When it comes to eating gluten-free, it's important to have options, especially when eating out. It can be a pain to constantly wonder and worry if the place your friends picked out for dinner will have something gluten free on the menu. Fortunately, many food chains and restaurants have taken notice of the growing demand for gluten-free options and have stepped up their game to offer tasty alternatives to their regular menu items. Whether you're gluten-free by choice or necessity, you shouldn't have to settle for a boring salad or plain grilled chicken when dining out.
These food chains have gone above and beyond to create gluten-free options that are just as delicious as their regular menu items, ensuring that gluten-free diners can enjoy a meal out with family and friends without feeling left out.
*Disclaimer: The gluten-free options listed for each restaurant may vary by location and are subject to change at any time. We recommend contacting the restaurant in advance to verify the availability of gluten-free options and to inform them of any dietary restrictions.*
Without further ado, here are some of the best chain restaurants that offer gluten-free options. Whether you're on the go or looking for a sit-down meal or a quick meal on the go, these restaurants have you covered. So, grab your appetite and get ready to explore the many gluten-free options that these restaurants have to offer.
1. P.F. Chang's
PF Chang's is well-known for its wide selection of gluten-free options, making it a great choice for anyone following a gluten-free diet. Their gluten-free menu includes appetizers, entrees, and even desserts, so you won't miss out on any of the delicious flavors and options.
One of the most popular gluten-free appetizers is the Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps, which are made with crispy rice sticks, green onions, and water chestnuts, and come with a side of lettuce cups. For entrees, you can choose from dishes such as the gluten-free Beef and Broccoli, Mongolian Beef, and the gluten-free Spicy Chicken, which is served with green beans and bell peppers.
If you're in the mood for something a little bit different, PF Chang's also offers gluten-free sushi rolls, including the Spicy Tuna Roll and the California Roll. And don't forget to save room for dessert! The Flourless Chocolate Dome is a rich, decadent chocolate dessert that's gluten-free and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
2. Olive Garden
Italian cuisine can be tough for gluten-free diners, but Olive Garden makes it easier with some gluten-free items. For starters, Olive Garden offers a gluten-free version of their famous Zuppa Toscana soup, made with Italian sausage, potatoes, and kale in a creamy broth. And don't worry, gluten-free diners can still enjoy Olive Garden's signature salad (without croutons of course).
For entrees, Olive Garden offers gluten-free pasta options, including a gluten-free rotini pasta that can be paired with several different sauces, such as the classic marinara or the meat sauce.
3. Chipotle
Chipotle's signature dish is the burrito bowl, which is perfect for gluten-free diners. You can customize your bowl with your choice of protein, such as chicken or steak, as well as rice, beans, and various toppings like salsa, lettuce, guacamole and cheese. All of these ingredients are gluten-free, and Chipotle also offers a gluten-free corn tortilla as an alternative to the flour tortilla.
If you're in the mood for something a bit more portable, you can also opt for the tacos. The hard corn taco shells are gluten-free, and you can fill them with your choice of protein, beans, and toppings.
One thing to keep in mind is that Chipotle does use some ingredients that contain gluten, such as the flour tortillas and the sofritas (which are marinated with soy sauce that contains wheat).
4. Chick-Fil-A
Chick-fil-A has a variety of gluten-free options available for those with dietary restrictions. While they don't have a separate gluten-free menu, they provide a list of items that are free from gluten-containing ingredients, making it easy to find something safe to eat.
One of the most popular gluten-free options is the Grilled Chicken Sandwich. It comes on a gluten-free bun made from a blend of ancient grains and is topped with lettuce and tomato. The bun is individually wrapped to prevent cross-contamination and can be toasted upon request.
The grilled nuggets are also gluten free and the Market Salad, Cobb Salad or Spicy Southwest Salad can be made gluten free upon request by removing some of the toppings.
When it comes to sides, Chick-Fil-A's Fruit Cup, Side Salad, Kale Crunch Side, Waffle Potato Fries, and Greek Yogurt Parfait can be made gluten free.
Additionally, here is a list of the sauces that are gluten free at Chick-Fil-A:
Barbeque Sauce
Chick-fil-A® Sauce
Honey Mustard Sauce
Honey Roasted BBQ Sauce
Polynesian Sauce
Zesty Buffalo Sauce
Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing
Creamy Salsa Dressing
Fat Free Honey Mustard Dressing
Garden Herb Ranch Dressing
Light Balsamic Vinaigrette
Light Italian Dressing
Zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette
5. Blaze Pizza
Blaze Pizza's gluten-free crust is made with ancient grains, which are naturally gluten-free and offer a healthier alternative to traditional wheat-based crusts. The crust is also vegan and contains no soy or dairy, making it a great option for people with dietary restrictions beyond just gluten sensitivity.
Blaze Pizza also offers a cauliflower crust option for those who are looking for a gluten-free and low-carb alternative to their regular crust. The cauliflower crust is made with a blend of cauliflower, mozzarella cheese, and rice flour, making it a great choice for those who want a gluten-free crust that still has a similar texture and taste to traditional pizza crust.
One thing to keep in mind is that while the cauliflower crust is gluten-free, it does contain dairy, so it may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or other dairy-related dietary restrictions. However, it is a great option for anyone looking to reduce their carb intake, as it is significantly lower in carbs than Blaze Pizza's regular crust.
Blaze offers this great dietary interactive wizard that allows you to filter out toppings, sauces or other items on their menu that contain certain allergens or based on food sensitivities.
6. Yard House
Yard House is known for its extensive beer selection, but did you know they also have a large gluten-free menu? The chain offers a variety of gluten-free options, including starters, salads, burgers, seafood and steak.
For starters, you can order veggies and guacamole, queso dip with veggies or a tomato bisque.
If you're in the mood for a burger, Yard House has several gluten-free options that can be served on a gluten-free bun, including the classic cheeseburger and the turkey burger.
For Mains, Yard House offers Rib Eye, Surf and Turf, Filet Mignon, a chicken dish and an ahi dish.
Gluten free sides include rice, mashed potatoes, a house salad and pinto beans.
If you're looking for a restaurant with a wide range of gluten-free options, Yard House is definitely worth checking out.
7. The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory is a popular restaurant chain with a wide variety of menu items, including many options for those who need to follow a gluten-free diet. One of the standout features of The Cheesecake Factory's gluten-free options is their extensive gluten-free menu, which includes everything from appetizers and salads to entrees and even cheesecake.
The menu features gluten free Shepard's Pie, a number of gluten free pasta options, salads, soft tacos, steak and seafood as well as burgers with gluten free buns.
And yes, there even is a gluten free cheesecake for those of you with a sweet tooth. The Godiva® Chocolate Cheesecake is gluten free!
Having a gluten-free diet doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or dining out experiences. With so many chain restaurants offering gluten-free options, it's easier than ever to find a meal that fits your needs.
What to Keep in Mind When Looking for Gluten Free Restaurant Options
It's important to always verify the options and preparation methods with the restaurant before ordering to ensure safety and avoid cross-contamination if you have celiacs or a serious allergy.
If you're unsure about the gluten-free options at a particular restaurant, don't hesitate to ask your server or call ahead of time to speak with a manager. With a little research and communication, you can enjoy a delicious meal without compromising your health.
So go ahead and explore the many chain restaurants that cater to gluten-free diners – from fast food to casual dining and everything in between, there's something for everyone.
Feel free to let me know in the comments below if you have a favorite gluten-free chain restaurant that you love to go to. Sharing your experiences and recommendations can help others in the gluten-free community discover new options and feel more confident when dining out. Together, we can continue to support restaurants that offer safe and delicious gluten-free meals for all!
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