Gluten Free Gem — Restaurant in Portland

Experience/Environment: Super cute. From the outside, the building has an old school vibe but there’s something about the windows and the angle of the building that I appreciate. It adds personality before you even walk in.

Price: Dietary restrictions cost money. I’ll just leave it at that lol.

Food: Everything is GF. I got a bunch of things so get ready…

Lemon Poppy Seed Pound Cake: light fluffy, lemon “frost” on top was a banger. The cake wasn’t too sweet so it was the perfect paired with the flavor of the frosting.

Lemon Twinkle Cookie: edges were crunchy to the soft but firm cookie. Lemon flavor was definitely apparent but there was also an almond flavor in there to me.

Peanut Butter Power Bar: I refrigerated it overnight and pulled it out to snack on during my walk. It kind of just fell apart, which is fine. So I understand why it’s saran wrapped. You can taste the peanut butter, brown sugar, oats. I would’ve preferred the consistency be more granola bar esk but that’s a personal preference.

Chocolate Chip Cookie: Delish. Chocolate was rich and balanced well with the cookie.

Peach Coffee Cake: Consistency and flavor to perfection. One of our favorites. If you like coffee cakes and peach flavor, try this. ASAP.

Honestly overall, everything was incredible. I only wish I was able to eat it all in a timely manner. After 2 days, quality starts to go naturally so 3 days shelf life max is what I’d recommend.

Service: All the bags that the treats came in say “I’m a gem” which made me smile. Lol. Love a good pun. Especially when it’s cute. Everyone was super nice. It...

This place makes great gluten-free goodies in a dedicated GF facility which is great for those of us with celiac. They have a good selection of vegan items and clearly label common allergens. The stuff that I can eat is delicious. I love that about GF Gem.

I used to go more often when I lived closer. Last time I went, 12/20/2021-ish, the staff seemed disgruntled. One was nice but the other was overtly cold and impatient. I didn't ask any questions about the food, I just asked for what I knew I wanted. I didn't even give the employee an opportunity to become impatient with me. This is a them problem, that they projected onto me. I did not appreciate it.

I was struck by how many passive-aggressive notes to customers were printed and stuck about the café. I felt like I had wandered into a house occupied by 6 different roommates who all hate each other but try to be superficially nice. I included a picture of one sign by the coffee machine. Of note, 6 customers are allowed in at a time. Seriously how congested can this area get when there are only 6 customers? Along the benches, there are signs every 2-3 feet declaring that the area is for waiting only, not eating or drinking. Every 2-3 feet. I get it, thanks. I realize in Portland being nice to customers is becoming pretty optional. Sure, it's not mandatory - do what you want - but this kind of experience makes me want to avoid this place, no matter how good the food is. Like, sorry to inconvenience & frustrate you with my presence.

I work in customer service, too, except in healthcare, where people are hoping I'll help them not die. Doesn't matter how sh*tty my mood or day is; I treat them with decency. My mood & the state of my effed-up industry is not their fault....

Stopped by on a Sunday. Parking was free because it was Sunday. My friend and I got a few treats for leftovers as we're from Washington. The bread pudding was ok the first time around (it was not warmed up enough even after they warmed it up again) but not so great the next day. It's heavy and dry which I enjoy. The cheesecake was creamy and full of flavor. The crust was thicker than expected but still good. I think they need to marry the cheesecake and bread pudding. The Marion? berry donut was amazing. The donut was more cakey than donuty but it was perfect and delicious. the savory hand pie was creamy and delicious. Again it could have been warmer even after they warmed it again. I was not a fan of the egg thing. I'm sure it would be good to others but I just wasn't a fan. Maybe it was the spinach. I have yet to try the brownie or lemon poppy seed. Even if they're garbage I'd still make a trip from Seattle for the hand pie alone.

Sadly the ice machine was down so I didn't get a drink but my friend got the orange latte thing and said it was good

The staff was pleasant...