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The 9 Best Gluten-Free Dinner Spots in Old Town

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By Gluten Free Eats' gluten-free community

Updated Jun 2025

01
Joe Theismann's Restaurant

Joe Theismann's Restaurant

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Accommodating

1800A Diagonal Rd, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA

BreakfastLunchDinnerBrunchOpen LateAmericanDeliveryTake AwayPet FriendlyOutdoor SeatingKid Friendly
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Emily E Gallup

I'm giving this spot solid 4* for the staff; the food was good, just outsized portions imo. I was really struggling this trip and failed to research the GF options, was dragging @$$ from the worst hotel stay and slowed by the incessant, freezing cold rain, so walking any distance or wandering about was out of the question. Thanks GOOG/Yelp for GF reviews, lifesaving, really. The lovely young lady up front found me a little table for 1 during a fairly busy lunch as sitting up high at a bar can be pretty uncomfortable for me these days. Evidently restaurants find it upsetting when guests fall out of chairs perfectly sober, thanks dysautonomia! She was very kind and accommodating. My server Kaya was great, fun, attentive, honest and helpful. She pointed out the gluten-free options, helped me with ingredient & portion info and was super friendly to this sola traveler. My salmon dish was a bit lackluster; there was a smear of sauce painted on the plate but seemed a bit divorced from the other elements and the entire dish was under-seasoned, just this side of bland. Honestly, that 8-9 oz piece of fish was really just too much. I know, so unAmerican, but I hate wasting food and was grabbing a train so couldn't take leftovers to sit for 4-6 hours. Otherwise, the fish and asparagus were perfectly cooked while the potatoes could've benefited from a bit more time on heat. Takeaway: I'd eat here again for dinner as it was a quality meal and experience especially for the cost but as a lunch it was more food and money than I usually go for. This is merely personal preference. But in the end the deciding factor is: Celiac don't play & eating somewhere safe is totally worth spending a bit more. Being on a train after being poisoned with gluten, well, I'll leave that to your imagination but it's the stuff of nightmares.

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02
Hard Times Cafe

Hard Times Cafe

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Gluten-free options

1400 A King St, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA

LunchDinnerOpen LateDeliveryTake AwayOutdoor SeatingKid FriendlyBarRestaurant

With a fun vibe and tasty chili options, this spot offers generous portions, reasonable prices, and even a fun sample plate to start!

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Charis Edwards

Cannot say enough good things about this place. How is it so good? We had another lovely experience here with a group for 6 here recently. Staff were super accommodating when we called ahead asking for a table and the service from Deborah was outstanding and fun. The chili is so tasty - they've really perfected these four! And my vegan friends and gluten free friends are able to get something as easily as the rest of us with a feel little modifications. Prices are very reasonable and you may well have leftovers from these portions! I got the Texas chili 4-ways with the spaghetti underneath. They also have Cincinnati chili, Terilingua red, and a vegan chili with alternative protein, all delicious. They bring you a sample plate at the beginning so you can taste all of the chilis. If you're not really a chili person there's also a good selection of bar-style appetizers, burgers, and sandwiches. They hav cheap drinks and really nice little ice cubes, just saying. Can't wait to go back!

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03
Vermilion

Vermilion

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Accommodating

1120 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA

LunchDinnerBrunchOpen LateAmericanDeliveryTake AwayPet FriendlyOutdoor SeatingBar

A vibrant spot with a creative vibe, known for its wonderful offerings that leave a lasting impression on every visitor.

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Kerry Corley

We were going to go to a different restaurant but they didnt have any gluten free options for my friend. We tried Vermillion and it is my new favorite restaurant. The food was so wonderful and my gluten free friend was well accommodated. Staff was so welcoming. I will definitely be coming back.

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04
Thompson Italian

Thompson Italian

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1024 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA

CocktailsItalianGF OptionsAllergen FriendlyBrunchDairy Free OptionsDinnerKid FriendlyOutdoor SeatingTake AwayDessertsPastaLunchDelivery

A vibrant spot with standout seasonal mocktails and an ever-changing menu that keeps guests coming back for more.

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Emily Palmer

We had an absolutely wonderful meal. The brussels sprouts were fantastic, the seasonal mocktail was light and refreshing. I've not had a better gluten free pasta in years, and the rice pudding was phenomenal. Can't wait to come back! *Editing to add that we had another great meal in June of 2023* the gluten free pasta is still amazing and the summer menu was amazing. Only one miss with the "Between the Sheets" cocktail, but otherwise a fantastic meal.

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