Jewel’s Bakery and Café: A gluten-free café!

For gluten-avoiders in Phoenix, Jewel’s Bakery and Café is a great option. Everything is 100 percent gluten-free (or vegan- or dairy-free) and made with locally sourced ingredients.

Julie Moreno got started selling gluten-free flour and baked goods at the farmer’s market years ago. It was customers there who suggested she open a restaurant. 

Moreno serves everything from pancakes to chicken and waffles to baked treats. Nothing tastes phony or has that typical gritty, oily, gluten-free consistency. 

“The vibe in the café is really chill,” Moreno said. “The staff I have are super amazing. Our number-one-selling item is chicken and waffles.”

People travel out of their way to enjoy items without gluten. Moreno believes even if you have a specific reason to be gluten-free, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice flavor or be concerned when dining out.

“Check, Please! Arizona” guest Jowan Thornton loves Jewel’s. “They are so welcoming, so friendly, that they just welcome you like family,” Thornton said. “It’s just such a clean looking restaurant and the staff and food are amazing.”

Thornton orders the Arizona Hot chicken and waffles, describing it as “so awesome, crispy on the outside. Great seasoning,” he said. “Every time I come there, I get that. I just can’t get enough of it.” 

Guest Jennifer Maggiore recommends the hash brown dippers, which come with spicy ketchup. Maggiore summed up her review with, “Delicious.”

As much as anything, Jewel’s is just a nice little place to hang out, a quintessential café setting with a lot of natural sunlight and a nice view of passing traffic on Thomas Road. There are plenty of pastries to ogle to boot.