Dancing Bear Chocolate

We were in the neighborhood looking for dessert and this shop popped up. We stopped in Sunday at around two in the afternoon and there was only one other customer in store. This shop is ran by a friendly hardworking man who is well informed about all the delicious chocolate and gelato.

This space is so cute, and there are so many different varieties!

If you haven't been to Dancing Bear Chocolate in North Minneapolis, then you need to get there. Everything they have is top notch (chocolate, pastries, and soup to mention a few). I had a crostata pastry there (blueberry and lemond curd if I recall correctly) and it was the best pastry I have ever had. Today I picked up a sourdough brownie, which was excellent, and some soup and a sorbet. The sorbet is honey and sunflower and it brought back memories of the State Fair and being with my father. Today I arrived before they were officially open and when they saw me they opened the doors early. Does customer service get better than that? Add on to that customer service that they are very knowledgeable and friendly. I will be back many, many more times. Come join me.

This is an absolutely world-class chocolate shop. The quality of everything I've gotten from here backs that up, but beyond the quality of their many offerings, it's just one of the most charming little shops you'll find anywhere.

I was invited to an event here in 2022, and ever since then I've started looking for excuses to come in. I live in St Paul so I'm not in this neighborhood that often. But lately I just make the drive when I feel like it, and it's worth it. (And for the record, no matter what they say about North Minneapolis in general, this is a super cute neighborhood.) The owners are so friendly and passionate, it's just very pleasant in there.

They always have new things that are either seasonal or that they just spun up on a whim. If you come during the winter you can try their European-style drinking chocolate, which is super smooth and VERY rich. But other times of year/week will offer different surprise treats. They'll often have savory hand pies and cheese spreads & dips, and I really liked the pimento spread.

They make their own peanut butter and it is the best peanut butter I've ever had; you can get it on its own, or find it incorprated into some of their chocolate and gelato offerings. Everything on their shelf is something that was crafted in the kitchen you can glimpse over the counter, and all of it would be at home at the fanciest chocolate and pastry shops you can imagine. The thing to do is stop here next time you're on your way to a dinner party or someplace where you want to impress people with a very nice gift of gourmet sweet treats. That's what I've been doing. It totally works.

I seriously love this place!

A cozy chocolate shop hidden in a neighbor, near Hwy 100/Brooklyn Blvd.
I attended a private YELP event here in December and found myself in the area today. Stopping in was a MUST.
Not surprised to find the 2 owners hard at work making all those goodies. Today was a cold, brisk morning and walking into a warm store was refreshing. I'm assuming the keep if warmer when actively making chocolate.
I picked out my faves: Kodiak bar, Big Hazel cookie and Oreo Gelato.
Spoke with one of owners during checkout. They were recently spotlighted on KARE 11. Check out their segment here: https://youtu.be/DOwiRRocMn8

While you won't find anything to compare Dancing Bear Chocolate to in this neighborhood, I believe it stacks up with world-class patisseries while maintaining its little neighborhood feel.
The retail space is meant for walk-ups only, so you can't linger over your treats while enjoying the ambiance of your neighbors stopping through, but in the warm seasons there are little tables outside and plans to make their back garden a patio to linger on.
Now, onto the food! There is nothing better than their hand pies, their flourless chocolate cake (Reina de Saba /Queen of Sheba), the key lime pie... at this rate it's easier to say what isn't phenomenal which is NOTHING. Chef Steven does not miss. It's crazy how good he is. It's crazy how lucky our neighborhood is to have them here.

Super nice people working there and super good hot chocolate and truffles and cheesecake. Will be back to try everything else.

YUM

I have stopped in here twice. Once having a key lime parfait on the little patio. The parfait was light, tangy, and perfectly sweet on a hot summer day.

Today, I was in the neighborhood so I picked up a little treat this time a chocolate one. I went in for one but came out with two: English toffee smothered in milk/dark chocolate and a kodiak bar.

Both are delicious, but I have to say that kodiak bar was unlike anything and well worth a trip back. The soft and marshmallow crispy bars are sandwiched together with a light and creamy peanut butter filling. The kind of peanut butter filling I think Nutty Buddies wished they were like. Then it's half dipped into dark chocolate.

So delicious, easily shared, but I don't know if I'd want to. Don't get me wrong, the English toffee was also delectable.

Next time, maybe I'll treat myself to the exquisite chocolates in gorgeous, shiny, colorful flower shapes.

I highly recommend dropping in next time you need a treat or a gift. Plus, you're supporting local business.

Ordered their German chocolate cake, Best German chocolate cake I have EVER tasted! Absolutely incredible!! The owners and staff are a first class group. Their chocolates are nice. I travel a lot, this group's chocolates and cakes exceeds even European bakeries. Impressive!!

This place is delightful. Do yourself a favor and stop by. Everything looks delicious.

I don't know how they do it, but these gentlemen make very, very special bakery items and chocolates.

Perfect balances of textures and flavors in every. single. recipe! No fire and misses here. Very intelligent, loving and impressive.

My personal favorite is the almond cookie - crunchy outside, soft inside, perfect balance of sweet and salt. Best I've ever had!

Definitely worth a special trip. I will especially go for special occasions and stock ups.