Gluten Free Dining Huntsville AL

Best Gluten Free Dining Huntsville AL!

Mason Dixon Bakery & Bistro – I’ve been a huge fan of Mason Dixon since the day I first tried their “crack” cookies. Ok, they aren’t called that but if you have one you have to keep going back for more. I’m referring to the Snicker Dollar cookies, of course.

But, what really sold me on Mason Dixon was their biscuits! I always stay stocked with their biscuits. 

Then they moved and expanded! They are now a full-service restaurant! WOOT! I’ve been there on average of once a week since they opened. Everything is so good. It’s so nice to have a place that those of us who are gluten-free can go and know that there is no risk of cross-contamination.

Mason Dixon Bakery & Bistro is open for breakfast and lunch Mon-Sat and offers a large variety of Paleo items. (my review)

Gluten Free Pizza in Huntsville

It seems that everyone is offering a gluten-free pizza now. Including the major players like Dominos and Pizza Hut and all our favorite locals.

Sam and Greg’s (downtown & Madison) – I love Sam & Greg’s pizza, I always have. When I was eating regular crust I was torn between them and Pan E Vino for best local pizza. I’m torn no more. Sam & Greg’s uses the crust from our local gluten-free Bakery – Mason Dixon Bakery & Bistro – and they get it right. Every time I’ve ordered pizza there I’ve been happy with it. Even my husband enjoys the Mason Dixon gluten-free crust there.

Pan E Vino (downtown)– They had my vote for best pizza when I was eating gluten, so when I found out they were offering a gluten-free crust I had to try it. I have to say that their pizza beats second place Pie in the Sky by a good margin, and beats Mellow Mushroom hands down.When it’s cooked right this is the best there is, unfortunately it seems that lately they’ve done something different and the crust never seems to get cooked all the way through (even after they’ve sent it back through). I also finally tried their gluten-free pasta and it was really not good.

Mellow Mushroom (Jones Valley/ Providence) offers both a gluten-free crust and non-dairy vegan cheese. I was happy recently to find that they’d changed up their crust and now offer a reasonable size crust rather than a huge family size crust, and it’s quite tasty.photo credit: toastforbrekkie via photo pin cc

Papa Murphy’s is probably my favorite for gluten-free crust for two reasons. One, they will load up the toppings. If I ask for no feta cheese instead of regular cheese they don’t skimp (like most places), they will cover that pizza in cheese and add more if I ask.

Second, because it’s take-and-bake I can get the crust as crispy as I like it and don’t end up frustrated with an under-cooked pizza.

Gluten-free pizza is also available at The Boot, Pizza 120 (Madison), Marcos and others. The big question is who gets it right and manages to avoid cross-contamination.

Gluten-Free Burgers in Huntsville

It’s getting easier and easier to enjoy a gluten-free burger these days.

photo credit: *Grant* via photo pin cc

Five Guys Burgers and Fries (Jones Valley / Univ Dr / N. Parkway)- Five Guys is the go-to place for gluten-free fries. They now offer their burger with two gluten-free options – they will either serve it as a lettuce wrap, or they will give it to you with all the fixings in a bowl.

Red Robin (Jones Valley / Bridgestreet)- They have a gluten-free bun available, and also offer their burger as a lettuce wrap. There still seems to be questions on whether the fries are safe.

Smashburger  (Madison 72W)- Smashburger now offers Udi’s buns. Gluten-free burger on a bun FTW! However, I’m not sure about their fries since they do offer some glutenous sides that are probably fried in the same fryer.

Farm Burger (Huntsville) – This is probably my favorite burger now. They offer so many great options and the gluten-free bun is really good, without being overly dense.

photo credit: mhaithaca via photo pin cc

Hot Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings (Multiple locations) wings are gluten-free. However, their fries are not and a few of their sauces (mainly the Asian inspired ones) are also not gluten-free.

Baumhower’s Sports Grille (Huntsville) has really awesome wings that are gluten-free with quite a few sauces to choose from.

Gluten-Free Dining Huntsville

1892 East (5 Points) is a local restaurant that focuses on local and sustainable eating. This place is great for the Paleo eaters and they are also more than ready to accommodate those of us that have gluten or dairy sensitivities. Their menu changes somewhat regularly, but they have no issue with adjusting items as needed to fit your needs.

My first time there I had their steak and vegetables and a salad. I asked for  no butter on anything and I will say that my food was still absolutely wonderful. All I can say is if you go out to eat and they take away the butter and gluten and it’s still that good, the food must be awesome to begin with (and theirs is).

Anaheim Chili (Jones Valley) – The day they offered a bacon wrapped jalapeno stuffed hot dog was the day I finally broke down and tried this place. They have about a dozen different chilis, most of which are gluten-free. They do not have a gluten-free menu, however the wait staff was knowledgeable and happy to ask the chef when she wasn’t sure. At some point I was able to find a list of which chilis were gluten-free online, but I can’t find it now.

Another Broken Egg (Jones Valley) –  Offers gluten-free pancakes and Black Bean Sliders (using the GF pancake as the bun). These pancakes taste like CAKE!

Below the Radar does a great job of providing several gluten-free options on their menu. They seemed to offer a much larger variety of gluten-free items when they first opened, but the items they do offer are always excellent. Their menu changes seasonally, so it’s different almost every time we visit.

Bonefish Grill  (Airport/Whitesburg)– Offers a pretty solid gluten-free menu that includes a large portion of their regular menu, including multiple desserts. They are also happy to mix and match sauces and toppings between their fish/meat options, in order to create a meal that suits your mood.

Bravo Cucina (BridgeStreet) –  For an Italian place, Bravo has a pretty good selection of gluten-free options including pastas. They can also adjust many menu items to make them gluten-free if you ask (at least they have for me).

Chili’s (University Dr / Jones Valley) –  from a reader: “Chili’s has a gluten free menu and their potato soup is gluten free. Cheesy delicious potato soup. I’ve become addicted over the winter to it.”

Chick-Fil-A (many locations)- While they’ve been a goto place for gluten-free fries for a while, they now also offer grilled nuggets (gluten-free) to go with them.

Chipotle (University Drive)– A favorite amongst the Paleo crowd with reason. They source anti-biotic free, local meats whenever possible. Since Paleo folks don’t eat corn anyway they don’t have to worry about the fact that the corn tortillas are laced with … well… wood.

More on that here, thanks to FoodBabe. That said, I still eat them occasionally, but mostly I stick to a salad topped with their great meat, fajita veggies, and guacomole (OH Their Guacamole!).

Conners Steakhouse (Bridgestreet) – handles their GF menu much the same as Carraba’s. What makes it more annoying is that at the top of the menu it states “Listed below are menu suggestions that we trust contain no known traces of gluten.” then proceeds to give you instructions on how to order those items so that they are gluten-free.

Cracker Barrel (Madison, Parkway & Drake) – They do have a GF menu but you have to ask for the manager to get it. They also have a GF menu online but they are not the same. Additionally, there seems to be confusion in the restaurant regarding the GF menu and whether those items are GF. I ordered a couple of sides listed on the GF menu only to have the waitress come back and tell me the manager said they aren’t gluten-free.

Drake’s (Airport/ Whitesburge)- They do not have a gluten-free menu but they will work with you to ensure that you have a safe meal.

Dreamland BBQ (University Drive) – you do have to watch out for the sauces at some BBQ joints, but the sauce is safe here, so enjoy the ribs. I can’t say as much for the sides, but carnivores paradise.

Fulins Asian Cuisine (Madison)- offers gluten-free soy sauce as an option and will happily adjust your menu items to meet your needs. While it would help to have the menu clearly marked stating what can be adjusted, they were happy to work with me and I would definitely go back there.

4 Leaves Asian (72 East)- This is another Asian option that will adjust your menu items. Unfortunately, on my visit the waitress was new and was not at all knowledgeable about the menu or gluten-free, so I didn’t really take any risks.

Grille 29(Providence)– Grille 29 goes above and beyond with their gluten-free menu. In addition to giving you a handful of menu items that are Gluten-free, some of which aren’t even on the main menu. They also offer more than one really good gluten-free desert. Where they really hit the mark, and cross the line into being a great Paleo choice is that that actually list out all of their meats, sauces, seasonings, and vegetables that are gluten-free and allow you to create your own custom meal.

Happy Tummy (Lowe Mill) –  from a reader: “Happy Tummy at Lowe Mill also has gluten free bread and will work with you on allergies.” – I have tried their GF bread and ended up trashing it.

I Love Juice Bar (Whitesburg/Airport) – Not only do we finally have a real juice bar dedicated to fresh juices, but they also offer a variety of amazing vegan food options including salads, lettuce wraps, and soups! (my review)

Jason’s Deli (multiple locations) – Offers Udi’s bread and does make an effort to avoid cross-contamination.

Lawler’s BBQ – (multiple locations) Most of their menu is gluten-free. While it’s not marked, just ask and they will be happy to give you info on any items. We eat their BBQ regularly.

Lime Fresh (Bridgestreet) – Fast casual Mexican that prides itself in using fresh organic ingredients. Their flavors are very mild and often carry a lot of Lime. Any item can be ordered with corn tortillas instead of flour.

Longhorn (University Drive)- offers a gluten-free menu listing which items can be ordered as is, or with slight modifications. Very few of the items require modification.

Mei Wei Asian Bistro (University Dr across from Target) – Mei Wei has several items that they offer gluten-free. Ask for the gluten-free menu at the front.

The Melting Pot (BridgeStreet)- is the only GIG trained restaurant in the area. Most items on their menu are gluten-free already, with only a few substitutions needed (ie. skip the bread/chips for the cheese course). – From a reader “Melting Pot in Bridge Street has gluten free bread AND brownies so you don’t have to skip the cheese fondue or chocolate courses. Each location is managed differently. The one in Nashville didn’t have any of those things so I’m in much love with ours.”

Moe’s BBQ (Providence & Jones Valley) –  has a gluten-free menu at the register, and a large portion of their menu is on it.

Nothing But Noodles (University Dr or Airport/ Whitesburge)–  They now offer not only their rice noodle but they have a gluten-free penne noodle that you can sub in any menu item.

Olive Garden  (University Dr)-  from a reader: “Olive Garden has 4 dishes that are gluten free and they do have gluten free pasta. However, they’re all the same red sauce and it’s really a pitiful selection for an Italian chain. ”

Outback Steakhouse (Airport Rd or Madison) – offers a gluten-free menu. However, the GF menu consists largely of instructions you need to give the kitchen on how to ensure your item is GF, including ingredients to be removed, the use of new/clean utensils for preparing, etc. IMO, these are things that should be automatic when you order from a GF menu. The one time I did attempt to eat at an Outback and made the requests as directed, the directions were not followed.

P.F. Changs (Bridgestreet)- is a national chain that by far seems to have the best handle on doing gluten-free. Not only do the have an actual gluten-free section on their menu but they cook the gluten-free items using separate pans, and serve them on special plates to ensure that there is no cross-contamination.

I’ve tried several items from the gluten-free menu and I will say that some things do seem different (I haven’t figured out why the Chicken Lettuce Wraps look and taste so different in the gluten-free version, but they do. That said, they are still good. And, if you leave off the rice you can come pretty close to being Paleo.

Phuket (Providence)- Thai food is largely gluten-free, however it’s nice to see them actually make the effort to put out a gluten-free menu that is very clear on what items are safe.

Sady’s Bistro (Madison) – located in downtown Madison this is a great little sandwich shop, offering gluten-free bread from Mason Dixon Bakery, as well as many of their baked goods. This is the place to head if you are wanting a good sandwich. They also offer salads, smoothies and some really good coffee (with almond & coconut milk options). They also offer several gluten-free breakfast items including crepes and waffles.

Shea’s Express (Church St near Pratt Ave)- Shea’s now has a gluten-free menu available. There are no special items on that menu, it just lists which items off the regular menu are gluten-free (and, of course, if you order it gluten-free they don’t bring you the side roll). Gluten-free options are pretty much salads and soups (as expected). They do serve breakfast and as far as Paleo / gluten-free breakfast options go, this is probably your best bet. Lots of egg based breakfast items.

Schlotsky’s (multiple locations)- now offers their sandwiches on Udi’s buns! I don’t know why I hesitated so long to give them a try. I think I felt like having a Schlotsky’s sandwich without the Schlotsky’s bun just wouldn’t be good. Well, it was very GOOD! I think they actually thin out the buns or something so that you don’t get overwhelmed with bread like you often can with those buns.

Zoe’s Kitchen (University Dr OR Airport/Whitesburg) – Zoe’s offers fast casual Greek Dining using fresh ingredients. Their menu is now clearly marked for GF and DF as well as Vegan options. Despite the indications it’s important to tell them you are gluten-free when ordering or you will be served pita bread on your plate.

The gluten-free options continue to grow by the day here in Huntsville, so please feel free to comment below with any places I’m missing.