At Jewel’s Bakery & Cafe in lower Arcadia, there is no need for qualifiers. This isn’t just the best gluten-free brunch, and they don’t just have the best-tasting vegan options. Jewel’s is one of the best places for breakfast, lunch, and baked goods in Arizona.
Jewel’s Bakery & Cafe is entering its second generation of ownership. Original founder and owner Julie Moreno has passed the day-to-day operations on to the very capable hands of her daughter, Justine Dachel. Dachel grew up in the restaurant industry and helped Moreno launch Jewel’s, making this the logical next step for her. With new management comes new energy, and Dachel has revamped the menu. She has also made some cosmetic changes to the restaurant and bakery. “I kept the heart and soul of what my mother created,” Dachel said. “But… I’m not celiac. I eat anything and everything so if I think it tastes off because it doesn’t have gluten, I fix it or don’t sell it. I challenge people to come in and tell me they can tell the difference.”
On the breakfast menu, standards like the Ham and Cheese Omelette with havarti cheese and bell peppers, or biscuits and gravy are available. The new Breakfast Waffle Sandwich – with eggs, two types of meat, havarti cheese, and syrup – is a wonderful combination of multiple flavors and textures. The Brunch Bowl is another dish that lets a variety of ingredients play together in the most delectable of ways. There are also various takes on chicken and waffles that show off the crunch in the breading of the fried chicken. “People love fried chicken here,” Dachel said. “It’s our number one seller – so I listened. More fried chicken, more waffles!”
If you’re going to Jewel’s for lunch, you should start with the Buffalo Cauliflower “Wings”. Even if you’re going for breakfast, you may want to grab some for later. They’re that good. For your main dish, there are plenty of healthy options like a Shawarma Bowl or Grilled Salmon Salad, but the Barbeque Bacon Cheeseburger or the “Hot Chick” Fried Chicken Sandwich are difficult to pass up.
Jewel’s offers a variety of wines, ciders, beers and spirits. The Agua Frisky with prosecco, berry lemonade and a splash of agave tequila is an eye-opener. If you’re going to be staying for awhile, Jewel’s now has $12 bottomless mimosas or bloodies with the purchase of an entree.
Jewel’s Bakery & Cafe is open seven days a week, 8am to 3pm. For more information, visit jewelsgfcafe.com.