Two Sticks Bakery — Restaurant in Bloomington

I've had the privilege to eat at a lot of quality food establishments over the years due to my brother. Along with owning three coffee shops and roasting their own coffee, he's the national barista champion and placed 4th in the world this past summer in Greece. I mention this only because he pursues excellence in everything he does, and he appreciates excellence. Every place he has ever taken me has this same mindset of excellence and passion for food and the customer's experience. I write all of that to say that Two Sticks falls into this category. They pursue excellence and passion in their craft of baking while making each customer feel like they're part of the Two Sticks community. There isn't a finer bakery in the area. I have tried so many delectable goodies from this place, and each one has been spectacular. The food is top notch--they could be doing this in any big city, but they're nestled in middle of Bloomington. I rarely come when there isn't a line out the door, but that's alright because amazing food is worth the wait. The short wait makes me appreciate the food all the more. While the front parking area is small, I'm always able to find a place to park in the area. The payoff is opening that front door and letting all of the incredible scents and smells overwhelm your senses. We are lucky to have such a wonderful bakery in the area. Support excellence!!!! They're incredible. You won't...

A bakery/coffee/breakfast gem of highest caliber, for which I aspire to become a regular.

Every outing should have at least two elements - if you're at a park, consider a picnic; if you're watching a movie, have some drinks after; if you're starting a work travel day, some comforting vittles and caffeine are in order.

Enter Two Sticks: an amazing addition to any adventure. Top tier, fresh baked goods (never been disappointed with the selection) offering both savory and sweet little treats, combined with quality standard cafe fare, and you're well on your way to a divine pre-9:00AM. Foccocia? Cookies? Hand pies? Scones? If you're trying to emotionally optimize a day that you've got to hit the grind heaby, then Two Sticks should be on your starting roster.

That being said, they are a bit funky - no indoor seating, only two customers are allowed in at a time, and practically non-existent parking. Things that a lesser establishment might need to contend with to bring in customers.

But all the more testament to their exceptionality that despite all that, they are always a unanimous vote for a morning start.

They know what they have, and I wouldn't change that for a minute.

Update Sept. 2025: They are now so popular (and so deserving of it) that if you want a specific pastry, you'll have to get there right at opening, they sell out their stock...

My experience wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. The man who took my order was just cordial, not outwardly friendly. He kind of chastised the woman coming in after me who mistakenly thought she could bring her dog in while she ordered, which made me feel super awkward. (Conflict, aah!) I ordered a butterscotch latte and an orange cardamom cinnamon roll. My latte didn't taste of butterscotch at all--it actually tasted like cardamom. It also was lukewarm at best. I didn't finish it. The cinnamon roll was yummy, but a little too soft and a one-note texture for my taste. I like a nice bread-y bite with a crunch of cinnamon sugar in my cinnamon rolls. The orange zest on top of the cream cheese frosting was a nice touch, though! It added a great flavor. I'll be back, but I think next time I'll go for a plain hot brewed coffee and a ginger molasses cookie. Oh, also, there are very few places to sit inside here, and the parking is limited, too. I don't imagine many customers will stick around inside for a long period of time in the cooler months. The business will likely see a lot more traffic in the summer when people can hang out in the patio Adirondack chairs in the...