Finding restaurants with gluten free options can be difficult! Especially if you’re new to living gluten free. The struggle is real. That’s why I compiled a list of 15 restaurants that have some awesome gluten free options available. This list focuses on chain restaurants with gluten free options so that you can find them almost anywhere.
Eating out while trying to avoid gluten can pose quite a challenge. Luckily more and more restaurants, particularly chain restaurants, are starting to include gluten free options on their menus.
If you’re stumped trying to find somewhere that accommodates your needs, keep reading to find out which restaurants have gluten free options and use the links to find a location near you!
Best Practices for Eating out While Avoiding Gluten
Friendly disclaimer, eating out while trying to avoid gluten can pose some risks. It’s very important to let the servers know your needs. If you have severe reactions to cross-contact (also commonly called cross-contamination), be sure to call ahead to make sure your needs can be met.
Some of these restaurants will be able to use separate fryers or cook spaces for their food, while some will not. Calling ahead is the best way to find out what sort of practices are in place for their gluten free options.
When traveling, even if you are visiting a familiar chain, it’s best to call ahead or speak to staff when you get there to make sure their location follows the same protocol as the one you are familiar with. Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for what you need when it comes to ordering your gluten free food at restaurants.
If you’re not sure if cross-contact is a problem for you then I would check with your doctor. There are many reasons to avoid gluten (allergy, celiac, thyroid issues, IBS, etc.) all of these require different degrees of “strictness” which should be determined by you and your doctor.
Once you know to what degree gluten must be avoided, it is then easier to determine if eating out is right for you. If you do not feel safe eating out, have fun exploring new recipes in your own kitchen. Eat or Drink is filled with gluten free recipes for you to try!
Tried and True Restaurants with Gluten Free Options
To Compile this list of 15 restaurants with gluten free options, I reached out to some of the Facebook groups I’m a part of. I asked real people who live gluten free what their favorite restaurants are. So all of these restaurants are recommended by real people living a gluten free lifestyle.
I’ve also eaten at almost all of these restaurants myself and can personally attest to them! It’s so fun being able to go out to eat with friends knowing I’m able to order something off of a safe gluten free menu.
Side note: Facebook groups are a great place to ask questions, get great tips and find new recipes in the world of gluten free. If you want to join a Gluten Free community group check out my Facebook group – Food Allergy Recipes + Support – Eat or Drink Community.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going in the Comments
Do you have a favorite restaurant with gluten free options that’s not on this list? Leave a comment below to keep the conversation going! Share your favorite restaurants (local or chain) in the comment section to help people searching have even more great options to choose from.
When you leave a comment please include the restaurant name, location, and details on how well they’re able to accommodate your gluten free needs.
15 Restaurants with Gluten Free Options
With all that said, let’s get right into the list of 15 restaurants with gluten free options. Take your time to read each one. I’ll be providing information on what’s available for gluten free options and including links to their gluten free menus where it’s applicable.
1. Chipotle
If you’ve never eaten at Chipotle, please climb out from that rock. This is probably one of my favorite places to eat on this list. Since it’s a Mexican restaurant, it’s pretty easy to order gluten free options if you just stick to the cornflour tortillas or a rice bowl. To see what menu items are safe, click here to see the allergen page on Chipotle’s website.
Click here to find a Chipotle near you.
2. BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse
BJ’s is one of the few restaurants on this list I have not actually had the chance to try. But multiple people in my gluten free Facebook groups have had some amazing things to say about them. They have a large section of gluten-sensitive menu items listed on their website including salmon power bowls, steaks, burgers on gluten free buns, thin-crust gluten free pizzas, and even a dessert! Check out their full list of gluten-sensitive menu items here.
Click here to find a BJ’s Restaurant near you.
3. Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse is a classic steakhouse chain with some delicious food. It’s a great place to eat at with a group because everyone will enjoy themselves, and you’ll be able to find some great gluten free menu options. They have an extensive gluten free menu that can be found here.
Click here to find an Outback Steakhouse near you.
4. Wegmans Grocery Store
Wegman’s isn’t exactly a restaurant with gluten free options, but rather a grocery store with some DELICIOUS grab-and-go gluten free options. Growing up in Rochester, NY., Wegman’s has a special place in my heart. With their extensive hot bar, they deserve to be on this list. If you’ve never been to a Wegmans, believe me when I say, their hot bar food is not like your average grocery store. It’s not just one little cart with some chicken wings. No no no – they have Asian food, Indian food, fresh sushi, healthy veggies, and so much more. All of their hot bar options are labeled with food allergy warnings so you can navigate the food with ease.
Click here to find a Wegman’s near you.
5. Firehouse Subs
I tried Firehouse Subs for the first time pretty recently, and I LOVED it. It was so nice being able to get a Sub with my friends. This is a great fast and easy restaurant with a delicious gluten free option. Click here for details on their gluten free bun.
Click here to find a Firehouse Subs near you.
6. Qdoba
Qdoba is another “create your own” Mexican restaurant that’s very similar to Chipotle. I’ve eaten there a couple of times and really enjoy their food, their meats have great seasoning! Click here for details on their gluten free options.
Click here to find a Qdoba near you.
7. Jersey Mike’s
Jersey Mike’s is another sub shop that offers gluten free buns. A lot of people in my Facebook groups highly recommend them. Most people say they’re really good about using a clean workspace if you ask. Click here for details on their gluten free options.
Click here to find a Jersey Mike’s near you.
8. Chick-Fil-A
Chick-Fil-A has my heart. It’s no wonder why they have such a cult following. Amazing food, out-of-this-world customer service, and a caring corporation – you can’t ask for more. They’re the only drive-through fast food restaurant that I personally know of to offer a gluten free bun. It’s so fun to be able to order a sandwich just like anyone else. And they also have my personal favorite, the grilled chicken nuggets! Here are details on their gluten free options.
Click here to find a Chick-Fil-A near you.
9. Elevation Burger
This is a new favorite of mine since moving to Portland, ME. They have so many amazing gluten free and allergy-friendly options. Their fried chicken is even coated in a gluten free crust. They have an extensive nutrition packet here that lists all the ingredients of their menu items.
Click here to find an Elevation Burger near you.
10. B.Good
B. Good is a great restaurant for finding gluten free options. It’s really just an overall great chain for healthy eating and various diets. They’re a burger joint with good health standards. You’ll find power bowls alongside burgers on their diverse menu. I also like how simply they identify whether their menu items are gluten free or vegan, you can see that here.
Click here to find a B.Good near you.
11. P.F. Changs
I love and miss P.F. Changs. When I lived near one it was one of the chain restaurants I’d crave frequently. I’m a sucker for Asian flavors and I love that P.F. Changs has some awesome gluten free options (we’re talking gluten free chicken lettuce wraps)! Check out their gluten free options here.
Click here to find a P.F. Changs near you.
13. Red Robin
Red Robin is a great burger chain that can be found almost anywhere. They’re generally really great about meeting your food allergy needs as long as you’re direct and explain them. Here are the gluten free options at Red Robin.
Click here to find a Red Robin near you.
14. Domino’s Pizza
Ok… a fast-paced chain pizza joint like this probably isn’t best if you are celiac. Flour flying everywhere and shared surfaces is a big no-no. But if you are just mildly sensitive to gluten for other reasons, their gluten free crust is a great option for you to have pizza again! Read more about their gluten free crust option here.
Click here to find a Domino’s Pizza near you.
15. IHOP
Last year I used the free pancakes birthday promotion to try their gluten free pancakes, and I was very impressed! They were fluffy and delicious. It was such a treat to be able to have pancakes at a restaurant again. They also have plenty of other gluten-friendly options to try.
Click here to find an IHOP near you.
Don’t Miss My Most Recent Blog Posts
Thanks for reading!
If you’re new to Eat or Drink, WELCOME! Below you’ll find my 5 most recent blog posts. Make sure you’re signed up for my newsletters so you receive an email every time a new blog post comes out.
- Flavorful Italian Gluten-Free Meatballs (Dairy-Free too!)
- EAT – Recipe and Meal Plan Journal
- Nut-Free Snacks for School – Gluten + Dairy-Free Options
- Is Dunkin’ Pumpkin Spice Dairy Free? Dunkin’ Dairy Free Fall Guide 2022
- Amazing Gluten Free S’mores Bars
4 comments
5 guys is one of my go to places- although they don’t have a bun option they one of the very few places that has safe French fries to eat. I don’t even miss the bread- I just eat extra French fries!
That’s awesome! I’ll have to include that on my next list. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Applebee’s has a gluten-friendly menu, and my daughter has been able to enjoy it several times.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing!