Top 7 Gluten-Free Late-Night Spots to Enjoy in Forest Lake

Janet Johnson

I’ve been a regular at the Grillium for a while, drawn in by their gluten-free options. Unfortunately, my latest visit has completely changed my perspective. Today, I ordered a taco that was clearly marked as gluten-free on the menu. To my dismay, I found myself charged an additional $2 for it, despite the fact that both flour and corn tortillas were offered without any extra cost. The staff claimed it was because they had to prepare it differently, but this was not mentioned anywhere on the menu. I can understand a surcharge for gluten-free bread, but for a taco that was supposed to be gluten-free with no additional ingredients or modifications? That feels unjustified. It’s disappointing to see a place I once loved take such a confusing approach to pricing. The extra charges really detract from the overall experience, and I can no longer recommend this restaurant. It’s a shame because I truly appreciated the gluten-friendly options they provided. Regrettably, we won’t be returning, and I advise others to be cautious of unexpected fees when dining here.

Matt Brown

Ordered gluten free and dairy free dish. Had to have the food cooked again but the staff was happy to accommodate.

David Villa

Kellie Stedje

We have had nothing but problems with the Forest Lake Pizza Pub. We were SO excited to be getting on in Forest Lake. We are local, but would travel the half an hour or so to go to the other locations because we love Pizza Pub. We've been both dining in and ordering to go very regularly for the last year and a half that they have been open. We've stuck with it and haven't really complained, because we are well aware that there are kinks when opening a new establishment. However, this latest incident was the last straw. We will no longer be giving any money whatsoever to the Forest Lake Pizza Pub. We ordered 3 pizzas for pick up: a gluten free baked potato pizza (pizza of the month); another medium pizza; and a large pizza. We got to where we were going and started serving the pizzas. However, the gluten free baked potato pizza had UNCOOKED BACON on it and not just like a chunk or two, but it was COVERED in PINK, UNCOOKED BACON. The only pizza affected was the gluten free pizza, so there was no other gluten free food to eat and it wasn't just that it was missing an ingredient or something small, but it was an issue that could make somebody really really sick. We called them immediately and explained the issue. The server was very friendly and said that she would check and see what could be done. She then came back on the line and explained that the OWNER told her that they would NOT remake the pizza, but that they would issue a gift card for the amount of the pizza and we could DRIVE IN and get it THAT NIGHT (it was already 7:30 p.m. and we had people over at our house helping work on a major project.). We let her know that we'd like to reorder the pizza and come pick it up and use the gift card. We ran in to get the pizza. We even brought the pizza in question in, so that they could see the uncooked bacon. They let us know that the total for the replacement pizza was $22 and change, I forget the exact amount, but nearly $23. We asked about the gift card and they grabbed it, indicating it had $20 on it. I was shocked that they weren't going to cover the whole cost, but it's $3, so I was annoyed, but wasn't going to make a big deal out of it. THEN we were told that we were NOT allowed to use the gift card to pay for the pizza and that we would have to pay out of pocket if we wanted the replacement pizza. How can you give somebody pizza with RAW BACON, refuse to replace the pizza, make them drive all the way back in, give them a gift card not covering the whole cost, and then refuse to allow them to use the gift card to cover the cost of the replacement pizza?! We've had many issues with receiving the wrong size pizzas, pizzas with the wrong ingredients, etc. and they have never once taken responsibility and never once offered to rectify it in any way. We've also been there, while it's not busy, and had it take an excessively long time to get our food. The owner obviously has zero regard for the customers, even those that have spent the last year and a half that they've been open, getting Pizza Pub multiple times a month. Highly disappointed in the owner's ethical principles.

Benjamin Salley

Shirley Hawes

Earl Molina