Esther's Home Bakery & Cafe

If you're ever in Sugarcreek, Ohio, don't leave town without stopping at Esther's home bakery and Cafe! My review is about the bakery.

Being gluten sensitive, I was just humoring myself by asking my husband if we could stop in thinking there would be nothing for me. But was I wrong!

As I half-heartedly perused the selection of bakery items and other treats, I spotted some dark chocolate buckeyes ($5.75 for 8 oz or about 15 pcs) which I knew were gluten-friendly so I grabbed them. These buckeyes were more of a candy than a typical buckeye cookie like I was expecting, but nonetheless delicious. A pool of creamy, smooth peanut butter nestled in rich, dark chocolate. They melt in your mouth!

My husband found some dark chocolate covered peanuts that were considered "seconds" for a mere 50 cents! These were only considered seconds because they were meant to be peanut clusters, but fell short due to the peanuts not being completely covered in chocolate.

Upon checking out, I noticed a "menu" at the checkout counter. To my delight, there were several gluten free items listed. Not sure if the woman working that day was Esther herself, but she was friendly & happy to answer my questions and she told us the story of how those "seconds" came to be, her miscalculation became a happy mistake for us! When I asked where the gluten free items other than the buckeyes were, she said she just baked some chocolate chip & peanut butter cookies that were cooling in the back and would be happy to package up whatever I wanted.

Boy! Was I glad I asked! I only got the peanut butter cookies ($8 for 8), but in hindsight, I should have bought everything she had! The peanut butter cookies were big, soft and chewy, with a milk chocolate kiss in the center (these big cookies could have used two kisses!) They were better than any I have ever had, gluten free or not, including those from my mom's recipe and any I've found on many a Pittsburgh wedding's cookie tables! I will be craving them until I return to Sugarcreek!

Bottom line, don't miss Esther's after you check out the World's Largest Cuckoo Clock on Main Street. Creepy & cute at the same time!...The clock, not Esther's! Lol .

Dietary restrictions: Lots of goodies options for those needing Gluten Free as well as other dietary restrictions!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cookies

My husband was working in Ohio for two years. We would drive for an hour to go get cinnamon rolls and apple fritters. Hands down, the best ever. We love Esther’s.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cinnamon Roll, Apple Fritters

We had the apple dumpling, which was delicious!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

They have the best buckeyes I’ve ever had, chocolate covered Ritz crackers, and other sweets, it’s a must stop before heading into Walnut Creek and Berlin.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Best cream stick I ever had

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Spoke with Esther in length on the front porch as we greatly enjoyed her chocolate dipped cookies, fry pies, and coffee. She was not pushy in any way, and a very sweet business woman. If you haven't stopped in her cafe, do so! You won't regret it.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5

Avoid this place. The iced coffee was watery and overpriced and the cream stick was dry. The lady, Esther, who owns this business is plain rude. She treats her customers like they are idiots. My mom politely asked her a few questions and her responses were arrogant and condescending.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

What a rude lady working at 4 on Saturday 6/29.

We ended up not getting anything as a result. Food may be good, but it was limited. She didn't want to answer any questions and gave us the wrong information when we asked where the bathroom was.

Parking: Lots of street parking.

Wheelchair accessibility: Steps were tough.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 1

Been here twice and the owner was rude to me both times, especially during the last (and I do mean LAST) visit. I've never been treated so poorly by a small business owner in my life and for no reason at all - my spouse was also mystified by her recurrent aggression towards me. I was being very polite both times, so I really have no idea what her issue is aside from clearly having a very bad attitude problem.You would think she'd be kinder to her patrons since her pies are utterly grocery store quality. The crust was bland and forgettable and the filling was slimy and homogeneous. We actually threw it away after a couple of bites.The jam, at least, is hit or miss; the elderberry is surprisingly bland, but the black raspberry flavor is pretty good. It was the only thing I would have come back for if not for the owner's terrible personality. As it is, I'd rather make my own or get it somewhere else next time.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 1

Argumentative owner

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 2

i can’t understand why anyone would give them less than 5 stars. This bakery and Esther herself are treasures !

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The cinnamon roll was SO good! Also shared an Apple fritter and bought some jams and other chocolate treats to go. Lovely shop with a lot of tasty options to choose from! Friendly and helpful service, highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cinnamon Roll, Apple Fritters

Best baked goods

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cinnamon Roll, Apple Fritters

Esther is the sweetest & most friendly lady. I really enjoy her baked goods and was extremely happy with the gluten free cookies. The buckeyes melt in your mouth, we brought 2 containers back home with us.Esther is very welcoming!

Dietary restrictions: Gluten free

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Apple Fritters

Very nice selection of pastries and a small selection of coffee and tea. Pastries were very nice. Wouldn't hesitate to go back.