Exploring the vibrant food scene in Austin, Texas, can be a delicious adventure—especially if you need to avoid gluten. Whether you have celiac disease, a gluten intolerance, or simply want to try gluten free options, Austin is full of renowned eateries and local specialties that cater to gluten free diners. This guide will walk you through how to discover and enjoy the city’s most famous gluten free foods, from barbecue joints to taco trucks and iconic bakeries. With a little planning and the right resources, you can savor the best of Austin’s culinary scene while staying safely gluten free.
What You’ll Need
- A smartphone or tablet with internet access
- A gluten free dining app or map (optional but helpful)
- List of your dietary restrictions (e.g., celiac, wheat allergy, etc.)
- Reusable utensils or containers (optional, for extra cross-contamination safety)
- Patience and a sense of adventure!
Step-by-Step
- Research Austin’s Famous Foods
Start by learning what dishes Austin is known for. Think barbecue (brisket, ribs), breakfast tacos, Tex-Mex, craft donuts, food trucks, and local specialties like kolaches and queso. Knowing the city’s signature eats will help you spot gluten free versions. - Identify Gluten Free-Friendly Establishments
Use online resources like Find Me Gluten Free, Yelp, Google Maps, or local blogs to search for restaurants with strong gluten free reviews. Look for places that are either 100% gluten free or have well-marked gluten free menus and trained staff. Notable Austin options include Picnik (entirely gluten free), Wilder Wood, The Well, and Gluten Free Yourself Bakery. - Check Menus in Advance
Visit the official websites or social media pages of restaurants you’re interested in. Many will post their menus online and may indicate gluten free dishes. If possible, call or email ahead to confirm gluten free options and ask about kitchen practices to avoid cross-contamination. - Map Out Your Food Tour
Plan your route around Austin’s neighborhoods, focusing on hotspots like South Congress, East Austin, and downtown. Group nearby gluten free spots to maximize your time and minimize travel. Consider food trucks and farmers’ markets, as Austin’s mobile food scene often features gluten free vendors. - Communicate Clearly When Ordering
When you arrive at a restaurant or truck, inform the staff of your gluten free needs. If you have celiac disease or a severe allergy, specify that you require strict gluten free handling. Ask about shared fryers, grills, and prep surfaces to assess risk. - Try Austin’s Most Famous Gluten Free Dishes
Examples include:- Barbecue: Most plain smoked meats (brisket, ribs, turkey) are naturally gluten free, but always check rubs and sauces. Try Franklin Barbecue (with caution for sides and bread) or la Barbecue.
- Breakfast Tacos: Many taquerias offer corn tortillas, which are usually gluten free. Veracruz All Natural and TacoDeli are popular picks—verify that corn tortillas are not made on shared surfaces.
- Ice Cream & Sweets: Amy’s Ice Creams and Lick Honest Ice Creams offer gluten free flavors. For baked goods, try Zucchini Kill Bakery (all gluten free and vegan) or Capital City Bakery for select options.
- Pizza: Via 313 and Home Slice offer gluten free crusts—ask about preparation practices.
- Tex-Mex: Polvos, Fonda San Miguel, and El Naranjo have gluten free-friendly menus—corn tortillas and grilled proteins are safest.
- Food Trucks: Arlo’s (vegan burgers, gluten free buns), Four Brothers (Venezuelan arepas, naturally gluten free), and others frequently rotate at local markets.
- Be Cautious with Sides and Sauces
Many iconic sides like mac and cheese, biscuits, or fried items are not gluten free. Ask for substitutions (e.g., extra slaw or potatoes) and review sauces for gluten containing thickeners or soy sauce. - Document Your Finds
Take notes or photos of your favorite gluten free dishes and share them on social media or review sites to help others. Austin’s gluten free community is active and appreciates up-to-date tips. - Explore Seasonal and Pop-Up Events
Check for gluten free options at Austin’s many food festivals, farmers’ markets, and pop-up dinners. Vendors often display allergen information and are happy to discuss ingredients. - Support Dedicated Gluten Free Businesses
Whenever possible, prioritize bakeries, cafes, and restaurants that are fully gluten free. This not only reduces cross-contamination risk but also helps these businesses thrive.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming Corn Tortillas Are Always Safe: Some restaurants cook corn tortillas on shared surfaces or fry them in oil used for wheat items.
- Overlooking Cross-Contamination: Even if a dish is naturally gluten free, shared prep areas, fryers, or utensils can introduce gluten. Always ask about kitchen practices.
- Not Double-Checking Sauces and Marinades: Many barbecue sauces, enchilada sauces, and dressings contain wheat or soy sauce. Confirm ingredients every time.
- Skipping Research: Walking into a famous Austin spot without checking their gluten free status can lead to disappointment or limited options.
- Relying on Old Information: Menus and staff training can change. Always verify the latest gluten free offerings.
Tips
- Download a Gluten Free App: Tools like Find Me Gluten Free and AllergyEats make it easier to locate and review gluten free restaurants.
- Join Local Groups: Austin has active gluten free Facebook groups and Reddit threads where locals share tips, new finds, and restaurant updates.
- Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Staff may have more time to answer questions and ensure careful food handling when it’s less busy.
- Bring a Gluten Free Card: Carry a simple card explaining your dietary needs to show staff, especially if there’s a language barrier or complex allergy.
- Look for Dedicated Gluten Free Bakeries: Zucchini Kill and Gluten Free Yourself Bakery offer breads, cupcakes, and pastries without cross-contamination risk.
- Try Austin’s Farmers’ Markets: Many vendors offer gluten free baked goods, tamales, and specialty foods. Ask about ingredients and prep.
- Be Polite but Persistent: Friendly, clear communication helps staff understand your needs and take extra care.
Troubleshooting
- Limited Gluten Free Options at a Restaurant: If the menu is sparse, ask if the chef can modify a dish or prepare something off-menu. Many Austin kitchens are accommodating.
- Cross-Contamination Concerns: If you sense staff are unsure about gluten free protocols, consider choosing a different restaurant or ordering only pre-packaged items.
- Unexpected Gluten Exposure: If you become ill after eating out, contact the restaurant to inform them and help prevent future incidents. Keep notes for your own records and review future choices more cautiously.
- Menu or Staff Knowledge Gaps: If staff aren’t clear about ingredients, ask to speak with a manager or chef. If you’re still unsure, it’s safer to skip that dish or location.
- Traveling Around Austin: If you’re visiting multiple neighborhoods, map gluten free options in advance and pack safe snacks as backup.
- Missing Out on Local Favorites: Many iconic Austin foods now have gluten free versions at specialty bakeries or pop-ups—search social media for the latest.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there any 100% gluten free restaurants in Austin?
- Yes, several. Picnik, Zucchini Kill Bakery, and Gluten Free Yourself Bakery are fully gluten free. These spots eliminate cross-contamination risk.
- Is Austin barbecue safe for gluten free diners?
- Most smoked meats are naturally gluten free, but always ask about rubs, sauces, and preparation. Sides and bread usually contain gluten, so verify everything before ordering.
- Where can I find gluten free breakfast tacos in Austin?
- Check Veracruz All Natural, TacoDeli, and Papalote. Always confirm that corn tortillas are not cooked on shared surfaces or with wheat products.
- Are food trucks in Austin gluten free friendly?
- Many are accommodating, especially trucks like Arlo’s and Four Brothers. Still, ask about cross-contact and ingredient lists for each vendor.
- Can I find gluten free baked goods and desserts in Austin?
- Absolutely. Zucchini Kill and Gluten Free Yourself Bakery specialize in gluten free treats, and some mainstream bakeries have marked options. Farmers’ markets are great for gluten free sweets as well.
- How do I avoid cross-contamination when dining out?
- Choose dedicated gluten free spots when possible, communicate your needs clearly, and verify preparation methods with staff. When in doubt, skip questionable items.
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Gluten Free Famous Foods in Austin: How to Find the Best Eats