Sweet 27 is a gluten-free bakery and restaurant in Baltimore, Maryland. The menu is entirely free of gluten, while also offering a number of dairy-free and vegan options, with clear labeling. It’s been years since I discovered Sweet 27, which means I’ve had the opportunity to try quite a few of their offerings. While I wouldn’t say I’ve tried anything that I haven’t liked, I definitely have my favorite dishes.
One of my favorite things about Sweet 27, in general, is that it gives me the opportunity to eat things that I don’t get to have anywhere else with dietary restrictions. I’m never worried about not having options, which is a pretty magical and freeing feeling when you’re used to restrictions like I am. Because Sweet 27 has so much to offer, this post will be broken into two parts. Part one, which you’re reading now, will focus on the restaurant offerings. Part two is coming soon, and is where I’ll get into my favorite items from the bakery!
Sweet 27 Bar and Restaurant
Sweet 27 is a multicultural bar and restaurant, conveniently located in Baltimore on West 27th street on the corner of West 27th and North Howard. While they are not currently open for dine-in for safety due to COVID-19 and city regulations, you can still order online or call ahead for curbside pickup. They also run vegan menus for Baltimore’s Vegan Restaurant Weeks!
When it’s open for dining, the restaurant has a cozy family atmosphere. I’ve gone for all sorts of occasions with groups of all sizes (even 20+, which is weird to think about these days!), and always had a great experience. While I know what’s safe on the menu, I do still make sure to alert the server to my allergies. They’re always conscientious and have even double-checked for me to ensure there haven’t been any changes to items that I haven’t had in a while when I order.
As I mentioned before, the transparency on Sweet 27’s menu puts me at ease.
Not only are allergens listed, but so are spice levels – and as someone who can’t tolerate spicy foods, this is something I really appreciate. The spice warnings are also something you want to take seriously – I once went with a large group and two of the guys in the group thought the waiter was bluffing when he tried to warn them about the Lamb Vindaloo (already labeled even on the online menu as “Lamb Vindaloo (spicy)”). While our group was enjoying the meal and company, a glance down the table showed them both becoming increasingly uncomfortable, eventually leaving the dinner early. Only one of the two took his leftovers with him, the other looking at us as if we all had three heads when wrapping up the unfinished meal was suggested.
The range in spice levels and variety of offerings makes it easy to try something new and please different palates. As a whole, I’ve yet to try anything at Sweet 27 that doesn’t bring some serious flavor. The chefs really know what they’re doing and I’m told that even for spicier dishes, the flavor isn’t compromised.
Sweet 27 Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Favorites:
Suddenly having a ton of options when you’re used to being limited to one or two choices at best when dining out can be a bit overwhelming. Here are my thoughts on some of the gluten-free and dairy-free items that Sweet 27 has to offer!
Empanadas
Empanadas are one of those foods that I just don’t expect to have available to me as someone who is strictly gluten and dairy-free. They’re also one of those foods that people will balk at the suggestion of making allergy-friendly. However, ever since happening upon them as a special, I make a point to check the menu for them every time I order.
These were served with a mango salsa and just what I needed after spending the afternoon wandering around a local art museum.
Fries
Sweet 27 fries are unlike any fry I’ve ever had, and I mean that in the best way possible. Seriously. They’re battered, and honestly, I usually eat them without any type of sauce because the flavor is just that good. A side order of fries is totally worth trying if you ever find yourself here!
Orange Chicken
The Orange Chicken, like many entrees that Sweet 27 offers, comes with two sides. My go-to sides are the Basmati Rice and Chana Masala. The way this meal is served, especially to-go, allows the rice to soak up the flavor and sauces of both the Orange Chicken and Chana Masala… my mouth is watering just thinking about it!
The orange flavor brings a nice sweet zing to every bite, and is the item I find myself craving the most from Sweet 27. More often than not, if I’m at Sweet 27 I’m ordering the Orange Chicken – especially if I’m ordering to-go! The portions are generous and I’ll usually get two or three meals out of one order.
Veggie Tacos
I am not someone who would normally order tacos, especially veggie tacos. But when I was vegan for a while a couple of years ago, I started ordering the veggie tacos from Sweet 27. Whatever you picture when you think “veggie tacos” does not do this dish justice. This would definitely be my second favorite entree on the menu, which I highly recommend if you don’t eat meat. The tacos are overflowing – both literally and with flavor. They were my introduction to the Chana Masala that I now love as a side with my Orange Chicken order. Like most items on the Sweet 27 menu, nothing compares.
The veggie tacos at Sweet 27 are made up of rice, black beans, masala chickpeas, and salsa. They’ve never left me unsatisfied. In fact, much like the Orange Chicken, the three tacos usually lasted me for at least two meals and left me feeling blissfully content. I wouldn’t describe them as heavy, but they certainly are filling, and the way the flavors work together, I’ve never felt like they needed anything else. Certainly not meat.
Calamari
When I first saw calamari on the Sweet 27 menu on my first visit, years ago, I think I actually wanted to cry. Calamari was one of my favorite dishes growing up, to the point that I’d order it as my meal when we went out to eat. It’s also one of those things that you just don’t really make at home – at least, I’ve never tried it.
Sweet 27’s calamari has a unique taste with a batter that reminds me of the fries, and just like the fries, I simply don’t feel the need to eat them with a sauce. The sauce that Sweet 27 serves the calamari with is great as well, so if you don’t prefer to eat calamari without any type of sauce, you won’t be disappointed.
There you have it! A review of Sweet 27, a gluten-free restaurant, and some of my favorite items on their restaurant menu.
Sweet 27 is always the first option that pops into my head when thinking of somewhere to dine in Baltimore, no matter who I’m eating with. One of my favorite things about Sweet 27 is that I know it will be a great experience for everyone (as long as you heed the spice warnings). No one has ever said to me “that was really good, for a gluten-free place,” because Sweet 27 is just good. Period. So good, that friends without allergies will ask if I want to go the next time we’re in town – and that speaks for itself.
There are more gluten-free restaurant reviews to come, so make sure to join the email list so you don’t miss the next one! A review of Sweet 27’s bakery will be coming to you next week. What are your favorite gluten-free spots? Are there any local to you? Let me know in the comments!
