With the growing awareness of gluten free living and recent celebrity endorsements of a "gluten free" diet come an increase in the number of restaurants that now offer gluten free options. It seems gluten free restaurant menus are popping up everywhere! This comes as a mixed blessing to those of us with celiac though because some restaurants out there offering gluten free options don't quite get it, e.g. brushing the croutons off a salad as it is being served to you, etc.
Below is a list I have started compiling of restaurants in McHenry county as well as the Chicagoland area that either provide a gluten free menu or accommodating gluten and dairy allergies. Please let me know if you have a restaurant that you'd recommend adding to this list or one that should be removed from this list!
Below is a list I have started compiling of restaurants in McHenry county as well as the Chicagoland area that either provide a gluten free menu or accommodating gluten and dairy allergies. Please let me know if you have a restaurant that you'd recommend adding to this list or one that should be removed from this list!
Algonquin
Biaggi's: I've eaten here several times and have had a pleasant experience each time. The Grilled Chicken Pietro is my personal favorite.
Bonefish Grill: I've had several, delicious dinners here. I order off of the gluten free menu and ask the server to have the chef use oil instead of butter for any sauteing of vegetables or fish. I LOVE their Bonefish House salad.
Bistro Wasabi: Located on Algonquin Rd in Lake in the Hills, this is one of the best sushi restaurants I've found in the suburbs. It has an urban feel and a great selection of fresh sushi, as well as appetizers and main meals. In talking with the manager, I learned that they have accommodated many patrons with food allergies and can modify menu items to meet your needs. You are also welcome to bring in your own, gluten free soy sauce to use at your table.
Arlington Heights
La Tasca: They carry a variety of tapas that can be made gluten and dairy free. Unfortunately, most dessert items contain gluten or dairy. Fresh fruit is always an option.
Barrington
Barrington Gourmet: I have not eaten here yet, but did have a lengthy conversation with one of the owners on the phone about the menu. She informed me that a local teacher with celiac spent quite a bit of time working with the owner and chef on their menu, teaching them about ingredients and cooking gluten free. They currently do not offer a dairy free cheese for their gluten free pizzas, but their homemade gluten free brownies are also dairy free!
Egg Harbor: I recently dined there and was my server's first gluten free customer. We talked over their gluten free menu and substitutions for making them dairy free, and I had a very yummy salad with grilled chicken. Their dressing was not gluten free, so my server brought over several packets of Kraft salad dressings for me to choose from. My son enjoyed one of their gluten free lettuce wrap sandwiches. He didn't even complain that he couldn't have their Rainbow Pancake!
Francesca's: (located throughout Chicagoland) I've eaten at several of the Francesca's restaurants throughout Chicagoland and have had great experiences. They have a varied selection of gluten free items, and at the Arlington Heights location, crusty gluten free bread. Did you hear that? Warm, crusty gluten free bread!!!
South Barrington
Cooper's Hawk: My husband and I dined here last year for our anniversary. I spoke with our server about preparing some of their gluten free menu options so they could accommodate my dairy allergy. After enjoying a few glasses from their winery, I ordered the scallops with asparagus and rice. When my food was ready, the manager personally delivered it to the table and made sure it met my needs. Impressive, especially for a busy Saturday night!
Cooper's Hawk: My husband and I dined here last year for our anniversary. I spoke with our server about preparing some of their gluten free menu options so they could accommodate my dairy allergy. After enjoying a few glasses from their winery, I ordered the scallops with asparagus and rice. When my food was ready, the manager personally delivered it to the table and made sure it met my needs. Impressive, especially for a busy Saturday night!
Anna Shea Chocolate Shop: We stopped here after our dinner up the way at Cooper's Hawk. There is a multitude of decadent chocolate confections. Unfortunately, most all contain dairy. They do offer gelato which is free from gluten and dairy, as well as a dark chocolate bar. The cashier called the owner at home to ask about the ingredients in the chocolate bar, so we could confirm it was gluten and dairy free. They also offer soy milk for their espresso and coffee drinks!
Pinstripes: I haven't had a chance to get out here yet, but have heard rave reviews from other moms. I need to bring the kids to their Mom & Tot times. My son would be so excited to bowl and eat from their gluten free menu! They do request 24-hour notice for ordering their gluten free pasta.
Tapas Calpe/Orchard Prime Meats: Not only do they have the best cuts of meat in town, they have a tasty tapas menu for an evening out. I spoke to the owner and the chef can work with gluten free patrons to modify menu selections. The menu and specials change frequently, so they can prepare items with olive oil instead of butter, omit cheese, etc. http://www.tapascalpeofcary.com/menu_calpe.html
Cary Country Club: They are currently undergoing renovation and have new management in the restaurant. Stay tuned for updates, but I will be meeting with their chefs in March about adding some gluten free menu options.
Crystal Lake
Benedict's La Strata: (located in Dundee as well) They have several omelet and salad options that are gluten free. They have accommodated my dairy free needs as well, by eliminating cheese or cooking omelets in oil rather than butter. They also offer gluten free pancakes, however they do contain milk.
Duke's Ale House: They offer several gluten free menu options that can be modified to eliminate dairy plus GF Hard Cider and wines.
Wild Orchid Thai Bistro: Many of their menu options are naturally gluten free. They have had regular gluten free patrons, so can make accommodations. I stopped in and spoke with the manager for quite a while about their menu and some gluten and dairy free options include: salads, noodle dishes (substitute rice noodles for larger noodles), fried rice, and classic thai curries. They have a special gluten-free soy sauce that they use for gluten free patrons.
Lake Zurich
Julio's Cocina Latina: I've eaten here several times and never been disappointed. A friendly, attentive staff that truly understand gluten and dairy allergies. They have a wide variety of items on their menu and even indicate those items that can be easily made dairy free.
Walker Bros. Original Pancake House: They offer gluten free pancakes that are cooked on a separate grill from other menu items. Unfortunately, the pancakes do contain dairy (cultured buttermilk is one of the ingredients).
McHenry
Paisano's: Located on Broadway St. in Richmond, this Italian restaurant offers gluten free pasta.
Schaumburg
Big Bowl: They have a separate gluten free menu. Their pad thai is to die for!
Maggiano's: They carry gluten free pasta.
Wildfire: They have a wonderful gluten free menu and bring warm gluten free bread to the table! Unfortunately, it contains dairy.
Woodstock Public House: (also own Williams St. Public House in Crystal Lake) They offer a gluten-free menu, but when I inquired about fried items on the menu, I was told that french fries and other items share the same fryer as gluten items. All sandwiches listed on the menu are "naked" i.e. without a bun.
Chipotle
Downtown Chicago
The number of available gluten free dining options downtown seems to be growing by the day, but below are a few places that I've personally enjoyed:
Adobo Grill
Feast
Hub 51
Zapatista
Berghoff's in Chicago also has gluten free entrees.
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