The Red Bandana Bakery

Welcome to The Red Bandana Bakery, a beloved local institution in the heart of Bethesda, Maryland, that has redefined what it means to enjoy baked goods with dietary restrictions. If you're a Maryland resident searching for a bakery that is not only dedicated to being completely gluten-free and peanut-free but also excels in flavor and creativity, your search ends here. The Red Bandana Bakery is more than just a place to grab a quick treat; it’s a happy, healthy little cafe founded on the principle of inclusion, ensuring that celebratory foods are available for everyone, regardless of their dietary needs. The owner, Jaimie Mertz, was inspired to open a totally gluten-free facility to safely accommodate her brother's dietary restrictions, transforming a personal need into a thriving business that serves the greater Washington D.C. area and beyond. This dedication to safety and quality has cemented its reputation as a trusted source for exceptional allergy-friendly products throughout Montgomery County and the Mid-Atlantic region.

The bakery offers a wide and inviting selection, extending far beyond the typical limited gluten-free options you might find elsewhere. Here, you can indulge in everything from rich, fudgy brownies and light, flavorful cupcakes to full savory meals like sandwiches on house-baked gluten-free bread and hearty soups. Their mission is to create food that is as good for the soul as it is for the body, specializing in gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, low-fat, and low-sugar options, with a focus on using fresh, local ingredients whenever possible. This commitment to both health and happiness has garnered a loyal following, with customers consistently praising the moistness, flavor, and incredible presentation of their cakes and pastries. Whether you're planning a wedding, a birthday party, or just stopping in for a coffee and a cookie, The Red Bandana Bakery provides a welcoming and safe environment for all Marylanders with celiac disease, gluten sensitivities, or other allergies.

A favorite for many is the celebrated "Bonfire Brownie," an award-winning delicacy that features a fudgy chocolate base topped with house-made graham cracker crumbs and melted marshmallows, offering a perfect blend of textures and decadent flavor—all completely gluten-free and dairy-free. Other fan favorites include the Chickpea Blondies—a super-healthy, naturally gluten-free, and vegan treat, high in protein and fiber, making it an excellent choice for a guilt-free breakfast or dessert. Patrons also rave about the variety of bread, noting that the ancient grain bread is particularly good, as are the cake pops and cheezy breads. The commitment to providing diverse options ensures that everyone in the family, including those with multiple dietary restrictions, can find something safe and satisfying.

Location and Accessibility

The Red Bandana Bakery is conveniently situated in downtown Bethesda, MD, making it easily accessible for residents across Maryland, the DMV area, and visitors. You can find this dedicated gluten-free facility at:

Contact Information

8218 Wisconsin Ave #101

Bethesda, MD 20814, USA

Phone: (240) 284-6523

Located in the Bethesda Medical Building, the bakery is highly accessible for all visitors. The location is an easy walk from the Bethesda Metro Station (on the Red Line) and is right in front of a J2 Metrobus stop. For those driving, paid street parking is available on Wisconsin Avenue during non-rush hours, and additional metered parking can be found in the Woodmont/Rugby Avenue garage. For accessibility inside the building, the bakery features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible restroom.

Current operating hours for the cafe are generally:

Operating Hours (Please check for latest updates)

Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Closed: Sundays & Mondays (Some sources show slightly different or extended hours at different times, so a quick call is always recommended)

Services Offered

The Red Bandana Bakery prides itself on offering a wide array of services to meet the diverse needs of the Maryland community, whether you're planning a grand event or just grabbing a casual bite.

• Retail Bakery and Café Service: Stop in for daily pastries, coffee, and ready-made breakfast and lunch items.
• Custom Cakes and Wedding Catering: Specializing in creative, custom-designed cakes and desserts for all occasions, accommodating specific themes and all listed dietary restrictions (gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, etc.).
• Online Ordering and Shipping: Many popular items, like bread loaves and cookies, can be ordered online for convenient pick-up, local delivery, or shipping.
• Catering for Events: Large orders for events, including a variety of pastries, cinnamon rolls, and other desserts, with coordination for delivery.
• Multiple Pickup and Delivery Options: Curbside pickup, in-store pickup, in-store shopping, and local delivery are all available for maximum convenience.
• Baking Classes and Event Space: The bakery also hosts seasonal menus, special events, and gluten-free baking/cooking classes and camps, along with event space rental.

Features / Highlights

The Red Bandana Bakery stands out in the Maryland food scene for several key reasons, going above and beyond to provide an inclusive and high-quality experience.

• 100% Dedicated Gluten-Free Facility: This is the paramount feature, eliminating any risk of cross-contamination for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities.
• Allergy-Friendly Specialization: Beyond gluten-free, the bakery is entirely peanut-free and offers extensive, clearly marked options that are vegan, dairy-free, low-sugar, and soy-free.
• Women-Owned Business: The bakery proudly identifies as a woman-owned establishment, contributing to the diversity and strength of the local business community.
• Inclusivity and Welcoming Atmosphere: The bakery is known as an LGBTQ+ friendly and Transgender safespace, fostering a community of acceptance for all patrons.
• Diverse Menu Offerings: The daily menu extends beyond sweets to include full breakfast and lunch options such as signature sandwiches, salads, soups, and oatmeal bowls, all featuring gluten-free and vegan/dairy-free bread options like challah, white bread, and ancient grain loaves.
• Popular Treats: Highlights include the Bonfire Brownie, Chickpea Blondies, cake pops, and a variety of flavorful cupcakes, which customers consistently describe as moist and delicious—a rare feat in gluten-free baking.
• Amenities: For a comfortable visit, the bakery provides a gender-neutral restroom, a clean restroom, and free Wi-Fi.
• Payment Flexibility: Customers can pay using checks, credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

What is Worth Choosing

For any Maryland resident, especially those managing food allergies or seeking delicious, health-conscious alternatives, The Red Bandana Bakery is an absolutely essential destination. The greatest value here is the peace of mind that comes with a 100% dedicated gluten-free and peanut-free facility. This level of dedication means you can enjoy a wide selection of treats without the stress or worry of cross-contamination.

If you are planning a milestone event—be it a wedding, an anniversary, or a major birthday—choosing The Red Bandana Bakery for your custom cake or dessert bar is a decision you won't regret. Customers consistently praise the owner, Jaimie Mertz, and her team for their exceptional guidance, creativity, and ability to deliver stunning, mouth-watering desserts that everyone can enjoy. As one customer shared regarding their wedding catering, the pastries, like the gluten-free cinnamon rolls, were a huge hit, making it "so happy to serve delicious gluten-free desserts at our wedding."

On a lighter note, stopping by for a mid-day pick-me-up is also highly recommended. Grab a cup of their quality coffee or an espresso-based drink like a latte or mocha, and pair it with a Bonfire Brownie or a Cheezy Bread. If you are looking for a meal, the full breakfast and lunch menu, featuring options like the Avocado Toast, Chickpea Scramble (a vegan-friendly scrambled egg substitute), or a classic Grilled Cheese on their amazing GF bread, makes this a great spot for a quick, healthy, and safe bite. The bakery successfully bridges the gap between delicious indulgence and necessary dietary management, making it a true gem in the Maryland culinary landscape. Their enduring commitment to quality, inclusivity, and affordability—as noted by a long-time customer who praised their reasonable prices—makes The Red Bandana Bakery a local business worth supporting again and again.

The Red Bandana Bakery

8218 Wisconsin Ave #101, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA