City Cakes & Cafe — Restaurant in Salt Lake City

Original review edited a little to reflect modern views. Edit to add: my friend, who's tried vegan options in greater Boston, Montreal, Pennsylvania, San Francisco, Paris, and other parts of Europe, was stoked to discover this place. She said it's one of the best vegan dessert makers she's ever tried (and one of the most reasonably priced) and can't wait to visit again SLC again to get more treats! I've been going to this place for years. It's wonderful and amazing to have another delicious vegan bakery around (I have a dairy intolerance and strong sweet tooth but can't eat most regular baked goods without making them myself).

Even non-restricted/non-vegan family members really enjoy the treats from here and will seek some of them out (like the spinach cheez scones and pecan sandies) over others'. This is especially true of the carrot cake; my family has tried at least 7 different bakeries' versions over the years now and City Cakes remains the best, including beating out two nice French bakeries (for myself AND regular-eating family).

I also really like the fruit tarts and most of the cookies (snickerdoodles, sugar, pecan sandies -- not the chocolate dipped though --, and everything/trail cookies). The lemon blueberry scones are well balanced, not too sweet.

Staff is friendly, place is clean, and the lines are rarely more than 1-2 people. They seem to have a good sense of how to staff such that there are more people when it's busier, as one would hope but isn't always the case at cafes/etc.

They have food and basic coffee/espresso options too but I almost always just get baked goods. Frozen black bean burgers aren't bad.

I've only ever had a few items (in years of trying dozens of things) that I didn't love. My least favorites include the one doughnut I tried and most of the cupcakes (more dry than the cakes). The cheesecake is okay but I really, really miss true cream cheese so maybe it's good for being vegan. idk. Cinnamon rolls are better but also disappointing to me (my quest for the perfect vegan roll continues!) because they were a favorite, including the cream cheese icing.

I recently found a cinnamon roll at a different place that I prefer so adding rolls to the list of not my faves here, but City Cakes still wins at scones and cakes.

I also like that they have gluten free options. I know how hard it is to be vegan (or even dairy free) AND...

I've been here a couple times for a quick sweet treat and it seemed fine. Today I ordered a black bean burger with GF buns and jalapenos. I've accepted, as a vegan, that many vegan restaurants tend to be bland and tasteless and that is why I ordered jalapenos on the side. I got the meal to go. I was so hungry that in the parking lot I began ravaging the burger. After the first bite I noticed that the jalapenos were forgotten and knew that this was another super bland option for a meal. It truly tasted like a bread sandwich with onions. I couldn't eat anymore after just a couple bites. Also, the buns crumbled immediately leaving a mess in the box. I went back inside to get a fork and ask if it's always this wack. I asked for the manager and when she came I explained that this disgusting non warm jalapenoless (lol) item did not satisfy me as a customer. She said that the seasoning was most likely left out of this burger batch and next time they'll give me a free one. I never ever want free stuff, so I politely declined and ordered the mac n cheese. When I got the mac I went outside to the car and tried a bite. Disgusting again! Barely warm and old. Plus the cheese that comes on the nachos was suppose to be on it! It was so bland and old, again I couldn't eat it. I had to leave so I called in to the manager and explained the gross experience and asked why the Mac tasted plain and barely warm with hardened edges. She argued with me, refused to give her name and cut me off multiple times before hanging up on me. I get it! From the moment I walked in they seemed to blow me off, almost in a discriminatory way. Yes I'm a Rastafarian and you might be gay or whatever, and that's cool, just don't disrespect me as a potential customer and not take me serious. They might as well put a sign in the window refusing certain individuals. I felt like these workers would rather not have me as a customer and that's fine. Rolling their eyes and not minding that my experience was foul, they'll never get another cent from me (a long time vegan). I might recommend city cakes for a bday cake, but have never tried them so...

City Cakes: A Gluten-Free Paradise!

If you're gluten-free and have a sweet tooth, City Cakes is an absolute must-visit. This bakery isn't just good for a gluten-free establishment; it's just plain good, period. I've been consistently impressed by the sheer variety and quality of their offerings. It's a rare treat to find a bakery with so many options that cater to gluten-free needs, and City Cakes delivers in spades.

What sets City Cakes apart is that they don't just offer the standard gluten-free substitutions. They've clearly put thought and effort into crafting delicious treats that stand on their own, gluten-free or not. From decadent cakes and cupcakes to chewy cookies and flaky pastries, everything I've tried has been flavorful and satisfying. You can tell they use high-quality ingredients, and the textures are spot-on – no more dry, crumbly gluten-free disappointments here!

The selection is truly impressive. It's almost overwhelming (in a good way!) to see so many choices. Whether you're craving something rich and chocolatey, fruity and light, or something in between, you're sure to find something to tempt you. They also seem to have seasonal specials, which keeps things interesting and encourages repeat visits.

Beyond the delicious treats, the staff at City Cakes is friendly and knowledgeable. They're happy to answer questions about ingredients and offer recommendations. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it a pleasant place to grab a treat and enjoy it there or take it to go.

Honestly, I can't recommend City Cakes enough. Whether you're gluten-free, have a gluten-free friend or family member, or just appreciate delicious baked goods, this bakery is a gem. It's a testament to the fact that gluten-free baking can be just as delicious, if not more so, than traditional baking. Do yourself a favor and check them out – you won't be...