Permanently Closed

Cafe 8

64 ratings
$ • Cafe
Reported to have a gluten-free menu
Reported GF menu options: Bread/Buns, Cheesecake, Cookies, Cupcakes, Dessert
Safety Rating
44 ratings

As rated by the community

5235 E Southern Ave
Mesa, AZ 85206

Most Recent Reviews


Overall Rating

Review


I took forever to finally make it out to this place and just found out they are closing for good at the end of August which is a total bummer

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 2 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


They have breakfast food and desserts! Also lunch menus with soup salad and sandwiches. I had a giant muffin and waffles and dessert.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for breakfast/brunch
  • Good for dairy-free
  • Good for takeout
Updated 2 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Excellent service and food. Try the hot spiced almond milk!!

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for breakfast/brunch
  • Good for dairy-free
  • Good for keto
  • Good for kids
  • Good for lunch
  • Good selection of healthy options
  • Good with other allergies
Updated 2 years ago read full review

This establishment is NOT a dedicated gluten-free facility and may not be safe for those with celiac disease. Please contact the establishment directly to inquire about safety precautions.

Gluten-Free Features

  • Reported to have a dedicated fryer
  • Bread/Buns
  • Cheesecake
  • Cookies
  • Cupcakes
  • Dessert
  • Gluten-Free Menu

Categories

  • Allergy Friendly
  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Cafe
  • Dairy-Free Friendly
  • Healthy
  • Keto Friendly
  • Kid Friendly
  • Lunch
  • Organic
  • Paleo Friendly
  • Takeout

Photos


Black Forest cake ( absolutely amazing!) and a blueberry muffin
Bacon and cheese omelette with roasted potatoes.
Gluten-Free at Cafe 8
Gluten-Free at Cafe 8
Gluten-Free at Cafe 8
Gf bakery case (yes that's lemon merengue pie!)
Add a photo View all photos

Tips


Celiac

Very disappointed that I was unable to try out a “great local restaurant”. Whoever was behind the counter seemed very put out that I needed a table for 5. When I didn’t get any kind of response, I said “never mind” and got “ok bye” as a response. As someone with celiac, it’s hard to find places close to my house and was super excited to try out Cafe 8. Unfortunately I don’t think I will ever try again, too disappointed.

3 years ago

More Reviews


Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Ordered a salad, turkey sandwich, breakfast sandwich on a bagel, sweet potato fries, donuts, cupcakes, and a huge chocolate chip muffin! All gluten free. They only have gluten bread that they keep in a separate area, everything else in gluten free! They even had a couple of options for someone on an AIP diet. Loved the food, and I can’t wait to try more things.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Dedicated gluten-free fryer
  • Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for breakfast/brunch
  • Good for dairy-free
  • Good for lunch
  • Good for takeout
Updated 3 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


If you want true gluten free and so many options, this is the place. Highly recommend!

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 3 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


I've been there twice. The service is friendly and helpful. I've had an omelet, Belgian waffle, grilled cheese sandwich with tomato basil soup, pear salad, cake pop, quiche, and meatball sandwich. The food is great and I haven't gotten sick once. Half the table ate items with gluten and they also loved their meal. The homemade strawberry jam is delicious. I highly recommend.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for breakfast/brunch
  • Good for lunch
  • Good for takeout
  • Good selection of healthy options
  • Offers outdoor seating
Updated 3 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


I'm giving it 4 stars as it's absolutely safe, but I'd rather not return. We've been three times but only eaten there twice. First time wasn't so bad, meatball sandwich was amazing. The husband/wife owners were present, he's stoic and she's bubbly. Second trip there had a red hair in the food, showed it to waiter, husband/owner comes out stating it's not from them and no one has red hair.... Yes, the wife/owner does and who brought us the second plate? She did, and was obviously embarrassed as we didn't see her again but instead ate the food under the watchful stare of the husband. It was extremely uncomfortable as it's a small cafe. Third time we went we were met with unpleasantness at the door and just turned around and left.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 3 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


There gf apple cinnamon French toast is sooo delicious. I’m addicted. I never get sick here from gluten

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


A really good breakfast and lunch menu with lots of gluten-free options, I have celiac and I’ve never got sick there

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Great food and super friendly service!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


First time here and thrilled with the choices (so many!!!!) I had the special grilled cheese with tomato basil soup and it was fabulous! My new favorite restaurant.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Great family owned cafe! So far everything has be en great! We did order muffins to go and they were doughy, but all in all I’d go here again!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Loved this place! Well worth the money to not having to worry about getting sick.

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


What an awesome place to eat if you have any gluten issues. It’s small but so friendly family owned and operated. It was my first time. The baked goods were so amazing the apple pie is yummy.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


If I could give this place a zero star I would. It was literally the worst gf restaurant I have ever been to. We went at 11 am and two of us ordered French toast. It was Udis style and burnt. For 8 each serving it was an outrageous price. Someone else ordered gyro and fries. They were like fries from a grocery freezer aisle. They were disgusting. I paid $40 for a meal we didn’t even end up eating. I don’t know about the bakery aspect but don’t go here to dine.

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Excellent service and great food GF

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Not sure why they are listed twice or ranked so low. I am Celiac and extremely sensitive. And I have been to almost every restaurant that truly caters to folks with food sensitivities. For the money, variety and consistent quality I have found none better. Get there early for the bakery because they sell out quickly - especially during snow bird season. Tell Alex and Tracy that Carrie and Larry sent you.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


I am extremely sensitive to gluten and have been diagnosed Celiac for over 13 years. I love and appreciate places like Picazzos and Jewels. But for the money, consistency and variety Cafe 8 is my go to. Get there early for the bakery because they sell out fast - especially during snow bird season. Tell Alex and Tracy that Larry and Carrie sent you.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


From Tucson and stopped by after reading the reviews while I was in the area. I got a huge chocolate chip muffin and it was delicious! Since it's the only thing I have tried there I'm giving it 4 stars.

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


I was diagnosed with Celiac disease about 7 years ago and this is by far the best gluten free food I've ever had.

Owned by a husband and wife, who make almost everything from scratch, themselves.

The food they make is all gluten free, with the exception of outsourced gluten containing breads they bring in for non gluten free folk.

I've been there twice and haven't been sick afterwards, the service has never been slow (for having three people at the most working the entire restaurant) and the food has been excellent.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 7 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


LOVE LOVE This place! Very celiac safe and knowledgeable of dairy intolerances and celiac disease. I would recommend this place to anyone. Thank you both for being you!

Updated 7 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I agree that the food is great and there are many gf options. However, the service was so slow that we were there almost 2 hours for breakfast! (By the way, we were seated right away) The excuse given was that 3 out of 4 of us ordered french toast. Only go if you have hours to spend waiting for service. food, and the bill.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 7 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Good food. Service a little slow.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 7 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


The food, service and deserts are fantastic!

Updated 7 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Terribly rude staff we couldn't believe it. We were told it would be a half an hour to wait for four people but then later she said that we could sit separately and to wait a minute and she'd clean the table, then she gave those tables away within the time allotted and told us we have to wait a half an hour they were horrible here!

Updated 7 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I had the GF French Toast and the hot chocolate. The food was wonderful, didn't feel sick afterwards, and I recommend the hot chocolate. Absolutely delicious! Also bought a blueberry scone on the way out. Talked with the lady who owns the store and she bakes everything from scratch with a GF all purpose flour that she mixes herself. Loved that she immediately asked upon us sitting at a table if anyone needed a GF menu instead of me having to ask for it. I highly recommend this place!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 7 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Our French Toast was okay. I'm giving it 5 stars for the service and the fact that I didn't get sick.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 7 years ago read full review

Wheat Allergy

Overall Rating

Review


What a great find! Delicious gluten free baked goods, French toast, pancakes, tortillas, pies, muffins, donuts, cakes! Family run and incredibly knowledgeable about celiac and gluten intolerance cross contamination. They take it very seriously. No worries eating here!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 7 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 7 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I had the French toast. While flavorful it was a little crispy. Owners are very friendly, my non celiac family loved their wraps and regular French toast. Yummy.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 7 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


The food off the menu was fine. But after reading all the reviews I was expecting a good size voice of muffins, cookies, brownie extra. But there was NONE. I asked about them and the waitress said that they really didn't have anything. They had a donut but it was hard and not good. Sorry but I won't be back. Oh and I paid like $20 for just me, and I didn't have a drink.

Updated 7 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Just make sure you are there 15min before they close or you won't get served even though they at 3PM! It was a trip to get there and to be turned away was frustrating. Not sure if I will be back.

Updated 7 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Still one of the best for me--so hard to find GF breakfast other than eggs, and Café 8 consistently delivers! Lunches are great, too.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 8 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


the GF waffle was amazing

Updated 8 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 8 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Oh my gosh! Greatest experience! The food was terrific and the owners care so much about your dining experience! I will definitely be back and tell my friends!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 8 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 8 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


I can't give it 5 stars. the food was really good and the price was within range. They had a gluten free and non gluten free menu which basically anything can be made gluten free. My friend and I got the same thing with mine being gluten free. His portion was bigger than mine yet mine costs more than his, not by much but it was a noticeable difference in size. I will definitely be coming back here and in fact I just ordered a pie for thanksgiving!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 8 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Definitely one of the better places to eat gluten free in the area. It's a small family run restaurant with delicious food. They have a separate gluten free menu with many options, and they understand food allergies very well. To top it off, they bake gluten free muffins and donuts in house. The muffins do contain a little dairy, but the donuts don't. They don't make the donuts everyday. So if you really want one, best to call the day before or early in the morning to place an order.

This is our favorite place.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 8 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Delicious gluten free Belgian waffle, blueberry muffin and quiche!! Super tasty!

Updated 8 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Amazing food with a wide variety of options for gluten sensitive or celiac disease. One of my favorites!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 8 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


I go to Cafe 8 all the time and they are always very nice and accommodating to our needs. It is a family run business. The food is amazing! Bacon and gf french toast is off the charts! I would suggest making a reservation though because they are always packed. :)

Updated 8 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


My daughter and I love this place! Make a reservation before you go because the place is always packed. They always have a variety of fresh gf bakery items and they have an actual gf menu with tons of food. The bacon is amazing and they are always very accommodating. There's also a Sprout's next door so you can get your gf shopping done too. Love Cafe 8.

Updated 9 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Wonderful food we started with the pork then I got to eat a turkey bacon club with potatoes and the tzataki sauce was the bomb **update** After attempting to buy a dessert on 2 occasions only to be treated with EXTREME rudeness we will not return. Instead I make the drive into Phoenix to head to Jewels Bakery and restaurant for far better food and civility.

Celiac friendly?

No

Updated 9 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Organic home made and GF!!! Food is DELISH and people terrific!

Updated 9 years ago read full review

Gluten Intolerant

Overall Rating

Review


Delicious, real food. GF or otherwise. Great service, clean. GF bakery a plus. Great to have you in Mesa.

Updated 9 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Great food. a ton of options. The best gf desserts ever, especially the blueberry cheesecake and key lime pie. Love this place.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 9 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I never thought that gluten free could taste so good until I ate here! They have many yummy options on their gluten menu and the blueberry muffins are to die for!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 9 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


So thrilled to find gf breakfast items! The Belgian waffle was delicious! my husband loved his omelette and I so appreciated an entire gf menu! We will be back many times!

Updated 9 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Wonderful GF blueberry muffins! I have had both breakfast and lunch, very good! Great GF desserts, all my non-GF friends raved about them!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 9 years ago read full review

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