Absolutely great tasting cakes! A coworker stumbled upon this little eatery by mistake and mentioned they offered gluten-free desserts. Took a chance and ordered a cake for our monthly birthday celebration and we never looked back since. The selection is amazing and the taste is even better. I waited after the office ate the cake to inform them that it was actually gluten free. Reactions are were priceless! Everyone was surprised because it wasn't the least bit gritty or dry. Safe to say, we've found our new favorite bakery! Try their Lemon Raspberry! read more

Wren's Nest at Night is a dinner service and drinks on the rooftop of Wren's Nest Baking. You can make reservations online which starts at 4:30pm which is also when the doors open. After checking in, I would suggest waiting to go up as your whole party. I went up without my friend, who was in the restroom, and they, at first, wouldn't let her come up without another group needing to come up. I had all her things so I had no way of knowing and was waiting for her up on the rooftop for quite some time. The dinner was good. I tried the focaccia, feta dip and crostini, the braised short ribs, and the double chocolate skillet cookie. The foccacia was good but I wish there had been butter or maybe oil and vinegar. It was a bit plain on its own but my friend ate it with her lasagna so it worked out. I really enjoyed the feta dip. It was quite tasty. I know crostinis are supposed to be hard but I found it to be too hard. I really enjoyed the braised short ribs. The meat was tender and was well seasoned. I liked the mashed potatoes which weren't perfectly smooth which is something I prefer and there was a little bit of potato skin. I wish there had been just a tad more sauce for the potatoes. The double chocolate chiller cookie was so good especially if you're a fan of chocolate. It was rich but too sweet and the ice cream that came with it was delicious as well that was slightly coconutty. There is kind of a time limit for your reservation as they ask you to limit your time to 90 minutes on their website. We came on a Friday night and they had live music which was such a great vibe for the rooftop. Because you're outside, I would recommend bringing a coat or something just in case. read more

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This review is strictly for the rooftop restaurant. My friend and I came here for dinner and made a reservation, but unfortunately, we weren't seated until about 25 minutes later. While waiting, the music was so slow and mellow that it honestly made us want to fall asleep. We almost left, but decided to wait it out. Once we got upstairs, though, we were blown away by the views. They are absolutely stunning and, in my opinion, some of the best views of any restaurant in Tacoma. We were seated at bar-height tables with Adirondack chairs in front of us and felt like we had one of the best views in the restaurant. Unfortunately, the service was a major letdown. It took a very long time just to get our drinks, so we decided not to order food. We didn't realize that everything on the menu is gluten-free, either. I also wasn't a fan of the cocktail pricing structure as every cocktail is $18. I wish there were more variation, as it's hard to justify every drink being the same price. My cocktail was good, but not $18 good. Overall, they have some major kinks to work out when it comes to service and organization. The location and views are incredible, but the experience didn't live up to the setting. My friend said she unfortunately wouldn't go back, and I think there's a lot of room for improvement. read more

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Wow there's some delicious stuff here! We arrived just after 11:30am and although it was our first time it did seem like a lot of stuff was already gone. But we got a bunch of treats to share and most of them were high quality and super tasty! My favorite was definitely the coconut cake, it was incredibly soft and airy and had a great amount of coconut flakes which made me happy since I love coconut! 5/5 We also had a banana cinnamon swirl muffin and lemon blueberry scone which were both super good! The muffin was very cinnamon heavy but wonderful, and thankfully wasn't overly sweet. The only thing missing was peanut butter on top. The lemon icing on that scone really made it! It was maybe EVER SO SLIGHTLY dry but barely noticeable. Both of those 4/5 The raspberry coffee cake was decent but wasn't mind blowing or anything and I'd skip it next time. Maybe 2.5/5 Not pictured was the coconut fiji bar which I honestly really enjoyed, seemed like it had a base of a cookie almost then a layer of chocolate then a top layer of a soft, sugary gel like paste with lots of coconut flakes mixed in! The top paste was pretty sweet but that cookie like layer and the chocolate layers weren't too sweet. I liked it! 5/5 The chocolate chip cookie was my least favorite, I just wasn't a fan of the taste and texture. After chewing and swallowing my bite it felt like a very fine sand like aftertaste in my mouth. And just wasn't flavorful. 1/5 But overall it's absolutely worth stopping at! I really wanted to try the cinnamon rolls and thankfully the cashier told us they ONLY SELL THEM FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS and are usually sold out before 11am!! Mom and I will definitely be back and try to snag one of those, and maybe the s'mores bar because it looks amazing. But yea still tons of delicious treats here even if a couple were misses! read more

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Wren's Nest now offers dinner on their rooftop! Hands-down, one of the best views in Tacoma. We shared the feta dip with their homemade pita bread. It was absolutely delicious. We could've used more pita bread however we were left with a lot of dip! Each one of us ordered a cocktail I had the cosmopolitan, which was really well done. We both ordered an entrée, the cheesy Joe and the short ribs. We both split our meals half-and-half, so each were able to try some of each. The cheesy Joe was good, the bun was a bit dense, but I believe that's because it's gluten-free. The short ribs were delicious. Highly recommend if you would love a great dinner, beautiful view, and some great cocktails. Our waitress was super nice, but also extremely stressed. She had a ton of tables to oversee and we were not checked on very frequently. Service would be the only reason why I would not give this place five stars. They could've been short staffed that night. Still highly recommend. read more

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Really popular gluten free bakery with a barn aesthetic aura. Beautiful cakes, really cool seating nooks and vaulted ceilings in a historic looking building. When you enter, you'll likely be met by a long line because there is only one cash register. But entertain yourself by reading the big menu board on the back wall that has no prices No, you have to wait to get close to the cash register to see the prices of things, and what is in stock when you're there... Due to the gf nature, everything is a few dollars more expensive than a normal bakery. Everything looks pretty and delectable. The only reason this was on my radar was because I heard they sell kolaches, before I knew they were gf. I ordered one sundried tomato pesto kolache to try and was impressed with the size. Initial bites were tasty and I don't think I would have known it was gluten free unless someone told me. But about halfway through I got really tired of eating it. It was a bit heavy, salty and oily. They could probably use less sundried tomato and pesto and more egg or potato or something to soak up the oil and salt. I did not feel very good after eating it... I am sure their cookies and cakes and pies are very good but I would not buy the kolache again. Plus, it was more like a piroshky than a kolache in the Texas sense of the word. So don't be disappointed like me when you hear they sell kolaches and think you're going to get a fluffy, sausage cheese and jalapeno filled dough of goodness. read more

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Wrens nest at night is a great restaurant. They have a full bar and the food is amazing. The view and the atmosphere there is nothing better. The weight staff is so friendly. I can't stop going to this place. read more

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Love the view on the roof top dining area . We went in the evening and the view was gorgeous. Food was delicious. Dessert was even better !! read more

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Came here with my daughter for a little treat after doing a hike. From what I could see, there is only street parking, but it was free and I didn't have trouble finding a spot. The building is very nice. There were so many cakes and pastries on display. We chose a slice of carrot cake and I got a cappuccino. When found a spot to sit and there is ample space to sit and chat or work. The theme is "horse stable" which is so cool! Nice fireplace in the middle and further back they have longer tables. We wish we could have checked out their "rooftop" but I think it was closed because when we hit the button on the elevator, nothing happened.....Would definitely return back if we are ever in the area! read more

Wren's Nest Baking - Carrot Cake - Bakeries Near Me - Ruston, Washington

The most amazing bakery discovery in a long while for me. They have such a beautiful space and the selection is unique. I grabbed the gluten free cinnamon banana muffin and I could not stop myself from eating it all in one sitting with my Americano. The texture and taste reminds me of Vietnamese banana bread that my mom used to make. That nostalgia is priceless. I am totally coming back and trying more next time I'm in this area. I parked in the neighborhood. Please come and create your own adventure. read more

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Our first time coming here. The coffee was good! I had an iced Americano, and it was smooth and enjoyable. My friend ordered an iced cold brew but it seemed like there was more ice than actual drink. We asked the barista if that was normal, and they said it was. It honestly felt like we were paying more for the ice than the drink. Just a heads-up--if you're ordering an iced drink, you may want to ask for half ice so you can enjoy more of your beverage. read more

Wren's Nest Baking - Iced Cold Brew Latte - Bakeries Near Me - Ruston, Washington

This updated review is based on the Mother's Day tea snacks they had for preorder. They were all absolutely incredible and I really wish this is something they can do more often because it was a great way to not only sample more of their items, but to enjoy them fresh even from the comfort of one's home. We picked up the box the Saturday before Mother's Day and we ate things slowly, the baking directions worked perfectly for us and the jams or spreads provided were perfect. I just wish they labeled them so we'd know what fruits were in them for anyone with intolerances/allergies. Overall, we will be back and I discovered new favorite items; I just hope they're on the regular menu! read more

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This was our second visit to Wren's Nest, and unfortunately, today's experience was very similar to our first. I had hoped to come away feeling that it was a warm, community-oriented place where staff were genuinely interested in helping customers, but that has not been our experience during either visit. Both times, we stopped in to purchase baked goods for a friend to take on a flight to Alaska, and the food itself did not disappoint. The baked goods are absolutely delicious, and it is clear that a great deal of care goes into making them. I only wish the customer experience matched the quality of the food. During today's visit, the gentleman ahead of us was treated graciously by the cashier, who told me her name was Ellie. When it was our turn, I asked whether the baked goods were gluten-free because it had been several months since our previous visit and I wanted to confirm. The response--that everything was gluten-free--felt unnecessarily condescending rather than simply informative. I requested two muffins, and the cashier mentioned that only three remained of one flavor and suggested that I might want to purchase all three as a "package." I found that confusing because there did not appear to be any package pricing or discount; purchasing three would simply have cost three times as much as purchasing one. Because the muffins were going on a plane, I asked whether they could be placed in a small box so they would be less likely to get damaged. I was told that boxes were only used for cakes and that muffins went into a different, somewhat awkwardly shaped container. I understand that businesses have packaging procedures, but I was surprised there was no flexibility, particularly when many bakeries routinely offer boxes to help protect pastries during transport. I had also seen a friend's photos of the rooftop and its beautiful views, so I asked how customers access it. I was first told that the rooftop was closed and only opened when there were enough staff members. That did not answer my question, so I asked again how someone would get there when it was open and was then told there was an elevator. I was not attempting to access a closed area; I was simply asking for future reference. Perhaps I am missing something, but after two visits and after reading other reviews describing confusing or less-than-welcoming customer interactions, I am left with the impression that customers are expected to understand and follow policies that may not always be clearly explained or posted. Clearer communication and a little more flexibility would go a long way. Wren's Nest has excellent baked goods and a beautiful setting. I genuinely hope the customer service becomes as thoughtful and inviting as the food, because I would love to feel enthusiastic about returning. read more

This review is for the rooftop restaurant, not the downstairs bakery. This is a difficult review to write. My wife and I have been regular patrons of Wren's Nest bakery for years. We were excited to try the rooftop restaurant. We have been to the rooftop twice, both times we made a reservation. The first time was fine. We were taken up promptly, sat at our table, food, drinks and service were good. But the second time was a very different experience. We arrived for our reservation and waited in the "lobby" downstairs for about 20 minutes. There is an elevator that takes you up to the restaurant which they have you wait for the staff to take you into. Nearly half an hour after our reservation a member of the staff brought us into the elevator and took us up. She faced the wall and said nothing to us. No interpersonal skills. Not a word to us. Very awkward. Because of the delay, we expected a busy restaurant but we were surprised to find the rooftop nearly empty. And then we were sat... We were walked across the rooftop, past several empty tables (where we had sat on our previous visit), past more empty tables, until we arrived at a row of Adirondack chairs. Maybe we were having drinks here before being sat at our table? No... They expected us to eat dinner sitting in these chairs without a table. There were tiny little 12" diameter cocktail tables for every other chair but that's not reasonable for dinner. Long story short-er we attempted to calmly, reasonably address the issue with the staff. Unfortunately the staff are not capable of critical thinking and possess no problem-solving ability or empathy. We were not able to resolve the issue and left without eating, after driving half an hour there, waiting nearly half an hour past our reservation and then having to drive half an hour back. Extremely disappointing to say the least. I'm sure the response to this review will be some canned version of how we should have looked more closely at the reservation details to make sure we got a table. But, just...no. - We made a reservation previously using the same method with no issues. - You shouldn't even have the option of seating people for dinner at low slung, reclined Adirondack chairs with a frisbee for a table - Fix your clunky reservation portal instead of pointing the finger at us This experience was curated, exacerbated, and left unresolved by Wren's Nest. It was the single wildest, most out-of-left-field experience I have ever had at a restaurant. I implore you to do much better. You cannot have a restaurant where you have people showing up for a nice (expensive) dinner and seat them in Adirondack chairs with no table. Full stop. read more

Omg where has this been all my gluten free life?! Where do I begin?? The cakes? The variety of bread loaves and muffins? Their meat filled pasties?? You had me at..all of the above..and I did in fact sample.. all of the above.. in one sitting. It's one of my prouder moments. Highlights? The German chocolate cake was to die for and the beef empanada goes perfectly with whatever it is you're wearing, so just get both. Long line but worth it. Fully gluten-free and they take it very seriously not allowing any outside food that could cross contaminate. There is a little seating in the vicinity, but lots of people seemed to grab and go. Arrive early if you desire cinnamon roll goodness.. and who doesn't desire cinnamon rolly goodness? read more

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The absolutely most lovely place! Wonderful service, beautiful atmosphere and the sweetest owner! It's a total gem! read more

Wren's Nest Baking - The view - Bakeries Near Me - Ruston, Washington

Beautiful multipurpose building. So sweet and charming. Very busy and already running low or sold out of items. Completely gluten free. Delicious looking cookies, pastries, quiches and breads. Coffee and tea available as well. read more

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I'm not a gluten free person but this place is so beautiful I had to give it a try -- especially since I'd heard so much about it. Well, it's a really beautiful spot and it's gluten free. The peanut butter cookie was wonderful, so peanuty and soft and the coffee was okay. But really you go to the Wren's Nest for the aesthetic experience. The design is exquisite (especially for Tacoma!) and it feels like a magical getaway the moment you walk in. A perfect spot to grab something warm on your way to or from Point Defiance Park on a cold day. read more

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I am not seeing a place to review the rooftop restaurant for Wren's Nest so I am posting here. I'm visiting my son and daughter in law from out of town. After waiting ten minutes downstairs, despite reservations, we imagined they were busy but the restaurant was less than half full, we were seated in plastic Adirondack chairs in a row, with no table, except a small cocktail table lower than my knee. We were apparently expected to eat our dinners from this table. After expressing our displeasure with our seats, we were told the only other table was out in the sun with no umbrella at the back of the restaurant. Super disappointed, so we drove back to Gig Harbor for dinner. What a waste of time. Just know that you better pick your seat to be sure you get an actual dinner table to eat on if you reserve online and beware if you have an odd number of people. What an odd experience and terrible service. read more

Wren's Nest Baking - Our dinner table for 3. Seriously? - Bakeries Near Me - Ruston, Washington

Wren's Nest Baking Co is such a cozy gem in Tacoma! From the moment you walk in the fireplaces and beautiful holiday décor make the space feel warm, inviting, and perfect for a relaxed coffee break. Their dessert selection looked absolutely amazing everything was beautifully displayed and tempting. I tried the maple pecan scone, and it was delicious: perfectly baked, flavorful, and not overly sweet. The coffee was great as well and paired nicely with the scone. If you're looking for a charming spot with a cozy atmosphere and quality baked goods, Wren's Nest is definitely worth a visit. I'll absolutely be back to try more treats and their bread selection. read more

This place is absolutely INCREDIBLE. I just moved to town and this is the 3rd time I have been here. I finally got to sit in the little nook (If you know... You know). So far I tried: the bagel, raspberry coffee cake and the banana Swirl muffin. As an East Coaster... A bagel is so important... and that has been missing in my gluten free journey. I recently discovered that I am gluten-free which is very hard as an Italian. My whole life has been bread and pasta. Everything that I had here is absolutely amazing. The bagel is something to sing about. Get the raspberry coffee cake. Sit in the nook. Sit on the roof. read more

Wren's Nest Baking - Banana Swirl Muffin - Bakeries Near Me - Ruston, Washington

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Ooh... I debated whether to write this review because this place is already bursting with crowd every morning and pretty much stays like that all day on Fridays and Saturdays. There is a very good reason for it though, because Wren's is an exclusively Gluten-free bakery and they also offer several baked goods that are also both Gluten-free and Dairy-free. I have tried most of their stuff except for savory items and macarons, and they are all exceptionally delicious, freshly baked using very high quality ingredients. And can I tell you how beautifully baked they are? Like... their cake slices are so perfectly cut and each bite is balanced without being overly sweet or dry. My favorite is their Strawberry Cream cake, I think it's seasonal but if you can't decide on what to get from there, this is it. They offer scones, cookies, croutons, pretzel bites and breads all baked in house in their beautiful, clean kitchen. They do not allow outside food or drinks, rightfully so because they are special diet restricted bakery. The bakery cafe itself is amazing with plenty of seats in nooks and corners, fireplace-side tables, and even roof-top tables on nice day out. The staff are friendly, coffee can take some time, and when you order, they don't bag it for you on the spot, you have to wait aside until it's boxed for you (it's very nicely packed), which makes the wait time longer. They're located on the same street as the way that leads to Tacoma Point Defiance Ferry Terminal, so parking is street-parking only and can be tricky, but doable. They won this year's Best Bakery in the South Sound by the Puget Sound Journal so come early, and pack a lot of patience if you're coming on a Saturday. I noticed a lot of reviews talk about price. It's not your average bakery, slices of cake is about $11.00, but my personal experience around other bakeries in the area, this is not expensive at all considering they are Gluten-free and very presentable, delicious baked goods. Enjoy! read more

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The space/building is very inviting and pleasant. They have a main seating area with normal coffee shop tables plus some additional tables tucked away in the corner for more privacy and a fire place with some armchairs. Baked goods and coffee were pretty normal fare. So normal, in fact, that I didn't actually realize this was a gluten free bakery until after I'd left! That's a good sign in my opinion The staff were friendly and efficient. Street parking only; watch out for the event chapel next door that sometimes blocks off parking for weddings etc read more

The GF yummy foods, the beautiful seating space, the kind staff make Wren's nest a jewel.

This is a great spot for gluten intolerance. They make delicious gluten free breads that don't sacrifice flavor. The Kolaches make for a tasty, hearty breakfast or brunch treat. I love the historic building delicately renovated. Outdoor / indoor seating makes it a great spot for summer and winter. read more

Wren's Nest Baking - Drinking coffee outside - Bakeries Near Me - Ruston, Washington

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Wrens Nest is always a five star experience! I found this bakery 2 to 3 months ago and cannot stay away! It is dedicated gluten-free yet I don't tell my friends who can tolerate gluten my little secret! On Saturdays, they make the cinnamon rolls and they were always flying out the door!! My favorite go to meal is the sausage egg and cheese kolash and a cappuccino. I almost always take home a slice of carrot cake. Sooooo good!!! Inside, it's one of the nicest, most relaxing places in Tacoma. The natural wood elements blend in nicely with our Pacific Northwest vibe. Service is always spot on, the crew is genuinely nice. Lorene and Cliff are two of the owners and I see them there often. I have a service dog, and it never fails that they ask me the same questions every time we come in, yet they are valid questions about service dogs. I appreciate that they stick to the questions they are allowed to ask and don't make us feel bad about coming to enjoy breakfast every week or so. Come check out Wren's Nest Baking, you will not be disappointed ! read more

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Get here early! It's packed by 10 am when I arrived. That said the building is beautiful - the food is amazing for all being GF. I will be back read more

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What a dedicated GF place with variety of options! I tried a couple of quiches and they were tasty. I'm not fan of the muffins but you might! Cheesecake is good. Horchata cake is good but too sweet for my taste. The decoration is unique and I truly enjoy dining in there. I can't wait to return to try other items! read more

Beautiful bakery with expansive seating for a bakery. Service was slow because it was packed and busy on a Saturday morning (their busiest day). But the staff is friendly and answer your questions despite the chaos. People in line love their products and my sister with celiac disease is among their new fans. The bread is the right texture. They don't just do sweets (which she says are a bit easier to make in gluten free versions) but real breads, in multiple varieties. However, be prepared to be disappointed at times. Their popular cinnamon rolls sell out on Saturdays (but they are baked in batches, so 20 minutes later they may be back in stock). On a Tuesday at 1p, their shelves were almost totally empty--literally one lemon bar and 3 slices of cake. The cashier said it was due to being "pre-holiday". Still worth a stop, just have back up plans. read more

Disappointed to say the least. I ordered a vanilla latte, there is definitely no vanilla in it and when I looked at the label it says latte with whole milk, so I am not sure it was rang it correct, but I had already left before I noticed. I also assumed I would be getting items from the case and not sure why mine looked different. But, I ordered two macrons and only one of them has a top and bottom cookie, the mint one only has a bottom cookie and the filling. The staff were so attentive and kind to the person who seemed like a regular that it made me feel unwelcome by the difference. When I asked if there was something available, instead of offering a similar item that was, the cashier simply said no and stared at me. I had also previously ordered some gf items for thanksgiving but was given different items with no explanation, one of which being a vegan sourdough that was so tough, no one could cut it or eat it. I have tried this place twice now and had bad experiences both times. I will not be back. The shop is very clean and the food is always clean as well. read more

Wren's Nest Baking - Macarons missing one cookie :( - Bakeries Near Me - Ruston, Washington

Great bakery. Great people. The reviews on here are from people that go through life complaining instead of enjoying life. They have an archon sitting on their shoulder. Keep doing the good work team!! It is a beautiful building with a great business and supporting the local community. Thank you for what you do. read more

First of all, it's worth it to come here just to see the interior architecture and decorations! There are country/farm accessories EVERYWHERE, and everything compliments the building architecture. Very good use of the space, and there are plenty of seats! Every employee there was super nice and helpful, and we didn't have to wait long for our order! The menu has something for everyone plus it's entirely gluten free! I'm so amazed by this because with a blind taste test you wouldn't be able to tell.. The only thing I wish went better was I ordered a hot coffee but got iced (my partner got iced, and they were pretty busy, so it's totally fine). The coffee was still very good though! Definitely swing on in here for a coffee and a baked good on a lazy Sunday or on your way to work! read more

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This is the most ridiculous gluten free bakery! Even if you eat gluten you will enjoy the food! Breakfast items, muffins, bread, cakes all the bakery items you can imagine. Great staff and the line can be long but it goes fast!! read more

Wren's Nest Baking - Cakes - Bakeries Near Me - Ruston, Washington

Incredible gluten free options -- savory and sweet are all delicious! And the bakery is in a charming, beautiful building! Stop by on your way to Point Defiance Zoo or anywhere fun in Tacoma! read more

How annoying! We had reservations and someone could have told us when we were making the reservations that it's 21 and over!

What a lovely spot. A dream for work from homers, have secluded areas to conduct your work and calls. Such a cute setup. Coffee was excellent. I had one of the quiches, was delicious. We also got the blueberry lemon scone, a little sweet for my tastes but that's just a preference. Where they fell short for me was the sourdough bread, was very undercooked. Imagine a fluke, and will def be trying them again. read more

not worth the hype or the wait in line. coffee was probably the worst part. but i will say...the strawberry crème tartlet was the saving grace. read more

I wished I lived closer because I really enjoy coming here. The drinks are delicious, bakery items are even more delicious! It's cozy, comfortable, and a welcoming environment. It does get busy though but it's worth the wait. If I lived closer I would at least come here once a week to get a break from my kids and get some schoolwork done! read more

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Wow! What a delightful gluten free bakery, located in a stunning old brick building. They have an overwhelming amount of savory and sweet pastries, cakes and breads. We got a variety of items to try. Everything was incredible. Often times Gf products have a dense or gritty texture....but not this place! They have perfected the gf pastry. read more

Not a great spot if you're working. I came in with two colleagues to grab coffee and food while working. While waiting for our third person to arrive, we took a brief conference call on the rooftop -- I didn't realize that wasn't allowed and apologized immediately. The staff member I spoke with was genuinely kind about it and said wrapping up was fine. Once the call ended and our third person arrived and I was about to place all three of our orders, we were asked to leave because laptops were "ruining the vibe." Here's the issue: if you don't want people working in your space, don't offer free wifi. It sends a clear signal that laptops are welcome. Beyond the three of us, you also lost the business of several remote colleagues who were considering meeting here next month -- plus frequently we are looking for private spaces to rent for events which is apparently a service you offer. The staff interaction itself was pleasant, but the policy and how it played out with the person in charge was not. read more