Gluten Free Chicago

A few GREAT gluten free spots!

Hi Friends,

Recently we took a little jaunt to Chicago - a pleasant 8 hour train trip (or drive) away for some appointments at the Romanian consulate. It’s a trip we take every so often, as for those who live in the midwest anything that has to do with Romania, happens there.

But friends, there are benefits! We made a quick holiday weekend out of this chore and it was quite spectacular!

I managed to connect with Raeanne Sarazen, who is a WONDERFUL dietician, author, and celiac mom - more to come on that soon!

We ate some DELICIOUS gluten free food (with kids).

I’ve got the skinny on some wonderful spots to try when you’re next in town!!

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Beatrix - This restaurant from the Lettuce Entertain You group has incredible allergy protocol in place, (as does the whole group - check out their other concepts) a gluten free fryer and a lovely upscale casual setting. Just look at these french fries with fried lemons, and peppers!

They were amazing with my pozole soup, my husband’s caesar salad, and our son’s gluten free burgers. Their buns kind of reminded me of my gluten free ciabatta recipe - so good! We ate at the location near Northwestern after hanging out on the sky deck that leans out in the Hancock building.

Gluten Free Ciabatta

What is this child doing with this gluten free dessert from Berghoff? I guess whatever he wants!

The Berghoff - This classic German restaurant downtown is such a treat. We often end up here after Millenium Park, but this time it was a post-Christkindlmarkt treat with friends who graciously drove in from the suburbs to meet us. The sausages, chops, and sauerkraut were a welcome warm-up in chilly weather! Their menu boasts several gluten-free options including desserts, and they understand cross-contact well.

Maharaj Indian Grill—We LOVED eating Indian food. It’s rare for us to find an Indian restaurant near us that is ready for celiacs, but this one was! We ordered kid-friendly dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala and Butter Chicken and could have taken a bath in the sauces.

Chicago’s Pizza - The Uber ride to this restaurant near Lincoln Park was an adventure to say the least, but it was SO worth it! Real Chicago style deep dish pizza, breadstick appetizers, great salads. It was SUCH a treat. We weren’t the only gluten free diners, there were so many tables in this tiny establishment making a trek for the amazing pizza. If you’re in town you should too! (OR I have a recipe for you.)

Gluten Free Chicago Style Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza

Egg Harbor—This breakfast and brunch joint is popular, and for good reason. They have really fun offerings, and many of them are gluten-free. They also take great care to avoid cross-contact. The gluten-free cinnamon roll breakfast topped the list of faves, along with the Aztec omelet.

Brightwok - We had takeout from this gluten free Asian concept one evening and the kids swam in the hotel pool, everyone loved their dishes. My chicken was lovely and spicy and my husband had the most delicious noodles! I was so happy to have many vegetables included in mine, which can be difficult when traveling!

Frio Gelato - This Argentinian gelato spot in Navy Pier is a great stop when boarding a boat or braving the big Ferris wheel! The gelato is gluten free, they have great protocols to prevent cross-contact and really interesting flavors!

Gluten Free Waffle Cones and Chocolate Gelato

Honorable Mention: EATALY - we always stop off to buy our favorite Italian cookies, pasta, and Venchi chocolates!!

Happy travels,

Rachel

Disclaimer: Things can always change y’all! Always ask lots of questions to make sure things are still gluten free and proper food handling is in place before patronizing any restaurant!