If you're around Eastern Market, this spot is just a quick 8-minute walk away. We stopped by over the weekend and absolutely loved it. I am sure that they hear this a lot, but even though I'm not gluten-free, their pastries were amazing.I had the fig & goat cheese scone for breakfast, and it was heavenly. The chocolate donut holes were also a sweet little treat I would snack on them every day.The staff up front were super friendly and welcoming to everyone. Definitely planning to go back soon!
Sep 8 · Sam GraysonBAKERY PROFILE
Sweet Crimes Gluten-Free Bakery
★ 4.0338 recorded reviews$10–20
1238 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA
Directory information can change. Confirm current hours, prices, products, dietary needs, and custom-order requirements directly with the bakery.
PLAN THE VISIT
Essential details
- Address
- 1238 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA
- Phone
- (202) 297-0932
- Website
- Visit official site
- Rating signal
- 4.0 from 338 recorded reviews
HOURS
Listed operating hours
- MondayClosed
- Tuesday7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
About and visit notes
Are you searching for truly delicious baked goods in the District of Columbia, but need them to be entirely gluten-free? Look no further than Sweet Crimes Gluten-Free Bakery, a dedicated facility in Capitol Hill that has redefined what 'gluten-free' baking means. More than just a specialty shop, Sweet Crimes operates as a cozy cafe and a culinary 'Test Kitchen,' constantly innovating to ensure their products meet the highest standard of taste and texture.
For anyone with Celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or simply choosing a gluten-free diet, finding a bakery that eliminates all risk of cross-contamination—while still producing irresistible treats—can feel like a major challenge. Sweet Crimes solves this by being a completely dedicated gluten-free facility. The result is a vibrant, welcoming space where you can safely indulge in everything from a breakfast pastry to a hearty sandwich. Their philosophy, driven by founder Catherine (Keri) Lijinsky, is simple: no one should have to compromise on flavor just because they can't eat gluten.
This bakery has developed its own proprietary pastry flour blend, a testament to years of careful research and experimentation. This dedication to the science of baking is what allows their products—from moist carrot cake to light, fluffy breads and famous donuts—to rival, and often surpass, their traditional counterparts. They are on a mission to de-stigmatize gluten-free food as dry or tasteless, a mission they are clearly succeeding at, as non-gluten-free customers frequently rave about their treats.
Location and Accessibility
Sweet Crimes Gluten-Free Bakery is a Capitol Hill gem, easily recognizable in its brightly-colored storefront at 1238 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003. This location places it in a convenient and bustling part of Southeast DC. For those coming from popular nearby spots, the bakery is just a quick stroll—about an 8-minute walk—from the historic Eastern Market area. Its accessible position makes it a perfect stop for grabbing a breakfast pastry and coffee on the way to work, a savory lunch, or a sweet treat for an afternoon pick-me-up.
The cafe provides a small, cozy area for in-store patrons, and when the weather is nice, you can enjoy your delicious finds on their lovely back patio, which offers plenty of seating. While paid street parking is available for drivers, the proximity to public transit and neighborhood walkability makes it a simple stop for many DC residents. The welcoming atmosphere extends to all, as the business proudly identifies as LGBTQ+ friendly. Whether you are popping in for a quick visit or planning a special custom cake consultation, Sweet Crimes makes the experience convenient and enjoyable.
Services Offered
Sweet Crimes goes far beyond the standard bakery offerings, combining a fully-stocked display case with a full-service cafe experience. Their range of services and menu items caters to everyday cravings and special occasions alike:
- Freshly Baked Pastries and Sweets: A full array of treats including their famous, award-winning donut holes (available in Cinnamon Sugar and Chocolate), Apple Cider Donuts, Seasonal Scones (like Fig & Goat Cheese or Blueberry Lemon), Cinnamon Buns, Cupcakes, and slices of their acclaimed Carrot Cake.
- Savory Cafe Fare and Lunch: Beyond sweets, they offer a substantial lunch menu, including made-to-order sandwiches and pizza. Savory options feature the Quiche Slice (Spinach, Goat Cheese & Red Pepper), Egg & Cheese Biscuits, BLT, Turkey & Swiss Sandwich, Ham & Gruyere Sandwich, Tomato Pesto Sandwich, and Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza.
- Artisan Breads: Fresh and frozen gluten-free bread options are available, including Artisan Loaves, Biscuits, Hoagie Rolls, and Dozen Dinner Rolls, many of which form the base for their delicious sandwiches.
- Custom Cakes and Catering: They specialize in beautiful Custom Cakes for all occasions, including weddings, novelty cakes, and birthdays. Consultations and tastings are available for those planning larger events. They also offer pre-order Food Platters (Breakfast, Dessert, and Donut & Donut Hole Platters) and whole Quiches for catering.
- Baking Mixes for Home Use: For customers who want to try their hand at gluten-free baking, Sweet Crimes offers a variety of dry mixes, including Pastry Flour Blend, Bread Flour Mix, Brownie Mix, Carrot Cake Mix, Yellow Cake Mix, and Pancake Mix. All mixes are dairy-free and nut-free.
- Cafe Beverages: Enjoy a variety of coffee and tea drinks expertly prepared by their talented baristas.
- Delivery and Pickup Options: Customers can choose from delivery, in-store pickup, and takeout for maximum convenience.
Features / Highlights
Sweet Crimes stands out in the DC culinary scene for several key reasons, demonstrating a deep commitment to quality, inclusivity, and community:
- 100% Dedicated Gluten-Free Facility: Eliminates the risk of cross-contamination, providing a safe option for those with Celiac disease and severe gluten allergies. The dedication is total: entirely gluten-free, wheat-free, fish-free, and shellfish-free products.
- Award-Winning Taste: The bakery's products are known to be so good that even customers without gluten sensitivities order them regularly. Their donut holes have gained recognition and are often cited as the best in the area.
- Woman-Owned Business: Sweet Crimes was founded by Catherine (Keri) Lijinsky, who was inspired to perfect gluten-free baking after discovering her own intolerance. The business proudly identifies as a woman-owned enterprise.
- Excellent Dietary Accommodation: In addition to being fully gluten-free, they offer extensive options for other dietary needs. Many items are dairy-free, nut-free, and/or soy-free. They have a strong selection of Vegan items, including their famous donut holes, pumpkin bread, and custom vegan cupcakes.
- Proprietary Flour Blend: The heart of their success lies in their secret, carefully developed pastry flour blend, which ensures a moist, delicious texture in all their baked goods.
- Sweet and Savory Variety: Unlike many bakeries that only focus on sweet treats, Sweet Crimes offers a full cafe menu with savory items like specialty sandwiches on homemade bread, quiche, and pizza, making it an excellent lunch destination.
- Criminally Delicious Rewards Program: A loyalty program that rewards repeat visits with perks like free coffee, pastries, and café entrées.
Contact Information
Whether you're planning your next visit or placing a large order, here is the essential contact information for Sweet Crimes Gluten-Free Bakery:
Address: 1238 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA
Phone: (202) 297-0932
What is Worth Choosing
The beauty of Sweet Crimes Gluten-Free Bakery lies in its ability to satisfy both the daily craving and the need for a special occasion showstopper—all while maintaining uncompromising quality and safety for those with dietary restrictions. If you're new to the bakery, a few items consistently receive the highest praise from local customers:
The Award-Winning Donut Holes are a must-try. The Cinnamon Sugar variety, made with an award-winning recipe that is vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free, is a local legend. Many customers report that their warm, fresh-baked quality makes them an unparalleled treat. Similarly, the Chocolate Donut Holes offer a delectable chocolate and vanilla glaze experience that is also vegan and allergy-friendly.
For a hearty meal, their savory lunch options truly shine. Customer reviews frequently highlight the quality of their homemade bread in the Sandwiches, proving that gluten-free bread can have the perfect texture and flavor. The Turkey & Swiss Sandwich and the Ham & Gruyere Sandwich are popular choices that make for a satisfying, non-compromised lunch.
Finally, for a major celebration, choosing Sweet Crimes for a Custom Cake means you get both stunning artistry and guaranteed gluten-free safety. Their ability to deliver beautiful, tiered, and novelty cakes ensures that no one at your DC event has to miss out on the centerpiece dessert. From wedding cakes to anniversary treats, they've perfected the alchemy to ensure the emotional connection of a delicious dessert is never lost, regardless of dietary need.
Sweet Crimes Gluten-Free Bakery is a vital addition to the DC food scene, ensuring that delicious, quality baked goods are accessible to everyone. Stop by and discover your new favorite sweet (or savory) crime today.
VISIT FEATURES
Services and accessibility
These attributes come from the directory record and should be confirmed when essential.
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Delivery
- In-store pickup
- Onsite services
- Takeout
Offerings
- Coffee
Dining options
- Breakfast
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Planning
- Appointment required
- Quick visit
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Parking
- Paid street parking
PHOTOS
See the bakery
VISITOR FEEDBACK
Reviews and recurring themes
Read individual comments as personal experiences, not verified guarantees.
cupcakes 32celiac 25cinnamon roll 20donut holes 18carrot cake 18banana bread 14pumpkin bread 9blueberry scone 7dairy free 7apple cider donuts 6
First, this place has excellent service. It is a gluten-free bakery, but there is no sacrifice on the taste. Everyone is friendly and helpful. We were looking for a sweet fix, which is tough when you're both dairy-free and gluten-free. We got warm Chai donuts (yummy, but definitely best when warm) and a mini bundt cake. Also very good. These were so good that for Valentine's I ordered a mini cookie cake for my daughter, a box of mini cupcakes for my guy, a sweets sampler for the in-laws and a mixed bag of donuts for sibling. We loved them. My only request is more vegan+GF options (at least on weekends). We will be back!
Mar 18 · K HMade a trip from Maryland to get some gluten free goodies. I am always on the hunt for delicious gluten free donuts. I got one of each flavor and two cinnamon rolls. My friend and I sat on the patio outback and I ate one of the cinnamon rolls - it’s delicious as expected. I’ve since tried two of the donut flavors and they’re great. It’s nice to find gluten free donuts that aren’t too dense!We came on a Saturday morning and there was street parking available. The blue building makes it easy to find. Customer service was great - the person working the counter was very friendly and helpful.I will absolutely be back! I look forward to trying something savory. Thank you for providing delicious gluten free options.
Aug 31 · Ivy HagemanCame here for GF friendly coffee, left with the best coffee AND sandwich, donut holes and carrot cake. Plus that the staff is super friendly and playing fun music in a chill neighborhood. Def will be back!!
Apr 26 · Gabby MartinezDo not order via delivery service! I received the saddest looking cupcakes that had clearly been on the shelf for a long time (one was even labeled clearance) and looked like they were made by an amateur baker. For $8 a pop after tax that is the actual crime. We’ve been a huge fan of Sweet Crimes for years - they did our wedding cake and I’ve ordered multiple cakes or cupcakes from them for my GF husband’s birthdays but this was exceptionally disappointing. So I don’t recommend getting any treats from here that you can’t pick out yourself.
May 25 · Allie BurnsNEARBY ALTERNATIVES
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