When you first walk into their modern, sleek dining area you’re greeted by  one of the friendly staff at Beets, who waves their arms at the tables and invite you to pick your favorite spot.  Armed with a cold bottle of purified water and some glasses, she’ll drop off crisp fresh water and a menu that at first glance, might have you a bit nervous. After asking if you’ve ever been here before, she’ll mention that they’re fully raw, vegan and gluten-free and suggest you take some time to browse the menu, and let her know if you have any questions. And yes, you’ll likely have some questions.

If you’re new to a raw foods bar, the concept of raw, fresh foods can make you feel a bit nervous and leave you a little unsure whether you’ll actually feel full. Since the typical American diet tends to lean towards carbs and meat-based proteins, one look at the menu at Beets might have you thinking you’ll need a double dose to feel satisfied. And while I understand why you might think so, the truth is that Beets menu is packed with hearty meals that satisfy your cravings, and keep your belly full with wholesome goodness. The fiber-rich meals will help keep you satisfied, and their juices are a perfect complement to any meal. We love Sylvia’s Favorite, a blend of Coconut water, bananas and cranberries that pairs perfectly with any dish. Or if you’re craving something a little more dessert-like, grab a Choco A La Na Na featuring almond milk, raw cocao, dates, bananas and spices that brings out the inner child in you.

Some of my favorite dishes are the ELT, Beets’ take on the BLT features a delicious sprouted almond sunflower flatbread, spread with a creamy cashew dijonaise, layered with crispy spiced eggplant “bacon”, lettuce, tomato, avocado, and high-vibe sprouts, served with crispy veggie chips and kraut. Another favorite is the Raw Rueben, made with sunflower flatbread layered with 1000 island dressing, kraut, marinated portabella mushrooms, caramelized onions, and Swiss cashew cheeze.

beets, austin Today, I chose the Asian Style Noodle Salad, made with napa, red and green cabbages, kelp noodles, sea vegetables, daikon radish, bok choy, broccoli, carrot, scallions, cilantro, tossed with Sweet n’ Spicy Miso Dressing, garnished with gomasio. Yum!

As I was finishing up my lunch, I overheard a guest who had just sat down ask if they serve diet coke. No, the waitress answered nicely, but we have Coconut Water, Herbal Tea and fresh juices.  The guest said she’ll stick with water and turned back to the menu after giving her husband a look that I know all too well. She was clearly skeptical about whether Beets was the right choice for them.  I might expect this type of guest to approach eating at Beets, without embracing the true meaning behind their concept, to be lost on the reasoning behind shunning an overly processed, toxic-rich soda. Would she embrace the raw, cold-pressed juices and delicious soups, or would she be dissapointed in the options?  After she spent some time browsing the menu, they finally placed their order. Though I couldn’t hear what they ordered, I’m curious to see how they react to their meals, so I decide to wait a moment to watch as their meals arrive. Do they love the fresh flavor profiles, and the imaginative display? Will they love the rich, exploding flavor bursts form raw foods as much as I do?

I watch, interested, as the get their lunch, waiting to see the expression on her face as she takes her first bite, then another.  She looks at her husband, and smiles. He nods, and they both take another bite. Yep, it seems Beets has two more happy, satisfied customers.

And just as I thought about the power of raw foods to help us heal, and how Beets is helping people to transform their thinking on the benefits of eating raw, I noticed the gentleman sitting next to me. He was dressed in a suit, and I overheard him tell the waitress he was visiting Austin from Houston.  After I heard him comment about how good the soup was I struck up a conversation with him; I was curious what this well-dressed businessman in from Houston thought of our little raw foods bar. To my delight he was amazed at how much he loved the raw Carrot, Ginger, Curry Soup, and was happy to ask me about the history of Beets. Did I know what the motivation was for opening it was?  How long they were open? Was there any real competition in Austin for them?

As I shared what I know of their history, from reading the literature on their tables, he smiles, looks around and comments that he would love to have a Beets in Houston.

You can check out their menu and read more about the story behind Beets on their website, and be sure to check with them for cooking class schedules and special holiday menus.

If you’re like the many thousands of folks headed into Austin this week for the launch of the South by Southwest show, you’re probably scouring the web for suggestions on what to see, what to do and better yet – where to eat!

Austin is the live music capital of the world, but it’s also home to some of the best cuisine in the country. Whether you’re craving finger-licking, melt off the bone Barbecue, Interior Mexican Cuisine, Tex Mex, Vietnamese or fresh Farm-to-table fare, Austin has plenty to choose from.

afb_city_guide_2013_logoSXSW turns Austin on it’s head, with some of the best names in music, interactive and film checking out our amazing little town. And while SXSW is an exciting time for attendees, it can also be a bit daunting if you have food allergies and you’re visiting a new town. While the Convention Center does offer some gluten and dairy free options, our guess is you would like to venture out and explore some of the amazing culinary skills our local chefs have to offer.

Every year, the Austin Food Bloggers Alliance works in partnership with local food bloggers to produce a SXSW guide to all things ‘food’ related that Austin has to offer.  And since we’re kind of known for our food here, especially Tex Mex, we’ve pulled together a list of some of our favorite Mexican joints in South Austin. Oh, and they just so happen to be gluten-free friendly too in case that’s important to you!

Our favorite Mexican Restaurants in South Austin…

 

Chuy’s Barton Springs

1728 Barton Springs Rd (map) (512) 474-4452 
Hours: Mon – Thu: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm Fri – Sat: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm Sun: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm

An ode to 1950’s diners in the heart of South Austin, Chuy’s is a short drive from downtown and sits alongside Austin’s famous Zilker Park. No views, but a stone’s throw from the lake hike and bike trails that are worth checking out if you have some time!

And if you’re looking for allergy-free options, the staff at Chuy’s are always willing to help steer you towards the gluten-free friendly items. Since their salsa is gluten-free, you have several typical Tex Mex options to choose from as well as some salads. Just make sure you steer clear of anything with their green chili salsa as it has flour in it.

El  Alma

1025 Barton Springs Road 512.609.8923

Come for the sunny rooftop deck, stay for the star filled skies. El Alma is one of our favorite places to chill, and offers delicious, closer-to-authentic Mexican foods and their margs pack a nice little punch.  We typically opt for their taco plates, and love to pair the steak and shrimp, but the chili relleno stuffed with duck is another favorite.

They have plenty of gluten and dairy-free options, and their staff is always knowledgeable and happy to help.

 

El Meson

2038 S Lamar Blvd,   512-442-4441

Why do we love El Meson? It’s a little piece of Mexico in the heart of South Austin! Their traditional Interior Mexican Cuisine features a Cochinita Pibil that our son devours and their stuffed Chili Rellenos are not overly fried or breaded, but rather, are full of flavor thanks to perfect pairings including a light brandy cream sauce with a smoked chicken (my favorite!)

Other menu items include traditional fajitas & enchiladas, and all items are served with a small side of beans and rice upon request. The portions are a bit smaller than typical Tex Mex styles, and their margaritas are made to order.

Definitely worth the quick drive from downtown, and when you’re done, walk next door to Lick, and top dinner off with some of the best, locally sourced and organic ice cream we’ve ever tasted.

 

Bufalo Bob’s Chalupa Wagon

603 W. Live Oak, Austin, TX. 1 (map) (512) 662-2801

Bobs Chalupa Wagon (and Bob himself) are fabulous! Bob shared with me one night that his wife is gluten-free and also allergic to soy, so they are very aware of allergy restrictions and are definitely willing to accommodate.

Bufalo Bob’s offers range fed all natural Bison, Chicken and Vegetarian Chalupas. They use locally raised all natural chicken and bison certified free of hormones and antibiotics, and their recipes are homemade with organic products whenever possible! They strive to make great tasting food that is good for your body too!

Garrido’s

360 Nueces St (map) (512) 320-8226 


Situated along the Shoal Creek, Garrido’s is perfect for a casual lunch or an elegant dinner, and they have never disappointed! Grab a table on their patio if you can and sit back and enjoy the relaxed vibe while you sip a margarita or cucumber mojito and sample some of our favorite Mexican food in Austin.

Their gluten-free menus are labeled and almost all items are gluten-free so rest easy, and enjoy a more authentic Mexican meal. Yum!

“We believe in a healthier way to enjoy Mexican Food”

Offering Happy Hour ALL DAY on Monday  “Late Night Happy Hour” Sunday – Wednesday

 

Guero’s Taco Bar

1412 South Congress (map) 512.447.7688 
Hours: M-W: 11am-10pm, Th-Fri: 11am-11pm, S-Sun: 8am-11pm

No trip to Austin is complete without a stop at Guero’s on South Congress!

Enjoy handmade corn tortillas, specialty dishes and fresh salsa bar. The caldo de pollo and tacos al pastor are just a few tried-and-true favorites. Start off with a hand-shaken margarita in the cantina, or enjoy an icy cold beer while listening to music in the Oak Garden. Just sit back and relax and ponder why you haven’t moved to Austin yet. And yep, the’ve got a gluten-free menu too!

 

Maudie’s South Lamar

1212 S. Lamar (map) 512-440-8088 
Hours: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm Sunday – Thursday 8:00 am – 10:30 pm Friday and Saturday

Maudie’s is one of our favorite neighborhood stops and we can’t say enough great things about them! The casual, Austin vibe is an ode to their laid-back approach to good Mexican food. Come for some healthier takes on traditional Tex-Mex fares.

Oh, and if’ you’re gluten-free, they’ve “got y’all covered to”.

They offer a gluten-free menu as well as separate gluten-free chips, and menu is full of great options.  They take a little longer with their gluten-free orders because they take care to prep their stations and grills to avoid cross contamination – they rock!

 

Polvos Mexican Restaurant

2004 S 1st St (512) 441-5446

We know plenty of folks who claim Polvos to be the best Tex Mex in South Austin, and while it’s not our favorite, it’s a good option for those who dig saucy Tex Mexy dishes. Check out their full salsa bar inside, including pick;ed veggies, and if you’re looking for a healthier option, opt for the steamed fish cooked in a banana leaf and surrounded by veggies. The margs are good – not great, but they get the job done, and the tortillas are handmade and delish.

 

Sazon

1816 S Lamar Blvd (512) 326-4395

Another one of our favorite, more authentic Mexican options, Sazon doesn’t offer much in the way of ambience, but they make up for it with stiff drinks and some delicious food. Offering full vegetarian options and several gluten-free choices too. The PUERCO EN PIPIAN is amazing (pork covered in a light pumpkin seed sauce) and the POLLO EN MOLE OAXAQUEÑO is one of our favorite moles in town.  The TIKIN XIC  is another favorite!

Manuel’s

310 Congress (map) (512) 472-7555 
Hours: Mon – Thu: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm Fri – Sat: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm Sun: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm

Created in Austin and locally owned for more than 25 years, Manuel’s is a “must” for quality Mexican food.  Serving non-GMO corn products, Premium All Natural Texas beef,  chicken, pork, and wild caught Tuna, Black Drum, and shrimp. 
Manuel’s is an Austin favorite – consistently voted in the top 20 restaurants in town and recognized for best mole, ceviche, enchiladas, tortilla soup, and Happy Hour.

And if you’re allergy-free, Manuel’s staff is more than happy to check with the chef to recommend the safe gluten and dairy-free options. From our experience, there are plenty of choices to be had, and we love their more authentic take on an Austin favorite; Viva Mexican!

 

Matt’s El Rancho

2613 S Lamar Blvd (map) (512) 462-9333 
Hours: M, W, Th, & Sun: 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-11pm

Matt’s is another neighborhood favorite joint that we can’t say enough great things about!  Come for the margs – they pack quote a punch! Try their version of a Mexican Martini, which has just the right touch of tart and olive to keep us coming back! The oversized patio is a favorite space with a water fountain and lots of beautiful landscaping that will make you happy you took the short drive up from downtown to find it.

Since 1952 Matt’s El Rancho has provided Austin with
 authentic Mexican food in a great family atmosphere. And for you gluten-free folks, they don’t offer a separate gluten-free menu, but they’re quick to send a manager over to your table once you mention gluten-free. You’ll have plenty of delicious options here!

 

 TnT Tacos and Tequila

507 Pressler Street (map) 512 436 8226 
Hours: Mon – Thu: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm Fri: 11:00 am – 11:45 pm Sat: 10:00 am – 11:45 pm Sun: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm

Simple, local and handmade is the essence of the TNT food approach. The essence of great food is simplicity not complexity. Part of simplicity is using what’s in season, and TnT makes every attempt to source local products. Each month the menu changes to reflect seasonal products from local farms. With local farm fresh foods, they plenty of amazing menu items to choose from, and their staff is happy to steer you to the gluten-free safe items.

Their full tequila bar and delicate bites are sure to please – they keep us comin’ back! With yummy Mexican style street corn and tacos, and homemade salsas that are too good to skip, TNT is a fave for a (slight step up from) casual.

 

Torchy’s Tacos

3005 S. Lamar (map) 512.614.1832 
Hours: M-Th: 7am-10pm, F: 7am-11pm, S: 8am-11pm, Sun: 8am-10pm

What started as a trailer quickly became an Austin sensation, paving the way for many other food trailers to restaurant fame in town. Come for some of the best breakfast tacos in town, and don’t miss our out on their queso – there’s a reason locals keeps voting it “the best queso in Austin”!

Torchy’s Tacos operates several restaurants in Austin, plus one of our favorite trailer parks (located on South 1st Street). They’re local, cheap, casual and oh so good! And thanks to their willingness to accommodate allergy-free dining needs, Torchy’s is a great option for those with gluten-free, dairy free and various other restrictions. Grab their gluten-free menu at the counter before ordering and smile as you sit back to enjoy fresh and tasty tacos, Torchy’s style!

 

Here are several other options in South Austin that we know so many people love, but we haven’t personally tried since we’re gluten-free. I’ve included the Yelp links so you can check out the reviews – hope it helps!

 

If you’re on the hunt specifically for gluten-free options around town,  you can check out our earlier posts on gluten-free dining on South Congress here or our gluten-free suggestions for downtown here.

For more gluten-free friendly restaurants in town, check out these posts from ATX gluten free:

http://atxglutenfree.com/2013/02/gluten-free-guide-to-south-lamar-and-78704-westlake-hills-bee-caves-lakeway-south-austin-austin-food-blogger-alliance-city-guide-part-2/

http://atxglutenfree.com/2013/02/gluten-free-breakfast-and-brunch-options-near-downtown-austin-texas-afba-annual-city-guide-part-1/

And if you’re looking for gluten-free friendly restaurants while here, be sure to download the Locate Special Diet app which will give you consumer generated reviews of the best gluten-free friendly joints in town.

 

We hope you enjoy your little city as much as we do – it’s a fantastic place to live and we cherish all that makes it so unique and special!

 

 

 

 

Austin is the live music capital of the world, but it’s also home to some of the best cuisine in the country. Whether you’re craving finger-licking, melt off the bone Barbecue, Interior Mexican Cuisine, Tex Mex, Vietnamese or fresh Farm-to-table fare, Austin has plenty to choose from.  We’ve got food carts popping up in the hottest parts of town, and the food is as creative as it is accessible, lending to the unique Austin vibe that makes this the best city to explore.

afb_city_guide_2013_logo

And as signs of Spring are starting to pop up around town, it’s a reminder that one of our favorite trade shows is about to be upon us; South by Southwest. SXSW turns Austin on it’s head, with some of the best names in music, interactive and film checking out our amazing little town. Every year, the Austin Food Boggers Alliance works in partnership with local food bloggers to produce a SXSW guide to all things ‘food’ related that Austin has to offer.  Since we’re an allergy-free friendly town, and so many of you are probably seeking tasty and safe allergy-free friendly options, we’ve compiled a list of approved gluten-free friendly Austin jaunts.

So whether you’re new to Austin, or an old regular, here are some of our favorite gluten-free friendly joints in the downtown area to get you started.  Most of these are walking distance from the convention center, and we’ve included contact details for each below so you can double-check before you head on over. And if you’re looking for gluten-free friendly restaurants while here, be sure to download the Locate Special Diet app which will give you consumer generated reviews of the best gluten-free friendly joints in town.

Read on for our favorite downtown gluten-free friendly options and look for our post on suggestions in the Travis Heights and South Austin/South Congress area to come.

Downtown Austin Gluten-free Friendly Lunch Options:

 

 24 Diner  home

We love 24 Diner for the fresh, healthy and delicious food, cool vibe and their willingness to accommodate food allergies. While they don’t have a separate gluten-free menu, they’re happy to point you to foods that are gluten, nut or dairy free friendly. We love the seared salad!

In their words… When you hear the word diner, you probably think greasy spoon. 24 Diner is anything but. Essentially, we took all the elements of the concept we liked — classic American cuisine, good service, fun atmosphere — and turned it up about 10 notches. We offer chef-inspired comfort food, local & organic fare, a full bar and a killer beer & wine list. A finer diner, if you will. And you can stop in anytime. We’re open 24 hours a day and located downtown in the heart of Central Austin at 6th and Lamar.

Corner of 6th and Lamar, next to Waterloo Records. 512.472.5400

Garrido’s

Situated alongside Shoal Creek, grab a seat on their patio and enjoy a relaxing and inspiring lunch or dinner! Most all of their items are gluten-free and they’re happy to accommodate dairy-free needs too, so rest easy, and  enjoy a more authentic Mexican meal in downtown Austin. Oh, and don’t pass on their margaritas, which are a tad strong, and not to sweet (just the way we like them!). In their words, ‘we are 95 % Gluten Free and believe in a healthier way to enjoy Mexican Food’.

360 Nueces St (map) (512) 320-8226 
 Hours: Mon: 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm Tue – Thu: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm Fri – Sat: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm Sun: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm Happy Hour ALL DAY on Monday 

“Late Night Happy Hour” Sunday – Wednesday

Manuel’s

Created in Austin and locally owned for more than 25 years, Manuel’s is a “must” for quality Mexican food.  Serving non-GMO corn products, Premium All Natural Texas beef,  chicken, pork, and wild caught Tuna, Black Drum, and shrimp. 
Manuel’s is an Austin favorite – consistently voted in the top 20 restaurants in town and recognized for best mole, ceviche, enchiladas, tortilla soup, and Happy Hour.

While they don’t offer a separate gluten-free menu, Manuel’s staff is more than happy to check with the chef and advise you of the safe gluten-free options. From our experience, there are plenty of choices to be had, and we love their more authentic take on an Austin favorite; Viva Mexican!

310 Congress (map) (512) 472-7555 
Hours: Mon – Thu: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm Fri – Sat: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm Sun: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm

Beets Living Food Cafe  – a Cafe as unique as Austin

Seeking healthy options slightly off the beaten downtown path? Offering a complete Raw Foods menu, Beets is a fabulous option for any health conscious foody. Most all of the menu items are naturally gluten-free,  and the staff is super helpful. We love Beets!

Click here to check out their menu online.   1611 W 5th St. Suite 165 (map) (512) 477-2338

 

Piranha Killer Sushi

Amazingly fresh, delicious and allergy-free friendly options. Note that they offer valet parking for $4 next door so you can avoid dealing with downtown parking for just a couple more bucks than the cost of street parking.

Read more about why we love these guys on our review here. 

207 San Jacinto Blvd Ste 202  Austin, TX 78701 (512) 473-8775

 

Lamberts Downtown

We call this “fancy BBQ”, not just for the good food, but for the beautiful and swanky restaurant and bar/lounge upstairs. Grab a drink upstairs while you wait for your meal because you’re sure to wait for a table. In their words: located in the carefully restored Historic Schneider Brothers Building, Lamberts serves up inventive BBQ, modern Texas cooking, and carefully prepared cocktails. We strive to provide a comfortable, casual, & original dining experience and offer lunch, dinner, and Austin’s best Sunday brunch.

HOURS:  Lunch: Mon – Fri, 11am – 2:30pm, Dinner: Sun – Wed, 5:30 – 10pm Thurs – Sat, 5:30 – 10:30pm  Brunch: Sat & Sun 11am – 2pm   Bar: 7 days, 11am – Late

 

Snap Kitchen

Why do we love Snap? It’s the first time I’ve ever walked into a grab-n-go restaurant that actually labeled every ingredient in its food, and caters to allergy-free friendly eating. Not only is about 90% of their food gluten free, but they also offer Paleo options. Gluten-free, allergy-free, Paleo lovin food that’s delicious to boot!

In their words: dedicated to bringing our customers flavorful, handcrafted food that supports our commitment to local, organic ingredients and healthy cooking. Snap Kitchen’s menu offers a selection of “foodie” items made fresh daily, salads tossed-to-order (flagship locations), juices and specialty elixirs, high-energy snacks, and diet-friendly desserts for the person on the go.

1014 W. 6th Street Austin, TX 78703    Phone (512) 479-5959

 

South Congress Cafe

Creative decor blends into the kitschy surroundings of this popular shopping district.  Less of a cafe and more of an upscale eatery, it serves inspired Southwestern fare like a mesquite-grilled filet sauced with a spicy charred poblano demi glaze and adobo chili bearnaise, crab enchiladas finished with a tomatillo-jalapeno cream sauce and Cajun seafood scampi with Creole garlic butter, all in oversized portions.

While they don’t offer a dedicated gluten-free menu, South Congress Cafe’s staff was more than happy to help steer us to items that are gluten-free friendly, and were happy to accommodate a range of other allergy restrictions.

1600 South Congress Ave (map) 512-447-3905

 

TnT Tacos and Tequila

Their full tequila bar and delicate bites are sure to please – they keep us comin’ back! With Mexican style street corn and tacos, and homemade salsas that are too yummy to skip, TNT is a favorite for casual, delish and gluten-free options.

Simple, local and handmade is the essence of the TNT food approach. Part of simplicity is using what’s in season. Every attempt is made to source local products. Each month the menu changes to reflect seasonal products from local farms. With local farm fresh foods, they plenty of great menu items to choose from, and their staff is happy to steer you to the gluten-free safe items. No, they don’t have a separate menu, but they are happy to oblige.

507 Pressler Street (map) 512 436 8226 
Hours: Mon – Thu: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm Fri: 11:00 am – 11:45 pm Sat: 10:00 am – 11:45 pm Sun: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm

 

(more…)

I’m a lucky girl; I live in one of the most amazing cities in the country and I’m surrounded by some of the best culinary options to boot! Yes, Austin has it’s fair share of BBQ joints and Tex Mex fare, but if you go outside your comfort zone, you’ll discover home-made Pho made with love by a family owned restaurant on West Anderson, trailers serving up delicious crepes, hand-dipped frozen banana desserts, authentic Thai or Mexican fare, a husband and wife team whipping up some of the best chalupas we’ve tasted, an African food cart and top rated burgers made with hormone-free meat. From Vegetarian to gluten and dairy free options, many restaurants in town are happy to accommodate special diets, and we think that deserves some local love.

It takes great dedication to create a quality meal, and a love for their guests to offer such incredibly delicious and healthy options. So, below is a list of some of our fave local Austin allergy-free friendly joints that we visit often and think you should too! Note – these are in no particular order!

14 Allergy-free friendly Austin joints:

 

zocalocafe Zocalo Cafe

1110 West Lynn (map) (512) 472-TACO

Casual, fun and delicious – order at the counter and grab a seat on their beautiful patio or inside for a quick, tasty and inexpensive meal. Their staff is super helpful and friendly about diet issues, and their manager told me that almost all of their items are gluten-free with the exception of a couple to stay away from. Be sure to tell them your needs and they’re happy to help!

Come experience the bold flavors and colors of a Mexico City taqueria from the comfort of a unique Austin neighborhood. Try our delicious tacos, salads and house specialties. All of our menu items are homemade from the freshest ingredients, including our handmade tortillas and salsas. Check out Zocalo Cafe Taqueria Fresca at 1110 West Lynn.

 

Screen Shot 2013-01-12 at 10.27.28 AM

PHO Taison

With 6 locations throughout Austin, this family-owned restaurant serves up some of the best Pho in town! And we love their cutesy little play on the word Pho – check out their menu for some ‘Phun” play on words 🙂

Just about everything on their menu is gluten and dairy-free and you can’t beat their homemade bone broths’ healing powers. These guys are healthy, delicious and much cheaper than their more trendy competitors. A must try in Austin!

 Torchy’s Tacos

3005 S. Lamar (map) 512.614.1832 
Hours: M-Th: 7am-10pm, F: 7am-11pm, S: 8am-11pm, Sun: 8am-10pm

Breakfast, lunch or dinner – Torchy’s is a goto in our house and we love their off the wall, exotic combos! It doesn’t hurt that they serve their full menu all day long, so when we head out for breakfast tacos, I can enjoy something from their regular menu that’s egg-free, which typically means I go for the Mr Pink (tuna) or Mr Orange (salmon).

Torchy’s Tacos has several store-front locations, and still held on to their original trailers.  And thanks to their willingness to accommodate allergy-free dining needs, Torchy’s is a great option for those with gluten-free, dairy free and various other restrictions. Grab their gluten-free menu at the counter before ordering and smile as you sit back to enjoy fresh and tasty tacos, Torchy’s style!

 

 Guero’s Taco Bar

1412 South Congress (map) 512.447.7688 
Hours: M-W: 11am-10pm, Th-Fri: 11am-11pm, S-Sun: 8am-11pm

If you’re looking for some of the tastiest and strongest margaritas in town, head on over to Guero’s where they serve them in tiny tumblers. Check out the decor – much of the old wall hangings are there from when they were a feed store so don’t be alarmed if you notice a stuffed bird or deer head. Random, yes, but it’s an Austin original, and if you’re looking for allergy-free options, Guero’s has you covered. They list their gluten-free and vegan menu on their main menu (no separate ones here) making it easy to know what you can safely order.

Enjoy handmade corn tortillas, specialty dishes and fresh salsa bar. The caldo de pollo and tacos al pastor are just a few tried-and-true favorites. Start off with a hand-shaken margarita in the cantina, or enjoy an icy cold cerveza while listening to music in the Oak Garden. Just sit back and relax, and soak in the local Austin vibes.

 

 Beets Living Food Cafe  – a Cafe as unique as Austin

1611 W 5th St. Suite 165 (map) (512) 477-2338

Offering a complete Raw Foods menu, Beets is a fabulous option for any health conscious Austin foody. Most all of the menu items are naturally gluten-free,    and the staff is super helpful. We love Beets!   Click here to check out their menu online.

 Freddie’s Place

1703 S 1st St (map) (512) 445-9197 
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11:00 am – 12:00 am

This large, outdoor, creekside  restaurant/bar is in an idyllic  setting, under large, shady oak trees.  Freddies has a, laid-back, South Austin vibe, with tasty burgers and margaritas,  a beautiful setting, live music and friendly staff.

Freddies’s fun, laid back vibe finally includes a gluten-free menu (yay!!) So now you can enjoy a burger with a gluten-free bun, or even a breakfast option of french toast. They also have a delicious seared tuna, pork chops, salads and more. And if you’re there on a day that’s hotter than 100degrees, their frozen margs are only 100 pennies 🙂 Can’t beat that!

 

 Snap Kitchen

Why do we love Snap? It’s the first time I’ve ever walked into a grab-n-go restaurant that actually labeled every ingredient in its food, and caters to allergy-free friendly eating. Not only is about 90% of their food gluten free, but they also offer Paleo options. Gluten-free, allergy-free, Paleo lovin food that’s delicious to boot!

In their words: dedicated to bringing our customers flavorful, handcrafted food that supports our commitment to local, organic ingredients and healthy cooking. Snap Kitchen’s menu offers a selection of “foodie” items made fresh daily, salads tossed-to-order (flagship locations), juices and specialty elixirs, high-energy snacks, and diet-friendly desserts for the person on the go.

1014 W. 6th Street Austin, TX 78703    Phone (512) 479-5959      austininfo@snapkitchen.com

 

 Hopdoddy

1400 S Congress Ave (map) 512.243.7505 
Hours: Mon – Thu: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm Fri – Sat: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm Sun: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm

Handcrafted burgers, beer and a full bar in the heart of SoCo and now on W Anderson too, offering gluten-free buns and salads to satisfy your cravings. Delish burgers, but prep for a line!

 

 Maudie’s South Lamar

1212 S. Lamar (map) 512-440-8088 
Hours: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm Sunday – Thursday 8:00 am – 10:30 pm Friday and Saturday

Maudie’s is one of our favorite neighborhood stops and we can’t say enough great things about them! They offer a gluten-free menu as well as separate gluten-free chips, and they will give you a separate salsa to avoid cross contamination from the non- gluten-free chips. They’re gluten-free menu is full of delicious options, and I’ve been told on many occasions that they can alter most any of their items to be gluten-free since their salsas are ok, and they make most things fresh on the spot. They take a little longer with their gluten-free orders because they take care to prep their stations and grills to avoid cross contamination, and I’m super grateful for that! Yep, can’t say enough great things about their knowledgeable staff, delicious & healthy mexican fare!

 

 

 Matt’s El Rancho

2613 S Lamar Blvd (map) (512) 462-9333 
Hours: M, W, Th, & Sun: 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-11pm

For over 50 years Matt’s El Rancho has been 
family owned and operated.
 Since 1952 Matt’s El Rancho has provided the Austin area with
 authentic Mexican food in a great family atmosphere.

Matt’s is another neighborhood favorite joint that we can’t say enough great things about! While they don’t offer a seperate gluten-free menu, they’re quick to send a manager over to your table once you mention gluten-free. They’re extremely knowledgeable about how their menu items are prepared and they’re always willing to accommodate dietary restrictions, beyond just gluten-free. You can absolutely rest assured that Matt’s will take good care of you!

 Piranha Killer Sushi

207 San Jacinto Blvd Ste 202  Austin, TX 78701 (512) 473-8775

Amazingly fresh, delicious and allergy-free friendly options, including rolls wrapped in cucumber (no rice!) and gluten-free soy sauce.
Note that they offer valet parking for $4 next door so you can avoid dealing with downtown parking for just a couple more bucks than the cost of street parking.  Read more about why we love these guys on our review here. 

Mr. Natural

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free friendly, these guys serve up amazingly fresh & relish foods that are good for us too. They also stock just about any nutritional supplment you might need, and I always find their prices to be pretty competitive. You can’t go wrong with the Vegan and Gluten-free pastries, and my son claims their GF donuts are the best he’s ever had 🙂

Love their ranchero sauce as a great gluten and dairy free side with fresh tacos or omelet’s, and you can’t go wrong with their fresh juices. Stop by for lunch or dinner and enjoy their full menu found here.

When it comes to Mr. Natural’s Bakery, you probably won’t find a healthier selection of gluten-free or vegetarian baked goods anywhere in town!

2414-A S. Lamar (map) 512-477-5228

 

Thrice Cafe (formerly Thai Fresh)

909 West Mary St. (map) 512 447 9473

Why do we love Thrice? Fresh steeped loose leaf teas, Kombucha on tap, great selection of beer & wine, and all the Vegan Ice Cream you can imagine! Their menu is almost entirely gluten free, with the exception of their Vietnamese sandwiches  and they’re happy to leave out the grains if you request that they do. We love their curries and our son is a fan of their gluten free chicken strips with homemade rice vinegar dipping sauce.

Thrice believes in sustainable thai cooking…

Thai Fresh is committed to bringing you authentic Thai meals that are made with fresh local ingredients. Their meats are raised within Texas and free of antibiotics and hormones, featuring Buddy’s natural chicken and Dewberry Hill Farms chicken, with pork from Peach Creek Farm and their beef is all grass-fed from Bastrop Cattle Company.  Check out their menu here.

 

 Shady Grove

1624 Barton Springs Rd. (map) (512) 474-9991 
Hours: Mon – Thu: 11am-10:30pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-11pm, Sun:11am-10:30pm

Our favorite cozy outdoor cafe, Shady Grove is perfect day or night; with plenty of “shade” provided by the abundance of trees, which are adorned with white lights at night, this is a perfectly romantic, casual and fun vibe all in one!

Shady Grove is a frequent choice in this house since they offer several gluten-free options and are always happy to accommodate further dietary restrictions. While they no longer offer a gluten-free menu, their staff is more than happy to point you to the salads, burgers, pork chops, fish and more that are safe for gluten-free needs.