Top 15 Gluten-Free Cocktail Bars to Experience in Portland
Your curated guide to gluten-free dining options, with detailed reviews and recommendations for safe celiac-friendly meals.
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Based on 153 recommendations
Last updated: June 20, 2025
Empire Chinese Kitchen
575 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Celiac friendly
CocktailsVegan OptionsAllergen FriendlyAsianDairy Free OptionsDeliveryDinnerKid FriendlyLunchTake AwayVegetarian OptionsOpen Late
Get ready for a taste explosion with drool-worthy dishes that will leave you dreaming of your next visit to this vibrant spot!
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Andrea Terry
As someone who is allergic to gluten and a few other common ingredients, I struggle to find good, satisfying, hand-made, authentic food pretty much everywhere. So when I say that Empire Chinese Kitchen's Orange Beef literally (and by literally I mean literally, not figuratively) made me cry - it is not an exaggeration. I had to choose between wolfing the entire plate down without taking a breath, like I wanted to, and savoring literally every single bite. The taste was sophisticated, nuanced, amazing - AND GLUTEN FREE. The waitstaff didn't blink an eyeball when I said I was celiac and did research up to and including calling the farm that is the source of their ingredients to check on another allergy for me. My dining companions similarly enjoyed everything on their meal, and I can vouch for the gluten free steamed buns, as well. I cannot wait to go back! It's an hour from my house, and I'm already counting my gas money.
Quirky grilled cheese spot with a fun vibe, homemade pickles, a great drink selection, and a creative twist on classic flavors.
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Maren Devane
Gluten free grilled cheese no extra charge? YES. I didn't choose the celiac life, it forced itself upon me. This was a SUPER exciting find for the day after our bar crawl when we desperately needed carbs and comfort. The grilled cheeses were great but I was really impressed by the tomato soup, which I don't normally like!
CocktailsMexicanAllergen FriendlyDairy Free OptionsDinnerOpen Late NightLunchOutdoor SeatingTake AwayVegetarian OptionsVegan OptionsTacosDeliveryBar
Vibrant and bustling, this lively spot offers a festive atmosphere and amazing flavors, making the wait totally worthwhile.
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John Lopez
A small, very busy and festive environment that is worth the wait. The food here was amazing.
This is a safe haven for celiacs (gluten free) and almost everything on the menu is gluten free with a handful of exceptions. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and happy to answer questions.
Decided on this place because we wanted some good smoked meats. It definitely didn’t disappoint! With many options to chose from for seating. Outside decks, covered with heaters if needed. But let’s get to the food. The corn succotash is warm and perfect. We ordered the clam cakes as an appy. They are huge and worth every penny. Then we had the small dinner board. OMG the brisket though! And the grilled cornbread! Their Sangria is so refreshing you will want to take a growler home. Yes, I said growler. They sell them to go in their market along with their sauces. I took home a gluten free bread made locally. Review to follow on that!
On my birthday (August 3rd) we accidentally found El Corazan and ordered take out from them because our favorite Mexican restaurant was closed. About 2 minutes after we began stuffing our faces I said to my husband, “$@<%!!! I’m so glad __ ____ was closed! This is awesome!!” It’s now August 27th and I’m embarrassed to admit how many times we’ve ordered food from them since then. Lol!
* We feel like we were cheating on our previously favorite Mexican restaurant in Portland so we have filed for divorce…
We have a gluten intolerant, vegetarian kiddo, another vegetarian, and two meat eaters in our family and all of us are able to get a number of fantastic dishes. Actually, every single thing we’ve gotten has been outrageously good. They haven’t made one mistake in our orders yet - which for us is not common due to our various food requirements.
Portions are large but not obscene - perfect really. Service is excellent. Food is incredible and so fresh! It’s entirely possible to order a very healthy dish as well as dishes that check all of the boxes for feeling naughty, dripping with cheeses and sauces.
Couldn’t finish my meal last night and even after a night in the fridge, the fried green tomato taco (right?!?!?!) is still delicious, fresh tasting, and unique. Can’t get enough of these tacos!
Go there ASAP! You won’t be disappointed. It’s rare to feel the urge to write a positive review…but they’re doing such a great job there that I couldn’t resist. And no, I do not know anyone who works there or owns the restaurant.
A must-visit spot for fantastic oysters and a cozy atmosphere, perfect for date nights and happy hour vibes.
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Katie K (Kate K)
Jillian was attentive and friendly. The service was great. The drink menu seemed limited. There's a huge wine list, not much for craft beer drinkers while being located in a craft beer city and there was a "shmedium" cocktail list. Come here for the raw bar. Legit one of the best oyster spots in Portland. The calamari was good, but nothing to go crazy about - it definitely scratches that itch when you're craving a light battered basket of sunshine. The lobster grilled cheese sounded glutenous but was so worth it - absolutely order this. It was LOADED with lobster. The fries that come with it are delicious and I don't go crazy over fries. My fiancee got the salmon BLT and when I asked what he thought about it... He responded, "it was good". 😆 There's a reason why he doesn't do the reviews LOL. Anyways, he did love it though. Would we come again? Yes. Is this a good date night spot? Yes. We'll be back.
Creative and inspired dining with a vibrant atmosphere and diverse options, making it a must-visit for a memorable experience.
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Jeremy Reich
We love Regards - it's always a pleasure to have dinner there. The food is unbelievable; it's always creative, inspired, and consistently delicious. My partner is vegetarian, and I am gluten free - they address both very conscientiously (and we have more than enough options). The atmosphere is great, and the staff is welcoming and attentive. Make sure this is on your list!
Intimate and innovative, this cozy spot features unique small plates and creative cocktails, perfect for adventurous diners.
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Abigail Gustafson
Very cool, intimate restaurant. We ordered an array of small plates to share and they had a separate gluten free menu that I very much appreciated. Our cocktails were interesting but a bit off the mark. The sashimi was the best dish that we had and the mochi bacon was chewy and interesting.
A place that’s seen a turnaround with great service and consistently delicious options, perfect for dining with friends and exploring the menu!
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Enigmah Archer
I have been a few times now. The first day with the new owners I had a waitress who seemed clueless, and when I went back, she was gone. The waitstaff since then has been wonderful! I am celiac and can't have dairy, but I have gotten the burger with a side salad. It is simple and delicious! I have gone with different folks each time and we have eaten our way through much of the menu...nothing has been mediocre yet!
Expect a lively, family-friendly vibe packed with amazing beer and lots of kids around, but no pups allowed!
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Becca
The beer is great and so is the food! Lots of gluten free options (seems as though they have a gluten free fryer)- wings pictured were amazing!!
Only note is that the several times we’ve been, there have been a ton of kids. It is not your standard brewery environment with adults and brews. Seems like a great spot for families.
They also do not allow dogs- inside or outside :(
With a vibrant menu and stylish decor, this spot is a must-visit for its inviting atmosphere and clean ambiance.
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Kathy Geringer
We love this restaurant! The entire menu looked so good! I am gluten free and enjoyed masa pancakes! The restaurant is very clean and the decor is great. The staff was very inviting. Definitely worth your visit.