Best Gluten-Free Menus In Chicago
Gluten is in a lot of food, but for those who have celiac disease, are gluten-intolerant or are partaking in a gluten-free diet, you shouldn't have to sacrifice flavor. Fortunately, a variety of restaurants in Chicago have figured out how to create gluten-free dishes that are still delicious -- even if you have a hankering for a sandwich, pizza or even pasta. Stay healthy while still satisfying your cravings with these five restaurants. All are either gluten-free or offer gluten-free menus with plenty to choose from.
Bountiful Eatery
3312 N. Broadway Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 687-9811
www.bountifuleatery.com
You can't go wrong at this popular Lakeview restaurant, and not just because absolutely every item on the menu is gluten free. The menu is also packed full of super foods like quinoa, spinach, pumpkin and avocado, just to name a few ingredients. The expansive menu includes everything from pita wraps -- the turkey, bacon and avocado is a particular favorite -- to grilled items, including fish and burgers. A brunch menu is also available on Saturday and Sunday, and the menu offers eggs as well as bread-based dishes, like french toast, all without gluten. And what better way to round out this whole menu than with a delicious smoothie?
Ranalli's of Andersonville
1512 W. Berwyn Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 334-1300
www.ranallispizza.com
Pizza lovers can get their gluten-free pizza fix at Ranalli's of Andersonville. The 12-inch crust is gluten-free for $12, and you can top it any way you like it (toppings are $1.50 each). But pizza isn't the only item for those who can't, or don't want to, eat gluten. In fact, this menu is chock-full of items that typically include wheat or flour. Satisfy your cravings for such things as garlic bread, pizza bread, bruschetta and even pasta, among many other well-priced items.
Karyn's Cooked
738 N. Wells St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 587-1050
www.karynraw.com
Get quality, healthy vegan food at any of Karyn's restaurants around Chicago. You'll also find plenty of gluten-free eats at Karyn's Cooked location -- just look for the abbreviation GF next to the item on the lunch and dinner menus. The GF signifies that the dish is gluten-free or that it can be made gluten-free; just tell your server. From appetizers like guacamole with corn chips to main dishes such as stuffed eggplant and grilled polenta, there's something for everyone who can't eat gluten.
Senza
2873 N. Broadway St.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 770-3527
www.senzachicago.com
As the first gluten-free restaurant to receive a Michelin star, you know the food at this Lakeview restaurant is going to be good. At night, dine on seasonal dishes from the kitchen of Executive Chef Noah Sandoval, either as part of a tasting menu or prix fixe. While the menu is constantly evolving, expect such dishes as roasted rack of lamb and Snake River sturgeon. In the morning, the restaurant turns into Wheat's End Café, and patrons can expect equally delicious baked goods along with Bridgeport Coffee Company coffee.
Hub 51
51 W. Hubbard St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 828-0051
www.hub51chicago.com
Popular no matter what day of the week, this Loop hotspot has an eclectic menu, and that goes for its jam-packed gluten-free menu too. Nosh on everything from sushi rolls to tacos and enchiladas, all made with corn tortillas. Bun-less burgers are available too, some of which even come with gluten-free fries. Finish your dinner off with gluten-free desserts too, like raspberry sorbet, vanilla ice cream or butterscotch pot de creme mini.
Elizabeth SanFilippo is a freelance writer, who enjoys trying new foods from all over the world. But her favorite city for culinary treats will always be Chicago. When not writing about food, she's scribbling novels, and TV show reviews and recaps. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
