Top 50 Gluten-Free Mexican Spots to Explore in Washington

Matt Hamilton

1,000/10 cannot recommend Chaia enough! My wife and I fell in love with Chaia thanks to their brussels sprouts quesadilla and salsa verde, which we would highly, highly recommend. There's also a little park next door that can be used for especially nice days weather-wise. Because of our love for Chaia, my wife and I reached out to Chaia when we were looking for a venue to host a party for some family and friends coming to visit DC from out of town, and they put together an absolutely outstanding evening. Bettina (co-founder/co-CEO) was excellent throughout the planning process, making sure that the party was just as we wanted it. Even as our plans shifted a time or two, Bettina graciously worked with us to make sure that everything would be fine. The vegetarian and gluten-free dishes made accommodating various dietary restrictions incredibly easy, and as expected, the food and drinks were excellent. (Our guests raved to us about the food, especially the habenro pepita dip.) Leyla and Abigail, the staff who were on-site for the event, also went above and beyond to make the evening a great time. We are so thankful we had our celebration at Chaia, and we highly recommend it to anyone else looking for a venue for an intimate celebration!

Simone Gillespie

Very knowledgeable waitstaff as well as a clearly marked menu. We went for Restaurant Week and I was so thrilled to be able to participate in the RW specials. Two thumbs up for a stress free experience as a celiac!

Roberto Ruggiero

100% Gluten free. Paradise for celiacs. Chips with guacamole and amazing spicy sauces. Tacos with different meat and fish offerings. Remove the fried prawns, pork belly and duck. All very tasty.

Brett Murphy Hunt

Absolutely DELICIOUS tacos. OMG I wish I could teleport these to Boston. The cornbread was also so delicious!! What drew me to this place was the fact that the menu only marks what HAS gluten instead of what can be made gluten-free, suggesting that the menu is quite expansive for gluten-free diners. While yes, it is, the caveat is that there is significant cross-contamination for fried items. So, I was lured by the taquitos, but the bartender told me that they’re fried in the same oil as other items that aren’t gluten-free, hence the cross-contamination. I think they should be more straightforward about this on the menu when one looks online ahead of time. Otherwise an excellent experience with still some amazing choices.

Sonya Hu

Lovely and cozy eatery serving a variety of classic American and fusion fare, with a wide selection of great vegan and/or gluten-free options. I visited this location for brunch and got their sweet potato skillet, which included a generous helping of brown rice mixed with sauteed kale and sweet potato, then topped with a beautiful poached egg. The meal was simple, yet so incredibly tasty. While their food is delightful, what has made Busboys & Poets a long-time DC favorite and cultural hub is its ambiance. It's one of the main "cool" places in the city, with its relaxed vibes, open mic poetry nights, and adorable little shop featuring small artists from across the District. The K Street location also features a lovely little bar serving both caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, which is a delightful spot to sit if you just want to enjoy a drink or casual meal. The entire staff is super friendly, so sitting at the bar is a surefire way to have a delightful conversation with the bartender, as well as to people watch or just soak in the vibes.

Alice Mauri

First time eating Mexican food and we fell in love with it! The staff is super helpful and kind, their suggestions made our day and the entire menu is gluten free. If you are not used to alcohol though the frozen margarita is really strong, be careful.

Amos

This is a great place to eat and gluten free

Gina Fiore

The food and drinks are delicious and the service is always great even when busy. They took amazing care of a family member with a severe gluten allergy, carefully reviewing the menu with them and steering them away from the foods they could not eat. We love coming here, and are so glad they’re part of the neighborhood.

Emma Ruggiero

Everything here is fresh and delicious. So efficient and comfortable, and everyone who works here is so nice. Great place to work during the day or grab a meal with friends. So many options if you have a crowd with different preferences/restrictions and accommodates allergies (like gluten). Love!

Michela Gray

Our server James was wonderful! James asked immediately if we had any food allergies, and when I said I couldn’t have gluten and dairy, James immediately went through the entire menu with me to let me know what I could have! James brought me a paper version of the menu and marked up the dairy allergens and how we could modify dishes after speaking to the chef!! I have never had anyone walk me through a menu like that- it was lovely! (Gluten is marked on the menu but dairy is not, would be an easy fix). Our hostess was also great making sure that we had seating options that worked with my wheelchair. Food was delicious too! My only critique is that the bathroom doors are really heavy to pull and push in a wheelchair and should be replaced with lighter ones. Visited on 5/8/25

Anthony

I would come back here when I get to visit DC again. Food was great albeit a smaller menu. Drink selection was good and they were tasty too. Gluten free, celiac safe with corn quesadillas.

Vera Crowe

Jess Peck

Obsessed with this place. Was in Dulles for two weeks and managed to get down to DC twice and went to District both times. I had their breakfast tacos the first time and their regular tacos and chips/guac the second time. You order on kiosks which is fun and easy and get to choose between like 25 different topping options. Their corn tortilla tacos come double wrapped and all bundled up together so they taste authentic and delicious. I got pretty much all the toppings. Their medium salsa is to die for. They have impossible chorizo and an option to select Gluten Free which was amazing. The guacamole was flavorful with a nice hint of lime. I love a good taco but these tacos were life changing🤌🏼

D L

The food remains delicious and the service, especially, around the bar, has been much better. Huge restaurant with several dining areas including a couple that can be sectioned off for a big group/ party. Lots of outdoor seating as well. It's usually busy but it's worth the trip just for the flour tortillas. If you have gluten intolerance, my apologies. The fajitas (all types) are by far my favorite. The newish brisket tacos and fish tacos are also on my short list. The chimichangas were also good. I also love their chips and salsa. The salsa is a little watery but I still like it more than most restaurants. I'm glad this place has stuck around with all the new restaurants and upgrades to this area.

Sonya Hu

My newest fast-casual Mexican obsession! I first discovered District Taco a few months ago while scrolling around on Uber Eats and craving a quick but convenient bite of Mexican food. I stumbled upon District Taco and haven't looked back since, both ordering take-out and visiting in-person a pretty embarrassing number of times over the course of the last couple of months. I see them as basically a higher-quality, local version of Chipotle; it's definitely a touch pricier, but they have the quality of service and food to more than make up for the difference. I usually opt for the ensalada with either itza (made with Beyond meat) or grilled fish -- the fish is a super refreshing pescatarian addition to the menu beyond most other fast-casual Mexican spots. With the impeccable spice blend, lovely charred crust, and super tender interior, the fish is absolutely worthy of being a go-to protein, despite the added cost. They do also include guac as a protein choice, which, although I love guac, it's not a protein and should not be categorized as such. I usually get basically all of the non-dairy toppings possible (note: the potatoes are not gluten-free) and replace their dressing with a few dollops of their flavor-packed and absolutely outstanding salsa. Ah...I'm getting hungry just thinking about it -- the ensalada hits the spot every time, and I really appreciate the degree of customization and wide breadth of toppings you can add compared to other fast-casual Mexican spots. The service is also efficient and friendly enough, providing an all-around delightful, quick dining experience. I will note, though, if you're planning to get take-out, I would recommend quickly sense-checking your order before heading out. I've occasionally been given the wrong order, which is completely understandable considering how busy this spot can get, but that does have the potential to ruin dinner plans if you're not staying near the restaurant, especially if you have dietary restrictions.

Chris Burati

My partner and I were in town visiting and stopped by the Capitol Hill location given their connection to the bike racing scene. My partner has a gluten allergy and we were very explicit about substituting corn tortillas for flour and holding the fries (cross contamination in the fryer) in the breakfast tacos. After their first bite they realized it was too late - there were fries in the tacos and thus they were contaminated with gluten. I am extremely disappointed at the lack of attention to allergens and we will not be coming back nor recommending this restaurant to anyone who has a food sensitivity. The bright side of the situation is that the homeless man sitting outside got a free meal!

Grace Su Ming

Lots of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. Food was solid nothing super special or unique. Staff were kind. Great location to Capitol One Arena. Plantains were delicious.

Kathryn Mayers

Emily Larson

Great gluten free options, good drinks, and solid service

Alex Nongard

Excellent vegan and gluten free options. Super delicious and worth the extremely long wait.

GF Please

I ordered delivery and I think I need to visit this place. The online menu is well explained! It shows what items are gluten free. The salsa and chips and guacamole are good!

Becca G

Been here a few times now! I have celiac so hafta be careful where I eat out. They only have corn tortillas for their tacos. But basically, can't get the fried stuff and can't get the chips (they share a fryer) and I ate here safely and my stomach was very happy!

Kate Midden

Love this local spot! Great food, great drinks, the service and community here is fab. A perfect place to connect with your people during or after a long week. Also their breakfast tacos are the best in the city. :) I’m gluten free and it’s always super easy on that front too. Recommend!

Lexa Vogelsburg

Whenever I'm in the area I always go here!! The food is good, cheap, and there's a decent amount of gluten free options.

Rachel Stephens

Some of the best tacos I’ve had, especially for late-night, in the city. Two tacos are plenty — not the tiny street tacos you’ll find at some spots. I prefer their flour tortillas, but you can get corn if you prefer a non-gluten option. The steak tacos and burritos are the best meat option in my opinion, but the chicken is a pretty good runner-up if you’re looking for something a little lighter. Their yellow rice is fantastic, and the side salad is surprisingly enjoyable too because most side salads at Mexican spots are mediocre at best. If you’re getting guac, the chips aren’t too phenomenal, maybe because they get cold so quickly and don’t tend to have enough salt — but the guac is fresh and flavorful, so it’s worth ordering them paired with that. Definitely a worthwhile spot to get solid, non-greasy Mexican food on the regular.

Elizabeth Brown

Maddy Easley

Love this place so much!! They have an amazing margarita menu, and I got their seasonal pomegranate margarita. Switched it up this time and got the bowl with mushrooms as a great gluten free and vegetarian entree. All were delicious!! Can’t wait to come back again!

Andres Mendez

Dawn Pam

Gina Nicoletta

Great place - even with a large group!! Several of us got cocktails that were perfect! So many choices for food - including gluten free options!

Barb C

Stopped in for a quick lunch! Yummy food! Easy to eat gluten free! Attentive service. Food was to the table quickly!

Museum Explorer513

This place is not Celiac friendly. I ordered a gluten free dish and was sick for a day. What a waste! I paid too much for something that made me sick. If you are Celiac or gluten intolerant, this is NOT the place for you.

Carlos Libbey

Kelley M

The food is very tasty, portion sizes are fantastic and price appropriate. Staff is great. Owner works his tail off to support his team. View of the River by marina is solid. Outside and inside seating available. Menu has options for everyone - even us dairy free gluten free types!

Heather Gomez

Sheri Walker

Joanna Rollin

Keith Clough

Lizzy Amirana

I’m gluten free so unfortunately, I had to pay an extra $3 for my pizza, which is already expected but it sucks…. It was very good but I wish it was the same price or at least the same size of the normal pizza. It was like 1/2 a size smaller 😭

Robert Lally

Easily accommodated for gluten free meal.

Christopher Garcia

Many things I can mention about this wonderful place, but the first for me it the food, is delicious and fresh, with a variety of options available. The staff is attentive, friendly, and welcoming. The restaurant has a cozy and vibrant atmosphere, with a beautiful Mexican decor. Something important is that the prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous. The menu offers a variety of options, including vegan and gluten-free dishes. The drinks are tasty and refreshing, with a variety of margaritas available. Highly recommended!!!!

Chelsea Morales

Wandering Auntie

Great place all around but the servers are not well versed on gluten free options

Forrest Washam

Gil Baskin

Had a great time. Food was delicious! Large portions, a verity of options and very attentive to special requests. Gluten free options as well. Staff was very kind and attentive.

Adam Acey

Super friendly place for something a little different than typical Mexican (American) fare. Very good gluten free options

Robert Newman

Employees here are very helpful and friendly. With a gluten allergy all line employees changed their gloves and even tosted my soft shell corn tacos beteen two pieces of tinfoil as to avoid cross contamination. Could not recomend this location more highly!

Gary Taylor

Melissa Zumaeta

Got a Groupon and had a great lunch with my husband. He is celiac and is allergic to milk and they took great care of him. He was very happy that he could have the chips (in most places they are cross contaminated in the fryer).

Lauren Hausele

24 hour tacos!? What is there not to love about this?! Limited outdoor seating, so this place ideal for grab and go. Food was amazing. Lots of options including gluten free (not strict allergy) as well as vegetarian and some that could be made vegan.