Welcome
This site is here to help you navigate dining out celiac. It is a compilation of information that I have found helpful over the years, with some of my own experiences sprinkled throughout.
When dining out celiac, it's more than just making sure the ingredients are gluten free. It's just as important to ensure that your food is prepared and handled in a safe manner.
Visit my curated database of allergen and GF menu links, to make dining out celiac easier for you.When dining out with celiac it is important to inform your server and to ask your own questions. The database is as updated as possible but things can quickly change, so always double check this information before eating.
About Me
My name is Abby and I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in January 2018, when I was 12 years old.
This was a life-changing experience for me, as it changed the way I ate inside and outside of my house. A simple meal at a friend's house or a casual visit to a local restaurant became a stressful ordeal that often ended in me not eating at all.
My mom would usually speak to the friend's parents or call up the restaurant to sort out the food situation for me. However, over the years I have learned to advocate for myself. I can now eat out with confidence, have fun in social interactions outside of my house, and can revisit situations that made me anxious and upset before.
Celiac Disease is not just about not having bread, there is a lot more that comes into play with this disease: the way food is cooked, hidden ingredients, cross-contact, and “may contain” products - everything must be checked before eating anything.
I am committed to spreading awareness about Celiac Disease. I hope to eliminate the stress of dining out for those also struggling with Celiac Disease and make their dining experience much more enjoyable and stress-free.PS...these were the BEST GF pancakes I've ever had :)
Steps to Dining Out Safely
Unless you are eating at a restaurant that has a dedicated gluten free kitchen, there is always a chance for cross-contact. However, there are steps you can take to make the occurrence less likely.When at fast food establishments ask the person preparing your food to change their gloves if they have touched gluten containing food &/or use new/cleaned utensils when dispensing your food.Trust yourself! If you feel that you are not being understood, then leave and find somewhere else to eat.Save the image for future reference
Be a part of the
'DINING OUT CELIAC'
Family
Every week the database is updated with additional links and menus. Use the FORM below to add in restaurants that you like to go to that may not already be listed, so that they can be included in the database.
There is also a section for "Local Establishments", as a new section to the database is COMING SOON!
It's best to browse the database on a laptop or desktop to use all of its functionality (see video below for how to toggle between the different views).
On a mobile device the only VIEW option is alphabetical.The links are as up-to-date as I have been able to find. Use them as a starting point. It's still important to ask questions and decide for yourself what and where you are comfortable eating.
To help avoid contamination, when a fryer is involved always ask what else is fried in it; also check on toasters, utensils and cooking surfaces.