Top 16 Gluten-Free Kid-Friendly Spots to Explore in Waxhaw

Chuck Segal

Phenomenal food and cocktails. It's not a dedicated gluten-free kitchen, but Emmett's has consistently taken great care of my wife who is celiac. We have never been disappointed in ANY aspect of dining here, and it stands as one of our favorite restaurants in spite of being a 30 minute trip for us to get there!

Ernie J. Vanderwalt

Nestled in the heart of Historic Downtown Waxhaw, North Carolina, Fox's Pizza Den is a local gem that embodies everything you’d want in a classic pizzeria. Owned by Rick Hodge, this spot has become a beloved staple for both residents and visitors, and it’s easy to see why. Rick’s dedication to quality, community, and customer satisfaction shines through in every aspect of the business, making it more than just a place to grab a slice—it’s a destination for memorable meals and warm hospitality. The pizzas at Fox's are nothing short of exceptional. Made with hand-tossed dough, their award-winning sauce, and a generous layer of 100% real cheese, each pie is a testament to Rick’s commitment to crafting the perfect pizza. Whether you’re craving a classic pepperoni, a loaded Big Daddy, or a specialty like the Meatlovers, the fresh ingredients and thoughtful preparation elevate every bite. The crust strikes a perfect balance—crisp yet chewy—and the toppings are always fresh and plentiful. Customers rave about the variety, with options like the Taco Pizza and Deluxe Pizza catering to adventurous palates, while gluten-free crusts ensure everyone can enjoy a slice. What truly sets Fox's apart, though, is Rick’s personal touch. As the owner, he’s known for engaging with customers, addressing concerns promptly, and ensuring every visit feels like coming home. His responsiveness is evident in online reviews, where he’s quick to offer solutions and even discounts to make things right, showing a genuine care for his patrons. This family-owned vibe, rooted in the legacy of Fox’s Pizza Den since 1971, makes you feel like you’re part of the Waxhaw family. And then there’s the homemade banana pudding ice cream—oh, wow, it’s the bomb! Hand-churned in-house, this creamy delight is a perfect blend of sweet, velvety banana flavor with just the right hint of nostalgic pudding goodness. It’s a must-try treat that elevates Fox’s from a great pizzeria to a full-on dessert destination. Customers can’t stop talking about the ice cream, with pints of vanilla, chocolate, and caramel concoctions also earning high praise. Whether you’re grabbing takeout, enjoying delivery, or dining in the cozy, inviting atmosphere, Fox’s Pizza Den delivers an experience that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious. Rick’s passion for quality and community makes this spot a true Waxhaw treasure. Stop by at and treat yourself to a pizza and a scoop of that incredible banana pudding ice cream—you won’t be disappointed!

USA Citizen

Dined in with my family for an early New Years Eve meal. Was greeted and seated immediately. Our waitress Taylor was on top of her game. She knew all the specials as well as gluten friendly options. Hands down, food and service was great!!!!

Ashley Nelson

As a celiac, I was thrilled to hear of separate fryers for chips! I had no cross contamination issues and we really enjoyed our meal. Sizzling fajitas, yummy salsa, and exceptional guacamole. Our server was knowledgeable and friendly. We will certainly be coming back for an easy weeknight family meal.

Jeff M Delgado

This is a based off of a catering order for 20 people that occurred last Friday. Co Owner Ted was an amazing help as we needed to cater food for a group of 20+ including kids before we headed to a cocktail prior while we were in town for a wedding. Ted was helpful and made some suggestions on what the crowd would like so we went with the following: *Bruschetta w/ tomato, fresh basil, tossed and marinated, on a toasted round baguette *Chicken Parmesan Over Thin Spaghetti W/ House made Mary's Sauce their Grandmothers slow cooked sauce and Fresh Mozzarella. *Penne Alla Vodka Tossed w/ Broccoli *Gluten Free margarita pizza W/ fresh mozzarella, plum Tomatoes and fresh basil *Fancy Mixed Greens, black olives, pepperoncini's , picked red onion, grape tomatoes, carrots tossed in our house made white balsamic vinaigrette. All was amazing and all was delivered 15 mins earlier than expected which made things great! The overall consensus was the food was great, the Bruschetta was fresh and packed well so there was no mushyness when traveling, the Parm was another hit as the sauce was a bit sweet and a nice compliment and the Penne Alla Vodka was another hit as the guests loved the broccoli add on. I look forward to actually dining there next time I head out that way. Continued success team!

Mary Alber

Y’all, don’t sleep on Veggeez Plant Based Eatery!! They are completely vegan, but you would never know it! Everything we have had there has been awesome and we never leave hungry! Tonight our group had the chili cheez fries, the butternut squash/sage/beyond sausage pasta (gluten free), the mushroom Rueben, French onion soup, the kids Dino nuggies, and a carrot cake to go because we were all so full from dinner! The restaurant has such a cute eclectic vibe and you can tell the owners really care about their work! 10/10⭐️

Laura Young

Only seating for 16 people inside. More seats outside. Wonderful pizza. Gluten free taste good also.

Lorena Gomez.

The nicest individuals! Amazing goodies, I was even able to get gluten free gnocchi!!

Christina H

With all the great reviews, I was expecting really good food. It was ok. My husband ordered an omelet and didn't want the gobs of carbs that went with it, so he asked to substitute, and the waitress said there would be an upcharge...ok. so for two sausage links, the size of your thumb, it was $4.50. I ordered the gluten-free French toast. The toast slices were the size of a small childs hand, and something was off with the chocolate milk. It didn't taste spoiled, but it didn't taste good either.

Shawn M.

The Gluten-free pizza was good!

Sharon Phillips

Allison Geiger

This hidden gem is a gift to Waxhaw! Every employee was engaging and informative, the food was flavorful (even the gluten free pasta was surprisingly good and that’s hard to do) and fresh! Fernando was so attentive and answered all of our questions with genuine care and excitement for the menu. The lemon sorbet palette cleanser is such a nice touch and a fun experience for first time guests. All in all a great experience! We’ll definitely be back.

Veronica Osteen

Kenneth Larrick

Katie Kane

I love that they have gluten free bread and are conscientious about that! Employees were polite and friendly!

Rebecca McNerney

Chef Joy is amazing. Her food is some of the best I've ever tasted and she is such a nice person. The lasagna - 5 stars! The philly cheese pasta - 5 stars! The egg salad - 5 stars! The chicken salad - 5 stars! The tuscan chicken pasta - 5 stars! Her bbq - 5 stars! A life saver for a working mom. And to be able to pull all this off AND offer gluten free options is just unheard of. If you are anywhere near Waxhaw, do yourself a huge favor and patronize her cafe.