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Dining out while on the gluten-free diet can be such a hassle. Not only are you worried about finding gluten free options on the menu, but if you have a severe aversion to gluten, the way the food is prepared in the kitchen is also a very big concern. In order to make eating out a less stressful occasion, we’ve complied a list of the most popular and wide-spread restaurants in America that offer the best gluten-free options and preparation procedures to their customers. They are listed in no particular order, and include a variety of different types of food.
While these restaurants do provide excellent options and take precautions when preparing food for gluten free eaters, be sure to ALWAYS speak with your server or a manager before ordering. Inform them of your dietary restrictions, and learn as much as you can about the practices followed by that specific restaurant before ordering.
The Most Popular Gluten Free Restaurant Chains
Bonefish Grill
This upscale chain of seafood restaurants has locations in almost 30 different states, and is well known for the care and attention given to food allergies and dietary restrictions. Because it is a seafood restaurant, the menu already features several gluten free options. But if seafood is not your favorite, there are also gluten free salads, chickens, and steaks available to you.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
A classic Italian restaurant, Carraba’s is also well-known for it’s attention to the gluten free lifestyle. They offer a completely separate gluten free menu that is very extensive. While they do not serve gluten free pasta, there are other Italian-themed specialties available to order.
Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse features an entirely separate gluten free menu, and was one of the first restaurants to ever do so. They have a lot of options, but be sure to inform your waiter of your dietary restrictions before ordering.
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro
Typically, Asian cuisine restaurants aren’t normally gluten free, but P.F. Chang’s is an exception. They feature an entirely gluten free menu section, and will serve your order on a designated gluten free plate. Be sure to ask for the gluten free soy sauces as well!
Ted’s Montana Grill
A classic steak and burgers restaurant, Ted’s Montana Grill has several gluten free options. Their menu features fresh food – both organic and grass fed – and even has a gluten free menu for children.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Everything featured at this fast food Mexican restaurant is gluten free, with the exception of the flour tortillas. Simply ask the wait staff to change their gloves before preparing your meal, and you should not have any problems with cross-contamination.
Honorable Mentions
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers
Five Guys Burgers and Fries
And if you’re curious to find more, it’s easy! Just check out “The Top 5 Gluten Free Apps You Can’t Live Without,” and discover tons of gluten free eating options right in your area. And if you’re curious to discover more option for dining out gluten-free, be sure to The Gluten Free Guide HQ, an entire website that is home to a collection of gluten free restaurant menus, and is constantly being updated with new restaurants and options for eating out.
What’s Your Favorite Gluten Free Restaurant?
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Thanks for the info! I knew about Chipotle’s and Outback but had no idea about the others. I’ll certainly check them out.
TGIFriday’s, Cracker Barrel, Jimmy John’s, Bob Evans, Mellow Mushroom, and Olive Garden are my favorites. Friday’s has a great gf menu and even has gluten free hamburger buns.
Mellow Mushroom has a great variety of gf appetizers and a delicious gf pizza crust. Everything is fresh and delicious and their kitchen staff is well trained in gf food prep.
Jimmy John’s offers an Unwich – any sandwich on their menu wrapped in lettuce – and they’re delicious! Their chips are gf too. Odd that Subway can’t serve us as well as JJ does.
Cracker Barrel has a LOT of gf options… And they’re all wonderful.
Bob Evans is another restaurant that offers a lot of choices – and they even have a gf menu.
I love that Olive Garden has gf pasta (and it’s delicious!) but they don’t have any good lunch options, as of yet. Their salad is great, too – just be sure to tell them no croutons!
Thanks for sharing your GF ideas!
Be careful with Jimmy John’s – their roast beef is NOT gf. But rest is.
I love eating at the Melting Pot for gluten free treat. Excellent gf menu and at the one I go to, a well trained courteous staff. They have gluten free bread and cake for dipping. First time in ages where I felt like I got to eat like everyone else at the table.
I’m sorry, but chipotle is in no way gluten free! Just watch them make a burrito with their giant flour tortillas and you’ll see what I mean. They get a spoon full of this and that and thwack the spoon against the tortilla before returning it to the container! Can anyone say “Cross Contamination”?! Changing gloves doesn’t solve this mammoth problem. If you truley have Celiac, steer clear of this place. Remember, folks, it only takes twenty parts per million to gluten you.
You can ask Chipotle to get your toppings from the back where they are not contaminated. Sorry, late to see this.
Our favorite GF resturant in the Chicago, Milwaukee area, they also have 2 locations in FL with more to come is Cooper’s Hawk Winery, the food is amazing and the wine is fine also
Ike’s sandwich shop, Amy’s Kitchen drive thru, In-N-Out burger.
Culvers has a gf bun
I LOVE PF Changs gluten free Crispy Chicken! It’s spicy and has amazing sauce!
Not sure why Five Guys got Honorable Mention? Saw this, took my Celiac son there, and all he got was a well done hamburger patty for $6. Disappointing.
You forgot to mention Dennys! They have gluten free dishes in their menus.
California Pizza Kitchen. Good quality and they will cook it in a separate gluten free kitchen!
These gluten-free pizzas are prepared using the strict
procedures approved by The Gluten Intolerance Group
(GIG), using a certified gluten-free crust and other
ingredients verified by our suppliers as gluten-free.
Those of us who are not GF by choice pretty much know where we can eat and all the right questions to ask. Offering GF food while having no separate preparation area/trained staff simply doesn’t work. So if you have Celiac’s, don’t assume you can eat it just b/c they claim to be gluten free. I *hate* being the freak, having to always grill them over with questions, but I’m the one who pays a severe price if I don’t! I didn’t know about CA pizza kitchen; thank you to the above comment. Mellow Mushroom in town offers a GF crust but no separate prep area so I don’t dare trust it.
Noodles and Company has gluten free noodles!
Chipotle trains their employees on celiac and gluten intolerance. That being said it depends on the chain. The one by me is excellent! They change gloves/spoons/ and get fresh items as well as clean the line and one person makes your bowl. I order online super sensitive celiac and never had an issue.
I was brave this week and ordered chik fil a ..in the drive-thru..I was going for a drink but decided to ask the attendant what was gluten free (since I had heard they have options and celiac friendly in prep) she was actually very knowledgeable offered before I asked to change gloves to make my salad..and low and behold I was fine:) never been a fast food person anyway..but having a few options when out and busy is nice! Getting sick of kind bars ..
I have also found Pizza Hut and Domino’s to be safe (so far) but everything hinges on the chain..so I always speak up.
Hope this helps!
I can’t believe you didn’t mention Rainforest Cafe. I know it’s mainly for kids but went there with grandson asked waiter for gluten free menu. The chef came out to talk to me and go over the menu, it’s their policy. They have one dedicated gluten free grill and fryer,
Chick Fil-A has become one of my favorites because of the grilled nuggets and separate fryer for fries (chicken is cooked in peanut oil but fries in vegetable oil). I deal with wheat allergy, not Celiac’s, though, so do your own checking before eating there if you’re especially sensitive.
My daughter was ecstatic last summer when her great uncle took us to Coco’s Bakery Restaurant in Escondido, CA. She had gf pancakes in a restaurant for the first time since finding out she had celiac 5 1/2 years ago.
Your Pie. They have a gluten free crust and will prepare it in the back. Highly recommend
Carrabba’s does now have GF pasta!
Ruby Tuesday is good. Gf buns and pasta. Server asked you if it is for a allergy or preference so the kitchen made sure you food is safe. Always super helpful.
Wally’s Sports Grill has awesome gluten free pizza!!!!
Tried the GF pizza at several different Mellow Mushroom restaurants. Hit or miss. Mostly misses. Even after stressing that they change their gloves and telling them the last time we had the GF pizza my husband still had a reaction. So we don’t go there anymore.
The best Gluten Free restaurant is Coquette’s. Downtown Colorado Springs, CO, You would have to eat there and you will be impressed.