Gluten Free Fast Food / Chain Updates

I’m working my way down the list of parts of this site I need to update. I’ve finished the Gluten Free Store update, the Gluten free Restaurant update, and even an update to the Gluten Free Fries list! So today I finished off the updates to my Gluten Free Fast Food / Chain / Quick Serve list.  There are thirteen new chains (eight with locations in NJ), four fast food / quick serve additions (three with NJ locations), and a couple of updates.

Here are the latest updates:

Chains:

Bensi (10 NJ locations and one in VA) – has a short gluten friendly menu of grilled items with grill vegetables and salad.

Bristol Seafood Grill (KS, MO) –Each location has a gluten friendly menu with shared kitchen warning. (Sister chain of Chequers and Devon Seafood Grills.)

Chart House (AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, MA, MD, NV, OR, PA, SC, TX, VA and two in NJ: Weehawken, NJ and Atlantic City, NJ) – has large gluten friendly menu.

Chequers Seafood Grill (GA) – Each location has a gluten friendly menu with shared kitchen warning. (Sister chain of Devon and Bristol Seafood Grills.)

Chickie's and Pete's  (183 US Highway 130, Bordentown NJ 08505 and 6055 Blackhorse Pike, Egg Harbor Twp NJ 08234, and multiple locations in PA) – Has a gluten friendly menu (burgers without buns, seafood entrees, etc) but although they advertise gluten free fries, their disclaimer states they use a shared fryer (although there are rumors of this changing soon).

Devon Seafood Grill (FL, IL, PA, WI) – Each location has a gluten friendly menu with shared kitchen warning. (Sister chain of Chequers and Bristol Seafood Grills.)

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que  (CT, NY and Newark, NJ) – has allergen information for their full menu (buried on their ‘Contact Us’ page, year old). Shows gluten, dairy, nuts, tomato, garlic and shellfish. I grabbed take out there once and would want to try dining in before passing judgment.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill (AL, AZ, DE, NC, NE, OH, PA, TN, VA but none in NJ as of yet) – has a sizable gluten friendly menu.

Ground Round (IA, ME, MI, MN, MO, ND, NY, OH, PA, SD, WI and 2 locations in New Jersey)- offers a gluten friendly menu (salad no croutons, burger no bun). I haven’t been since I was a kid.

Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville Restaurants (AZ, CT, FL, HI, IL, LA, MS, NV, OH, SC, TN and coming soon to Atlantic City, NJ) – offers gluten free buns, gf entrees, a gf brownie and a dedicated fryer for gluten free fries! No word on other allergens in the buns or brownie.

Miller’s Ale House's new location is now open in Paramus: 270 route 4 east, Paramus, NJ 07652.

Rodizio Grill (Voorhees, NJ as well as locations in CO, CT, FL, MA, MN, OH, PA, TN, TX, UT, WI). They list their GF items on their online menu. Dairy should be easy to avoid here. See full review by Michael at Gluten Free Philly (warning he isn't dairy free).

Ruby’s (CA, HI, NV, PA, TX and Newark, NJ) [WARNING: the Newark NJ location is in the airport behind security.] – this diner chain now offers Udi’s gluten free hamburger buns.

Silver Diner (Cherry Hill + more) has expanded their GF menu. Unsure of other allergens.

Yard House  (AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, HI, IL, KS, MA, NC, NV, NY, OH, TX, VA, WA, coming soon to ID and OR, but none in NJ) – offers a gluten sensitive menu on their website that details how to modify their existing dishes to make them gluten friendly. They also offer gluten free beer (depending on the location). I’ve eaten here and felt quite safe.


Fast Food / Quick Serve:

Gluten Free at Boston Market

Boston Market (27 states nationwide + multiple NJ locations) – has a listing of the eight major allergens plus gluten on their website (be prepared for the local restaurant to have no idea about this). Both the chicken and turkey are gluten free and dairy free as are a number of sides and best of all, three of their sauces including the standard gravy (again double check with your local store).

Deux Aux Natural has closed.

Eat'n Park (OH, PA, WV) – they offer a gluten friendly menu and gluten free sandwich buns (most items are made gluten friendly by substituting this bun).

Muscle Maker Grill (multiple NJ locations and AR, CA, FL, IL, MO, NY, OK, PA, TX) – has a limited gluten friendly menu with some dairy friendly options. Read my review of Muscle Maker Grill.

PB and U has closed in Wayne, PA, but their NJ location is still open.

Pure Tacos has closed.

Red Mango (Nationwide including 25 locations in NJ) - this frozen yogurt chain also offers gluten free / dairy free sorbettos. (Review coming soon)


Be sure to check out the full Gluten Free Fast Food / Chain / Quick Serve list and if you are in NJ the Gluten Free New Jersey Restaurant List.

Gluten Free French Fries Latest Update

It’s time for another update to my gluten free french fry restaurant list. I’ve added eighteen new locations: some here in NJ, a couple that I’ve personally tried in NY, and then a couple of national chains. As always, be sure to double check with the restaurant before ordering. Procedures and recipes sometimes change and their fries may not still be truly gluten free!

NJ Restaurants:

6 Brothers Diner in Little Falls, NJ – they have a dedicated fryer for gluten free fries (and gluten free chicken fingers)!

Alumni Grill in Wildwood, NJ – has gluten free fries and gluten free sweet potato fries!

Biddy O'Malley's in Northvale, NJ – last I was here they were looking into installing a dedicated fryer. No word on if that is done yet.

The Cozy End in Upper Montclair, NJ – they have a dedicated gluten free fryer for lots more than just gluten free French fries! These are some of the best fries I’ve ever had.

Gluten Free Greek Fries at Opa Greek Cuisine in Wayne, NJ

Kind Burgers in Sea Bright, NJ – offers gf fries.

Little Shanty in Warren, NJ (more coming soon) – has multiple fryers and offers gluten free french fries and gluten free onion rings. Warning: their sweet potato fries are NOT gluten free.

Opa Greek Cuisine in Wayne, NJ – has a dedicated fryer for their gluten free greek fries. (review coming soon)

Your Way Cafe in Westwood, NJ – they have a dedicated fryer for gluten free French fries and gluten free chicken fingers. (review coming soon)

NY Restaurants:

97lake in West Harrison, NY – they have gluten free onion rings and gluten free fries. As a matter of fact their kitchen is mainly gluten free, they just bring in gluten containing bread for other diners! Read my review of 97lake here.

Mama’s Italian Restaurant in Oakdale, NY (Long Island) – has a dedicated fryer for gluten free fries and a multitude of other gluten free fried items. (Review coming soon.)

Market Cafe (NYC, NY) – has a dedicated fryer for their gluten free seasoned fries. (Review coming soon.)

Perfecto Mundo in Commack, NY (Long Island) – they have a dedicated fryer for all of their gluten free options (potato frites, sweet potato frites, yuca frites, chips for salsa and guacamole, etc.) (Review coming soon.)

Chain / Fast Food Restaurants:

Burger21 (mostly in FL, but expanding) - they offer gluten free french fries and gluten free sweet potato fries!

Glory Days (no NJ locations) – has a dedicated fryer. (review coming soon)

Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville Restaurants – offers a dedicated fryer for gluten free fries!

Joe's Crab Shack - I'm removing this one from the master list. They used to list french fries on their gluten free menu but have removed them. I've eaten here and the boiled potatoes that come with their steam pots are gluten free but we all know potatoes were meant to be fried not boiled!

Mon Ami Gabi (no NJ locations) – they have gluten free French fries at this French Bistro.

Red Robin – some locations now have a dedicated fryer.

Ted’s Montana Grill (no NJ locations) – has gluten free fresh cut fries! (review coming soon)

White Chocolate Grill (no NJ locations) - they have gluten free shoestring fries. I ate at their AZ location years ago and enjoyed it quite a bit.


These were just the updates, see the full list here: Gluten Free Fries.

Restaurant Review: Muscle Maker Grill (Multiple NJ locations and AR, CA, FL, IL, MO, NY, OK, PA, TX)

Over the past couple of years, I've been seeing more and more Muscle Maker Grills popping up. Recently, I was out with some friends and we needed somewhere to grab a quick bite. There was a Muscle Maker Grill nearby so we decided to give it a try.

Gluten Free / Dairy Free at Muscle Maker Grill

They have an in store Nutrition and Dietary Guide pamphlet which contains a fairly brief gluten free menu (three entrees, three salads). The staff however was able to identify which sides were gluten (and diary) free and also pointed out that all of their salad dressings are gluten free. They also offer four different 100% fruit smoothies.

Being both GF and DF and not being able to digest lettuce left me with the grilled chicken, steamed broccoli and brown rice. [Although, I probably could have gotten The Godfather entree without the cheese.]

Overall the food was good . . . as good as grilled chicken, steamed broccoli and brown rice can be. It was also well priced for the large portion size. I certainly like the option of healthy gluten free quick serve food and would stop back again if I found myself somewhere near a Muscle Maker Grill without a plan and in need of a quick meal.




Other Gluten Free Quick Serve Restaurants I've reviewed:

Gluten Free at Energy Kitchen

Gluten Free at Chipotle Mexican Grill

And don't forget my full list of Gluten Free Quick Serve Restaurants.

Gluten Free Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia

I recently got back from a whirlwind trip trough Maryland, Northern Virginia and the eastern tip of West Virginia. I had gone down for the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Antietam and extended the trip to tour a number of other national parks (I ended up visiting 13 of them, 10 I had never been to before).

Antietam National Battlefield

Before leaving on the trip, I took my own gluten free travel advice and mapped out the places I would be able to eat as well as the grocery stores along the way that cater to the gluten free community. I even brought along my toaster (although I ended up having Kinnikinnick donuts for breakfast most mornings).

My route took me from NJ through southern PA to Hagerstown, MD, I was in that area for three days then headed down to Manassas, VA for three days, before heading to Harper’s Ferry, WV for a day and finally back to the Hagerstown/Frederick area of MD.

I’ll be writing restaurant reviews over the next couple of days but wanted to list out some of my finds, including a handful of places I didn’t get to go:

Maryland / Virginia / West Virginia Gluten Free Supermarket / Grocery options

Common Market (Frederick, MD) – great GF selection and they even had Bavarian Toast Bread (which I haven’t seen in years!)

The Natural Marketplace in Warrenton, VA

Eden’s Natural Market (Gainesville, VA) – large health food shop with a good GF selection.

Healthway (VA/WV) – I didn’t get to stop here but this chain has a handful of locations across these two states.

Martin’s (MD, PA, VA and WV) – fairly sizeable GF section at this large supermarket chain.

MOM’s Organic Market (only in MD/VA) – good selection of GF products.

Natural Marketplace (Warrenton, VA) – small natural food store with a second floor juice bar/sandwich shop. Review coming soon.

Wegmans – I didn’t stop here but I suspect they are much the same all over.

Whole Foods – I also never stopped in a Whole Foods (they're only in eastern MD but I was near some in VA as well)..

Independent Gluten Free Dining options

Alcacia (Frederick, MD) - Bistro that flags GF items on their menu. Unsure on DF options. I almost ate here but they fell victim to me traveling alone. I decided to not eat out alone again that night and instead got take out. It looks like a great restaurant though.

Gambas al Pil Pil at Isabella's in Frederick, MD

Castiglia’s (Winchester, VA) – Italian restaurant with extensive GF menu, including GF bread crumbs, GF bread (manufacturer states bread may be contaminated), GF pizza, and GF pasta. Review coming soon.

Isabella’s Taverna and Tapas Bar (Frederick, MD) – the absolute highlight of the entire trip! Review: Gluten Free at Isabella's Taverna.

My Thai (Frederick, MD) – listed on other sites as having a GF menu. They don’t. However they were extremely accommodating. Review: Gluten Free at My Thai.

The Wild Tomato (Harrisburg, PA) – great GF menu at this Italian takeout restaurant. Sadly, no DF cheese.  Review coming soon.


Maryland/Virginia/West Virginia Gluten Free Chain Restaurants

Chick-fil-A – ate here a couple of times I needed a quick meal. (See my previous review here: Eating Gluten Free at Chick-fil-A)

Glory Days Grill – A mostly gluten friendly menu but they do have a dedicated fryer for gluten free fries! Review coming soon.

Logan’s Roadhouse – gluten friendly menu. Review coming soon.

Red Robin – serving GF / DF hamburger buns and some locations have a dedicated fryer. Review coming soon!

zPizza – pizza chain with both GF pizza crusts and DF cheese. I one night I was going to try them, it got too late for me to get there before they closed. I think they just opened (are about to open) a location or two in NYC. I’ll have to check them out soon.

There are also numerous locations of major chains we have here in NJ that I didn’t try during the trip (but it was nice to know they were there if I needed them): Bonefish Grill, Boston Market, Buffalo Wild Wings (almost nothing here is both GF and DF), Don Pablo’s, Longhorn, Outback, Pei Wei, Ruby Tuesday, and Uno Chicago Grill.

Gluten Free Bakeries

Better Choice Bakery (Brunswick, MD (small town on VA border, near Harper’s Ferry)) – small dedicated GF/DF bakery. Review coming soon.

Jireh Bakery Cafe (Centerville, VA) – I didn’t get to try here.

Triple Oak Bakery (Sperryville, VA) – dedicated GF bakery. No mention online of DF options. I didn’t stop here.

Ok, time to start cracking on those nine new reviews!

Restaurant Review: Joe’s American Grill (Paramus, NJ, Short Hills, NJ, and locations in CT, FL, MA, NH, and RI)

A friend of mine was recently diagnosed with gluten intolerance. We decided to get together for dinner so I sent him a list of restaurants I still wanted to try and he chose Joe’s American Grill.

Hamburger on Gluten Free / Dairy Free Bun
with Gluten Free Fries at Joe's American Grill

A couple of months ago when I tried Papa Razzi’s gluten free menu (read Review of Papa Razzi here  ), I had started out at Joe’s American Grill. They had believed their new gluten free hamburger buns contained dairy so I decided to go with Papa Razzi instead. [Note: Joe’s and Papa Razzi share the same parent company and at least here in New Jersey are built next door to each other.]

Having eaten at Papa Razzi, I wasn’t surprised by the level of knowledge and care the staff at Joe’s showed us. Our waitress double checked the hamburger bun ingredients and found that while they contain a bit of egg they do not contain any dairy ingredients (she was concerned that they are manufactured in a factory that produces products containing dairy – yes, Joe’s is that careful!).

In addition to gf/df buns for their sandwiches, Joe’s also offers GF pizza crusts (for those who can have dairy), gluten free pasta, and best of all, they offered to pan fry some potatoes for us so we could have gluten free French fries!

As is Joe’s policy, the manager stopped by to discuss our allergies/intolerances with us but it was completely unneeded: our waitress was extremely thorough and knowledgeable and we had full confidence in her.

So how was the burger? The burger was great and the bun was good. It was toasted but did start to come apart towards the end of the burger. The pan fried gluten free fries were out-of-this world.

Joe’s is definitely somewhere I’ll return to and consider when traveling.




Other recent restaurant reviews:

Gluten Free at Legal Sea Foods

Gluten Free Buns and Gluten Free Fries at Cheeseburger in Paradise

Restaurants serving gluten free fries

Other chain restaurants with gluten free menus

And as always, click here for my full listing of NJ Restaurants offering Gluten Free Dining

Updates for Gluten Free Fast Food / Chain / Quick Serve List

I'm planning a trip to Maryland / Virginia in September and in preparation I've been scouting out my gluten free dining options.  Along the way I found a number of chain restaurants offering gluten free dining options.  Most of these are chains that we just don't have here in NJ.  After I had found all I could in the area I am heading, I was on a roll and expanded my search to nationwide.  When I'm back from my trip I'll be sure to post some reviews of the restaurants I've tried.  

(I've added all of these to my Gluten Free Chains / Fast Food / Quick Serve Restaurant List already.)

Chains:

99 Restaurants (CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT, only NJ location is closed) – has a number of gluten friendly entrees and gluten free hamburger buns. No gf fries but they do have potato chips instead. Lists eight major allergens (gluten instead of wheat) and MSG on their nutrition page.

Abuelo’s (AR, AZ, FL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, OH, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI, no locations in NJ) – this Mexican restaurant chain has an average sized gluten free menu including soft corn tortillas for fajitas and soft tacos.

Austin Grill (DC, MD, VA) – this tex-mex chain has a small gluten free menu. Dairy free may require extra care.

Biaggi’s (CO, IA, IL, IN, NE, MN, MS, NC, NY, OH, UT, WI, no locations in NJ) – has gf spaghetti and penne. Has a number of non-pasta GF entrees as well.

Big Bowl (IL, MN, VA) – has a good sized Asian gluten free menu.

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse (AZ, CA, CO, FL, IN, KS, KY, LA, NV, OH, OK, OR, TX, WA but none in NJ) – extremely small gf menu but also lists 8 major allergens (+ sulfites and MSG). DF might require extra work here as well.

Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse (CT, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, PA, RI, no NJ locations) – good sized gluten friendly menu.

Claim Jumper (AZ, CA, IL, NV, OR, TN, WA) – has a gluten free menu but take caution as they butter their grilled items.

Don Pablo’s (15 mostly eastern states + 2 in NJ: Deptford and Moorestown) – has multiple warnings on their site and gf menu about expected cross contamination, shared fryers and untrained staff.

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood & Steak (AZ, CA, TX) – large gluten friendly menu.

Glory Day’s Grill (MD, VA, WV only) – has a gluten free menu and dedicated gluten free friers.

The Greene Turtle (DC, DE, MD, VA) – bar/restaurant with a gluten friendly menu.

The Grill (CA, FL, IL, TX) – this chain has a good sized gluten friendly menu.

Hoss’s Steak and Sea (PA and WV only) – lists gluten friendly items on website.

Mama Fu’s (AR, FL, NC, TX) – gluten free sauce not in all locations yet (check with your local restaurant before going. Has a nice sized GF asian menu.

Mitchell’s Fish Market (CT, FL, IN, KY, MI, PA, OH, WI) – can prepare any of their fresh fish in four different gluten friendly ways (grilled, blackened, in a salad, and steamed with ginger and scallions). Has a good number of other gluten friendly options on their GF menu as well.

Mon Ami Gabi (MD, IL, NV, VA) – fairly large gluten free menu including gluten free french fries at this French Bistro. (Note: dairy free may be a bit of a challenge.)

O’Charley’s (18 states across the mid-west, great lakes and south) – they offer an allergen menu that list six allergens (they combine nuts/peanuts and fish/shellfish) and MSG.

Ocean Prime (AZ, CO, FL, GA, IN, MI, PA, OH, TX) - offers gluten friendly menus.

The Old Spaghetti Factory (AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, IN, KY, MN, MO, OH, OR, TN, UT, WA none on the east coast) – offers gluten free pasta for $.75 more. Has limited GF menu.

Stir Crazy (FL, GA, IL, IN, MI, MN, MO, NY, OH, WI) – offers two gluten free sauces for make-your-own stir fry with rice or rice noodles but make sure wok is thoroughly cleaned between stir fries. May have other GF options but they aren’t listed online. I’ve eaten at the NY location once but am not overly sensitive.

Ted’s Montana Grill (CO, CT, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MT, NC, NY, PA, OH, RI, TN, VA, but not in NJ) – has a gluten friendly menu (order without bread, etc) and gluten free fresh cut fries!

Village Tavern (AL, AZ, CO, FL, GA, NC) – has a good sized gluten free menu with numerous grill items, gf pasta and gluten free pizza (but no df cheese).

White Chocolate Grill (AZ, CO, IL) - They have a good sized GF menu and even have gluten free French fries. I ate at their AZ location years ago and enjoyed it quite a bit.

Wildfire Steaks, Chops, & Seafood (IL, MN, VA) – offers full gluten free menu including gluten free hamburger buns (unknown other allergens), gluten free pizza (no df cheese) and more. Fries are not gluten free.

Wildfish Seafood Grille (AZ, CA, TX) – large gluten friendly menu.

Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill (AZ, CA, TX, UT, WA) – gluten free is listed on the specialty menu.

Quick Serve / Fast Food:

Burger 21 (FL, coming soon to NJ) – uses French Meadow gluten free hamburger buns and lists gluten free French fries and sweet potato fries on their menu.

Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill (AZ, CA, CO, ID, MO, NM, TX, UT) – no gluten other than their tortillas.

In-N-Out Burger (AZ, CA, NV, TX, UT) – will serve their burgers ‘protein style’ wrapped in lettuce. Their only fried item is French fries so there’s no cross contamination (and their fries are already gluten free).

Jason’s Deli (28 states but none in NJ) – has a limited GF menu mostly containing soups, baked potatoes, and salads.

Noodles & Company (locations in 23 states, but not in NJ) – the list the eight major allergens but very few items are both gluten free and dairy free.

Rubio’s (AZ, CA, CO, NV, UT) – This fish taco/mexican chain has a chart of the 8 major allergens. DF will require a little special ordering.

zpizza (AZ, CA, CO, DC, GA, HI, MD, MN, MO, NC, NV, NY, OH, SC, TX, VA, WA, no NJ locations) – offers gluten free pizza crust and vegan cheese. Crust is vegan too.

Gluten Free Map of NJ and Latest Restaurant List updates (15 Restaurants, 2 casinos, 3 chains, and one quick serve)

I’ve made two big changes to my Gluten Free NJ Restaurant List. First up, the list has grown so big that I decided to split it into two pages. All of the independent restaurants stayed on the original page whereas the second page is for Gluten Free Fast Food, Quick Serve, and Chain Restaurants.

The second big change is at the bottom of the original restaurant list. I’ve created a map of all of the independent restaurants, small markets and gluten free bakeries! I did include a handful of chains/quick serve restaurants. Mostly those that have actual gluten free items (i.e. aren’t just gluten friendly) and are small enough that I wasn’t adding too many locations. The map is still a work in progress but hopefully you’ll find it useful.

So without further ado, here are the updates!

Independent Restaurants:

6 Brothers Diner (475 Route 46E, Little Falls, NJ 07424) – they have a gluten free menu but it is not online. I stopped in late on a Tuesday evening when they would be less busy and the waitstaff had very little GF knowledge and even less interest in being helpful. Most of my dairy free questions went unanswered.

Biddy O'Malleys (191 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ 07647) – flags GF on their menu. Has eight menu items that are naturally gluten free and many others that they can modify to be so.  Everyone I've spoken to who's eaten here raves about it. I just ate here tonight and it is great.  DF required a little extra work but well worth it.  Review coming soon.

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa (One Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ 08401) – they've added gluten free menus to a number of their restaurants: izakaya, Fornelletto, The Metropolitan, Bobby Flay Steakhouse, Roma, and N.O.W. (Note: a hand-full of their other restaurants can accommodate but don't have specific gluten free menus.)

Castalia (997 McBride Avenue, Woodland Park, NJ 07424) – has gluten free pasta.

Crust and Crumble (658 Cookman Avenue (or 633 Lake Avenue), Asbury Park, NJ 07712) – has both gluten free pizza and dairy free cheese for said pizza!

Double S Diner (Rt23, Wantage area) - to re-open in summer of 2012.

Harrah’s Resort (777 Harrah’s Boulevard, Atlantic City, NJ 08401) 7 eateries at Harrah’s have been certified via the GREAT program. These are Bill's Bar & Burger, the Diamond Club, Dos Caminos, Luke Palladino, Sammy D's, The SteakHouse, and the Waterfront Buffet. Unfortunately, all this means is that their staff has been trained to deal with gluten free diners. As of yet, none of the seven have created a gluten free menu, nor have they posted the specifics of how they accommodate.

Jefferson Diner (5 Bowling Green Parkway, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849) - has very brief, combined gluten free / vegetarian menu and not all of the vegetarian items on it are gluten free.

Kind Burgers (coming soon) (1064 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright, NJ 07760) – pre-opening articles promise gluten free fries and gf/df buns.

La Bottega (14 Oak Street, Ridgewood, NJ 07450) – offers gluten free soups, salads and panini’s (panini’s $2.50 more). Menu items have small gluten free symbol on them. WARNING: Panini’s made with bread that contains dairy.

Puzo’s Family Restaurant of Ridgewood (16 West Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450) – has both gluten free pasta and pizza.

Red's Jersey Mex Café (11th Street and Haven Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226) – has an extensive gluten free Mexican menu. Dairy free may require some care. I haven’t been yet.

Rocca (203 Rock Road, Glen Rock, NJ 07452) Lists gluten free pasta.

Rudy’s Italian Restaurant (300 South Avenue, Garwood, NJ 07027) – Garwood location ONLY has gluten free menu. Menu offers pasta and many gluten friendly choices.

Salute Bistro (173 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07042) – has gf pizza and gf pasta both for an additional $3.

Serpico's (307 Main Street, Allenhurst, NJ 07711) - has a gluten free menu with pizza and pasta. Dairy free is fairly tough, but they do offer a gf/df brownie and pasta with garlic and olive oil.

Washington Inn (801 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ 08204) GF flagged on menu, DF might be a bit of a challenge here.



Gluten Free Chains:

Bertucci’s – (10 Mid-Atlantic/New England States plus 7 in NJ) has a good sized GF menu which they recently expanded. Interestingly they don’t offer gluten free pasta or pizza. It’s hard to tell from the website how difficult or easy dairy free would be here. Now that their menu is a bit larger, I may just try them out.

Brio Tuscan Grille (19 states plus NJ: 901 Haddonfield Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002, 500 Rt. 73 South, Marlton, NJ 08053 and coming soon to 3710 Route 9, Freehold NJ 07728) - has separate gluten friendly menu on website; unknown other allergens.

Chevy’s - (AZ, FL, IL, MD, MN, MO, NV, NY, SD, VA + 3 in NJ:Clifton, Morris Plains, and Linden) - has added a gluten free menu. They have corn tortillas for soft tacos, enchiladas and fajitas. Sadly, their chips are not gluten free.

Ground Round (IA, ME, MI, MN, MO, ND, NY, OH, PA, SD, WI + NJ: Bradley Beach and East Windsor)- announced they are adding a gluten free menu soon.

Iron Hill Brewery - will open a location in Voorhees winter 2012/2013.

Miller’s Ale House will be opening a location in Paramus.

P.F. Chang’s - added 7 more menu items. (Review coming soon.)


Pei Wei - recently opened a third NJ location near Paramus (83 West Spring Valley Avenue, Maywood, NJ 07607)   Read my: Pei Wei Review from their Moorestown location.

Season 52 - will open a second NJ location in Edison in spring 2013.




Gluten Free Fast Food / Quick Serve:

Fins Tropicali (120 Main Street, Bradley Beach, NJ 07753; 1930 Route 88, Brick, NJ 08724; 2100 Route 35, Sea Girt, NJ 08750) - has a gluten free menu with soft corn tacos/tortillas. Sadly, their chips are fried in a shared frier.

Fresh City is now inside St. Barnabas Medical Center (94 Old Short Hills Road, Livingston, NJ 07039).


As always, if you see a restaurant in NJ that I'm missing and they have their gluten free menu online, please let me know via the Contact Me form on the left.  Thanks!

Updated Gluten Free French Fries List

I’ve updated my list of Restaurants (Independent, Chain and Fast Food) that offer gluten free French fries. I started by consolidating the last update article into the original article here: Gluten Free French Fries so you no longer need to read both articles. I then added these six locations:

Grilled Chicken on Gluten Free Bun
with a side of Gluten Free French Fries

Applebee’s – No, the fries here aren’t safe even though they are on their gluten free list. The fries themselves are gluten free but are fried in a shared fryer (double check with your local Applebee’s).

Energy Kitchen – gluten free crinkle cut fries are baked not fried so no concerns about shared fryers here. Review of Energy Kitchen.

In-N-Out Burger – they don’t have any NJ locations but they have a loyal gluten free following in the states where they are. The only fried item on their menu is their fries.

Joe’s American Grill – I just ate here and found out that they will pan fry potatoes to avoid cc issues. (At least they offered this at my local Joe’s be sure to double check with yours.)

Pop Shop – I read recently that this Collingswood, NJ restaurant has installed a fryer to make gluten free chicken fingers and gluten free fries.

Shake Shack – they aren’t in NJ yet either but have a number of NYC locations. Their fries are gluten free and fried in a dedicated fryer, however, they warn that their oil recycling may introduce cross contamination.


That’s it for now, are there any restaurants that I’m missing? If so shoot me a quick email using the Contact Me form on the left.


Looking for somewhere to eat?

Gluten Free NJ Restaurant List (includes those serving GF fries)

Restaurant Review: Legal Sea Foods (Paramus, NJ, Short Hills, NJ, and multiple locations in 9 other states)

I recently met a friend of mine for lunch at the Legal Sea Foods in Paramus, NJ. She’s eaten there a number of times since going gluten free but this was my first time (I did however remember how accommodating and knowledgeable they were when all I had was a dairy intolerance).

Gluten Free / Dairy Free Dinner Rolls
at Legal Sea Foods in Paramus, NJ

I knew from reviewing their menu that they had breaded gluten free calamari and bread gluten free shrimp fried in dedicated oil. I also knew (but had forgotten) that they offered gluten free dinner rolls to start. Of course, when they arrived I checked on their dairy content and was pleased to find that they are also dairy free (although they do contain egg).

The gluten free menu is mostly dishes that are gluten friendly (assorted grilled seafood, sandwiches without a roll, etc.) There are a number of standouts: the aforementioned fried shrimp and calamari, gluten free croutons for the salads, and Baked Boston Scrod with GF crumbs.

Gluten Free Fried Shrimp at Legal Sea Foods in Paramus, NJ

For lunch we both ordered the fried shrimp. Since they were frying the shrimp anyway, I asked if they could toss some fries into the same oil thereby making them gluten free as well (their standard menu fries are fried in shared oil). It was a slow afternoon and they agreed!

Everything was amazing. The rolls were light and flakey and nice to have in a mixed group where everyone else is eating gluten containing bread before dinner. The shrimp were fried up nice and crispy and were amazing as well.

This is definitely somewhere I’ll be heading back to!


Other restaurants with gluten free menus:

Gluten Free at Bonefish Grill

Gluten Free at Janice’s in Ho-ho-kus

Complete listing of Restaurants in NJ that can handle gluten free and dairy free as well as the Chain Restaurants that can handle gluten free and dairy free.

Restaurant Review: Pei Wei Asian Diner (Cherry Hill, NJ and Moorestown, NJ)

Pei Wei is one of the earlier chains to offer a gluten free menu. I hadn’t tried them until recently since the only two in New Jersey are either 1.5 or 2 hours away.

Gluten Free Vietnamese Rolls
at Pei Wei Asian Diner in Moorestown, NJ

They have an average sized gluten free menu, about half of which is also dairy free or can be prepared dairy free. On their website they have a chart of the eight major allergens (they include gluten in the wheat column) as well as corn, sulfites, sesame, and legumes. They also note on their web menu that they won’t list any of their vegetable only dishes as vegan because some contain sugar (that can be processed with animal products) and other contain honey which some vegans consider unacceptable.

I found it interesting that they dust their meats in potato starch and sauté them in fresh oil rather than serving grilled meats. I had the Gluten Free Vietnamese Rolls so I can’t attest to the stir fried items. The rolls were good and a nice quick lunch. This is definitely somewhere I would stop in again the next time I am near one.

Other gluten free reviews you may be interested in:

Gluten Free at Elevation Burger

Gluten Free at Chick-fil-A

And of course, the full list of NJ Restaurants with Gluten Free Menus and other Chains with Gluten Free Menus.

Latest Gluten Free NJ Restaurant List Updates (21 updates!)

Here are the latest additions to my List of New Jersey restaurants that can handle both gluten free and dairy free dining:

Anna’s Ristorante (67 Union Place, Summit, NJ 07901) – has a separate gluten free menu with gluten free pasta, gluten friendly entrees, and gf pizza. I haven’t been yet.

Arlene’s on Asbury (624 Asbury Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226) - has gluten free bread and gluten free wraps for sandwiches (unknown other allergens). I've never been.

Buds and Bowls (2691 Main Street, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648) – A florist/cafe (yes you read that correctly) who's menu is entirely gluten free (although gluten containing bread and rolls are available for wheat eaters). Their menu changes daily. They have both gluten free buns (dairy free, by Schär) and homemade gluten free bread (contains dairy). I haven't been yet.

Cielo (168 Passaic Avenue, Fairfield, NJ 07004) – has gluten free pasta for $2 more. I haven’t been yet.

Drew's Bay Shore Bistro (28 East Front Street, Keyport, NJ 07735) – Menu notes: G = GF naturally and G* = can be made GF. They use a lot of butter which might be a little tough for those of us who are dairy free. I haven't been yet.

Good Karma Café (17 East Front Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701) - closed Sundays. This fully vegan restaurant *’s items on their menu that are gluten free. See my review here: Good Karma Cafe Review

McLoone’s Asbury Grille (1200 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712) – while they don’t have a gluten free menu they do state on their website that most menu items can be prepared gluten free and that they will work with you. Unsure of their ability to handle dairy free. I’ve never been. (Note: there are other McLoone’s restaurants across NJ and MD but the two listed here are the only ones that list gluten free.)

McLoone’s Rum Runner (816 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright, NJ 07760) – flags the gluten friendly items on their menu and states they will work with you on other items. I’ve never been. (Note: there are other McLoone’s restaurants across NJ and MD but the two listed here are the only ones that list gluten free on their websites.)

Panda Asian Fusion (335 West Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728) – claims 95% of their menu can be made gluten free. I’ve only ever had a gluten free egg roll there as a snack. See my review here:  Gluten Free Egg Roll at Panda Asian Fusion

The Pop Shop (729 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108) – has gluten free bread (unknown other allergens). I hear rumors they are installing a gluten free fryer for gluten free fries and chicken fingers. Also have vegan cheese and vegan ice cream. I've never been.

Riverside Brick Oven Pizza and Cafe (517 River Drive, Garfield, NJ 07026) - this new restaurant was opened by the owners/managers of La Piazzo in Little Falls in the same store front as the now closed River Cafe.  I recently ate here and will be posting a review soon.  They are still transitioning (training new staff, getting used to a smaller kitchen, etc) and for now only have gluten free pizza and gluten free pasta on the regular menu. 

Spoon & Sprout Café (378 South Branch Road, Hillsborough, NJ 08844. This vegetarian café states that they have both gluten free and vegan options on their menu. However, the only item on the online menu flagged as gluten free is the Apple Crisp and nothing is flagged as vegan. From reading the items, there do appear to be a number of dishes that should be naturally gluten free and easily made vegan.  I haven't been yet.

Stage House Tavern (1719 Amwell Road, Somerset, NJ 08873) – flags their gluten friendly items on their menu. I haven’t been.

Stage House Tavern (366 Park Avenue, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076) – flags their gluten friendly items on their menu. I haven’t been yet.

Sun Tavern (15 South Ave, Fanwood, NJ 07023) – has gluten free ravioli (dairy) and gluten free gnocchi (unknown). I haven’t been for dinner.

Temple Gourmet Chinese (91 Broad Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701) – a little blue square on the online menu denotes gluten free. I haven't been yet, but a friend of mine went and enjoyed it.

T.S. Ma (199 Bellevue Avenue, Upper Montclair, NJ 07042) - has wheat free soy sauce. I haven't been yet.

Umburto Italian Restaurant (583 River Rd, Fair Haven, NJ 07704) - has gluten free pasta and pizza. I haven’t been yet.

PA:

A reader reported that all dining options at Shawnee Mountain have gluten free options.  There is no online menu but she mentioned buns, chicken nuggets, pizza, etc.



Chains:

Osteria at Whole Foods Millburn, NJ (2245 Springfield Ave., Vauxhall, NJ 07088). Has Gluten Free pasta and an open kitchen (so you can watch for cc issues). This is one of only three Whole Foods to have an Osteria.




Quick Serve:

Energy Kitchen (96 Hudson Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030 and 14-A Chestnut Ridge Road, Montvale, NJ 07645) - has both a gluten free menu and a listing of the eight major allergens. Fries are baked so no cross contamination issues. Read my review here: Energy Kitchen Review.



As always, if you see a restaurant in NJ that I'm missing and they have their gluten free menu online, please let me know via the Contact Me form on the left.  Thanks!

Restaurant Review: Papa Razzi (Paramus, NJ, Short Hills, NJ and multiple other states)

After a late night of shopping recently I decided to stop off for dinner at Joe’s American Grill / Papa Razzi. Both restaurant chains are owned by the same parent company and at least here in New Jersey are located next door to each other (at the Short Hills Mall and Garden State Plaza). Joe’s wasn’t sure on the existence of dairy in their hamburger buns so I chose Papa Razzi. (Which reminds me, I need to follow up with Joe’s on the ingredients in their hamburger buns!)

Gluten Free Pasta with Chicken and Asparagus
at Papa Razzi in Paramus, NJ

Due to both a dairy and a tomato intolerance I usually have trouble finding something on an Italian gluten free menu. I ended up ordering the Penne con Pollo without the roma tomatoes and without the butter of course. It was quite good.

I was very impressed by the level of allergy awareness of the staff at Papa Razzi. They offer both gluten free pasta and gluten free pizza crusts. I’m not sure on the other ingredients of the pizza crust but I was warned that they add cheese to their pizza sauce (but not their pasta sauce so it was recommended that I ask them to use the pasta sauce if I wanted pizza). They also offered to sauté their potatoes without dairy if I wanted those on my next visit. It is a welcome relief when your server already knows where all of your allergens are hiding out!

It’s always nice to find another option for dining out, especially a mainstream restaurant that one can go to with a group of wheat eating friends.





Other chains offering gluten free menus:

Eating Gluten Free at Uno Chicago Grill

Eating Gluten Free at Pizza Fusion

Full List of Restaurants in NJ with Gluten Free Menus

Full List of Chain Restaurants with Gluten Free Menus

Restaurant Review: Pizza Fusion and their new GF Sub Sandwich Rolls (Red Bank, NJ / Ridgewood, NJ)

On Sunday night, I met a friend of mine (the author of Living the Wheat Free Life) for dinner in Red Bank.

Gluten Free / Dairy Free Flat Bread at Pizza Fusion

We had intended to go to Via45 but they were closed to attend a food fair in New York City. We discussed the local GF options: Good Karma Café (review), Melting Pot, a restaurant whose GF menu is heavily butter based and Pizza Fusion. [We did touch quickly on some other central Jersey eateries but decided not to drive - we'll revisit those soon!]Since I’ve already reviewed Pizza Fusion (read the previous Pizza Fusion review here), I was leaning more towards trying somewhere new. In the end though, we decided to walk up the block to Pizza Fusion and boy am I glad we did!

I had heard rumors that Pizza Fusion was test marketing gluten free flat bread for their Flat Bread and Dip Trio appetizer. This is now out and also available with their new Vegetarian Antipasto as well as with their Bacon and Sweet Corn Fonduta. (Please note, all three appetizers contain dairy, both the Dip Trio and the Vegetarian Antipasto can be made dairy free/vegan on request.)

Vegetarian Antipasto made Vegan at Pizza Fusion

I usually skip the appetizer at most restaurants (since a GF/DF item that isn’t shrimp cocktail rarely exists) so it was a treat to have options. We decided on the Vegetarian Antipasto (made vegan since we're both dairy free) and the gluten free flatbread to start. The flat bread was served warm and well seasoned. The Antipasto was a collection of sliced pears in a balsamic glaze, marinated zucchini ribbons and roasted vegetable caponata. (The candied walnuts and gorgonzola cheese needed to be left off.)

Just a quick side note, I noticed on the menu that the ingredients listed for the pizza no longer contain egg. If eggs are a problem for you (or you need vegan options) you may want to double check to confirm this is the case.

Gluten Free / Dairy Free Tuscan Steak Sandwich at Pizza Fusion

Pizza Fusion has greatly expanded their sandwich offerings and best of all . . . wait for it . . . they now offer gluten free sub sandwich rolls for their sandwiches!!! We just couldn’t pass up something new and exciting and both had sandwiches for dinner. I had the Tuscan Steak Sandwich (sans mayo and provolone) which came oven-toasted and was delicious. The roll was an average size, toasty on the outside but still soft on the inside. It held together nicely through the entire sandwich.

Obviously you do still need to be careful what you add to the sandwich to make sure the components are gluten and/or dairy free (as needed).  Our waitress was quite knowledgealbe in that regard and when she wasn't she rushed off to the kitchen to double check!

Gluten Free / Dairy Free Brownie at Pizza Fusion

Finally, for dessert we had the gluten free / dairy free brownie. (From the receipt it appears that this now comes with gelato if you aren’t DF?) All and all an amazing dinner.

Has anyone else eaten at Pizza Fusion lately?  Tried the new flat bread or sub rolls?  What did you think?

Update 3/8/12 - just found out that the Ridgewood location doesn't have these yet.  Be sure to call your local location and ask if they have the rolls and if not, when they are getting them in!




Other Restaurants with Gluten Free Sandwich Options:

Gluten Free Hamburger Buns at Cheeseburger in Paradise (National Chain)

Gluten Free Bread/Bagels/Wraps at Pascarella Bros Deli (Chatham, NJ)

Gluten Free Bread at Plum on Park (Montclair, NJ)

And of course, click here for my list of Gluten Free NJ Restaurants and Gluten Free Chain Restaurants.

Even More Gluten Free Restaurants in NJ!!! (24 Independents, four chains, three quickserve/fast food, and two bakeries)

Ok, technically, they are restaurants in New Jersey with gluten free menus but you get the idea!


Single Location GF Restaurants:

Bangkok Kitchen (391 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell, NJ 07006). They flag almost everything on their online menu with a GF if it can be prepared gluten free which leaves about four items that cannot. The in-restaurant menus are not flagged however so be sure to mention you need gluten free as some items that are flagged online are not naturally gf and need to be slightly modified.  I've eaten here and loved it, read my full review of Bangkok Kitchen.

Bella Vida Garden Cafe (406 N. Broadway, West Cape May, NJ 08204, Bella Vida at the Beach, Ocean & Buttercup, Wildwood Crest, NJ 08260) – the Cape May location has GF pasta, rice non-dairy cheese and/or GF bread for $3 more. The Wildwood Crest location only has GF bread for $2.50 more. Emailed them to determine if the bread contains dairy and never heard back.

Bibi'z (284 Center Ave, Westwood, NJ 07675) - they don't have their GF menu online but they have a menu that flags both Vegan and Gluten Free items. I hope to try this restaurant soon.

Bona Vita Osteria (37 Maple Street, Summit, NJ 07901) – they list gluten free pasta on their website.

Carlucci’s Grill (335 Princeton-Hightstown Road, West Windsor, NJ 08561) – the gluten free menu has pizza and pasta as well as a long list of gluten friendly entrees. This is a small chain of six restaurants (2 in NJ, 4 in PA) but only two of them list a GF menu on their section of their website, this location in West Windsor and the Carlucci’s Grill in Yardley, PA.

De Marco’s Pizza (1926 Union Valley Road, Hewitt, NJ 07421) – has GF Pizza and GF pasta only.

Due Mari Pesce E Vinoteca (78 Albany Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901) – offers Gluten Free Pasta. I’ve never been.

Edison Pizza Restaurant (2303 Woodbridge Ave, Edison, NJ 08817) – small GF selection, GF penne, or 3 types of parmagean. It appears from their website that no sides of GF pasta are served.

Forte (182 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell, NJ 07006) – has GF pasta upon request. [Note: they also have a location at 485 Rt10W in Randolph, NJ 07869 but there is no online menu for that location.]

Gourmet Café Italian Bistro (136 Baldwin Road, Parsippany, NJ 07054) – they flag their menu for items that are naturally gluten free as well as those that can be modified to be gluten free. Only GF Pasta selection is a GF Spinach Ravioli (which I doubt is DF!).  I haven’t been yet.

The Grain House Restaurant (225 Route 202, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920) – I usually would shy away from a restaurant with the word “grain” in its name but they flag the gluten free items on their menu and that ends up being almost half of everything listed!

Hunan Gourmet (357 Route 9S, Manalapan, NJ 07726) – They have an extensive gluten free menu but it includes items that are labeled as ‘battered’, are in a soy ginger sauce, or are in a brown sauce. They don’t denote how these items are gluten free and they list other items as being without soy sauce so I’d be sure to double check everything with the staff.

La Piazza Trattoria (101 Newark Pompton Turnpike[23 South], Little Falls, NJ 07424) They don't have a website and I can't find a menu online, but they have a GF menu in the restaurant.  (They're on facebook here: La Piazza but still no menus.)  They have gluten free pizza and can serve any of their pasta dishes GF as well.  They also now have a couple of GF entrees.  I've sampled their food at a couple of meetings of the Fine Grind GF Club and it was quite good.

Lovin' Oven (62A Trenton Ave [Rt.29], Frenchtown, NJ 08825) – Has GF(gluten free) and V (vegan) marked on their menu. Haven't been there yet but a quick warning, they only take cash.

Martini Beach (429 Beach Ave. Cape May, NJ 08204) - has GF menu where non-gf items are crossed out. Dairy free might require a little extra work here.

Molino's Takeout Restaurant (219 South Main Street (Route 9), Cape May Court House, NJ 08204) - This takeout only italian restaurant/pizzeria offers GF pasta for an extra $3. I've never been.

Organic4Life (401 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell, NJ 07006) – this restaurant is completely gluten free. They have four menus, one for each blood type diet (AB, B, A, and O). They have a number of vegan items on each menu and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Even if you don’t follow the blood type diet the food looks really good. [Note: check their website/call them for hours, they appear to close at 7pm Mon-Wed.]  Read my review of Organic4Life.

Pascarella Bros Delicatessen (34 Watchung Avenue, Chatham, NJ 07928) – According to their website they can make most sandwiches using gluten free bread, bagels, or wraps. I emailed them and the bread and bagels were DF as well (they were out of stock on the wraps so they weren't sure).  I ate here recently and it was terrific, review coming soon.

Piccolo Trattoria (800 R. Denow Road, Pennington, NJ 08534 and two locations in PA). – They have GF pizza and they offer GF spaghetti for $2 more. I’ve never been.

Scampi's Seafood Restaurant (198 West Main Street, Somerville, NJ  08876) – pretty nice gf menu, lots of grilled and broiled entrees but the also have pasta and rolls for an additional charge.

Seaglass Bar (Dune Drive & 78th Street, Avalon, NJ 08202). Has a gluten free menu. I’ve never been.

Tutti Toscini (1491 Brace Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034) - has GF pasta for $1 more.

Vesuvio’s (221 Millstone Road, Perrineville, NJ 08535) – has a gf section to their menu including gf pizza, gf pasta and naturally gf entrees (grill chicken parm, etc.) I’ve never been.

Wildflower Earthly Vegan Fare (501 N. High St. / Village on High, Millville, NJ 08332) – Another cool looking vegan restaurant. Their menu changes weekly and they clearly flag their gluten free options. Last week’s GF highlight? Gluten Free Jersey Fresh Apple Pie! Millville is really far away for me but it might be worth the drive!


Gluten Free Bakeries in NJ:

Desserted Pastries (605 North Haddon Ave, Haddonfield, NJ 08033) - This bakery has a menu of GF baked goods for special order only – cookies, sandwich bread, pizza dough, cupcakes, cakes, pie dough, hot dog buns and brownies. They state on their website that they will try most of these dairy free (egg free, soy free, etc) if possible and are willing to try other baked goods on special request. They are also a dedicated Nut free bakery.

Papa Ganache Vegan Bakery (25 Church Street, Keyport, NJ 07735) - vegan bakery with lots of WF options listed online. I emailed to confirm that WF is gluten free and it is but they warned that they are not a dedicated facility.



GF Chains:

Kona Grill – (511 US Highway 1, Iselin, NJ 08830) – I’ve never been to a Kona Grill but from their website it appears to be asian inspired cuisine. They have a gluten free menu, a vegetarian menu, and a vegan menu (they’re a little hard to find on the website, try looking under ‘lifestyle menu’). Will definitely be trying them at some point.

Loving Hut (Ledgewood, NJ and Matawan, NJ) – This 100% Vegan restaurant has the items that are either already gluten free or that can be made gluten free flagged on their menu. (At least at their NJ locations, other out-of-NJ locations don’t have the menu flags.) I haven’t been here yet.

Miller’s Ale House (coming soon to Mt. Laurel, NJ) – has a gluten friendly menu (hamburger no bun, etc.).

Red Hot & Blue (2175 Route 70, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002) – their allergen menu lists the eight major allergens as well as MSG and sulfites. There are quite a few items that are both GF and DF!


GF Quick Serve/Fast Food:

Jersey Mike's Subs (multiple NJ locations) – this sub shop offers all of their subs without bread as a “sub in a tub” (i.e. served in a plastic container with fork and knife). All their sandwiches can be made this way except the chicken parm and meatball subs. They have an allergen chart on their website that includes the eight major allergens as well as sulfites, sesame, MSG, Autolyzed Yeast Hydrolyzed Protein, and nitrates. They include gluten in the wheat column. I ate here recently and found cc to be a concern - they have lots of crumbs flying around from cutting open the bread. 

PB and U (Coming soon to Moorestown, NJ) – has GF/DF bread and notes on their websites the steps taken to avoid cross-contamination.

Rita's (multiple NJ locations) – their allergen chart shows the 8 major allergens and specifies casein in any products that contain it. All of their ices are gluten and dairy free, their other products may or may not be.


Whew! That's it for now but if you know of a restaurant that I am missing from my list of NJ restaurants with gluten free food please use the contact me option in the left menu to drop me an email and let me know!

Restaurant Review: Pizza Fusion (Ridgewood, NJ 07450 and Red Bank, NJ 07701)

I recently had lunch with a friend of mine at Pizza Fusion in Ridgewood, NJ. This was the first pizza place in NJ to offer both Gluten Free and Dairy Free Pizza and is one of only a handful that now do.

Pizza Fusion is a gourmet pizzeria using mostly organic ingredients and has a heavy environmental slant (they’re heavy into recycling, renewable energy, energy efficiency, etc.). Their menu clearly marks the gluten free options and vegan options. For the dairy free they offer both a soy cheese and Daiya cheese (the GF crust is dairy free but contains egg).

Gluten Free / Dairy Free Pizza with Grilled Chicken,
Roasted Garlic, and Basil at Pizza Fusion in Ridgewood, NJ

Since they are gourmet (and organic, and buying renewable energy, etc) they are a bit pricey. There is an additional charge for a gluten free crust and dairy free cheese. Their price on their GF crust came down 25% since they first opened and they now also offer a personal sized pizza so it’s not as bad as it once was.

They are very careful, preparing the GF pizzas in a dedicated area, using dedicated utensils, and baking them on the top shelf of their oven (which is also dedicated GF). The staff is very knowledgeable on what is safe and what isn’t (gluten free items are marked GF on the menu and vegan items are marked V and the staff easily confirmed the lack of dairy in everything I ordered). The crust is thin and crisp and all of the toppings are high quality and fresh. They’ve also got a nice variety of beverages including various Boylan sodas, Honest Tea’s, and fresh brewed teas and coffee.

Left over pizza freezes well and can be reheated in the oven for 10 minutes at 350. Since the crust contains bean flour I wouldn’t recommend storing the leftovers in the refrigerator as that bean aftertaste will become more prevalent.

The highlight of their menu (at least for me) is the Gluten Free / Vegan brownie on their dessert menu! It’s light and airy and one of the few desserts I can order anywhere in the state!

(p.s. I’ve heard rumors that they’re expanding their GF offerings but there isn’t any info on their website and I didn’t notice it on the menu while I was there.)

Other reviews you may be interested in:

Rutherford Pancake House (Rutherford, NJ) - they have dairy free cheese for their pizza but I've yet to try it.

Janice A Bistro (Ho-ho-kus, NJ) - no pizza here but an amazing restaurant in the Ridgewood area.

And of course, don't forget to check my giant List of New Jersey Restaurants with Gluten Free Menus and my giant list of Chains with Gluten Free Menus.