7 best gluten free cafes and bakeries for brunch in Atlanta

Atlanta has some of the best gluten-free cafes and bakeries (for a celiac-safe brunch!) out of any city on the east coast. Yes, I truly believe that Atlanta can compete with New York City in the gluten-free scene any day. In this post, I’ll share some of the best gluten-free brunch spots around Atlanta, offering the likes of gluten-free doughnuts and pancakes to gluten-free fried chicken. 

 

 

My Personal Experience Finding Gluten-Free Brunch in Atlanta

When I first moved to Atlanta in 2018 for college (I attended Emory University), I set out to find gluten-free-safe brunch spots around Druid Hills, Decatur, Midtown, and Inman Park. Nearly 4 years later, I’ve tested and retested Atlanta’s gluten-free brunch menus to officially recommend the best to you!

 

While most restaurants nowadays offer some sort of gluten-free option, I’ve done the hard work for you by narrowing down the list to the best 7 spots for gluten-free brunch in Atlanta! I’ve categorized the list by bakeries (for takeaway) and brunch (for a sit-down meal).

 

Small Disclaimer: The hours and menu offerings listed in this post are subject to change, and are accurate at the time of writing this post. Please check the establishment’s website, social media, or Google Maps for up-to-date hours and menu offerings before you go! Enjoy 🙂

 

At a glance:

1. Hell Yeah Gluten Free
2. Sally’s Gluten-Free Bakery
3. Bantam + Biddy
4. Folk Art
5. Cultivate Food and Coffee
6. South City Kitchen
7. Café Intermezzo

Best Gluten-Free Bakeries in Atlanta:

 

Hell Yeah Gluten Free!

Hell Yeah Gluten Free is probably one of the best and most popular gluten-free bakeries in the Atlanta area, and certainly in Inman Park. Run by celiac Alejandra Luaces, this bakery is cooking up some of your gluten-free favorites – doughnuts, scones, cakes, cookies, and more! They even have gluten-free biscuits that taste like the real deal. Hell Yeah is a favorite among both Celiacs and non-gluten-free eaters alike.

I’m a lover of their gluten-free doughnuts. They come in fun seasonal flavors like taro, chai crumb cake, cookies and cream, double chocolate, and funfetti. They have vegan and dairy-free options too!

Lines can be long on weekends, so be sure to get there early to beat the crowd and get your first choice! When they run out of an item, they won’t replenish until the next day. Also, note that the Inman Park parking lot is quite small, so you may have to park on the street and walk over.

 

Hours: Wednesday – Friday 8 am – 1 pm, and Saturday – Sunday 9 am – 1 pm. I recommend you check their instagram account here before going, just to make sure that they are operating normal business hours. 

Rating: Flavor / Offerings: 10/10

Price: Between $3.5 – $7

Locations: Inman Park (two new locations coming soon!)

 

Sally’s Gluten Free Bakery

Sally’s Gluten Free Bakery is a family run establishment that will blow you away with their delicious and robust menu options that are celiac safe! From Sandwich bread, Keto/Paleo Bread, Banana Bread, Muffins, Chocolate Chip cookies, dinner rolls, and even take-and-bake pizzas, any gluten-free eater will find their calling. The Pumpkin Bread is my personal favorite, a decadent and crumbly treat transporting me to fall. 

 

If you need a custom gluten-free birthday cake, Sally’s Gluten Free Bakery has you covered! They also have dairy-free and vegan cake options as well. 

 

Forgot to mention this earlier, but Sally’s Gluten Free bakery also has locations in Sandy Springs and Alpharetta. They truly cover their bases to ensure the celiac community has options throughout the greater Atlanta area

 

Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10 am – 3:30 pm. 

Rating: Flavor / Offerings: 10/10

Price: Expect to spend at least $10

Locations: 900 Dekalb Ave NE #500, Atlanta, GA (Decatur and Adair Park locations opening in June and October 2023)

 

Best Gluten-Free Brunch in Atlanta:

 

Bantam + Biddy

Bantam and Biddy has gluten-free vanilla pancakes, gluten-free cornbread, fried chicken, omelets, and more! Their espresso bar is also brewing up some unique flavor pairings, like Crème Brulee and Bourbon Pecan lattes.

Bantam and Biddy is a relaxed gluten-free brunch spot in Atlanta, with a special weekend brunch menu. Check out Bantam and Biddy in the Ansley Mall on Piedmont Ave (with a huge parking lot!)

 

I recommend going with a friend and splitting the Fried Chicken Skillet or gluten-free pancakes for a hearty gluten-free brunch served Southern style!

 

 

Hours: Everyday, 8 am – 9 pm 

Rating: Flavor / Offerings: 8/10

Price: Expect to spend at least $15 – $20

Locations: Ansley Mall: 1544 Piedmont Ave NE #301, Atlanta, GA 30324

 

Folk Art

Folk Art has a sit-down, diner-like feel… with plenty of gluten-free options! The food is always satisfying and delicious. You’ll even be pleasantly surprised when the bill comes, because Folk Art is one of the most affordable brunch spots in Atlanta.

 

The egg and omelet options are gluten-free (just ask for gluten-free toast). You can also enjoy the gluten-free grits, which are creamy and flavorful. If you’re avoiding dairy as well, ask for fruit instead! Folk Art is friendly and helpful when it comes to making substitutions. 

 

I always order the 3 Egg Omelet (for only $8!) and ask for gluten-free toast instead of regular. As a celiac, I’ve never had an issue with cross-contamination at Folk Art… so hopefully it will be a safe and enjoyable experience for you, too!

There are two locations: Inman Park and Decatur. Inman Park has long wait times for weekend brunch, so prepare to wait at least 45 minutes (or else get there early!). I always consider long wait times a good thing, because a line out the door means the food must be good 🙂 The Inman Park location has street parking. If you need a lot or a garage, choose the Decatur location.

 

Hours: 

Decatur: Monday- Friday 7:30 am – 3 pm, Saturday – Sunday 9 am – 5 pm

Inman Park: Monday- Friday 9 am – 3 pm, Saturday – Sunday 9 am – 5 pm

Rating: Flavor / Offerings: 8/10

Price: Expect to spend $8 – $15

Locations: Inman Park: 465 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307; Decatur: 174 W Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030

 

Cultivate Food and Coffee

Cultivate Food and Coffee is a delicious gluten-free brunch spot located in West Midtown off of Howell Mill road. Nearly 70% of the menu has a gluten-free option for Celiacs. Expect offerings like Shrimp and Grits, Vegan Breakfast Sandwich with gluten-free bread, Salmon hash, house-made coconut yogurt parfait, and veggie omelets.

I recommend the gluten-free French toast for a sweet start to your morning! The ambience is friendly and inviting, with plenty of tables for working or studying. Consider this your new work-from-home gluten-free spot!

 

While the menu does include gluten-free and vegan beignets, I always avoid fried or “crispy” foods when dining out, since cross-contamination is always a concern as a Celiac.

 

Hours: Everyday, 8 am – 2 pm (open until 3 pm on weekends)

Rating: Flavor / Offerings: 10/10

Price: Expect to spend at least $17-20 (some items charge extra for gluten-free bread which is quite sad)

Location: 1952 Howell Mill Rd NW Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30318

 

South City Kitchen

South City Kitchen (in Midtown and Buckhead!) easily delivers the best upscale gluten-free brunch, especially if you’re looking for elevated menu offerings and a more elegant, sit-down feel. With the high-class setting, expect to pay a bit more for your meal.

 

Choose from dishes like grilled salmon with summer squash, crab soup, grits, collard greens, chicken sausage, and skillet potatoes. Most of the menu can be made gluten-free with small modifications, while nearly all of the sides are already naturally gluten-free. 

South City Kitchen is also open for dinner and lunch too, in case you miss the brunch menu. While their Midtown and Buckhead locations are the most Atlanta-centric, they also have your gluten-free cravings covered in Smyrna, GA and Alpharetta, GA.

 

Hours: Midtown Location: Monday – Friday, 11 am – 2:30 pm and 5 pm – 9:30 pm; Saturday – Sunday 10 am – 3 pm and 5 pm – 10 pm

Rating: Flavor / Offerings: 10/10

Price: $18-54 (expect to spend at least $25)

Locations: Midtown: 1144 Crescent Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309; Buckhead: 3350 Peachtree Rd NE Suite 175, Atlanta, GA 30326; Smyrna: 1675 Cumberland Pkwy SE, Smyrna, GA 30080; Alpharetta: 9000 Avalon Blvd, Alpharetta, GA 30009

 

Cafe Intermezzo

I’m closing out this post with the winner for the best gluten-free, french-inspired brunch in Midtown! For gluten-free eaters, Cafe Intermezzo has eggs, omelets, and salads that can all be made gluten-free. I normally order the egg-white omelet with asparagus, red pepper coulis, mushroom, green onion, and a side of strawberries.

 

The main draw is the classy ambience and endless drink menu. Cafe Intermezzo has stellar hot chocolate, coffee, and teas.

 

Cafe Intermezzo is popular for its homemade cakes, cheesecake, and other french desserts – which I’m sorry to report are not gluten-free whatsoever. But. it’s always fun to enjoy your gluten-free omelet while staring at the case of desserts you can’t eat, am I right?

 

Cafe Intermezzo is quite busy on weekends – expect to wait 20-30 minutes for a table. You can choose to sit inside or outside.

 

Hours: Monday – Friday, 11 am – Midnight; Saturday – Sunday 10 am – Midnight 

Rating: Flavor / Offerings: 9/10

Price: $15 – $20 

Locations: 1065 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

 

That’s a wrap on the 7 best gluten-free bakeries and cafes in Atlanta! Follow along for more gluten-free food recs and travel itineraries!