Dancing Bear Cafe

10 E Main St, Pawling, NY 12564, United States
+1 845-493-0931
$$$ Cafe
(84 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you find yourself wandering the charming streets of Pawling, New York, make sure to take a moment to step into the delightful Dancing Bear Cafe, located at 10 E Main St. This cafe is not just a place to grab a coffee; it’s a haven for food lovers and those seeking a comforting atmosphere.

The moment you enter, the warm, inviting ambiance envelopes you, thanks to the friendly staff and cozy decor. With both indoor seating and a beautiful courtyard, it’s the perfect spot to unwind, whether you’re catching up with friends or enjoying a moment to yourself. The cafe's spacious layout, which includes two floors, adds an element of surprise, making you feel like you've stumbled upon a hidden gem.

Dancing Bear Cafe is where quality meets variety. Their menu boasts a delightful range of drinks and light meals that cater to all tastes. Start your day with their Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich served on homemade sourdough – an irresistible combination of crispy, savory goodness that's sure to satisfy. For something sweet, indulge in their freshly baked Blueberry Muffin or Chunky Apple Cinnamon Muffin, both bursting with flavor. As one customer beautifully described, the pastries here are “to die for,” making them a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.

If you’re in the mood for a lighter option, the Arugula Summer Salad, which can be enhanced with grilled chicken or steak, provides a refreshing burst of vibrant flavors. And for the ultimate comfort food experience, the Nutella Toast is a decadent treat that combines rich chocolate with perfectly toasted bread.

Drinks at Dancing Bear Cafe are equally impressive. Whether you prefer a classic Americano, a creamy Cappuccino, or a cozy Chai Latte, you’ll find that each sip is crafted with care. The thoughtful inclusion of oat milk options and a variety of syrups allows for a personalized touch to each beverage, catering especially to those with dietary preferences.

Real customer experiences echo this cafe's charm and quality. Andrew Cole raved about his breakfast experience, highlighting the freshness of the muffins, and Heathyr Easton described it as a “gem” filled with incredible options that cater to various dietary needs, including gluten-free selections. Even on bustling Saturday mornings, the staff’s dedication to service shines through, ensuring every guest feels valued.

The passion behind Dancing Bear Cafe is palpable, especially from its owner, Denise, whose dedication to customer satisfaction truly enhances the dining experience. Her thoughtful gestures, such as sending over a delicious box of treats for visitors, reflect her commitment to creating a welcoming environment.

Whether you’re stopping in for a quick coffee or looking to savor a leisurely breakfast, Dancing Bear Cafe promises to delight your taste buds and warm your heart. Don't miss this local treasure when you’re in Pawling—your palate will thank you!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Does not have assistive hearing loop
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Has live music
Has live performances
Has rooftop seating
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves organic dishes
Sells prepared foods
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has gender-neutral toilets
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed inside
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours

Monday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Tuesday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Wednesday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Thursday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Friday

8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Saturday

8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Sunday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

84 Reviews
Andrew Cole

10 Sep 2025

Love that we've got this new bakery café in Pawling! When I went in for breakfast recently I ordered a couple of muffins (apple cinnamon and blueberry, both were freshly baked and delicious), a bacon egg and cheese sandwich (on homemade sourdough, also really tasty), and an iced oat milk latte (thumbs up!). They were pretty slammed when I went in on a Saturday morning but still managed to get me in and out in under 10 minutes. Looking forward to trying some of the lunch menu items on subsequent visits.

Heathyr Easton

21 Aug 2025

This cafe is such a gem! From their egg sandwiches to the Huevos Rancheros + they have incredible hand crafted sandwiches and other lunch items! Their fresh baked breads, muffins & cookies are to die for & they also have a ton of great gluten free options! I was blown away by this cool cafe & im confident you will be too! Indoor & casual seating outside in their courtyard.

Matthew K. Colon

19 Jul 2025

Fantastic place! It’s really one of a kind. I would recommend stopping in, it is way bigger than it looks. How many places have outside seating, 2 floors, cafe, bar, food, local products, and a bakery? Everyone was also very nice and welcoming.

Lauren Dickerson

18 Jul 2025

Awesome place to stop for breakfast! Their pastries and breakfast sandwiches on homemade sourdough were amazing! Their lattes were okay - I got the flight of lattes and wished it had been hot to melt the chocolate and caramel syrups in more, but I would highly recommend for breakfast / pastries!

Jacqueline Chen

06 Jul 2025

Found this place by chance on Memorial Day and was pleasantly surprised to find that they just opened. For a new restaurant, they did an outstanding job in getting everything in order on a busy day. Food was simple, wholesome and fresh. The bacon on my BLT was prepared perfectly - crispy and not greasy. Everything arrived quickly and staff were very friendly. Nice outdoor seating area and wheelchair accessible bathroom.

Debbie Culley

05 Jul 2025

The owner, Denise, is nothing short of fabulous. Her passion for providing a remarkable dining experience is evident in every detail. We had the opportunity to work with Denise on a project, and she exceeded our expectations by sending over a delicious box of treats for our staff. It was such a thoughtful gesture that truly showcased her dedication to customer satisfaction. Speaking of the treats, they were phenomenal. The box contained an array of mouthwatering goodies, including muffins, cookies, and scones. Each bite was a burst of flavor, and it was evident that they were made with the utmost care and attention to detail. What impressed me even more was the fact that Dancing Bear Café offers gluten-free and vegan options. It's wonderful to see a restaurant that caters to different dietary preferences without compromising on taste. The menu at Dancing Bear Café is diverse and caters to a wide range of palates. Whether you're a meat lover or follow a plant-based diet, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from. Thank You, The Team at Village Lock & Door/North East Facility Solutions

Valerie Latona

01 Jul 2025

What a wonderful discovery not too far off Route 22! The food is fresh and delicious. I had the split pea soup and black bean burger with avocado and both were amazing. I also had a matcha latte with oat milk which was also great! There’s one large table downstairs by the window but a beautiful large sunlight area upstairs with seating. Plus there’s a lovely outdoor garden area for seating when the weather is nice. I didn’t get any of the baked goods but they had a nice selection with fresh bread as well. A small selection of curated products for sale also rounds out this cafe. Would highly recommend!

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