Hopdoddy Burger Bar

appreciate the gluten-free burger buns but don't talk to the cashier about ordering. Neither myself or anyone I've gone with has liked the taste of the food here. It's not bad but there's something off. For example I got the Cadillac burger and for me it was too dry and the Swizz cheese overpowered everything. Best to order one simple burger for the table and split it before ordering more.

I usually love Hopdoddy, and while I don't frequent this specific location, I've had nothing but great experiences at others—until now. I was visiting family in the area this past week. I had a deeply upsetting experience that I feel obligated to share, especially for anyone with gluten allergies or Celiac disease. I have a medically diagnosed gluten allergy. I ordered the seasonal Wagyu burger on a gluten-free bun, and everything else with the main meal seemed fine. I even had a few fries from the table, knowing the usual cross-contamination risks. I typically don't react unless I directly ingest gluten, so I always double-check what I eat. I'm sharing these details so that others in my situation can stay safe. The issue came when I ordered a salted caramel boozy shake with Screwball whiskey (which is gluten-free, being corn-derived). I've ordered this exact shake many times at other Hopdoddy locations with no problem. I took it to go so I could enjoy it at home. But at the bottom of the shake, I noticed pieces of pretzel sitting at the bottom. I didn't know I was ingesting them until it was too late. Later that night, I became extremely ill with an autoimmune reaction—something that happens when gluten triggers damage to the lining of my stomach and intestines. It's not a preference for some people; it's a medical condition I've lived with since age 13. This wasn't a case of general cross-contamination. This was a physical ingredient that had absolutely no business being in a drink that doesn't list gluten-containing items. I've ordered this shake before—there were never pretzels in it. There was no warning, no notation, and no expectation that it would be different here. What makes this harder to ignore is the context: earlier in the meal, the bartender interacted with staff behind the counter while my family and I were eating. Unfortunately, my family—who don't share my views—made some insensitive comments about Juneteenth and it was likely overheard. I tried to redirect and share the historical significance of the day, but I couldn't help but feel that maybe I was judged for being associated with them? I was polite, I tipped as much as I could afford (I'm a recent grad), and I only interacted with staff briefly and respectfully. If this was a mistake, it was a serious one. If it wasn't, it feels disturbingly personal. But I would like to give the benefit of the doubt as it was the end of happy hour, and it was busy the later it got. However, I don't see why the bartender wouldn't have just thrown away the pretzel pieces if it were an honest mistake. I was in town for job interviews, and this completely derailed the rest of my stay—physically and somewhat mentally. Dining out with allergies is already a stressful, expensive challenge. I had hoped I could enjoy a trusted, favorite go-to establishment without worry. If you have a gluten allergy, DO NOT GO TO THIS LOCATION. Stick to a location where you can trust the consistency of your gluten free menu options.

Was excited to eat here because they advertise a gluten free bun but what a huge disappointment that was today :( I have celiac so it was my only bread option for me but wow that was the worst bun I’ve ever had. I went to pick up my burger to eat it and the whole thing just fell completely apart. I paid extra money for something I couldn’t eat even if I’d have wanted to. Fries were way overdone today too, the bison burger was okay but for almost $20 a person I would not recommend if you have celiac… maybe the bowl would have been better but for a salad we wouldn’t have chosen a burger place.