Some of the best finds in Tennessee hide in small shops that look like nothing special from the street. This one sits on a little hill, and the menu inside holds a surprise that most bakeries never manage.
Every single item is gluten-free, from the cinnamon rolls people buy in pairs to the oatmeal cream pies that fans call a cult classic. Keep reading to learn where it is, what to order, and why folks drive across state lines just to fill a box.
A Midtown Address Worth Circling
Finding it takes less effort than resisting a second pastry. Jacques Louise Gluten Free Bakery sits at 585 Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104, in the Midtown area near Overton Square.
The shop is a bakery first and foremost, but it also serves sandwiches, quiche, and coffee drinks. That mix makes it a handy stop for breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon treat.
What sets it apart is simple and bold. Everything on the menu is gluten-free, so no one has to scan labels or ask nervous questions at the counter.
For Tennessee families and road-trippers alike, that matters. A person with celiac disease and a friend who eats anything can order side by side and share the same plate.
Memphis is famous for plenty of foods, yet a fully gluten-free bakery was missing for a long time. Locals now have one to call their own, and many seem ready to defend it.
From a Flower Shop Cold Case to Its Own Front Door
Plenty of great bakeries start big. This one started in a single cold case inside a flower shop, along with online orders.
Longtime fans remember those early days fondly. They followed the baked goods from that little case all the way to the current shop on Cooper Street.
That kind of loyalty does not happen by accident. It grows when people find something they cannot get anywhere else and keep coming back for it.
The move gave the bakery room to stretch. Today there are breads, pastries, cookies, cakes, and savory lunch items, a far cry from one refrigerated shelf.
The owner is known as kind and helpful, and her staff carries that same spirit. Fans have even nicknamed her a celiac superhero, which is quite a title for someone who bakes for a living.
Humble roots, steady growth, and a loyal following make this a true Memphis success story.
A Wheat-Free Kitchen With Serious Standards
Gluten-free claims can mean different things at different places. At this bakery, the promise goes a step further than many shoppers expect.
The kitchen is completely wheat-free on top of being gluten-free. The owner has stated that no wheat starch is used in any product, even though some gluten-free bakeries rely on it.
That detail is a big deal for people with wheat allergies. They often worry that certified gluten-free items still contain wheat-based ingredients, so clear answers help them order with more confidence.
Fans also point out that the oatmeal cream pie contains no seed oils. For shoppers who pay close attention to ingredients, that note earns extra attention.
The result is a counter where every choice is safe for gluten-free diets. No separate menu, no tiny corner of options, and no guessing game.
Simple ease like that is the quiet reason many people return week after week.
The Cinnamon Roll That Converts Skeptics
Ask around Midtown about what to order first, and one answer keeps coming up. The cinnamon roll is the most talked-about item in the shop.
It wins over people who never cared much for cinnamon rolls before. The dough is soft, the sweetness stays balanced, and the edges carry a sugary crust.
A common move is buying one to eat right away and another to take home. Some customers have done exactly that on their very first trip.
There is also a version topped with apple pie filling, which makes the decision even harder. Pairing one with a latte or matcha in a sunny seat is a favorite routine.
Fans have even suggested that every person in Memphis and north Mississippi should try one, gluten-free or not.
That is a lot of pressure for a pastry. Somehow, this roll seems to handle it with plenty of swirl to spare.
Oatmeal Cream Pies With a Cult Following
Plenty of Southerners grew up with plastic-wrapped oatmeal cream pies in the family lunchbox. This bakery took that nostalgic snack and gave it a homemade makeover.
The owner calls it a cult classic, and the fan club agrees. Some say it beats the store-bought snack cakes they remember from childhood.
The cookies are soft and almost cake-like, so they nearly fall apart when picked up. The filling stays light and not overly sweet, which keeps the whole thing from feeling heavy.
Not everyone finds it identical to the packaged version. Some describe it more as a well-made oatmeal cookie sandwich with a marshmallow-style spread, which is a treat in its own right.
Either way, it is one of the most requested items in the case. One visitor from Atlanta wished she had bought more for the trip home.
Consider that fair warning to grab extras early.
Focaccia, Baguettes, and Bread Worth Bragging About
Bread is the hardest thing to get right without gluten. That makes the bread here something of a local headline.
The focaccia gets a steady stream of praise. One husband who eats regular bread calls it the best bread he has ever had, which says plenty.
The baguette has its own fan base. A Colorado traveler ranked it above baguettes she had tried in Italy and France, gluten-free or not.
People who have gone without good bread for years often say this is the first time it has felt like the real thing. Both flavor and texture earn credit.
Honest notes exist too. Some find the focaccia a bit denser than the wheat version they remember.
Loaves are available to take home, so sandwiches and toast can keep the experience going for days. As the owner likes to say, life without bread is no life at all.
Lunch Counter Favorites
Sweet treats get the spotlight, but the savory side holds its own. Lunch here can be just as memorable as dessert.
The focaccia club is a popular pick. There is also a caprese version and a turkey BLT on focaccia for those who like options.
Quiche Lorraine is another star. Fans praise its creamy filling, smoky flavor, and flaky crust, and the owner has said the team worked hard to perfect those crusts.
Savory scones round out the lineup for anyone who wants something smaller.
One tip matters before ordering. The sandwiches are on the smaller side, so hungry appetites may want to add a scone or a slice of quiche.
Small but mighty is how some fans put it. A road-tripper who grabbed a single sandwich later wished she had bought a second, which might be the best advice on the whole page.
Danishes, Tarts, Cupcakes, and Beyond
Decision fatigue is a real risk at this counter. The menu runs far wider than two famous pastries.
Strawberry and blueberry Danishes are a highlight, and some say they come impressively close to traditional ones. Lemon tarts, chocolate mousse cake, and chocolate pie also make appearances.
Cookie lovers have choices too. A loft-house style cookie with buttercream gets plenty of attention, and cookies in general are among the most mentioned items.
Cupcakes in chocolate and vanilla come with frosting that does not overpower the cake. An apple pop tart style pastry adds a playful touch.
Scones show up in both sweet and savory forms, with some describing them as fluffy.
The best strategy may be the group approach. Friends often order several items to split, so everyone gets a taste of more of the menu without needing a nap afterward.
Coffee Bar Companions
Pastries need a partner, and the drink menu delivers. Coffee here earns compliments of its own.
The iced caramel latte comes with a strong espresso base and balanced sweetness. A caramel cappuccino is another favorite.
Matcha fans have options as well, including a matcha latte with Bramble Patch syrup that suits a warm Memphis summer day.
Seasonal drinks rotate through too. An eggnog steamer has shown up during the holidays, and it can be ordered with a shot of espresso.
A cinnamon roll and a latte in one of the sunny seats is a popular pairing. It turns a quick snack stop into a slow, relaxing break.
For drivers passing through Memphis, the coffee also makes a smart fuel stop. A road trip feels shorter with a good cup in the cupholder and a pastry box riding shotgun.
Sunny Nooks and Friendly Faces
Good baking brings people in, yet the welcome keeps them coming back. Friendly staff is one of the most mentioned things about this shop.
The space is often described as homey, lively, and filled with sunlight. Small sun nooks offer cozy spots to sit with a drink.
Outdoor seating is available too. From the hill, guests get a view of Cooper Street below.
Inside, the noise level stays comfortable and the lighting is soft. It works for a quiet morning alone or a catch-up with a friend.
Staff members are known for being upbeat and knowledgeable. Some guests say a team member named Cassie made them feel like family from start to finish.
Celiac couples, curious locals, and parents with picky kids all fit right in. Even guests who stay only a few minutes say the positive energy follows them out the door.
Hours, Prices, and a Gentle Nudge
Planning ahead pays off here. The bakery opens Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 3:30 PM and stays closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Those daytime hours mean early birds and lunch crowds get the best shot. Popular items can go fast, so arriving sooner helps.
Prices land in the $10 to $20 range per person, with many items under $10. That makes it an affordable treat for a weekend outing.
Nashville folks can reach Memphis in roughly three hours, and travelers from north Mississippi have an even shorter trip. It pairs well with a day exploring Overton Square and Midtown.
The final word is easy. Anyone who eats gluten-free, or loves someone who does, should put this shop on the list.
Bring a friend, order more than seems reasonable, and save room in the car for a box headed home.
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