Savannah Rum Runners Bakery and Cafe's beautiful wedding cakes are as tasty as they are beautiful. But you don't have to wait until your 'I do's' to enjoy delicious goodies from Rum Runners. The eatery, located a couple of blocks west of Forsyth Park, offers an array of cookies, pastries, cakes, brownies and other baked goods, along with freshly baked breads, sandwiches, salads, soups and quiche. Patrons can call ahead and ask for a picnic box lunch (perfect to take to nearby Forsyth Park) or can dine inside or on the cafe's pet-friendly patio. In addition to its regular menu offerings, Rum Runners can accommodate gluten-free, sugar-free, lactose-free and vegan diets with 24-hour advance notice.
Recommended for Gluten-Free Baked Goods because: Give Savannah Rum Runners Bakery and Café at least 24 hours advance notice, and you can enjoy a variety of gluten-free baked goods and desserts.
Amy's expert tip: Rum Runners can ship its signature rum cake anywhere in the world.
Gigi's Cupcakes, a chain with stores around the United States, has a loyal following thanks to its tasty cupcakes topped with deliciously sweet mountains of frosting. The convenient Savannah shop, located next to the Abercorn Walk shopping center in Midtown, features Gigi's signature cupcakes, along with mini cheesecakes and beverages. The rotating daily menu includes favorites such as Lemon Icebox, Wedding Cake and Midnight Magic--devil's food cake with dark chocolate chips topped with a chocolate buttercream frosting and chocolate chips. Several of the cupcakes are available in mini sizes for those who just want a few bites. In addition to a sizable selection of cupcakes available daily in the store, Gigi's also accommodates special orders and offers easy online ordering.
Recommended for Gluten-Free Baked Goods because: Head to Gigi's Cupcakes - Savannah on Fridays to try its sinfully sweet gluten-free cupcakes. Call ahead if you have a hankering for a specific flavor.
Amy's expert tip: Visit Gigi's Cupcakes - Savannah's Facebook page for a glimpse of daily specials.
Located on the lower level of the Savannah Mall in the Dillard's wing, Dear Cupcakes offers a rotating selection of beautifully decorated cupcakes in a variety of flavors, including red velvet, key lime, vanilla with strawberry buttercream, coconut snow ball, double chocolate, standard vanilla and chocolate with peanut butter buttercream. The cupcakes hit the spot for those with a hankering for something sweet but are also perfect for special events, parties and more. For those with dietary restrictions, Dear Cupcakes also carries vegan, allergy-free and gluten-free cupcakes. In addition, the shop offers fresh cookies, pretzels, coffee and cold drinks.
Recommended for Gluten-Free Baked Goods because: The Savannah Mall's Dear Cupcakes features a mouth-watering selection of treats and often carries gluten-free cupcakes on the weekends.
Amy's expert tip: Call ahead to inquire about daily specials.
Gallery Espresso, the oldest coffeehouse in Savannah, is the perfect place for those looking for an alternative to the bar scene. Ideally located on Chippewa Square, the coffee shop offers a variety of coffee and tea drinks, small bites and desserts. Gallery Espresso also features wine by the glass, making it an ideal nighttime spot for those who can't agree on whether to go to a coffeehouse or bar. With plenty of seating, a rotating selection of local artwork adorning the walls and wifi, it's easy to see why Gallery Espresso has a steady crowd of patrons day and night.
Recommended for Gluten-Free Baked Goods because: Gallery Espresso's daily cheesecake is a gluten-free treat. The hip coffee shop also regularly features a delicious gluten-free Bundt cake.
Amy's expert tip: The slices of cake are huge. Grab a couple of forks and plan to share.
This hip coffee house, which is adjacent to Forsyth Park, serves vegetarian and vegan breakfast fare seven mornings a week, along with an outstanding brunch on Sundays. Coffee aficionados will appreciate the Bean's great selection of coffee, which usually includes freshly brewed single origin roasts from Africa and South America, along with an array of made-to-order espresso drinks. The breakfast menu features a vegetarian breakfast burrito with eggs and a vegan breakfast burrito with scrambled tofu, along with quiche, egg and cheese sandwiches, omelets and frittatas. The brunch menu boasts a rotating selection of specialties, among them tofu scramble loaded with fresh, seasonal vegetables and an outstanding breakfast burrito with spicy, homemade vegan sausage.
Recommended for Gluten-Free Baked Goods because: The Sentient Bean always stocks its case of baked goods with at least one gluten-free cake. Past choices have included apple spice and banana.
Dark, cozy and a little bit sinful, Lulu's Chocolate Bar is a great place to grab a drink and a few bites of heaven. The dessert bar features a rotating selection of tempting delights, among them dark chocolate cheesecake, chocolate caramel frozen mousse, coconut key lime pie and chocolate-covered strawberries. Drinks range from standard cocktails and wine to utterly decadent creations such as the Lulutini, a chocolaty take on a martini that incorporates chocolate Vodka, Meletti Ciocolatto Liqueur, creme de cacao and real chocolate. The bar features live music on Tuesday and Sunday nights; check out Lulu's website for a schedule of performers.
Recommended for Gluten-Free Baked Goods because: Gluten-free chocohaulics will go nuts at Lulu's Chocolate Bar, which boasts a rotating selection of treats including flourless chocolate torte, chocolate mousse and chocolate fondue.
Amy's expert tip: If you're craving something sweet but don't want to overindulge, try one of Lulu's dark chocolate truffles.
Enjoying an ideal location in Savannah's up-and-coming SoFo (South of Forsyth Park) area, Foxy Loxy is a neighborhood hub for culture, coffee and cuisine. The cafe's menu includes several breakfast items, which are available throughout the day, including huevos rancheros quiche and kolache, a slightly sweet pastry filled with sausage, cheese or fruit. The cafe also offers coffee drinks, beer and wine and a variety cheese plates, along with Tex-Mex favorites like tacos and chips and dips. For art-minded patrons, Foxy Loxy boasts a lovely collection of hand-pulled prints, including etchings, lithographs, woodcuts and screen prints by local, regional and national artists, which are available for purchase.
Recommended for Gluten-Free Baked Goods because: Get your gluten-free cookie fix at coffee shop/restaurant Foxy Loxy Print Gallery and Café. The eatery also serves a selection of other gluten-free desserts.
Amy's expert tip: Visit Foxy Loxy on the first Friday of every month for a special artist's reception.
This patisserie specializes in French macarons, a tasty confection consisting of two meringue-based layers and a buttercream or chocolate ganache filling. The macarons, which are made on site, come in a variety of flavors, including key lime, Meyer lemon, raspberry, vanilla bean, chocolate ganache, pistachio, bourbon pecan, hazelnut, coconut and more. The macarons can be purchased individually or by the box and can also be arranged as platters or in gift packages for special occasions. The store can ship the treats anywhere in the country. For those who want to enjoy the tasty treats in the store, tables are available, along with beverages including coffee and tea.
Recommended for Gluten-Free Baked Goods because: Maison de Macaron's naturally gluten-free meringue cookies are sinfully good. The tasty treats come in a variety of flavors including salted caramel, raspberry and hazelnut.
Amy's expert tip: Don't pass up the key lime macaron.
