There's a reason for the five stars. It's gluten-free, but you'd never know it. Upsides: Vegetarian stuff available and it's not all carbohydrates-- but there are many served here. Wide variety of cafe-like foods. Service was fast and food was good. The cost for a reasonable meal is also reasonable. There is WiFi, if you must. Lots of tables. Not the Ritz but clean, comfy, and reasonably calm. There is parking on the street, but yeah, meters or a parking garage. It's a busy place. Normally, I don't give five stars on a review unless you're at the top of your game, and usually only after a second try. Brightside just pushed all the right buttons. Lots of drinks besides coffee drinks, too. It's unpretentious and serves great food in my two experiences here. read more

So good!!! I never knew this cafe was in the Fountain Square building. It's downstairs in the "basement". The baked goods looked amazing. I had a pumpkin bar with cream cheese topping that was magic. The Italian soda was good too. The staff was charming, kind, and fun to talk to. The food is gluten-free too if that's yo' thang. read more

Gluten Free: Yes, 100% Casein Free: Item specific They had me at biscuits and gravy. Highlights: + 100% dedicated gluten free + The prices are extremely reasonable for gluten free. One word of caution is that things can add up quickly, especially when you start adding on the baked goods. + The food was filling and tasty. It tasted normal and didn't have a weird texture or after taste. *For those who eat gf food, if you know, you know +Service was fast and friendly + While the cafe was on the smaller side, they made it very bright. There were a handful of lower top tables and booths, as well as some tables just outside the cafe inside the building Tip: ** Depending upon where you enter the multi-use building, you may need to decend down the stairs or via the elevator. While you may think you're in an office building only, just follow the large sign pointing you towards the cafe. read more

After following maze of stairs and hallways, I eventually found the Brightside Café gluten-free bakery. I'd loved it. I was staying at a hotel across the street and won the lottery this morning to find this place. I got the biscuit sandwich and a coffee and both were fantastic. The prices were reasonable, and the service was excellent. I wish there were more places like this The other inside was nice and clean. For celiac like me, this is a great find I will be back read more

See all

Was really looking forward to eating here based on the reviews. Unfortunately it didn't live up to those expectations. Let's start with the food. I had the half order of biscuits and gravy. The biscuit was OK, the gravy was tasteless and arrived at the table barely warm. My wife and daughter both had quiche which they both enjoyed, so I'll go 3 stars on the food. O definitely would not order mine again and would go for the quiche if I ever ate their again. The service was also disjointed. My food came out first. I went ahead and ate it otherwise it would have been cold because my daughter's quiche came out about 15 minutes later and the my wife's came out about 15 minutes after that. Other tables around us were seeing the same thing with their orders. Not ideal. read more

Decided to try this place on a Sunday afternoon. We heard that the menu is completely gluten-free which, to our delight, it was. My wife can't have gluten so it was worth the hour drive we made to try it. The place is located on the bottom floor of the fountain square building in downtown Bloomington. On the weekends, the street parking is free which makes it nice. The cafe looks like a typical cafe with plenty of seating. There's some overflow seating outside of the cafe as well. You order at the counter, then they bring it to you. The staff was very friendly and very helpful. We decided to try several things and split it all. We tried a cinnamon roll, half order of biscuits and gravy and a sausage, egg and cheese biscuit. We also tried a peanut butter bar for dessert. Everything was unbelievably amazing! We couldn't even tell anything was gluten-free. We will definitely be back and are already planning our next trip down there. read more

See all

Wife and I were told about Brightside by a friend and just by chance I had a Dr appointment yesterday just down the road. I was hesitant at first as I'm only 6 months into my body demanding that I eat gluten free. My wife has been on the journey for over 10 years. Starting with the look and feel of this place, it's amazing top to bottom. Staff/Owner went WAY above and beyond. Everyone was super nice! NOW for the food... There was no option for 10 Stars otherwise that's what I would have given. I had the biscuits and gravy and a cinnamon roll. Oh My Goodness was it oh so delicious!! My wife had a Cuban sandwich which I tried and will definitely share that with her next trip. Yummm The BREAD!! We have eaten all over the world and THIS was the best bread we have ever had. It's hard to believe that it's GF. We HAD to have a loaf to take home. This am I took a slice out of the freezer and toasted it and ate with some homemade blueberry jam:) it was heavenly!!! Thank you Brightside for being so incredibly awesome!! WE will be back soon. read more

Excellent cafe! National Celiac Association Certification. Abe, the co-owner is a great guy. The food was amazing and we had a great experience! read more

I can't say enough positive things about this cafe! We worked with them to provide fare for a midafternoon party for 100 guests prior to the IU Jacobs School of Music Commencement Recognition Ceremony. We have been so impressed with the food quality and taste in their "certified gluten free" establishment that we wanted to utilize their culinary skills for this event. The menu suggestions they made were awesome, the execution of our ideas were equally as good. We had a great assortment of quiche bites and delicious sweet treats as well. Our guests were thrilled with everything that Brightside created for the party. Thank you for working with us Abe & John & Staff. read more

Brightside Cafe - Great packaging for ToGo orders! - Gluten-Free Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

I am easily impressed with food and I've said this a lot... but this may be the best sandwich I have ever had. The bread is what really puts it over the top. They make their bread fresh in house and you can tell!!! The decorations are also cute and welcoming. The only downside is that I went back the next day to order the same thing for lunch, but they don't sell their lunch menu on weekends apparently? I would go back without a doubt though!! read more

Brightside Cafe - Cuban blonde sandwich - Gluten-Free Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

See all

The interior has a nice vibe and feels welcoming. There is lots of seating. There is also a reasonable amount of parking spaces around Fountain Square. The pumpkin bar/cake with cream cheese frosting was delectable. It is rather expensive, but those who eat gluten free are used to that by now. read more

If I could give 10 stars I would. I have been gluten free for over 10 years and their bread was the best I have ever had. My sandwich and soup was nothing short of AMAZING. The owner was so friendly and kind. I am so happy to have found this AWESOME little cafe. I will tell everyone I know about it. Thank you thank you!!!! read more

First visit yesterday....BEST gluten freen bread, biscuits and cookies I've ever tasted. Absolutely amazing! If you live in B-town or visiting you must try this place. Delicious gluten-free choices. Staff were very nice and friendly! Thank you! Try them or you are missing out! read more

Wow! Brightside Cafe is a delightful find! We discovered it thanks to Bloomington Foodies. On the lower level of the Fountain Square Building is this tiny unassuming cafe with bright glass windows, coffee and tea, friendly service, and a small but delicious menu of options. They have a wide variety of drinks (teas, coffee, espresso, bottled water, and juices), and baked goods: brownies, muffins (2 vegan), cookies, and 3 breakfast items. We ordered coffee (very good) and an Americano (delicious!), but the best part were the baked goods. The real star of the show is their flaky, buttery biscuits, which are phenomenal: flaky, moist, tender, and buttery! You can get as an egg, cheese, and sausage sandwich or as B's & G's. We got it sans sausage with egg and cheddar cheese. They also have quiche which looks very good. We also tried their vegan frosted chocolate muffin. Wow. It's so good! Moist, tender, delicious frosting. Not too sweet. Just right. Wonderful with their espresso! I highly recommend this cafe for a delicious breakfast! It seems like they're just getting started and may have other options down the road. But, whether you're gluten-free or not, Brightside Cafe is a real find! read more

Brightside Cafe - The inside of the cafe - Gluten-Free Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

See all

This was the best gluten free cinnamon roll I've ever had. The menu was limited and location a little hard to find BUT it was sooo worth it! read more

The best gluten free food I've ever had- hands down. I have celiac disease and haven't had a cinnamon roll in years, and even my friend who can eat gluten said it was one of the best she's ever had!! So soft and an impressive size (especially for being gluten free) and the cream cheese frosting was perfect. My friend got the pumpkin cream cheese muffin and it was so bouncy and light and had delicious pockets of cream cheese and a nice pumpkin flavor. We also got the s'mores latte (which they drew little ghost faces onto the marshmallow fluff- adorable!!) and caramel apple butter latte and they were delicious!! Not too sweet but still has strong balanced flavors. Will definitely be coming back here and I have already recommended it to my fellow gluten free friends! The location is a bit hard to find at first but I actually enjoyed sitting in the Fountain Square building. read more

See all

Great food and Abe was so kind to our family. It is great to have a dedicated gluten free option. I would give it 6 stars if I could!

Great food! Great service! Thank for the wonderful experience. I can't wait to come back!

Brightside Cafe was a fun spot we found while visiting Bloomington. I got the Strawberry Champagne Iced Tea, Peanut Butter Bars and Lemon Blueberry Muffin. I loved the Lemon Blueberry Muffin bar and iced tea. The Peanut Butter Bar wasn't my favorite to eat a lot of but my boyfriend loved it. I thought the prices were good for a gluten free bakery and there was a ton of street parking around this mall. I would come back and get breakfast/lunch here. They had a lot of sandwiches and gluten free biscuits and gravy! read more

See all

I was offered coffee while I waited for my food because there was a minor wait! Customer service is amazing. I highly recommend this restaurant. The B&g is not only amazing in taste but well worth the small amount they charge for it. read more

Brightside Cafe - Desserts! Chocolate muffin, chocolate brownie with icing and banana bread - Gluten-Free Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

Amazing gluten free food, specifically the cinnamon rolls (multiple different types), all of their baked goods, breakfast sandwich, and quiches. Coffee cake is to die for. For lunch, the Cubano and chicken salad sandwich are incredible. As for coffee, the Brightside iced coffee is amazing. As for the staff, they have always been super accommodating and sweet. The place is always kept clean. Ambience is comfortable and uplifting. Nice spot to meet with friends or family and everyone can eat something even with dietary restrictions. Going to miss this place when I move. MUST TRY IN BLOOMINGTON! read more

This place is amazing. We were left speechless. 100% Gluten free cafe. Amazing food, even better service. Eating out as a celiac is nearly impossible for my wife and she burst into happy tears looking at the menu. read more

This place is the best! My girlfriend has celiac and has always been searching for a great gluten free quiche and bakery in general and this is it! Amazing service and the friendliest staff possible. The location is quiet and comfortable for any occasion. We even got free cookies for being first time visitors! Highly recommend. read more

Brightside Cafe - Gluten-Free Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

Their food is absolutely delicious! I have a wheat allergy, and finding a safe place to eat is awesome. Service is great!

I highly recommend this as a stop for a quick breakfast! It's a 100% gluten free cafe. The staff were all incredibly friendly and helpful. They went above and beyond to make sure our kids (1 and 3) had food and were content. The food was delicious! Not all of our group needed gluten free, but all of the us loved the food! The lattes were also amazing! read more

Cant describe how much I love this place. The quiche, biscuits and gravy, and cinnamon rolls are my favorite, but you truly can't go wrong. 25 years celiac and this is the best gluten free food I've ever had. Staff and owners are super kind as well. Brightside is truly a gem!! read more

The food is amazing. So excited to eat at an entirely gluten free restaurant that also offers dairy free options. My only regret is that this isn't my hometown. Will be visiting anytime I'm in Bloomington. read more

Brightside Cafe - Bar area from the comfy table area. - Gluten-Free Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

This place is amazing! We tried the cinnamon roll, banana bread, coffee cake, and chocolate muffin and it was all better than non-gluten free bakeries I've had. The owner is so nice and gave me some free stuff to try because he heard me say my husband was recently diagnosed with celiac disease. We will definitely be back! read more

Wonderful quiche, handmade with a fabulous crust. I had the ham and cheese quiche and a latte. Espresso drinks are very good as well. The service was quick and helpful. Coffee shop - Italian style read more

First day, first gluten free biscuit breakfast sandwich- excellent!!!! Sooo buttery, delicious. Gluten free baked goods are difficult- extra challenging to get the texture right and have it hold together. Brightside has made a delicate and love texture biscuit which I would equally love with clotted cream and strawberries.... They are only just open, and plan to add more items to the menu. But a seriously good start. I hope they are here for a long long time! A note- at the moment they do brew coffee, but the menu promises lattes & espresso coming soon. read more

I've never had more tasty gluten-free quiche! And the biscuits and gravy... I never thought I'd be able to have that again! Bright and cheerful, comfortable seating options. And I can order dinner rolls! read more

I was very happy to find a GF bakery close to my hotel. Got a muffin and a cinnamon roll, both are fantastic. Also had a good white mocha and service was awesome. read more

My favorite coffee shop in Bloomington that is so much more than just a coffee shop. Brightside's coffee is excellent, but their food is something very special. Everything they serve is 100% gluten free, and much of their menu is also vegan, but you would never suspect it, as the food tastes amazing, and also has perfect texture. I've been coming here just about every week since they opened and I never get tired of their offerings. In addition to their outstanding products, Brightside's staff is incredibly caring and diligent. They remember every single person that steps through their doors, and they've even gifted me freebies on multiple occasions. Last but not least, I love the peaceful and inviting atmosphere of the shop. It is situated in a very quiet and cozy corner of the Fountain Square Mall. read more

100% GF restaurant with truly amazing food. The biscuits and gravy are so good!! Definitely a go-to.