UPDATE: Bake Me Happy moved to 500 E. Whittier St. in October 2022. Read more about the new shop here!
Bake Me Happy | Facebook | T: @bakemehappygf | IG: @bakemehappygf
106 E. Moler St. (map it!)
Columbus, OH 43207
(614) 477-3642
Open Wed-Fri, 7a-5p; Sat, 8a-5p; Sun, 9a-4p
Visited: Friday, September 14, 2018 at 10 a.m.
Bake Me Happy has long been on my radar as a place for excellent baked goods, but I know it’s been especially appreciated by certain friends because it’s one of the city’s few completely gluten free bakeries. Owners Wendy and Letha Pugh had long operated solely as a small retail bakery in Merion Village, and about a year ago they expanded it into a full coffee shop.
The shop is spacious and brightly colored. I took the opportunity for a free morning to finally go check it out. That morning a steady group of customers shuffled through, although the shop was quiet enough for me to hang out and write for a couple hours.
I’m sure for some there’s the question of eating gluten free goodies, and whether they appeal to someone who doesn’t eat them because of health reasons or personal choice. If you are gluten free: GREAT. You probably already know about Bake Me Happy and how good their stuff is. If you’re not gluten free: ALSO GREAT. I’ve got a new bakery and coffee shop I think you’ll love.
The cafe serves – like the best coffee shops do – as a little community hub as well. Hanging out here gives you a good taste of the Merion Village neighborhood and all that’s going there.
Bake Me Happy excels at creating gluten free versions of all your favorite baked goods: cookies, muffins, Twinkies, zebra cakes, pop tarts, scones, pies.
I’m all for hybrid bakery goods, especially when one half of the equation is a donut. I present to you the donut muffin.
Keep an eye on their menu online. Many items rotate seasonally, so there’s always something new to discover.
The shop is split into two counters. It gets a little confusing when it comes to ordering, but just follow the signs. The coffee shop side features espresso drinks, cold brew, pour overs, and the like. They use Ramble Coffee.
I enjoyed a donut muffin and a cappuccino, served in a cute little mug, while I worked for a couple hours. I was able to pretty easily find a plug for my laptop, and there’s free wifi!
I also ordered a savory pie slab, a dense and well seasoned slice with potatoes, scrambled eggs, spinach, and a flaky crust.
You can find plenty of free parking on the streets around the bakery and coffee shop.
Bake Me Happy may focus on gluten free goodness, but that goodness should appeal to anyone. I think the whole question of “But does it taste like an actual Twinkie?” is completely beside the point. These are just terrific baked goods.
I’m looking forward to a return visit, and if you’re in need of a good cup of coffee, a place to hang, or a comforting cookie, pie, or cake, this is your place to go.
