When asking yourself about something to do near me in Phoenix with a group of friends or family, consider
Jewel's Bakery & Cafe

Why Jewel's Bakery & Cafe is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Jewel's Bakery & Cafe is a standout dining spot in Phoenix, Arizona, renowned for being a 100% gluten-free establishment, making it an ideal place for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. This cafe offers delicious and fresh baked goods alongside savory dishes, creating a welcoming atmosphere perfect for meeting up with friends. Highlights include their moist, flavorful cakes — especially the lemon with raspberries and the rich chocolate cake — as well as their buttery, fresh cookies. Beyond pastries, the cafe serves hearty dishes like fried mushrooms and waffles, satisfying a wide range of tastes. The ambiance is casual yet comfortable, with attentive staff providing excellent table service. Additionally, their signature item, the cinnamon roll, has received rave reviews for its authentic yeasted bread texture and incredible flavor. Its dedication to quality is also reflected in coffee offerings sourced from local, organic, fair-trade suppliers and complemented by local honey. Whether stopping by for a cup of coffee and a treat or enjoying a relaxed meal, Jewel's Bakery & Cafe offers a friendly environment and a menu that caters thoughtfully to gluten-free diners and beyond. Their online ordering system for pick-up or delivery enhances convenience for busy patrons.
Here's what people think of Jewel's Bakery & Cafe
As of recent, Jewel's Bakery & Cafe holds a 4.5-star rating based on 1235 reviews.
Reviewers consistently praise Jewel's Bakery & Cafe for its exceptional gluten-free baked goods and outstanding customer service. Many customers highlight the deliciousness and freshness of their wedding cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and especially the cinnamon rolls, which have been described as fantastic with the correct yeasted bread texture. Positive feedback often mentions the quality of food, the accommodating and professional staff, and the welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Customers appreciate the cafe's dedication to 100% gluten-free offerings, making it a safe and enjoyable space for people with dietary restrictions, including celiac disease. On the other hand, some negative reviews cite occasional wait times during busy periods and limited seating, which may impact the overall dining experience. A few reviewers noted that while most pastries are excellent, some items like the cannoli cupcake and lemon raspberry cookie, though good, were less impressive compared to the standout cinnamon rolls. Despite these minor critiques, the overwhelming majority of reviews are highly favorable, emphasizing Jewel's Bakery & Cafe's reputation as a top choice for gluten-free dining and a comfortable place for friends and family to gather.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
The AZ Trav
Great experience. My chorizo omelet was amazing. A Plethora of flavors and texture. My wife had a country fry chicken and she says it was delicious. I do definitely recommend this place. You’ll thank me later!
zzz world
I'll go back. 😊 The food was good, but slightly under seasoned. Still, it was still tasty. The service was good, but it took awhile for the food. Still, the staff were friendly and attentive. I really liked the atmosphere. Coffee was ok...I need to try it black next time and re-evaluate. My single real issue is the hours of operation. 9a to 3p. Those hours, for me, mean I can't solicit their business during the week--I'm already working by the time they open and I'm still working when they close. I suppose they're good as a lunch only place and a late brunch place on the weekend. Still, a place for breakfast and coffee in the morning would be nice. Bottom line, I am going back, which is really the only important thing. They're worth an occasional visit even if they won't work as my *regular place*.
Zachary Blumberg
PHENOMENAL meal. My wife is GF and I am not, but holy smokes this place knocked both our socks off. Chicken was the best I’ve ever had. Donuts were (maybe) the best I’ve ever had. Waffles? Delicious. All the sauces? To die for. Do NOT miss this place. It was a top 10 meal I’ve had in my life, gluten free or not.
Evelyn Bakken
Great breakfast spot and was a great start to our trip! The staff the first day were very knowledgeable about food allergies and assisted with menu recommendations for a gluten and dairy allergy they were very thorough and helpful. They had informed me due to cross contamination I could not have their potatos which was fine so we made a substitute (important for second visit). We had a wonderful start to the say with food and (very strong) mimosa flight. We enjoyed our experience so much we went back the next day. I wanted to try something different so I got a breakfast wrap, informed of allergies - once the order came it had potatos in it - I asked about it as I was told it was not safe the day prior and they confirmed it still was not safe so remade the order. Other than that mishap it was a great experience! Edit response to restaurant: I was told that at the time they did not have a separate fryer for dairy/ non dairy products I was told I could not have their potatos due to the cheese curds on the menu in a shared fryer. I personally have a very severe dairy allergy so I can not handle cross contamination of any dairy products.
Carrie Brees
This place lives up to the hype! Mimosa, burrito, cupcake... All beyond delicious. We live in East Mesa but will definitely be making the trek here as there's SO much on the menu and I want to try everything 😂
How to reach Jewel's Bakery & Cafe
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Why Jewel's Bakery & Cafe may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Jewel's Bakery & Cafe with your friends?
Jewel's Bakery & Cafe stands out as an exceptional place to gather with friends or family for a memorable meetup. First, it offers a unique and inclusive dining experience by being a 100% gluten-free bakery and cafe, making it a safe and enjoyable choice for everyone, especially those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. With a solid rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on over 1,200 reviews, this Phoenix gem clearly satisfies a loyal and diverse clientele. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, ideal for casual catch-ups or special celebrations. Its daytime hours, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, are perfect for brunch dates or early afternoon breaks, encouraging relaxed, unrushed visits. The venue balances high-quality food with a comfortable environment, where guests can savor locally sourced, organic coffee and wholesome dishes in a space that feels both friendly and vibrant. This combination makes Jewel’s an ideal spot to rally your group, offering not just a meal but a community-oriented experience where everyone feels valued and cared for.
What activities can groups enjoy at Jewel's Bakery & Cafe?
Jewel's Bakery & Cafe offers a variety of engaging activities and amenities that make it perfect for group meetups. Beyond enjoying delicious gluten-free meals and treats, guests can explore their menu featuring diverse options like portobello Philly sandwiches, veggie shawarma bowls, buffalo cauliflower wings, and whole garden tacos, catering to both vegan and vegetarian preferences alongside non-veg choices. Their thoughtful menu ensures that every group member can find something delightful, which fosters an inclusive dining occasion. Customers can also pre-order custom cakes and pastries, making the cafe an excellent venue for celebratory gatherings such as birthdays or anniversaries. These custom orders can be tailored in size and design, ideal for parties ranging from intimate to larger groups. Furthermore, the cafe’s commitment to quality extends to their coffee offerings, sourcing fair-trade, organic, mold-free local beans that add to the richness of any gathering. This blend of flavorful food, specialty drinks, and custom dessert options ensures a dynamic social experience where friends and families can eat, chat, and celebrate comfortably together.
Why is Jewel’s Bakery & Cafe perfect for group meetups?
Jewel’s Bakery & Cafe excels as a venue for group meetups because it combines catering to special dietary needs with a warm, welcoming environment equipped to accommodate both casual and formal gatherings. Its entirely gluten-free kitchen removes worries about cross-contamination or uncomfortable dining choices, a rare and highly appreciated feature in group dining. The cafe’s friendly, knowledgeable staff offers personalized assistance to guests, including vegan-friendly options and accommodating special requests, which enhances the experience for groups with diverse dietary restrictions. The spacious seating arrangements, including options that are wheelchair accessible and dog-friendly outdoor areas, make the cafe adaptable for different party sizes and preferences. Additionally, ample parking available on-site addresses a common meetup concern, providing hassle-free accessibility for everyone. Whether it’s a relaxed brunch or a reserved party of more than five guests, Jewel’s offers reliable booking options that allow group organizers to plan with confidence. This mix of practical features and thoughtful amenities makes Jewel’s an outstanding choice for group socializing, ensuring every visitor leaves satisfied.
How does Jewel’s Bakery & Cafe cater to special diets and preferences?
One of Jewel’s Bakery & Cafe's standout attributes is its dedication to accommodating a variety of dietary restrictions and preferences with exceptional care. The cafe is entirely gluten-free, making it safe for individuals with celiac disease and gluten intolerance to dine without concern. It also offers vegan and vegetarian-friendly options, providing inclusivity for plant-based eaters. While the vegan menu options have evolved over time, the staff remains attentive and capable of helping guests select tailored meals that suit their needs. This thoughtful approach to dietary inclusiveness means friends and family with different food preferences can enjoy the menu together without compromise. The cafe focuses on fresh, wholesome ingredients and health-conscious preparation, adding to the appeal for those seeking nourishing meals. This reliable attention to special diets not only expands the pool of potential guests for group meetups but also enhances the overall dining experience by ensuring everyone can enjoy thoughtfully crafted food in a safe environment.
What makes the food and drinks at Jewel’s Bakery & Cafe exceptional for a gathering?
The culinary offerings at Jewel’s Bakery & Cafe are designed to delight a group with a range of tastes and appetites. There is a strong emphasis on fresh, flavorful dishes prepared in a gluten-free environment, which sets it apart in terms of quality and safety. Signature items such as buffalo cauliflower wings provide a unique and tasty alternative to classic comfort foods, while dishes like the portobello Philly sandwich and veggie shawarma bowl showcase a creative blend of American and international flavors, appealing to versatile palates. Notably, the cafe’s coffee selection features local, organic, fair-trade, mold-free certified beans, adding a premium touch to the beverage experience that complements the food perfectly. For those planning a special event, Jewel’s custom cakes and pastries can be personalized in flavor, size, and design, ensuring a centerpiece dessert that matches the occasion and impresses everyone present. This dedication to quality, variety, and presentation makes dining at Jewel’s a memorable part of any social gathering.
What is the ambiance and location like at Jewel’s Bakery & Cafe?
Jewel’s Bakery & Cafe is located at 4041 East Thomas Road, Ste 101, Phoenix, Arizona—a convenient spot accessible for locals and visitors alike. The cafe’s interior combines warmth and casual comfort, fostering an inviting atmosphere that invites extended conversations and laughter among friends. Natural light and tasteful decor create a space where people feel relaxed and at home, an essential element for social gatherings that depend on comfort as much as food quality. The pedestrian-friendly location benefits from available parking, which enhances convenience for groups traveling together. Additionally, the cafe’s pet-friendly outdoor seating options offer an opportunity to include furry friends in meetups, which is an increasingly important feature for social groups today. Altogether, the ambiance supports both quiet moments and joyful celebrations, making Jewel’s an attractive destination to rally your circle.
How can booking and ordering logistics support your group meetup plans?
Jewel’s Bakery & Cafe simplifies group visit planning with clear policies and services geared toward larger parties. For groups of five or more, reservations are recommended to ensure seating is available and waiting times are minimized. This reservation system allows meetups to proceed smoothly and comfortably, especially during busier hours. Additionally, the cafe offers ordering options for pickup or delivery, which is ideal if your group prefers a more casual setting at home or another venue. Their custom cake and pastry ordering process is well-structured, requiring orders at least five days in advance with specific details on size, flavor, filling, frosting, and design. This level of organization ensures your celebratory deserts arrive perfectly suited to your event’s needs. Payment requirements and customer communication via email streamline the preparation, enhancing the overall event planning experience. By providing these flexible and customer-friendly services, Jewel’s makes hosting meetups with friends simple and stress-free.
What do customers say about their group experience at Jewel’s Bakery & Cafe?
Customer reviews consistently highlight the cafe’s welcoming vibe, food quality, and attention to dietary needs as reasons to choose Jewel’s Bakery & Cafe for group gatherings. People appreciate the safe, gluten-free environment, often noting how the inclusion of vegan and vegetarian choices broadens the group’s enjoyment. The friendly staff receives praise for their helpfulness and accommodating approach, enhancing the feeling of a community-centric space where everyone can feel comfortable. Reviewers mention the deliciousness of unique menu items like cauliflower wings and the freshness of salads, which appeal to those seeking both indulgence and nutrition. Some feedback requests additional vegan options like chick’n and waffles, which reflects a desire for even more varied offerings but does not detract from the overall positive sentiment. Parking availability, dog-friendliness, and wheelchair accessibility also receive commendation, confirming the cafe’s suitability for diverse groups. These testimonials underscore why Jewel’s Bakery & Cafe ranks among the top dining spots for social meetups in Phoenix.
How does Jewel's Bakery & Cafe support sustainability and community involvement?
Though not extensively outlined in customer reviews, Jewel's Bakery & Cafe demonstrates sustainability and community-minded values through their choice of locally sourced, organic, and fair-trade coffee, as well as the support of local honey producers. Such conscious sourcing supports local farmers and artisans, encouraging sustainable agricultural practices and providing guests with eco-friendly options. The cafe also offers e-gift cards and opportunities to join their community, indicating an active engagement with patrons beyond just dining. By fostering a community around health-conscious and ethically sourced food, Jewel's builds lasting relationships with customers and supports local economies. These values enhance the appeal of the cafe for groups who care about social responsibility alongside enjoying good food, making their visit even more meaningful and aligned with current consumer ethics.
Jewel’s Bakery & Cafe shines as a gathering place that combines inclusive, delicious food with a warm and accessible atmosphere, tailored services for group dining, and conscientious community engagement. For friends and families in Phoenix seeking a welcoming spot free from gluten worries and filled with thoughtful cuisine, this cafe is a premier choice for rallying together, celebrating, and enjoying quality time.