The seaside town of Dragør, southeast of Copenhagen, is worth a stroll in its own right. And once you’re here, it’s hard not to sit down in one of the Old Town’s cozy cafés or restaurants. We chose Den Gamle Bager Dragør—literally “the old baker”—and we didn’t regret it.
Friendly Service
People say Nordic folks aren’t that friendly. I’m not sure where that comes from. They may not greet you with big hugs, but they smile and help you just about everywhere in Denmark. That’s exactly what happened at Den Gamle Bager when we asked about gluten- and dairy-free ice cream.
Although the staff couldn’t immediately tell us which of their ice creams would meet our special request, they called the owner right away, and in the end we had two flavors to choose from.
Let me add two notes here so you see the positive side, too:
- In Denmark, allergens are generally posted less prominently and less clearly in restaurants or other hospitality venues than in many other countries. I’ve noticed far fewer people here asking specifically for gluten-free dishes. So it’s not unusual in a café or restaurant that they can’t instantly say what’s gluten-free or dairy-free and what isn’t.
- Two ice-cream flavors may not sound like much, but this was on a cold November evening. Anyone who has ever tried to buy ice cream that’s both gluten- and dairy-free knows that having two compliant flavors would be an enviable selection even in the summer heat in many places.
Cozy Spot
I think wherever we would have sat down in this charming little town, we would have been happy. Den Gamle Bager was no exception. The place felt especially cozy on a cool autumn evening.
We didn’t try the full menu, and we didn’t even sample the cakes. Besides the ice cream, we had a hot chocolate and a house gløgg (mulled wine), and that was more than enough for happiness. It’s worth dropping in for the atmosphere alone—adding a calm extra half hour to your time in Dragør.
The space itself is split into two parts; we preferred the snugger, homier section attached to the counter. The wood-clad back wall, the ceiling packed with woven lamps, and people chatting quietly gave off a homelike, intimate calm that makes you not want to leave. The Danish word cards on the shelves (hygge, lykke, etc.) lift the mood even more.
Whether for a pastry or just a drink, it’s definitely worth stopping in if you’re in Dragør!
Den Gamle Bager Dragør
Den Gamle Bager is on the main street of Dragør’s Old Town. From either the bus terminus or the large parking lot, it’s just a few minutes’ walk among the charming yellow houses.
