I never knew how much of a pain in the ass it was to be gluten intolerant until I became friends with someone with severe Celiac Disease. I mean, severe. Several times I’ve been out with her and she’s had to sneak off to the bathroom to blow some chunks — not because she had one too many Tito’s vodka-tonics, but because a trace of pesky gluten had snuck into something she ate. She even has to feed her dogs gluten-free dog food in case they lick her face.
And while going gluten-free may be trendy or some kind of bullshit, there are definitely people out there who have no choice but to avoid the protein altogether. For those folks, eating out can be a pain, especially when your friends are dead set on pad thai. But if you can convince them to go to one of these places instead, you’ll be golden.
If you’re in the mood for Mexican food:
Mexican/Latin/Guatemalan food is typically a good bet since it has corn for days. Even if it’s not spelled out directly on the menu, ask for your burrito to be made with a corn tortilla or sub out the flour on quesadillas. Most restaurants are more than happy to oblige.
Top picks: Iguana Mexican Grill, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, Big Truck Tacos
If you’re in the mood for comfort food:
This one can be tough since a lot of comfort food is heavy on the bread and gluten-laden sauces. But fret not — The Mule is stacked with gluten-free bread for all you grilled cheese heads, Iron Star Urban BBQ has a special GF sauce (go for the slow-smoked St. Louis ribs), and Tucker’s Onion Burgers can whip up your Mothertucker in a lettuce wrap. Plus, it never hurts to ask if a totally GF menu is available.
Top picks: The Mule, Iron Star Urban Barbeque, Cheever’s Cafe, Tucker’s Onion Burgers
If you’re in the mood for Italian food:
Just because you’re dealing with Celiac doesn’t mean you have to suffer through an existence without pasta. As gluten-free has become more mainstream, restaurants with traditionally gluten-heavy menus have thankfully chosen to adjust — meaning you can finish bowl after bowl of wheatless pasta if you damn well please.
Top picks: Sophabella’s, Flip’s Wine Bar & Trattoria, Rococo
If you’re in the healthy mood:
Any place with salads is typically a safe bet (just make sure the dressing is GF). Plus health-conscious restaurants often lay off the sauce, meaning you can get just about anything without worrying about it making you sick. Go ahead and eat yo greens, people.
Top picks: Coolgreens, hot bar at Whole Foods, Green & Grilled, The Red Cup
If you’re in the mood for pizza:
“Can’t stop, won’t stop” is most people’s motto when it comes to pizza, so no way in hell should you let a little thing like a gluten intolerance hold you back. There are plenty of options for wheatless pizza pies in OKC — consider this an excuse to stuff your face with cheesy goodness with absolutely no shame (or pain).
Top picks: The Wedge Pizzeria, Hideaway Pizza, Empire Slice House, Sauced on Paseo
If you’re in the mood for brunch:
Not to be melodramatic or anything, but a life without brunch basically isn’t worth living. Fear not — if you’re a Leslie Knope-level waffle aficionado but can’t handle the gluten, you definitely have some options.
Top picks: Waffle Champion, West, Café 501
If you’re in the mood for dessert:
I’ve accidentally eaten gluten-free desserts on more than one occasion and I honestly couldn’t even tell the difference. Seriously, if you’re gluten-free with a sweet tooth then you’ve got nothing to worry about.
Top picks: Green Goodies, Two Bunny Bakery
If you’re in the mood for beer:
Alcohol is sneaky for more than one reason; a lot of adult beverages pack a punch of gluten. Beer’s an obvious one, but even liquor can have traces of gluten. Tito’s, Patron, Captain Morgan, and Hendrick’s are safe bets, but if you’d rather just throw back a few cold ones then hit up one of these joints.
Top picks: James E. McNellie’s Public House, Fassler Hall, The Mule, Bricktown Brewery
