Where to Find the Best Gluten-Free Goodies in Manhattan

With an increasingly large number of people following a gluten-free diet, the availability and variety of foods that meet this dietary restriction have expanded.

“It wasn’t that long ago when people in this country sort of pooh-poohed the idea of gluten-free (GF), although it had been  acknowledged by Europeans for many years,” said Blair Nicole of Liberty Cruise NYC. “It can be a serious health issue, though, so it’s necessary to acknowledge it–and the best news is it can be really delicious.  In fact, I know some people who aren’t gluten-free who go to these places just for the taste!”

Erin McKenna’s Bakery (formerly called Babycakes)

Address: 248 Broome St, New York, NY 10002

Erin McKenna’s Bakery, formerly called Babycakes, is an establishment with a 1950s soda shop feel, which sells treats that are free from harmful ingredients.

This is really a story about how some of the best ideas are born out of necessity.  McKenna, owner and founder, couldn’t find anything to satisfy her sweet tooth, because she had so many food allergies.  So she decided to do it herself, and Babycakes was opened in the late 2000s.  Soon after she was on the cover of Inc. Magazine with celebrity chef Tom Colicchio and at the helm of an empire that included several locations around the country, as well as a best-selling cookbook.  

Later, she renamed it to Erin McKenna’s Bakery.

Products are vegan, Kosher, GF, and also don’t contain any refined sugars, wheat or soy. Soft serve, cupcakes and donuts are popular items, but sweet breads and other treats are also available.

Celebrities, such as Pamela Anderson and Natalie Portman, have been spotted here. Madonna has been known to come in for the donuts.

Even if you aren’t gluten-free, we promise you’ll swoon–especially when you taste her scones and donuts. Trust us, you want to go to this place.

Rubirosa Ristorante

Address: 235 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012

With dim lights, a chic yet familial atmosphere and big pizzas, Rubirosa is a favorite of both tourists and New York locals. There is an entire GF menu, including mozzarella sticks, fried calamari, meatballs and pasta. The vodka pizza is a standout on the menu.

Chloe’s Soft Serve Fruit Co.

Address: 25 E 17th Street, New York, NY 10003

Warm weather means that traditional baked goods sometimes do not cut it. Chloe’s Soft Serve Fruit Co. has sundaes, fruit pops and soft serve. The soft serve fruit base is only organic cane sugar, water and fruit. It comes in flavors such as banana, dark chocolate and mango.

Tu-Lu’s Bakery

Address: 338 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003

Tu-Lu’s is conveniently close to Erin McKenna’s bakery. Visit one place before checking out the other one. Paninis and homemade croutons share a menu with cookie dough balls and cupcakes.

Baked by Melissa

Address: 110 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038

Baked by Melissa offers bite-sized cupcakes and macarons in GF varieties. Served in trays, these can satisfy any foodie’s sweet tooth. Triple Chocolate Crunch, Red Velvet and Birthday Cake are just a few flavors that are part of the OMFG. assortment. Get some to much on as you explore Manhattan.

Smile to Go

Address: 22 Howard St, New York, NY 10013

The GF desserts at Smile to Go are unique, from the PB&J Cookie to the Banana Quinoa Muffin. The Banana Buckwheat Bread is a more filling menu item. Take one with you while you wander the streets and shop until you drop in Soho.

When you hit land from you Liberty Cruise NYC cruise, your sweet tooth just may be talking to you–so venture around downtown Manhattan later for some GF goodness. Enjoy your foodie adventure!

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

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2 thoughts on “Where to Find the Best Gluten-Free Goodies in Manhattan”

  1. Excellent post. The information you provided is useful to all of us. Keep on posting like this. Thanks for sharing.

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