Texas Road Trip: Best Gluten Free Restaurants

Celiac.com 07/06/2018 - I had the chance to road trip through Texas. It’s an awfully large state, and there is a lot to see, eat and appreciate. I was surprised by the amount of amazing food I was able to consume without concern of cross contamination. I had the opportunity to visit Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin. I compiled a list of my favorite options from each city. 

Dallas

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Company Cafe (2104 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75206)

Ladies and Gentleman, I finally got to eat some DELICIOUS fried chicken and couldn’t have been happier. I also had their version of french toast bites, which tasted a million times better than what I remembered. A 100% gluten free restaurant and bakery. Everything we ate here melted in our mouths. We got to meet the owners, and hear their story, which made the food taste all of the more better. Let them know if you have any dairy allergies, and they will be happy to accomodate you. Also be mindful of their hours, as they are open everyday but only for brunch. Hopefully they expand to San Diego soon, fingers crossed! 

Back Home BBQ (5014 Ross Ave., Dallas, TX 75206)

Back Home BBQ’s Smoked Meat Selection: Sliced Brisket, Sausage and Smoked Chicken

Brought to you by the same owners of Company Cafe. It’s not 100% gluten free, but the BBQ is, as is the cornbread and pecan pie. Authentic BBQ delicious that is safe to eat (yeehaw). 

HG Sply Co. (2008 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206)

A restaurant where ALL items can be made dairy and/or gluten free. Yaaaasss! We ordered and absolutely loved the HG Chips and Queso (cashew cheese), Beet Poke (actually tastes like you’re eating fish because of the white seaweed), the curried sweet potato soup and Pulled Pork Tacos. They have a second location in Fort Worth. 

Houston

Pondicheri / Pondicheri Bake Lab - Upstairs (2800 Kirby Dr B132, Houston, TX 77098)

Pondicheri’s Gluten Free Avocado Dosa 

Indian, GF and vegan option deliciousness! Chickpea Masala fried chicken… Yes, this is real life. They have a restaurant downstairs, open during specific hours. While their upstairs cafe and bakery is open all day, it has a different menu, as well as enough interesting GF baked goods (like honey mesquite cake) to fill your heart’s desire. They also sell Indian spices, ghee and other fun supplies in their small shop. Be sure to check out India1948 for recipes, their online store and cooking classes. In case you’re wondering, they have NY location.

True Food Kitchen (1700 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056)

True Food’s Strawberry & Rhubarb Crisp: almond crumble, chia seed, vanilla ice cream

I truly love this place, and it’s no wonder they now have so many locations in the USA. They are known to have a health conscious, organic, and seasonal menu. Although not 100% gluten free, they use all separate equipment if you are Celiac, or have other food allergies. I feel safe and satisfied each time I eat there. My favorite? A side of their gluten-free pita to dip in their ponzu sauce, and their almond ricotta pizza. Now, wait until you try one of their seasonal desserts, with a side of their homemade coconut ice cream. Sign up for their birthday list, and get one for free. You’re welcome. 

San Antonio 

5 Points Local (1017 North Flores, San Antonio, TX 78212)

Karma Bowl (v): Fluffy quinoa, roasted rosemary sweet potatoes, whole black beans, fresh kale salad, and drizzled with our chipotle cashew crema aka "Kitchen Crack"

An organic, 100% gluten free restaurant, serving ingredients that are all consciously sourced. They cater to all types of diets, and are consistent in tasting delicious. I recommend any of their bowls, and fluffy pancakes. They also have a yoga studio and school attached! Can’t get any cooler. 

Green Vegetarian Cuisine (200 E Grayson St #120, San Antonio, TX 78215)

Since most restaurants in San Antonio are closed on Mondays (still not entirely sure why), this was a great option for us. Located in the very hip Pearl Brewery District, this is a fun little vegan restaurant with gluten-free options. I was quite happy with my nachos and enchiladas (the plates are huge FYI), and cupcake. The best part of our experience, was our waiter, Heath. He made the experience a lot of fun. Parking in the lot there allows you to explore the river walk a bit, which we loved. They have a another location in San Antonio, and one in Houston. 

Larder Coffee (Hotel Emma, 136 E. Grayson, San Antonio, TX 78215)

Larder’s gluten Free Avocado Toast with house smoked salmon. And their Gluten Free Bagel with cream cheese, housemade jam and strawberries.  

This is attached to my new favorite hotel, Hotel Emma, also located inside hip Pearl Brewery District. It is an adorable coffee shop, that serves many dairy alternative options, and gluten free toasts and treats. There is also a small market inside. Be sure to check out the bar area right next door, and the hotel, which has the coolest architecture. P.S. They also have a restaurant attached with Gluten Free options, called Supper. 

Austin

Picnik (4801 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756)

Picnik’s Chicken Tenders: Rice flour tempura, honey-mustard aioli. Available at their brick-and-mortar restaurant on Burnet Road.

Our friend half-joked when she said she moved to Austin from LA because of this restaurant… I now can understand how that might be a real thing. They are 100% gluten, corn, soy and peanut free. The food is just, wow, and can be modified to fit most dietary restrictions. Did we visit twice in less than 24 hours? Yes. The chicken tenders aren’t like anything else, and I would recommend ordering at least two orders to start off with, including two of their honey aioli sides. They also have a couple grab and go trailers in Austin. 

Wild Wood Bakehouse (3016 Guadalupe St., Ste. 200 Austin, Texas 78705)

Another great 100% gluten free restaurant and bakery. They serve some yummy comfort food, like fried calamari and chips, chicken and waffles, biscuits, sausage and bakery. Did I mention their amazing bakery? A mountain of gluten free options. 

Thanks for treating me well Texas...until we meet (I mean eat) again. 

As Always, 
Buen Camino