This bakery features a bright, pink interior and cozy outdoor seating with makeshift steps, creating a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. The space is filled with heart and kindness, making it a gluten-free friendly spot that offers a unique and inviting experience for those seeking safe, gluten-free treats.
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Sarah D
This is the typical situation where faddishness is giving it more popularity than it actually earns. Berkeley is prone to this kind of problem, where popularity is more a question of Insta rankings than actual merit.
I stopped in twice in the past week. The first time, it was right after opening time and it was relatively empty. I was waited on by a person that later in the week I saw serving as a barista, she had an air of faint annoyance at having to actually interact and work with customers. On my second visit, today, she and her fellow barista were so engaged in their conversation for the entire 15 minutes that I was in the shop due to the long lines, that they were producing drinks at about half the speed that was possible.
The line stretched from the counter to the door, and based on my former experience in a similar job, it would have been half this length if the people making the drinks put customers ahead of socializing with each other and looking cool. They almost never made eye contact with a customer the entire time I was there unless someone asked a question when picking up the drink, and often that person had to repeat the question in order to get their attention. This is completely unacceptable when you’re paying 10 bucks for a coffee and a treat.
On the other hand, the young, slightly heavyset guy of color who waited on me at the register by the muffins was clearly committed to doing his job well. He tried to keep the line moving and his efforts to keep the service level high, was being thwarted by the chatty pair making the drinks, who ignored most of his questions the first time he asked them.
Food and drink were 4 out of 5: the classic mochi muffin precisely as advertised, crunchy outside and mochi within. Slightly
overbaked this time compared to my first visit. Iced coffee latte was excellent coffee but over sweet.
Overall, the treats are unnecessarily too caloric, evidenced also by the clientele who range above the norm. The Asian food this place keeps trumpeting as its inspiration is much healthier than this extravaganza of sugar and high glycemic carbs in the mochi flour.
Making a habit of this place would definitely be detrimental to your health. If they want to garner a higher rating, they need to coach the self-impressed barista staff on putting the customers first, and they need to add more options that showcase the delicacy, subtlety, and elegance of Asian cuisine instead of taking American sugar cravings and overeating, and combining them with some Asian flavors.
Not recommended. In Berkeley, you have superior options for gluten-free, baked goods, and coffee.
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Dedicated gluten-free menu
Acme Bread
1601 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, California, United States
Accommodating Gluten-Free
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This bakery's inviting aroma of fresh bread and authentic atmosphere create a warm experience, though it offers no gluten-free options. The small space allows guests to watch skilled bakers at work, enhancing the genuine craft ambiance.
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Jessica M
I feel sorry for those that can’t eat gluten as you cannot experience the pure joy that is visiting Acme Bread. Everything is delicious with multiple items changing flavor daily. Their “pizza” slice is perfection. I always get at least one Madeline for the drive home. The staff is friendly and patient. Don’t fret if you show up and there’s a line, it moves quickly.
It’s one of the few places still respecting masking and social distancing
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Sweet Adeline Bakeshop
3350 Adeline St, Berkeley, CA 94703, USA
Accommodating Gluten-Free
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This bakery offers a cozy atmosphere with indoor and sidewalk seating adorned by cherry blossom petals, creating a delightful spot to relax. Known for its expertly prepared gluten-free cakes and pastries, it provides a genuine local experience with a tempting variety of treats.
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John DeSerio
My absolutely go to for everything. Coffee, cakes, cupcakes, you name it they got it also my go to for gluten-free pistachio cake is to die for. Love the daily fruit muffin. Best carrot cake in town. They also did my wedding cakes. That good.
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Lavender Bakery & Cafe'
1820 Solano Ave, Berkeley, CA 94707, USA
Accommodating Gluten-Free
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Cozy bakery with a bright ambiance offering an impressive variety of gluten-free pastries.
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Mateo Fritz
Tried their gluten-free flourless chocolate dessert, and wow—absolutely divine. Rich, velvety, and deeply satisfying without being too sweet. As someone with dietary restrictions, it’s rare to find something this indulgent and still gluten-free. I didn’t feel like I was missing out at all. Definitely coming back for more!