Dan the Baker - Toast Bar

Introduction / Overview

For those in the Ohio region who believe that true quality comes from passion, patience, and the finest ingredients, Dan the Baker - Toast Bar in Columbus is an essential destination. This is far more than a typical bakery; it's a celebrated artisan establishment that has earned national recognition—including a nod as a James Beard Award Semifinalist—for its commitment to producing bread and pastries of extraordinary caliber. The philosophy here is simple but profound: use 100% organic grains, locally sourced dairy and eggs whenever possible, and time-honored techniques like sourdough fermentation, which imparts a complex, beautiful savor to every loaf.

What began from modest roots—with the baker starting in a backyard wood-fired brick oven—has grown into a modern production facility and a charming retail cafe. The "Toast Bar" concept is unique, allowing patrons to experience the incredible range of their hearth-baked breads in a new and exciting way, paired with gourmet, house-made, and local spreads. Whether you are looking for a perfectly balanced Butter Croissant—crispy on the outside, fluffy and airy inside—or a hearty loaf of Black Mountain sourdough made with ancient grains, Dan the Baker is a reflection of a deep, personal commitment to good food. The passion of the baker and the small, personal staff ensures that the “handmade feel” is never lost, even as demand continues to grow. For Ohio locals, this spot is a true benchmark of artisan baking excellence.

Location and Accessibility

Dan the Baker - Toast Bar is tucked away in the vibrant Columbus area, often described by customers as a delightful discovery worth seeking out.

The address is: 1042 Ridge St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA.

While the location is known to be slightly off the beaten path, the reward is well worth the short journey. The surrounding area offers excellent parking convenience, featuring both a Free parking lot and Free street parking, which is a significant amenity for a popular spot in a major city. The bakery is designed to be accessible to all members of the community, offering a Wheelchair accessible parking lot.

The space is set up to accommodate various needs, providing Dine-in service for a relaxing start to your day, as well as easy Takeout options for those on the go. For ultimate convenience, the bakery also offers Delivery service. Customers planning a quick stop will appreciate that it’s ideal for a Quick visit. The establishment is equipped with a clean Restroom, and accepts a variety of modern Payments, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Services Offered

The Dan the Baker - Toast Bar model is built around showcasing the versatility and quality of their cornerstone product: world-class bread and pastries.

• Artisan Bread Sales: Offering a rotation of sourdough loaves baked from 100% organic grains, including specialty items like Olive Polenta, Country, and Black Mountain (ancient grain) loaves, available in full loaves and demi baguettes.
• Exceptional Pastries: A daily selection of hand-laminated, butter-forward pastries, such as the classic Butter Croissant, rich Almond Chocolate Croissant, the savory Ham & Gruyere Croissant, and the unique Vanilla Bean & Raspberry Jam Cruffin.
• The Toast Bar Experience: A signature offering that allows customers to enjoy slices of various fresh breads paired with house-made and local gourmet spreads, providing a perfect light breakfast or snack.
• Gourmet Retail Items: A curated selection of high-quality goods from local and small purveyors, including Copia Farm Pasture Raised Eggs, Thunderkiss Coffee Beans, Aux Delices Des Bois Truffle Butter, and specialty charcuterie like North Country Fino Artisan Salami.
• Full Coffee and Beverage Service: Serving high-quality coffee—including House Drip Coffee and House Cold Brew—and a selection of specialty drinks, often using locally-roasted beans, alongside unique bottled beverages like Kombu Tea Kombucha.
• Multiple Dining Options: Providing Breakfast service and options for Dine-in, Takeout, and Delivery for flexible service to the Ohio community.

Features / Highlights

What truly sets Dan the Baker apart in the Ohio culinary landscape is its unrelenting dedication to quality and its distinctive offerings.

• Unmatched Quality and Balance: Customers rave about the perfect balance of flavors—intensity without being overwhelming—where every component of the pastry or bread can be tasted. The quality of the rich, perfectly folded dough is frequently noted.
• Use of Organic and Local Ingredients: A firm commitment to sourcing, using 100% organic grains, and featuring local purveyors for items like eggs, butter, and honey, ensuring the final product is both delicious and ethically sourced.
• Toast Bar Concept: This is a unique feature that centers the experience around the bread itself, offering a "toast flight" and open-faced sandwiches (Smørrebrød in the past) to highlight the different loaves with gourmet toppings.
• Prestigious Recognition: The establishment's quality has been validated with significant honors, including being named a James Beard Award Semifinalist, placing it among the most distinguished bakeries in the nation.
• Innovative Pastries: Beyond the classics, the bakery is celebrated for unique creations such as the flavorful Cardamom Knot, the delightful Morning Bun, and the seasonal Cruffin varieties.
• A Focus on Sourdough: The core of the bread program utilizes a long-standing sourdough culture, dating back to 2008, ensuring deep complexity, savor, and easy digestibility in their breads.

Contact Information

For inquiries, orders, or simply to plan your visit, please use the contact information below.

Address: 1042 Ridge St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

Phone: (614) 928-9035

What is Worth Choosing Dan the Baker - Toast Bar?

For any Ohio resident, choosing Dan the Baker - Toast Bar is choosing to invest in the absolute best quality available in the artisan baking space. While some reviewers note the price point—with a croissant costing over $9—the consensus is clear: you get what you pay for. This bakery appeals to the discerning customer who prefers exceptional quality, superior ingredients, and perfect execution over a lower price tag. It is a place where every item, from the Ham & Gruyere Croissant to a simple Baguette, is a work of culinary art.

You are not simply buying a baked good; you are enjoying the result of a commitment to organic, local sourcing, ancient baking methods, and the continuous pursuit of balance in flavor. The unique Toast Bar concept also provides a culinary experience that encourages you to explore the diversity of their breads, perfect for food enthusiasts looking to venture out and try new things. For breakfast, a light lunch, or to take home a loaf of truly great sourdough, Dan the Baker - Toast Bar delivers a rewarding and delicious experience that is worth the line and every penny for the Ohio community.

Dan the Baker - Toast Bar

1042 Ridge St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA