With a wide variety of cuisines, there’s something for every dietary preference in Huntsville. If you’re looking for vegan and gluten-free options, some restaurants here will serve up something delicious for you.
And if you want something that would give the Atkins Diet inventor heart palpitations, you’ve come to the right place. There’s nothing more central to Southern dining than bread, and that’s an area where Huntsville’s choices are anything but half-baked. It would be impossible to capture all of them here, so we’ll list a few highlights. We would love to hear other local favorites in the comments below!
The Classic Approach
Peggy Ann Bakery has been baking in Huntsville for over 65 years and has earned a reputation as one of the best bakeries in Alabama. Go check them out for a great selection of cakes, pastries, and cookies. Also, enjoy a true Southern flavor with some of the best cheese straws in town. Check out Hamley Bake Shop and Good Company Café for more modern takes on a traditional feel.
Good and Gluten-Free
Mason Dixon Bakery is Alabama’s first gluten-free bakery and bistro and has been named one of the top 15 gluten-free bakeries in the country. Its loaves of bread, cakes, cupcakes, and cookies are made with stone-ground whole grains. Mason Dixon can be more than a snack; it can be a lifestyle—it makes healthy eating easy for busy folks with its Paleo meals-to-go packages.
Find all vegan-friendly dessert options here!
Oui, Oui, Madame
Calling all francophiles! Huntsville's L'Etoile Patisserie will transport you to the land of the Mona Lisa and The Eiffel Tower with authentically French baked goods just like you would find in fine shops, as well as street stands in Paris.
MidCity District's Tous les Jours is a neighborhood bakery specializing in French-Asian-inspired baked goods, handcrafted beverages, and bold, flavorful coffee and espresso made with the finest ingredients.
Let Them Eat Cake
Batter Up Cakes in Huntsville is known for its custom cakes. Place your order for a special event or a treat-yourself moment. They also offer a rotating menu of cookies, cupcakes, and more!
If you prefer your sweets nibble-size, check out the Baby Bite Bake Shop, home of tiny tiny cakes or Smallcakes, where the cupcakes are made each morning by hand … in small batches, of course.
And Donut Miss These
Bigfoot’s Little Donuts are big in flavor and tiny in size, so you’ll feel less guilty about how many of them you’ll want to eat. Parlor Doughnuts, located at Campus No. 805, is a craft bakery whipping up unique doughnuts, including vegan, gluten-free, and keto-friendly options, plus specialty coffee.
Grab Coffee with your Sweets
If you like your carbs with a side of coffee, plenty of options exist. Dragon's Forge Cafe inside Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment serves up sweet treats for those who enjoy the fantastical. With D&D games and decorated like a castle or scene from Harry Potter, this is the perfect spot for those who embrace their nerdy and geeky side of life.
Pizzelle's Confections is also located at Campus No. 805. While they are known for their chocolates, which are almost too pretty to eat, they have some wonderful cakes, too! They are even part of the Downtown Huntsville Craft Coffee Trail.
Another Stop on the trail is The Moon Bakeshop. They have the fluffiest creation called the Cruffin. It's a croissant muffin that is filled with cream and sprinkled with sugar. Don't sleep on their cookies and bars, either! They have fresh food each day, including some wonderful sandwiches.
Canadian Bakin is making carbs your new favorite thing. They have incredible pretzels, bagels, and sandwiches, too. Their breads, like the cinnamon brioche, are perfect for morning French toast or just dipping in some butter. Make sure to try their drink specials and get your Downtown Huntsville Craft Coffee Trail card stamped.
Mix it Up
Zion's Popcorn in Madison is one of the best places to get your sweet and salty mix. With fresh popcorn, baked cookies, and fudge, this bakery is a great place to get a nibble while train hunting on Main Street in historic downtown Madison.
JJ's Treats offers amazing cakes, cookies, and more, but try their Hawaiian shaved ice if you want to mix it up. They put love into their creations and offer them at a price that will make you smile as much as the treats do!
Did we miss any? Let us know by emailing info@huntsville.org
