Alli Donaldson got her start at the Old Capitol Farmers Market before transitioning Golden Hour Bake House to a brick-and-mortar location. She was one of three recipients of the 2024 Isringhausen DRIVE Grant, which awarded $20,000 to each to entrepreneurs who wanted to open a business downtown, and we're glad she made her dream a reality.
Occupying the entire main floor of 11 W. Old State Capitol Plaza has allowed her to expand her offerings. Instead of only baked goods, it is now a café offering breakfast and lunch entrees, plus an espresso bar. But no worries – you can still get those giant pop tarts and your favorite flavors of doughnuts. Golden Hour is also known for its gluten-free and allergen-friendly items, which are still available.
A recently launched weekend brunch menu has already proven to be popular, along with specialty drinks available on a daily basis such as the jitterbug vodka – coffee liqueur, freshly brewed espresso and simple syrup vigorously shaken with ice, strained and topped with fresh espresso beans. Donaldson has also crafted seasonal specialty items. Celebrate fall with a pumpkin pie pop tart or salty caramel apple scone, then wash it down with a cranberry sage mimosa.
Golden Hour is more than a new restaurant, it's a vibrant addition to the downtown scene. Upcoming events and entertainment include the Dec. 6 Spartan Showcase that will bring together Southeast High School alumni-owned businesses and local vendors to celebrate east side pride and Austin Sprouse performing an afternoon of live music Dec. 13 during one of the Old Capitol Holiday Walks.
If you're looking for a reason to come downtown, Golden Hour has offerings – edible and otherwise – to suit all tastes.
