Blinded by the Bite! & G-Free in the City Gluten-Free Austin City Guide 2015
This year I’m so excited to have partnered up with fellow food writer Jaime Sutton of G-Free in the City to pull together a Gluten-Free Austin City Guide on behalf of the Austin Food Blogger Alliance 2015 City Guide!
Austin, TX is known as “The Live Music Capital” of the world. In the last 2-3 years, food and music have fueled the creative spirit of Austin, elevating a vigorous food scene rivaling that of cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. Austin is now a food travel destination, no longer defined by tacos and BBQ. Chefs from outside Austin are now making this their home. Check out some stats below from 2014’s food scene:
Austin has many restaurants that have menus designed to accommodate a gluten-free lifestyle with chefs/wait staff whom are knowledgeable on cross contamination issues so you’re able to eat like a local! We’ve put this list together based on various categories – I hope you enjoy these restaurants as much as we do!
Tex-Mex
Guero’s
Enjoy our handmade corn tortillas, specialty dishes, and make sure to visit our salsa bar. Our caldo de pollo and tacos al pastor are just a few of our tried-and-true favorites. Start off with a hand-shaken margarita in our cantina, or enjoy an icy cold cerveza while listening to music in our Oak Garden. Just sit back, relax, and let us do what we do best. Thanks for coming by.
1412 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
Iron Cactus (multiple locations)
Our menu is a culmination of years of dedication and passion by our team of chefs and managers. Our combination of unique flavors and proven cooking methods are combined to create cuisine with the spirit and flavor of old Mexico. We use only the freshest and best ingredients in all of our dishes.
Maudie’s (multiple locations)
Maudie’s has won numerous awards over the years for its Tex-Mex food and fresh-squeezed margaritas. With seven successful city restaurants, Maudie’s has become a true tradition in Austin.
Trudy’s (multiple locations)
An Austin icon since 1977. We serve fresh, natural, local Tex-Mex fare with our flare. Fabulous food, happy hours, and award-winning cocktails!
Z’Tejas (multiple locations)
In 1989, the first Z’Tejas was born in an old Victorian house on Austin’s historic 6th Street. Taking flavors from Spanish and Mexican cuisines and combining them with inspirations from Arizona, Louisiana, California, New Mexico and Texas, Z’Tejas created a rich blend of flavors that we’ve come to celebrate as Southwestern cuisine.
Indian
G’Raj Mahal
The story of G’Raj Mahal begins with a culinary couple’s vision to bring Western Indian cuisine to Austin, TX. Sidney (an Austin native) & Anthony (born & raised in Goa, India) opened G’Raj Mahal in 2009 as a food trailer. The family feel of G’Raj Mahal has always been apparent – you can usually find Anthony cooking away in the kitchen & Sidney is often around to chat with their beloved restaurant guests about the food, her design undertakings, & what makes this place so special.
73 Rainey Street
Austin, TX 78701
The Clay Pit
A Contemporary Indian Restaurant in historic Bertram’s Building in Downtown Austin. Serving contemporary and traditional Indian cuisine.
1601 Guadalupe Street
Austin TX
Tarka (multiple locations)
At Tarka Indian Kitchen, we serve fresh, fast and flavorful Indian food, freshly whipped lassis and select wine and beer. Tarka is the more casual version of sister Austin Indian restaurant Clay Pit.
Thai
Thai Fresh
Bruce’s experience in restaurant business and Jam’s love for cooking has grown into a store that incorporates delicious meals, groceries and cooking classes. Jam and Bruce hope to bring Austin the finest quality Thai food.
909 W. Mary Street
Austin, TX 78704
Italian
Brick Oven (multiple locations)
Austin’s best pizza and pasta. Cooked in our famous brick oven. Gluten free pizza and pasta is also on the menu. We offer pizza, pasta, sandwiches, salads, appetizers and more. Our wine and beer list suits any dish. We now have all natural range free.
Olive & June
Chef Shawn Cirkiel is well versed in gluten-free dining and at Olive & June you can belly up to the table for house made gluten-free pasta at this mid-city restaurant serving Northern Italian fare. Subscribe to the website to get notifications on special gluten-free tasting dinners.
3411 Glenview Ave., Austin, TX 78703 | 512.467.9898
Dinner Menu (Make sure to let server know you’re gluten-free)
Taverna
More than just your neighborhood restaurant, Taverna is a lively yet intimate ambiance perfect for sharing a meal with friends and family.
258 W. 2nd Street
Austin, TX
The Grove
We created this place for you to kick back and relax. The food is prepared from scratch using organic produce when possible and our wine philosophy is simple—trust your taste. Don’t worry about what the wine critics have to say. If you like it, then it’s all good.
6317 Bee Cave Rd.
Austin, TX 78746
Tapas
Malaga Tapas Bar
A Spanish European haven located in the popular 2ND Street District in downtown Austin, Texas, Malaga Tapas & Bar offers an extraordinary shared dining experience. Let the creative menu and knowledgeable staff guide you through a Spanish-style culinary adventure.
440 West 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
Tapas Bravos
One of Austin’s food truck offering small plates (tapas) size traditional Spanish Cuisine. Patatas Bravas, Marinated Carrots, and Brussel Sprouts are just a few of the gluten-free items being offered up at two locations. Make sure to let staff know you’re gluten-free so they prepare food without any cross contamination issues.
Two Mobile Locations – Menu’s (Rainey Street & Picnic)
BBQ
Black’s BBQ
Originally from the famous Lockhart, TX – they have recently opened a location in Austin!
3110 Guadalupe Street
Austin, TX 78705
County Line (multiple locations)
The County Line was formed by some Texans who loved Austin; loved its heritage and historical buildings; loved BBQ; and were committed to running a restaurant based on four principles: First: offer the highest quality smoked barbecue – ribs, brisket, sausage and chicken – with traditional sides of coleslaw, potato salad and beans. Second: provide these BBQ specialties in generous portions at reasonable prices. Next: offer friendly table service with linens and bar service. Finally: feature an authentic location that celebrates the heritage of Texas.
Franklin BBQ
Aaron Franklin’s parents owned a barbecue stand in his native Bryan, Texas, so it could be said that making good brisket was in his blood. But barbecue runs thick in the veins of every Texan, and when Aaron began experimenting with brisket and a backyard smoker a decade ago, it just so happened that with him it ran thicker than most.
900 E. 11th Street
Austin, TX 78702
La Barbecue
la Barbecue… Spanish for… The Barbecue!!
1200 E. 6th Street
Austin, TX 78702
Salt Lick
World Famous Barbecue in the Texas hill country!
18300 FM 1826
Driftwood, TX
American
Austin Terrier
Local Austin restaurant that serves organic salads, gourmet sandwiches and pizzas, a diverse kids menu and a wide range of craft beers and wines.
3435 Greystone Drive
Austin, TX
Bartlett’s
We source top quality meats, seafood, vegetables and cheeses. We hand cut fish and steaks, freshly grind chuck for burgers, and make our own soups, buttermilk ciabatta, mustard, and two-week pickle relish from scratch. And we obsess over the details of getting it right every time.
2408 West Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78757
Chez Zee
From inside to out, Chez Zee is warm and welcoming with an original vibe that reflects both its art-loving owner and the creative city in which it exists. Upon arrival, an arched walkway of lights leading to the restaurant’s patio invites patrons to sit and play board games such as Connect Four.
5406 Balcones Drive
Austin, TX 78731
Frank
407 Colorado Street
Austin, TX
Galaxy Café (multiple locations)
Mission: To provide customers with friendly service and high quality food in a clean and comfortable environment.
HopDoddy Burger Bar (multiple locations)
HopDoddy was created to express the perfect union of artisan burgers and beer: Handcrafted Beer (Hop) + (Doddy), the nickname given to the native cow in Aberdeen, Scotland. At HopDoddy our passion is to bring you the freshest available, all-natural ingredients. Daily we grind our hormone/antibiotic free black angus beef, bake our own buns from scratch & cut our own Kennebec Fries.
North by Northwest (multiple locations)
North by Northwest Restaurant and Brewery is filled with great food and great brews. And yes – we brew them all right here!
Second Bar & Kitchen
Second Bar + Kitchen is a dynamic downtown destination where Executive Chef David Bull combines seasonal ingredients and local artisan products to create what he calls “Natural American” cuisine. We offer small plates for sharing, large plates for entrees, rotisserie selections, salads, sandwiches, pizzas and desserts. Our menus can be viewed here. Chef de Cuisine Jason Stude supervises the kitchen and our dining room is managed by General Manager Laura Shearer.
200 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
Steak/Seafood
Eddie V’s (multiple locations)
Seafood is what we’re known for, but our specialty is excellence. Fish arrives daily from pristine waters around the world. USDA Prime steaks are hand cut and specially aged for over 28 days to ensure peak flavor. Our intent: to prepare the finest meal you’ve ever had.
Perry’s Steakhouse
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille located downtown in the historic Norwood Tower, within easy walking distance of the Capital Complex and other downtown landmarks. This location features unique décor, patio seating and Perry’s award-winning menu.
114 West 7th Street
Austin, TX
Sullivan’s
Sullivan’s is a vibrant neighborhood Steakhouse offering comfortable fine dining, featuring the finest steaks & seafood, choice wines & spirits and live music.
300 Colorado Street, Suite 200
Austin, TX
Truluck’s (multiple locations)
We invite you to escape to Truluck’s. A getaway for the senses. Come save the freshest Crab, direct from our own fisheries. Delight in our fresh-catch seafood menu or select tender, juicy steaks prepared to perfection. The compliment it all with delicious wines by the glass and bottle.
Vince Young Steakhouse
Vince Young Steakhouse is a chic, inviting and local Austin, Texas fine dining restaurant. Serving the finest steaks, wines and desserts in a downtown lively atmosphere with exceptional service. No matter what the occasion; a romantic dinner for two, an important business meeting or gathering your family around the table, at Vince Young Steakhouse, we look forward to providing you with an exceptional dining experience.
301 San Jacinto Boulevard
Austin, TX 78701
Pizza
Austin’s Pizza (multiple locations)
There is no science to our food. We just make the best delivery pizza using only pure, whole ingredients. Throw these together for a simple cheese pie or combine any number of toppings to create your own version of a truly great pizza.
Brick Oven (multiple locations)
Austin’s best pizza and pasta. Cooked in our famous brick oven. Gluten free pizza and pasta is also on the menu. We offer pizza, pasta, sandwiches, salads, appetizers and more. Our wine and beer list suits any dish. We now have all natural range free.
Gatti’s Pizza (multiple locations)
Gatti’s Pizza is pleased to offer a 10″ gluten-free pizza with up to 3 toppings for $12.59 and a 12″ gluten free pizza with up to 3 toppings for $14.59. Gatti’s meat, vegetable and cheese toppings are gluten free, as well as our all natural signature pizza sauce.
Via 313 (multiple locations)
Via 313 Pizza proudly serves authentic Detroit Style Square Pizza by the slice or whole pies out of our trailers located at the Violet Crown Social Club at East 6th St & Waller – and Craft Pride 61 Rainey St. Call ahead orders are always welcomed!
Food Trucks/Grab-n-Go
Terry’s Burgers (multiple locations)
Hours vary based on location. Please visit our website for specifics: http://pterrys.com/locations/
Snap Kitchen (multiple locations)
With passion and innovation at the heart of everything we do, we use the constant evolution of our menu to form strong relationships with our guests, and our communities. Good things are in store for you in a Snap.
Tapas Bravos
One of Austin’s food truck offering small plates (tapas) size traditional Spanish Cuisine. Patatas Bravas, Marinated Carrots, and Brussel Sprouts are just a few of the gluten-free items being offered up at two locations. Make sure to let staff know you’re gluten-free so they prepare food without any cross contamination issues.
Two Mobile Locations – Menu’s (Rainey Street & Picnic)
Gluten-Free by Meal
Breakfast
24 Diner
We feature daily blackboard specials that incorporate the items Chef Drew hand selects from our local farming partners, and portions of our menu are revised throughout the year to reflect the seasons and available produce.
600 N. Lamar
Austin, TX
Kerbey Lane (multiple locations)
Kerbey Lane Cafe is a local Austin haunt, serving up tasty, healthy food (mostly)24/7. Stop by any of our 6 locations for a delicious stack of pancakes!
The Steeping Room (multiple locations)
Ultimately, for us, tea is about the uplifting experience of the leaves, the conversations that it inspires, the healthy lifestyle it promotes and the cultures to which it awakens us. Join us for one of our weekly tasting groups or events, keep in touch with our monthly newsletter, share your thoughts about tea and community in person or drop us a note.
Taco Deli (multiple locations)
Since our start in 1999, we continue with the goal of giving you the best taco in town! We hand make all our food in-house daily and use locally sourced, organic and responsibly sourced ingredients whenever possible depending on availability.
Torchy’s Tacos (multiple locations)
Heads up taco junkies, we’ve got a Damn Good Gluten-Free menu for your taco lovin’ needs. Classy, trashy, or picky – you can always customize your taco love. Our gluten-free offerings include many of your favorites, with just a little twist. Our fresh corn tortillas are free of gluten, and for you anti-carb folks, any taco can be ordered in a bowl.
Brunch
24 Diner
We feature daily blackboard specials that incorporate the items Chef Drew hand selects from our local farming partners, and portions of our menu are revised throughout the year to reflect the seasons and available produce.
600 N. Lamar
Austin, TX
Chez Zee
From inside to out, Chez Zee is warm and welcoming with an original vibe that reflects both its art-loving owner and the creative city in which it exists. Upon arrival, an arched walkway of lights leading to the restaurant’s patio invites patrons to sit and play board games such as Connect Four.
5406 Balcones Drive
Austin, TX 78731
Maudie’s (multiple locations)
Maudie’s has won numerous awards over the years for its Tex-Mex food and fresh-squeezed margaritas. With seven successful city restaurants, Maudie’s has become a true tradition in Austin.
Taverna
More than just your neighborhood restaurant, Taverna is a lively yet intimate ambiance perfect for sharing a meal with friends and family.
258 W. 2nd Street
Austin, TX
The Steeping Room (multiple locations)
Ultimately, for us, tea is about the uplifting experience of the leaves, the conversations that it inspires, the healthy lifestyle it promotes and the cultures to which it awakens us. Join us for one of our weekly tasting groups or events, keep in touch with our monthly newsletter, share your thoughts about tea and community in person or drop us a note.
Trudy’s (multiple locations)
An Austin icon since 1977. We serve fresh, natural, local Tex-Mex fare with our flare. Fabulous food, happy hours, and award-winning cocktails!
Wildwood Bakehouse
For over ten years, Owner Joan Griffith and her team have been serving the Austin area and beyond with quality handmade gluten-free delights.At Wild Wood Bakehouse and Gluten-Free Restaurant, we strive to make gluten-free baked goods that are delicious, yet harmless to the growing community of wheat free, gluten-free and carb-free people who love tasty foods. We feature an array of breads and muffins, pastries and specialty desserts. In addition, we make an assortment of entrees, cookies, pies, celebration cakes/cupcakes, just to list a few of our other available gluten-free items.
3016 Guadalupe Street, Suite 200
Austin, TX 78705
Lunch
24 Diner
We feature daily blackboard specials that incorporate the items Chef Drew hand selects from our local farming partners, and portions of our menu are revised throughout the year to reflect the seasons and available produce.
600 N. Lamar
Austin, TX
Café Josie
Chef Charles Mays has been a fixture on the culinary scene in Austin for over 15+ years, working with several local non-profit charities and events, including the Green Corn Project. However, Cafe Jose is under new management with Cody Taylor and Brandon Fuller at the helm with a “focus on using locally sourced ingredients to create innovative and playful dishes in a warm and relaxing atmosphere.” The menu at Cafe Jose offers up many gluten-free options. Be sure to let your server know you’re gluten-free and they’ll let you know what options are available to you on the daily menu.
1200 W. 6th St., Austin, TX 78703
(512) 322-9226
www.cafejosie.com
Chez Zee
From inside to out, Chez Zee is warm and welcoming with an original vibe that reflects both its art-loving owner and the creative city in which it exists. Upon arrival, an arched walkway of lights leading to the restaurant’s patio invites patrons to sit and play board games such as Connect Four.
5406 Balcones Drive
Austin, TX 78731
Galaxy Café (multiple locations)
Mission: To provide customers with friendly service and high quality food in a clean and comfortable environment.
The Steeping Room (multiple locations)
Ultimately, for us, tea is about the uplifting experience of the leaves, the conversations that it inspires, the healthy lifestyle it promotes and the cultures to which it awakens us. Join us for one of our weekly tasting groups or events, keep in touch with our monthly newsletter, share your thoughts about tea and community in person or drop us a note.
Taco Deli (multiple locations)
Since our start in 1999, we continue with the goal of giving you the best taco in town! We hand make all our food in-house daily and use locally sourced, organic and responsibly sourced ingredients whenever possible depending on availability.
Wildwood Bakehouse
For over ten years, Owner Joan Griffith and her team have been serving the Austin area and beyond with quality handmade gluten-free delights.At Wild Wood Bakehouse and Gluten-Free Restaurant, we strive to make gluten-free baked goods that are delicious, yet harmless to the growing community of wheat free, gluten-free and carb-free people who love tasty foods.We feature an array of breads and muffins, pastries and specialty desserts. In addition, we make an assortment of entrees, cookies, pies, celebration cakes/cupcakes, just to list a few of our other available gluten-free items.
3016 Guadalupe Street, Suite 200
Austin, TX 78705
Dinner
24 Diner
We feature daily blackboard specials that incorporate the items Chef Drew hand selects from our local farming partners, and portions of our menu are revised throughout the year to reflect the seasons and available produce.
600 N. Lamar
Austin, TX
Apothecary Cafe
A favorite spot for happy hour, Apothecary Cafe has many gluten-free options to choose from. I love the bruschetta with the gluten-free crustini.
4800 Burnett Road, No. 450
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 371-1600
www.apothecaryaustin.com
Café Josie
Chef Charles Mays has been a fixture on the culinary scene in Austin for over 15+ years, working with several local non-profit charities and events, including the Green Corn Project. However, Cafe Jose is under new management with Cody Taylor and Brandon Fuller at the helm with a “focus on using locally sourced ingredients to create innovative and playful dishes in a warm and relaxing atmosphere.” The menu at Cafe Jose offers up many gluten-free options. Be sure to let your server know you’re gluten-free and they’ll let you know what options are available to you on the daily menu.
1200B W. 6th St., Austin, TX 78703
(512) 322-9226
www.cafejosie.com
Casa De Luz
Always vegan, organic and gluten-free friendly, Casa De Luz caters to the health conscious. With a new menu every day, Casa De Luz practices Macrobiotics and is the founding idea behind Casa de Luz. Not only can you dine here for dinner, they also serve up lunch and dinner Monday thru Saturday. You can also shop at their store located in the dining hall and sign up for classes ranging from craniosacral therapy, massage, meditation to other spa services.
1701 Toomey Road
Austin, TX 78704 Telephone
(512) 476-2535
Chavez
Chef Shawn Cirkiel is one of the must knowledgeable gluten-free Chefs in Austin. Shawn really cares about creating gluten-free dishes that are delicious! Chef Cirkiel also owns Parkside and the Italian Restaurant Olive & June.
*Note: As of this post Chavez is being run by Chef Josh Watkins who is also knowledgeable about gluten-free dining, however, I’ve not had the opportunity to see if there have been any menu changes. Make sure to check with your server before ordering.
111 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 478-2991
www.chavez-austin.com
Counter 3.Five.VII
An intimate dining experience like no other in Austin, Chef Lawrence Kocurek and Chef Eric Earthman have created a unique 26-seat dining experience. Call ahead to let the restaurant know what food allergies you have and the one of the Chefs will contact you to discuss the menu and how they can accommodate your food allergies. Enjoy fine dining in either a 3, 5, or 7 course meal with confidence of your meals being gluten-free.
315 Congress Ave. Ste. 100
Austin, Texas 78701
512-291-3273
Frank
407 Colorado Street
Austin, TX
Second Bar & Kitchen
Second Bar + Kitchen is a dynamic downtown destination where Executive Chef David Bull combines seasonal ingredients and local artisan products to create what he calls “Natural American” cuisine. We offer small plates for sharing, large plates for entrees, rotisserie selections, salads, sandwiches, pizzas and desserts. Our menus can be viewed here. Chef de Cuisine Jason Stude supervises the kitchen and our dining room is managed by General Manager Laura Shearer.
200 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
Swifts Attic
Not holding to any particular cooking genre or style, but rather focused on the CREATIVE, WHIMSICAL AND DELICIOUS. All dishes are crafted to be either gluten-free or vegetarian with simple modifications. Not to be outdone, the bar features 14 draft beers of the mostly local variety, at least as many bottled, 24 by the glass wines served from a state of the art cruvient system as well as innovative craft cocktails all supplemented by an ice tap that pours four ice-cold liquors instantly.
315 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701
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