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  • Scott Adams
    Scott Adams

    By Scott Adams •

    10 Major USA Restaurant Chains That Offer A Gluten-Free Menu

    Reviewed and edited by a celiac disease expert.

    It's important to note that while these restaurant chains offer gluten-free menus, there is always a risk of cross-contamination.

    10 Major USA Restaurant Chains That Offer A Gluten-Free Menu - Image: CC BY 2.0--JeepersMedia
    Caption: Image: CC BY 2.0--JeepersMedia

    Celiac.com 06/24/2023 - Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder that affects approximately 1 in 100 people worldwide. It is a condition in which the body's immune system reacts to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, causing damage to the lining of the small intestine. This damage can lead to a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and malnutrition. The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet, which can be challenging, especially when eating out. Fortunately, many restaurants in the USA offer gluten-free menus, making it easier for those with celiac disease to enjoy a meal out with friends and family.

    In this article, we will explore 10 major USA restaurant chains that offer a gluten-free menu, providing examples of items from their menus that are safe for those with celiac disease to consume.

    Outback Steakhouse

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     Outback Steakhouse is a popular chain that specializes in steak and seafood. Their gluten-free menu includes a range of appetizers, salads, entrees, and sides, such as the Victoria's Filet, the Queensland Chicken and Shrimp Pasta, and the Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

    PF Chang's

    PF Chang's is an Asian-themed restaurant chain that offers a dedicated gluten-free menu, which includes a variety of starters, soups, salads, entrees, and sides. Some examples of gluten-free dishes at PF Chang's include the Chang's Spicy Chicken, the Ginger Chicken with Broccoli, and the Vegetable Fried Rice.

    Red Robin

    Red Robin is a casual dining restaurant chain that specializes in gourmet burgers. Their gluten-free menu includes a range of burgers, salads, sides, and entrees, such as the Royal Red Robin Burger, the Grilled Turkey Burger, and the Whiskey River BBQ Chicken Salad.

    Chili's

    Chili's is a Tex-Mex themed restaurant chain that offers a gluten-free menu, which includes a variety of starters, entrees, and sides. Some examples of gluten-free dishes at Chili's include the Margarita Grilled Chicken, the Ancho Salmon, and the Loaded Sweet Potato Fries.

    Olive Garden

    Olive Garden is an Italian-themed restaurant chain that offers a gluten-free menu, which includes a variety of appetizers, entrees, and sides. Some examples of gluten-free dishes at Olive Garden include the Grilled Chicken Parmigiana, the Herb-Grilled Salmon, and the Garden Salad.

    Carrabba's Italian Grill

    Carrabba's Italian Grill is a chain of Italian restaurants that offers a gluten-free menu, which includes a range of appetizers, salads, entrees, and sides. Some examples of gluten-free dishes at Carrabba's include the Chicken Bryan, the Filet Fiorentina, and the Sautéed Broccoli.

    Maggiano's Little Italy

    Maggiano's Little Italy is another Italian-themed restaurant chain that offers a gluten-free menu, which includes a range of appetizers, salads, entrees, and sides. Some examples of gluten-free dishes at Maggiano's include the Grilled Chicken Caprese, the Grilled Salmon Lemon and Herb, and the Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

    The Cheesecake Factory

    The Cheesecake Factory is a popular chain of restaurants that offers a gluten-free menu, which includes a range of appetizers, entrees, and sides. Some examples of gluten-free dishes at The Cheesecake Factory include the Fresh Grilled Salmon, the Glamburger, and the Skinnylicious Caesar Salad.

    Bonefish Grill

    Bonefish Grill is a seafood restaurant chain that offers a gluten-free menu, which includes a range of starters, salads, entrees, and sides. Some examples of gluten-free dishes at Bonefish Grill include the Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa, the Saucy Shrimp, and the Steamed Asparagus.

    Applebee's

    Applebee's is a popular casual dining restaurant chain that offers a gluten-free menu, which includes a range of appetizers, entrees, and sides. Some examples of gluten-free dishes at Applebee's include the Cedar Grilled Lemon Chicken, the Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp, and the Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

    It's important to note that while these restaurant chains offer gluten-free menus, there is always a risk of cross-contamination, which can be dangerous for those with celiac disease. It's important to communicate your dietary restrictions with your server and ask them to take extra precautions when preparing your food.

    Furthermore, it's crucial that restaurants train their staff to understand the severity of celiac disease and the importance of following written procedures when preparing and serving gluten-free food. This includes using separate utensils, cookware, and surfaces to avoid cross-contamination.

    In conclusion, for those with celiac disease, eating out can be a challenge. However, with more and more restaurants offering gluten-free menus, it's becoming easier to enjoy a meal out with family and friends. It's crucial to communicate your dietary restrictions with your server and to be vigilant about the risk of cross-contamination. Ultimately, it's up to the restaurants to train their staff properly and follow written procedures to ensure the safety of those with celiac disease.

    Please note that it is always a good idea to check each restaurant's website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on their gluten-free menu options:


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    Cynthia.Wood

    California Pizza Kitchen has a very good gluten-free pizza! They also take extra precautions when preparing it if you let them know it's a necessary diet due to a health issue, not just a life style option.

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    Ging

    Sadly, my area of the world does not particularly accommodate Celiacs even when the restaurant is supposed to offer gluten-free options.  Cross contamination is rampant and almost to be expected.  It's particularly frustrating as your choice is often getting no meal if for some reason you can't provide for yourself/take your own lunch, etc, or eating out knowing you will be exposed to gluten to some degree.

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    Churley
    7 hours ago, Cynthia.Wood said:

    California Pizza Kitchen has a very good gluten-free pizza! They also take extra precautions when preparing it if you let them know it's a necessary diet due to a health issue, not just a life style option.

    I went there once when I traveled to Illinois. It was delicious. Sadly, I do not have one near where I live.

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    Peggy M

    Ate at my local Bonefish and was very disappointed. Was given the gluten-free menu. I ordered the Cesear salad with my meal. When it came out it had croutons mixed in. They apologized then gave me a new salad. I emphasized many times that I was very sensitive to gluten. Guess I will never eat there again.

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    Jessica Prince

    I am a Celiac and I live in the Las Vegas area and have had good luck at Outback when a manager follows the order...I ask the hostess to speak with the manager before the server even says hi so they don't worry that I am complaining about them. I had one server here roll her eyes at me and then I got sick. PF Changs are very consistently safe and Red Robin also. I have always gotten sick at Olive Garden (I won't even try to eat there any more) and have gotten sick a few times from Cheesecake Factory. I have not tried the other restaurants.

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    LovintheGFlife
    On 7/4/2023 at 10:12 PM, Cynthia.Wood said:

    California Pizza Kitchen has a very good gluten-free pizza! They also take extra precautions when preparing it if you let them know it's a necessary diet due to a health issue, not just a life style option.

    @Cynthia.Wood, I agree. Have eaten there many times and discovered theirs is perhaps the best gluten-free pizza anywhere!

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    LovintheGFlife
    7 hours ago, Peggy M said:

    Ate at my local Bonefish and was very disappointed. Was given the gluten-free menu. I ordered the Cesear salad with my meal. When it came out it had croutons mixed in. They apologized then gave me a new salad. I emphasized many times that I was very sensitive to gluten. Guess I will never eat there again.

    @Peggy M, I've eaten at different Bonefish Grill locations in the U.S., (at least a dozen times) and have never been disappointed. I found they always take great precaution. As a celiac this is now one of my favorite places for dinner. Sorry to hear about your unpleasant experience.

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    LovintheGFlife
    7 hours ago, Jessica Prince said:

    I am a Celiac and I live in the Las Vegas area and have had good luck at Outback when a manager follows the order...I ask the hostess to speak with the manager before the server even says hi so they don't worry that I am complaining about them. I had one server here roll her eyes at me and then I got sick. PF Changs are very consistently safe and Red Robin also. I have always gotten sick at Olive Garden (I won't even try to eat there any more) and have gotten sick a few times from Cheesecake Factory. I have not tried the other restaurants.

    @Jessica Prince, with Outback Steakhouse it can go either way, as I have experienced. I have eaten at PF Chang's many times and have never had an issue. Am yet to try Olive Garden and Red Robin. Interestingly, I called my local Cheesecake Factory twice and was told they do NOT have a gluten-free menu. I highly recommend Yard House for their gluten-free menu.

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    LovintheGFlife

    @Scott Adams, thank you for another helpful article. I can vouch for Bonefish Grill, PF Chang's and Outback Steakhouse. Have not tried the others listed in your article following my diagnosis two years ago. However, I have had a nasty experience at my local BJ's Brewhouse. They claim to have a gluten-free menu but served me a soup with croutons, despite explaining to the server in advance (and later the manager) that I was celiac and the meaning of gluten. I will never eat there again.

    I cannot sing enough praises of Yard House and California Pizza Kitchen. Both these chains take great precautions when serving celiacs. I have noticed that their staff are well trained and understand the concept of gluten contamination. I feel safe eating at their restaurants. Another decent place (and safe) for celiacs is Longhorn Steakhouse.

    I always loved dining at the Cheesecake Factory. Strangely, I called my local CF twice and was told they do NOT have a gluten free menu.

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    Oldturdle

    Thanks so much for this article.  I always swallow one or two Gliadinx right before I eat a gluten free meal at a restaurant.  I have never had a problem.

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    Scott Adams was diagnosed with celiac disease in 1994, and, due to the nearly total lack of information available at that time, was forced to become an expert on the disease in order to recover. In 1995 he launched the site that later became Celiac.com to help as many people as possible with celiac disease get diagnosed so they can begin to live happy, healthy gluten-free lives.  He is co-author of the book Cereal Killers, and founder and publisher of the (formerly paper) newsletter Journal of Gluten Sensitivity. In 1998 he founded The Gluten-Free Mall which he sold in 2014. Celiac.com does not sell any products, and is 100% advertiser supported.

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