Dancing Bear Chocolate

- 4367 N Thomas Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55412

For chocolate aficionados and dessert lovers across Minnesota, Dancing Bear Chocolate stands as a beacon of artisanal excellence in the heart of North Minneapolis. More than a simple chocolate shop, this local establishment is a culinary destination known for its dedication to creating the highest quality confections, pastries, and housemade gelato. The business operates under the delightful tagline, “Chocolate, Gelato, Pastry & Smiles,” a promise it consistently delivers upon to the community.

Founded in 2017 by chef/chocolatier Steven Howard and his husband Joe Skifter, Dancing Bear Chocolate has quickly grown to become a must-try spot in the Twin Cities. They are celebrated for their meticulous process of utilizing premium quality couvertures sourced from around the world, which are then expertly blended in their own workshop to achieve a unique flavor profile. Every item on the rotating menu is handcrafted, showcasing the passion and precision of true artisan work.

The shop’s offerings are diverse, extending far beyond the traditional truffle. They have gained a particularly enthusiastic following for their standout items. The Key Lime Pie, for instance, has earned extraordinary praise from Minnesotans, with one review stating it was the "best key lime anything I've ever had, ever," even ranking it above famous Florida establishments. Additionally, the shop has embraced global trends by creating exceptional versions of treats like the "Dubai milk chocolate and dark chocolate cups," which customers describe as "out of this world." This creative range, from classic desserts to viral international sensations, ensures there is always something new and delicious to discover at Dancing Bear Chocolate.

Location and Accessibility

Dancing Bear Chocolate is proudly located in the vibrant Victory Neighborhood of North Minneapolis, an accessible location for residents from across the city and surrounding suburbs of Minnesota. Its presence strengthens the local business community and provides a beloved neighborhood gathering spot.

The shop’s address is:

• 4367 N Thomas Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55412, USA

The location within the Victory Neighborhood offers ease of access via major city routes and is a central hub for the local community.

• Transit Access: The shop is typically accessible via local bus routes serving the North Minneapolis area.
• Driving: It is easily reached by car, offering local parking options commensurate with a neighborhood business location.
• Neighborhood Setting: Being situated in a wonderful residential neighborhood provides a charming, friendly atmosphere, encouraging both dedicated trips and casual drop-ins from local Minnesota residents.

Services Offered

The services at Dancing Bear Chocolate are comprehensive, reflecting its status as a full-service confectionery, pastry, and gelato studio. The offerings are tailored to provide a wide range of indulgence options for the Minnesota consumer.

Key services offered include:

• Handcrafted Artisan Truffles and Confections: Offering a rotating menu of hand-dipped truffles, where the shape and color often dictate the unique flavor, with seasonal assortments available (e.g., heart-shaped truffles for Valentine's Day).
• Specialty Pastries and Desserts: Providing intricate tarts, cakes, Crème Brûlée, Carrot Cake, Almond Cloud cookies (wheat-free), and signature items like the highly-praised Key Lime Pie and Key Lime Bars.
• Housemade Gelato and Ice Cream: Serving over a dozen flavors of gelato and ice cream, all made in-house, with favorites including Raspberry and Mango.
• Artisan Chocolate Bars: Crafting various chocolate bars, including flavored options like Cranberries Dark Chocolate, and unique viral hits like the Dubai Chocolate Bar.
• Savory Lineup: Expanding beyond sweets, the shop features a growing lineup of savory items such as Focaccia Bread, Quiches, Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad, and frozen soups and baked beans.
• Pre-Order and Pickup: Offering convenient pre-order services for cakes, tarts, specialty items like cinnamon rolls for weekend pick-up, and holiday selections.
• Gift and Assortment Boxes: Providing beautifully packaged truffle boxes and other assorted goodies perfect for gift-giving during holidays or special occasions.

Features / Highlights

Dancing Bear Chocolate has solidified its status as a premier Minnesota chocolate shop through several distinguishing features that ensure its products are recognized for quality and creativity.

The most compelling features and highlights include:

• Chef-Led Artistry: The business is owned and operated by chef/chocolatier Steven Howard, ensuring a professional, high standard of culinary execution and ingredient quality in all products.
• World-Class Key Lime Pie: Universally praised by local customers as the absolute best Key Lime Pie/Tart they have ever tasted, surpassing expectations and even national benchmarks.
• Viral and Global Inspiration: Regularly incorporating on-trend, international flavors like the popular Dubai Chocolate Cups and Bars, demonstrating an agile and creative menu.
• Commitment to Quality Ingredients: Utilizing the highest quality chocolate couvertures from around the world and ensuring all products, from gelato to pastry, are handmade in their on-site commercial kitchen.
• Diversity of Offerings: A genuinely unique combination of a high-end chocolate shop, artisanal bakery, and gelato studio, all in one location, plus a savory lineup for a complete experience.
• LGBTQ-Owned Business: Proudly adding to the Twin Cities' diverse entrepreneurial landscape.
• Niche Dietary Options: Offering wheat-free options, such as the Almond Cloud cookies and wheat-free chocolate cakes, to accommodate varying customer needs.

Contact Information

For Minnesota customers wishing to inquire about the rotating menu, place a pre-order, or check on specific hours, the contact information for the North Minneapolis studio is provided below.

• Address: 4367 N Thomas Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55412, USA
• Phone: (612) 963-1912
• Mobile Phone: +1 612-963-1912

What is Worth Choosing Dancing Bear Chocolate?

For any Minnesota resident seeking a truly elevated dessert experience, Dancing Bear Chocolate is worth choosing because it embodies local craftsmanship paired with world-class quality. The shop offers a singular opportunity to taste the finest handmade chocolate, pastries, and gelato created by a dedicated chef right here in Minneapolis. You are not just buying a treat; you are investing in a labor of love that supports a local, dedicated small business.

The undeniable highlight, consistently praised by all who visit, is the perfection of their Key Lime items and the exciting innovation behind treats like the Dubai Chocolate Cups. When you choose Dancing Bear Chocolate, you are guaranteed a product where flavor, texture, and artistry are paramount. It is the perfect destination for a sophisticated gift, a self-care indulgence, or the closing note to a special dinner. As their customers attest, you truly "can't go wrong with anything in the store." For the ultimate "Chocolate, Gelato, Pastry & Smiles" experience in the Twin Cities, make the trip to the Victory Neighborhood and discover why this is the premier destination for delicious-ness.

Dancing Bear Chocolate

4367 N Thomas Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55412, USA