The 8 Best Gluten-Free American Restaurants in Chicago Loop
Updated Sep 2024 for accuracy and safety
Meli Cafe
500 S Dearborn St, Chicago, Illinois, United States
A popular all-day breakfast spot in Chicago with a cozy ambiance, kid-friendly environment, and average pricing.
Celiac accommodatingSome risk of cross-contamination
Dedicated GF place
Trained staff
Dedicated kitchen space
Dedicated appliances
Dedicated display area
Gluten free breakfast! Asked them to double check on the pancakes bc she said they were veg at first, but confirmed they were safe for celiac
Shake Shack Chicago Athletic Association
12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Expect a calming oasis opposite a park, where hardworking staff serve melt-in-your-mouth burgers amidst a nostalgia-filled ambiance.
Gluten-free optionsSuggested by the GF community
Dedicated GF place
Trained staff
Dedicated kitchen space
Dedicated appliances
Dedicated display area
My bf and I are regulars here since we work a block away. It’s usually great for my celiacs disease. However today, I ordered my standard order (a double on a gluten free bun with a black n white shake) with the gluten allergy warning. I got cross contamination and had to go home from work from the pain.
Gayle V's Best Ever Grilled Cheese
108 N State St Level B1, Chicago, Illinois, United States
A cozy spot featuring live tunes and a positive atmosphere, nestled underground near the red line metro, known as a hidden gem.
Celiac friendlyLow risk of cross-contamination
Dedicated GF place
Trained staff
Dedicated kitchen space
Dedicated appliances
Dedicated display area
Confirmed by Owner, Gayle VossAlways inquire directly about health and safety.
I ordered my food to go and it was cold by the time I ate it so I anticipate dining in would be a better experience. The space itself looked good; it was well lit and clean. The employees were cheerful and helpful as I noticed a sign for the trains. They confirmed I could take the red line to orange to get to Midway, as I was headed home from a business trip. I plan to go back next time I'm in Chicago for work as many menu items sounded delicious and they have gluten free bread!
The Dearborn
145 N Dearborn St, Chicago, Illinois, United States
A lively spot with seasonal menus, refreshing non-alcoholic drinks, and live music that amps up the experience.
Celiac accommodatingSome risk of cross-contamination
Dedicated GF place
Trained staff
Dedicated kitchen space
Dedicated appliances
Dedicated display area
This is the best burger I've ever eaten. We sat in the bar and I got The Dearborn Burger. It is truly incredible. They don't have a gluten free bun option, but I ordered without a bun and it was still delicious. I would return specifically for this burger. I also had an espresso martini.
Shake Shack Willis Tower
316 W Jackson Blvd Suite L1-20, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Expect hot and fresh served with a dollop of rapid service—also, don't miss out on their heavenly shakes and outstanding burgers.
Gluten-free optionsSuggested by the GF community
Dedicated GF place
Trained staff
Dedicated kitchen space
Dedicated appliances
Dedicated display area
I had an appalling experience at Shack Burger on August 7th, around 8 PM. I ordered a gluten-free burger without bacon due to dietary restrictions. To my dismay, when my order finally arrived—after a 15-minute wait—I found that the burger still had bacon on it. This is not just an issue of preference; it’s a serious health concern. When I brought this to the attention of the staff, instead of preparing a new burger as they should have, they simply removed the bacon from the existing burger and handed it back to me. This is completely unacceptable. The fact that they thought this was an appropriate way to address the situation shows a blatant disregard for customer safety and a total lack of professionalism. When I confronted them about this, they insisted they had prepared a new burger in just 30 seconds—a claim that’s both insulting and clearly untrue given the original 15-minute wait time. It’s clear that they either lied to me or did not take my concerns seriously. As someone who has to be extremely cautious about what I eat due to health reasons, I find this behavior outrageous. Shack Burger needs to educate their staff on the importance of handling food allergies with care and respect. This kind of carelessness can lead to serious health risks, and it’s appalling to see such a lack of concern. I am deeply disappointed and furious about how my situation was handled. I expect much better from an establishment that serves food to the public. I will not be returning and will advise others, especially those with food allergies, to avoid this place until they can assure their customers that they are capable of properly handling special dietary requests.
The Exchange
224 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois, United States
An impeccably elegant spot oozing with a stunning atmosphere, ideal for events and known for attentive and accommodating staff.
Gluten-free optionsSuggested by the GF community
Dedicated GF place
Trained staff
Dedicated kitchen space
Dedicated appliances
Dedicated display area
The Exchange was such a fun experience! We went to celebrate our friends birthday and our waiter Javier did an amazing job taking care of us. He truly went above and beyond! Not only was he patient with our gluten free and dairy free questions and requests, but he was also very personable and helped us create a fun birthday experience for our friend. The food was delicious and their crème brûlée was scrumptious. I would highly recommend you check this place out.
Ocean Prime
87 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, Illinois, United States
A spot perfect for special occasions, with an impressive wine list, divine ambiance, and a cordial welcome coupled with speedy service.
Celiac friendlyLow risk of cross-contamination
Dedicated GF place
Trained staff
Dedicated kitchen space
Dedicated appliances
Dedicated display area
Checked by AtlyAlways inquire directly about health and safety.
Charlie was excellent. OP is very accommodating for Gluten Free. The short rib and scallop starter was delicious. Wish it was an entree. The scallop entree wasn't as good as we remembered from a couple years ago. Risotto was too al dente. The English peas tasted raw and the flavor wasn't balanced. The grouper entree was fabulous! Creme Brulee was the best we have ever had. Every cocktail was amazing. We definitely had a wonderful meal.
Randolph Tavern
188 W Randolph St, Chicago, Illinois, United States
A chill downtown hub boasting a sizeable interior, vibrant music, and an impressive selection of beers, with just a slight wait for the bill.
Gluten-free optionsSuggested by the GF community
Dedicated GF place
Trained staff
Dedicated kitchen space
Dedicated appliances
Dedicated display area
Living with major gluten issues, is difficult-especially when I go out to eat. I called ahead of time to ask about their GF options. I told them I was interested in a salad dish. They called the chef, got ingredients, and I called them back. They told me specifically the ingredients of the dressing and it was completely GF. When I arrived, they knew about my gluten issue and they were able to prepare my dish separately!!! I didn’t get sick. The strawberry salad and chicken was DELICIOUS. I’ll be going back! My boyfriend loved the shrimp tacos.