About
When you crave fresh bread, hearty breakfasts, and some of the best coffee on 30A, head to Black Bear Bread Co. in Grayton Beach.
Located in the Shops of Grayton on HI 283, Black Bear Bread Co. began in late 2016 to create a true neighborhood bakery built around fresh bread, seasonal food, and thoughtful service. The restaurant is the brainchild of Dave Rauschkolb and Chef Phil McDonald, two longtime friends and restaurateurs. Rauschkolb is known for his work with Bud & Alley’s in Seaside, while McDonald brought experience from high-level kitchens in Florida and New York City.
Even the cafe’s name has a fascinating origin story. When Rauschkolb and McDonald spotted a black bear feasting on discarded bread from the dumpster, the choice was obvious!
As the cafe became more popular, they added the Bar Room in 2019, giving guests another way to enjoy the restaurant’s food, drinks, and gathering-style energy. In 2021, they opened a location in Seaside that’s across the street from Bud & Alley’s.
The focus at Black Bear Bread Co. is quality, which is why it partners with area producers and farmers. Such dedication means you’ll always dine on the freshest baked goods and sip on coffee from high-end roasters.
So, hop on a bike or load up the kids in the car and head to Black Bear Bread Co. for fast, delicious, and fresh breakfasts and lunches!
Vibe
For the sake of time, we’ll focus on the mothership location at The Shops of Grayton. The quaint, identical shiplap buildings feature tin roofs and pastel colors, making Black Bear Bread Co.’s white facade and simple signage stand out.
Inside the narrow cafe, you order at the counter that houses scones, fresh-baked breads, and sweet rolls. While there’s usually a line, the pace is efficient and the wait time is minimal. Opposite the counter are several tables, while most opt to eat next door in the Bar Room or at some of the outdoor tables between the two businesses. However, the majority order to-go to take back to their rentals or on the way to the beach.
The atmosphere is quintessential Grayton Beach: laid-back and eclectic.
Black Bear Bread Co.: Menu & Drinks
Aside from serving fresh-baked goods and piping hot coffee, this breakfast magnet opens at 7 a.m., making it ideal before a day on the water or at the beach.
The breakfast sandwiches are ideal for on-the-go diners who need something hearty before a day of adventure. First, you choose either a bagel, biscuit, croissant, bun, country sourdough, or multigrain sourdough. Next, you select from a variety of options, like the Paris Ham with egg and cheddar cheese or the BEC with Benton’s bacon, an egg, and cheese.
Diners often rave about the French toast, which comes with ricotta, seasonal fruit, maple syrup, sea salt, and pecans.
For those who don’t want (or can’t eat) the freshly baked breads, there are plenty of options to consider. The steel-cut oatmeal is healthy and hearty, featuring seasonal fruit, maple syrup, pecans, currants, and sea salt. The granola bowl features a layer of Greek yogurt topped with house-made granola, seasonal fruit, local honey, dates, and cashews. The grain bowl is yet another superb choice, with poached eggs, farro, quinoa, pecans, avocado, greens, tomato, and fresh herbs.
The homemade breads make the tartines shine, like the avocado on multigrain sourdough with house pickles and seasoning. For a sweeter option, the banana toast combines whipped ricotta, local honey, sea salt, mint, chili, pecans, and country sourdough.
The coffee drinks are impressive, featuring fresh-brewed Stumptown Coffee for lattes and other coffee drinks. Tea drinkers can look for options such as jasmine honeysuckle tea, and kombucha from Noli South is also available.
With its fresh-baked goods and drinks, Black Bear Bread Co. turns an ordinary breakfast or coffee stop into a memorable 30A experience!
Local Tips
- Parking is limited, but there’s a paid lot on the opposite side of HI 283.
- The Little Cubs (kids’ menu) options make Black Bear family-friendly.
- Order pickup and skip the lines.
- Join the loyalty program if visiting more than once.
