Finding good gluten-free fare once was a major feat. But the explosion of the dietary trend and an acknowledgement of the Celiac dining dilemma mean there are more and more gluten-free restaurants and brands. Today one in five Americans include gluten-free foods in their diet. Those who suffer from celiac must follow a strict diet, the breaking of which has dire consequences on their short and longterm health.
As a result, there is way more to gluten-free these days than eggs with no toast, steak, and salad. In Denver, where health consciousness is more than a fad, countless culinary powerhouses have made it their mission to go gluten-free, or at least provide tasty alternatives for otherwise carb-heavy fare.
Note: Map points in this map are ranked. Did we miss your favorite spot? Show it some love and explain why it is great in a message you can send to us through the tipline.
Though burgers are generally gluten-friendly, the bun and all the fixings are often left out. At Highland Tap and Burger, try the LAWS Whiskey barrel smoked chicken wings, duck fat fries, pan-seared Colorado trout, meatloaf, and grilled pineapple slaw – all made to be ordered by gluten-free foodies. Oh, and don't miss the gluten-free brews – Estrella Damm Daura and Sam Smith's Organic Cider.
Focused on a killer combo of fried chicken and wine, Max's Wine Dive is comfortable but upscale and even offers its famous crispy jalapeño buttermilk chicken gluten-free.
With an original location in Uptown and a second one in Cherry Creek, this market-cafe spot prepares menu items and baked goods fresh daily. All sandwiches can be made gluten-free for a $2 up-charge.
Contemporary Northern Italian cuisine doesn't immediately conjure images of gluten-free food. But this menu is created with regionally sourced, seasonal, and organic ingredients, and breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner are all accounted for with the restriction.
The majority of the menu items at Root Down can accommodate gluten sensitivity. Much of the menu is also organically sourced and local, featuring two onsite gardens. Sister spots Linger, Ophelia's, and El Five are just as good about accommodating allergies.
Health is the name of the game at True Food Kitchen, which focuses on an anti-inflammatory diet, though packs a punch with great flavors and original concepts. On the spring menu, check out the wild-caught albacore tataki, Moroccan half chicken, lasagna, street tacos, and spaghetti squash casserole. For dessert – a frequently overlooked spot on the menu for gluten-free options – taste the flourless chocolate cake, lemon tart, chia seed pudding, and frozen yogurt.
Serving vegan and vegetarian comfort food since 1998, Watercourse is an ideal venue for diners with diet restrictions. Prepare for fresh ingredients in a cool and comfortable environment. Dishes such as the mu shu lettuce wraps, cauliflower wings, Italian grinder sandwich, and more all come free of gluten.
Mindful of the gluten-free crowd, hip RiNo dining destination Work & Class has several dishes on the menu. In the appetizer category, the adobo lamb sausage, spring carrot-pistachio salad, and blue corn empanadas are all respectful of gluten-sensitivity. Most sides fall under the gluten-free umbrella as well. Related eatery Que Bueno Suerte also offers a stellar GF menu.
With an entirely gluten-free menu, Boulder's Fresh Thymes has made a solid commitment to those averse to the carb-centric fare and on the hunt for something healthy and delicious.
Who doesn't love fried chicken? Well, perhaps those who've never been able to indulge. That is, until now. The all-natural birds served at this Lafayette post are brined for hours before being tossed in buttermilk and then doused in seasoned gluten-free flour, ready to land on your plate.
Anyone with celiac can confidently order every single menu item offered here becayse the restaurant is fully gluten-free. A highlight is the wholehearted pork green chili.
The brunch menu, for example. features coconut pancakes that will make you come back for more without even knowing that you missed the gluten. Lunch, dinner, and brunch: The dishes offered made a GF person have a smooth, effortless experience.
Service is always top notch at this quaint neighborhood spot and part of that service includes a sincere commitment to accommodate GF diets. Note it on your reservation and all will be taken care of.
Rather than feeling like it is a burden, Brazen seems to embrace the challenge to please a guests with a dietary restriction. Any of the veggie plates will shine.
Longtime Panzano chef Elise Wiggins branched out on her own and continued her commitment to accommodate gluten free diets. From several apps to the amazing steaks, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Though burgers are generally gluten-friendly, the bun and all the fixings are often left out. At Highland Tap and Burger, try the LAWS Whiskey barrel smoked chicken wings, duck fat fries, pan-seared Colorado trout, meatloaf, and grilled pineapple slaw – all made to be ordered by gluten-free foodies. Oh, and don't miss the gluten-free brews – Estrella Damm Daura and Sam Smith's Organic Cider.
Focused on a killer combo of fried chicken and wine, Max's Wine Dive is comfortable but upscale and even offers its famous crispy jalapeño buttermilk chicken gluten-free.
With an original location in Uptown and a second one in Cherry Creek, this market-cafe spot prepares menu items and baked goods fresh daily. All sandwiches can be made gluten-free for a $2 up-charge.
Contemporary Northern Italian cuisine doesn't immediately conjure images of gluten-free food. But this menu is created with regionally sourced, seasonal, and organic ingredients, and breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner are all accounted for with the restriction.
The majority of the menu items at Root Down can accommodate gluten sensitivity. Much of the menu is also organically sourced and local, featuring two onsite gardens. Sister spots Linger, Ophelia's, and El Five are just as good about accommodating allergies.
Health is the name of the game at True Food Kitchen, which focuses on an anti-inflammatory diet, though packs a punch with great flavors and original concepts. On the spring menu, check out the wild-caught albacore tataki, Moroccan half chicken, lasagna, street tacos, and spaghetti squash casserole. For dessert – a frequently overlooked spot on the menu for gluten-free options – taste the flourless chocolate cake, lemon tart, chia seed pudding, and frozen yogurt.
Serving vegan and vegetarian comfort food since 1998, Watercourse is an ideal venue for diners with diet restrictions. Prepare for fresh ingredients in a cool and comfortable environment. Dishes such as the mu shu lettuce wraps, cauliflower wings, Italian grinder sandwich, and more all come free of gluten.
Mindful of the gluten-free crowd, hip RiNo dining destination Work & Class has several dishes on the menu. In the appetizer category, the adobo lamb sausage, spring carrot-pistachio salad, and blue corn empanadas are all respectful of gluten-sensitivity. Most sides fall under the gluten-free umbrella as well. Related eatery Que Bueno Suerte also offers a stellar GF menu.
With an entirely gluten-free menu, Boulder's Fresh Thymes has made a solid commitment to those averse to the carb-centric fare and on the hunt for something healthy and delicious.
Who doesn't love fried chicken? Well, perhaps those who've never been able to indulge. That is, until now. The all-natural birds served at this Lafayette post are brined for hours before being tossed in buttermilk and then doused in seasoned gluten-free flour, ready to land on your plate.
Anyone with celiac can confidently order every single menu item offered here becayse the restaurant is fully gluten-free. A highlight is the wholehearted pork green chili.
The brunch menu, for example. features coconut pancakes that will make you come back for more without even knowing that you missed the gluten. Lunch, dinner, and brunch: The dishes offered made a GF person have a smooth, effortless experience.
Service is always top notch at this quaint neighborhood spot and part of that service includes a sincere commitment to accommodate GF diets. Note it on your reservation and all will be taken care of.
Rather than feeling like it is a burden, Brazen seems to embrace the challenge to please a guests with a dietary restriction. Any of the veggie plates will shine.
Longtime Panzano chef Elise Wiggins branched out on her own and continued her commitment to accommodate gluten free diets. From several apps to the amazing steaks, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
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