Top 10 Gluten-Free Bakeries to Delight in Albany

iMacOfDeath

The busiest bakery on the 4th of July. Holy moly, was not expecting to see a line near out the door on the holiday weekend. But of course, such a line, must mean the quality is above and beyond impressive! Right? Well looks-wise they certainly were. The names were hilarious, with things like millionaire tears, CE O-no!, and Trickledown. (I'm guessing they're not a fan of the current corporate climate) However, while funny, the names really didn't say what the favors were. Most of the nameplates did not describe it, they had no menu I could find inside that did, and because of how busy they were I did not want to be "that guy" and hold up the line asking about each one. So I got a half dozen, feeling that would be a safe bet I'd find something among the ones I pick to enjoy. Of course not all of the doughnuts had silly names, which helped me pick them out, like Cinnamon bun, French toast, Strawberry frosted, etc. I even picked one of the gluten free ones, the red and blue frosted, which had a berry-like smell. All together coming to around $27, a fair but more than DD's, but hey, these were artisanal so fairs fair. Back home I tried a wedge of each one, just to sample them and find my favorite. The French toast and cinnamon bun honestly tasted the same, super sugary, very thick with frosting, and a hefty cinnamon flavor. The strawberry was far lighter, but too much so, with a frosting that was more like a glaze. Could barely taste the fruity flavor I sought. Cinnamon sugar was nice, very thick, lots of even coverage, but the dough was so lacking in flavor that it really stuck out due to just how big the thing is. The trickledown, which is suppose to come with a shot of espresso, and I was offered one, but did not think the shot would fair well in a bready confectionary on my drive home so I declined. It was by far the most interesting, with a kind of custard interior that I imagine the espresso is poured into and slowly soaks through. The whipped topping was also nice, being real whipped cream and not more frosting. Sadly, things went sour real fast with the berry blast having a consistency of sand and a flavor of artificial fruit I could not get past. And I know it's not because it was gluten free, I've had good GF free baked goods before, this, was not it. Overall, the experience was pleasant. The wait in line built up my anticipation, the choices were varied, and my favorite one wasn't even in a completed state. (the Trickledown) That said, just one of these bad boys really would be an entire dessert meal in and of itself. Sampling all 6, well, I'm off to enter a carb coma.

Celine M

The establishment is spacious, catering to sizable gatherings and familial units. A delectable cheeseburger with accompanying French fries is offered. The establishment can provide gluten-free buns for both burgers and pasta dishes.

Amanda Stan

I stopped in looking for a gluten free treat and left with 6 cupcakes! I have been coming to the shop since it opened and the quality of products, amazing staff and the cleanliness of the shop are top notch! Couldn’t recommend this place more!!!

Dana Ford

Georgia Ferguson

Karen Hanson

Alex B

Came because of the great reviews. The cashier was warm and attentive, and the rest of the staff were very friendly too. Unfortunately, the salmon bowl was bland with an overly sweet sauce, and the gluten-free dessert was also too sugary. Flies on the pastries didn’t help. A mixed experience—I’d probably skip it next time, but it was worth a try.

Larry Sheetz

Paul Viramontes

Julius Cuellar