Fluff Bakery, located on 8 N. Court St., opened in 2010 to satisfy the hungry bellies of Athens. Not only do they offer an array of different coffees, teas and other drinks, but they also have numerous different kinds of pastries and sweet treats. Brunch and bowl options are available, featuring salads, breakfast tacos, burritos, rice bowls, wraps, scramblers and “veggie specialties.” If you’re in the mood, Fluff Bakery offers alcohol infused coffees and other drinks for those 21 and over.
Fluff Bakery is colorful and inviting, featuring rainbow cupcake artwork, sky blue walls and a chalkboard outside, listing the specials and other goodies. The bakery has plenty of seating, with booths, outside chairs and a bench for to-go orders or pickup. They have a secluded area in the back, ideal for studying or taking a break. Fluff even has a water fountain available for thirsty customers.
For those who are celiac or gluten-free, Fluff Bakery has many options to choose from. The bakery offers many gluten-free sweets and meals, as well as vegan and vegetarian-friendly options.
Gwen Boes, the owner and baker, said, “The unique thing about us is that we have a large variety of gluten-free pastries and savory food options.” Boes shared Fluff’s most popular items. “I think the most popular breakfast pastries are the cinnamon twist or the gluten-free cinnamon rolls. We also make both regular and gluten-free pepperoni rolls that normally sell out on the days we have them.”
Ruby Pare, an Ohio University nursing graduate, commends Fluff Bakery’s gluten-free dishes. Pare has celiac disease and cannot have gluten. She found the bakery through an app called Find Me Gluten Free.
“I love the chorizo scramblers, and their sweet croissants are awesome,” Pare said. “Thursdays, they do a pepperoni roll, spinach cheese roll, croissants, which I haven't had since I got diagnosed, so it's awesome. They always have cupcakes and brownies.”
Lauren Markovich is an Athens local and stated that Fluff’s chai is quality and pairs great with espresso.
“I like their sugar cookies, and they do a really good job decorating them,” Markovich said. “(Boes) was a worker, and then she became the owner. So it's really cool to see the worker-owner relationship and then going into having her own business, and it's very uniquely Athens. So it's a pretty cool place,” said Markovich.
Nick Wayn is from Columbus, but comes to Fluff often with Markovich. Wayn says he always gets the chorizo burrito and likes the location of Fluff.
Fluff Bakery works with Passionworks studio, a non-profit located in Athens, providing employment for people with developmental differences. Fluff Bakery displays Passionworks artwork, which is all for sale. Boes shared that their coffee is sourced from Silver Bridges Coffee Company, a woman-owned company in Gallipolis, OH, that gives back to the community.
A Google review from user Annie Graham posted on Sept. 5, 2025, rated the bakery 5 stars and left a positive review. “Mini cannoli (in the bag, to go), yum! Bacon and cheddar croissant, yum! Free coffee with my piece of pie, excellent!”
Fluff Bakery is a great place for friends to gather or for solo study time. Dining in, there is a choice between a bar stool overlooking the sidewalk, spacious booths or tables. Fluff Bakery’s square site makes it convenient for food pickup as well. If you would like to visit Fluff Bakery, they are open Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
