy ummm I mean browse the goodies again!

Fun kitchen and home store located right on the square. Chef knives, Beautiful Plate Sets, Flour Sack Napkins, Coffee Makers, Baking Supplies, Country Chotkes and Modern Flair. Love to shop for housewarming gifts, hostess items and home needs. Fun crew how works behind counter too.

Love this place though my bank account suffers! So many goodies are crammed in this store, I want to buy them all. If you are looking for a kitchen staple or the perfect hard to find gadget this is THE place! Take into account it is Sonoma Square and you know it will be pricy. However, look around, you will find some great finds and amazing deals. (I got a $90 French press, tiny dent, for $20). My BFF is a chef 3 hrs away and has me but stuff for her restaurant here for her. Even if your not buying, worth a look-ie-loo!

Kitchen, dining and some other random supplies for locals and visitors alike. It's crammed to the hilt with everything from Le Creuset and Riedel to mugs and rolling pins. What really stands out is they always seem to have the pieces of a set or a smaller production piece in a series that the big places don't carry and would never allow a custom order of! Have even swung in to see if they had replacement parts for some mixing components saving me a trip out to the big mall areas. Great staff. They're extra speedy when it's busy so don't feel neglected. Ohhhh, they are extra special nice to locals.

The initial item in the window that caught our eye was the muffin pan with little old-fashioned truck shapes (too cute!), but what reeled us in like fish on a line was the octopus bundt pan. An octopus bundt pan, you ask? Why, YES!!! And for approximately $35, it can be yours too! I didn't get it because I don't bake enough cakes to justify adding another piece of what Mark and Matt called 'kitchen junk' to my tiny apartment, but when I move from pies to cakes, I will. Oh yes. It WILL BE MINE. Muwahahaha. This place is some sort of culinary kitchen mash-up where Sur la Table meets some French country store owner and elopes with your Japanese exchange student to have a mysterious German stepchild. Le Cruset cookware mingles with french milled goat milk soap (Mark and Matt went apeshit over how cheap the soap was. Who would have thought these two guys even cared about soap!), a hen shaped purse, bamboo cutting boards, offset spatulas, a fine array of panini grills and waffle makers, Shun and Wusthof cutlery, spices and more! It was a veritable cornucopia of kitchen-y goodness, and I was in heaven. I could have spent hours (until the sun went down, honestly) fondling and molesting all of their cooking utensils. I exhibited extreme restraint and only purchased a few packets of yogurt starter of which I was not able to find locally. They also sell home-made yogurt making machines too- I have the same one they sell, from Euro-Cuisine. If you've never had home made yogurt, it's super easy to make and so unbelievably good, you'll never buy store bought again! The only down side to this place is that the aisles are really tightly packed and fairly narrow. I'm slim but very clumsy, so I managed to knock over a whole display of olivewood spoons. Yes, that was me that made the huge ruckus. This store is my 'candy store'. Now I have several reasons (Ahem, a more legitimate reason than to go wine tasting!) to come to Sonoma!

Love this place, for all the reasons already stated-- and now they have an e-blast, that I LOVE to get-- full of great info, recipes, suggestions, tips-- and yes of course a few pitches for products, but I don't care because all the recipes etc. are great. I think it's put together by an employee-- connorhavlek@hotmail.com-- so if you want to sign up for the list, write to Connor... Makes me feel like I've just walked through the store when I'm not in Sonoma...