5 Lakes Brew Pub Gluten Free Options
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One of the struggles about going out with friends to a pub is there’s usually no gluten free options. When Roxanne Edema started 5 Lakes Brew Pub, she was determined that people with Celiac Disease could enjoy a night out with good drinks and great gluten free food, prepared in a dedicated gluten free kitchen. Read my interview with the owner, below.
Why do you choose to offer gluten free items at 5 Lakes Brew Pub?
I have had Celiac for 20 years. When we joined our partners in this restaurant venture 5 years ago, gluten free was one aspect we wanted to add to the menu because I know first hand the difficulty of going out to eat and eating safely.
Is your menu at 5 Lakes Brew Pub also free from other allergens?
Our menu is only marked for gluten free. However we train managers to check ingredients for customers should other allergen concerns arise. For example, our managers are aware of the ingredients in our buns because they are questioned about them often.
What kind of oil do you use for frying/ cooking?
We use soybean oil.
Do you use gluten free wheat starch or oats in your gluten free meals?
No. If we need a starch for a gluten free entree, we use cornstarch/ We typically only use it in soups.
Do you have a separate gluten free menu at 5 Lakes Brew Pub?
No. We mark our regular menu with a symbol of the many items that can be ordered gluten free.
Do you have a separate prep area for gluten free dishes?
Yes. we do have a separate gluten free prep area! It is completely separated from the rest of the cooking line. Our gluten free area has its own fryer, grill, table, utensils, microwave, and food storage.
What steps do you take to prevent cross contact in the kitchen?
- Do staff change gloves for gluten free orders?
- Yes
- Separate cutting boards/ knives/ utensils
- Yes
- Separate pots for boiling water?
- We do not have separate pots. We do have separate frying pans.
- Dedicated gluten free fryer?
- Yes
- Dedicated toaster/ waffle maker?
- There are no toasters or waffle makers in our kitchen.
- Are orders cooked in a clean pan vs shared griddle top?
- Yes clean pan in a separate area. I am a reactive Celiac and I eat here at least 2 times a week and sometimes up to 10 times. I never get sick.
What training do your staff receive on preparing GF meals safely?
Only approved people are allowed to make gluten free food. Our Kitchen Manager makes sure they are well versed. Plus. I watch the area like a hawk to make sure they are following protocol.
Do you have picks or special plates that denote a GF meal?
Yes we use wooden gluten free picks
Do you have gluten free vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes, it is not noted on the menu, but our staff are always willing to help customers find something to meet their dietary needs.
Is there an upcharge for gluten free items, and is it noted on your menu?
We do have an up charge for Gluten Free buns and wraps, and it is noted on the menu
What’s your most popular gluten free menu item at 5 Lakes?
This is a hard question to answer. We offer a wide variety of gluten free dining options. I think people (myself included) like to be able to come to our restaurant and be able to order whatever they want. They’re all fantastic.
An appetizer…got it, burger…got it, variety of sandwiches…got it, fries…got it, pizza…got it, pasta…got it, dessert…got it. There are so many places you go to and your only choice is salad. We strive to offer so much more than a salad at 5 Lakes Brew Pub
Do you offer gluten free desserts?
Yes. We have a Lava Cake and freshly baked Chocolate Chip Cookies. We serve both with ice cream.
Do you offer gluten free beer/ hard cider/ wine?
We do not currently serve a gluten free beer. We do serve hard ciders (4-5 on tap at all times), canned cocktails, wine and a full bar.
Do you have patio seating? Are dogs allowed outside?
We do have a patio that seats 30 people. Dogs are not allowed.
What unique events do you have at 5 Lakes Brew Pub?
We do Trivia on Tuesday Nights.
Do you offer weekly deals? Kids half off? Lunch deals? Happy Hour?
- We offer Happy Hour from 3-5 pm, Monday through Friday. This Includes discounts on drinks and some happy hour bites
- Late Night Bites. Every night after 8:00 pm we offer discounts on certain foods
- On Mondays we offer half off wine and $3 off desserts. Great way to start the week!
- On Wednesdays we offer $2 off 5 Lakes Brews and $1 ice cream with a kid’s meal.
- On Thursdays we offer Buy one specialty pizza Half off the Second, and $2 off you call it pours
What additional things would you like my followers to know about your business?
Private Dining Room
The Garage is a private dining room which seats a maximum of 35. There are 4 – 55 inch tvs in the room which can be on separate channels or combined into one giant screen. It’s a great meeting place to have a birthday party, a shower, a business meeting with the host not having to worry about cooking. We have computer hook-up for people that want to transfer video or anything from a computer to be shown on the large tv screen.
- Monday – Thursday | Room Charge = $100
- Friday – Sunday | Room Charge = $200
- All food and beverage must be on one check for private events*
- Private event gratuity is 22%; minimum gratuity = $100
- Private TVs and computer hookup is available with advanced notice
*We will do separate checks for cocktails if the host does not want to purchase cocktails for the party attendees. However, the host needs to understand if the guest walks out without paying, the host is ultimately responsible for that bill.
They also offer Private Food Menus which can accommodate gluten free guests. The Pub Menu can be offered with gluten free pizza, and the Taco Menu can be offered with corn tortillas.
Social District
There is also a social district right outside our restaurant with outdoor tables, mini golf, etc. to hang out. It’s a lot of fun for the whole family. In addition, Tanger Outlets features Friday Night concerts in the summer months in the social district area.
Do you have parking on premises? Any tips on traveling to your business?
We are in Tanger Outlet, so there is plenty of mall parking. The best place to park if you are visiting our restaurant is to park in the southeast corner of the mall. We are located right there. 5 Lakes Brew Pub is approximately 30 minutes south of LMCU Ballpark, on 131.
What To Do While in Byron Center, MI
If you’re looking for fun things to do while in town? Read this article about Byron Center, MI on the Experience Grand Rapids website. There are many parks with baseball & soccer fields, as well as and tennis courts. Want to be inside? Visit the All in Pickleball Gym. For those with little ones, visit Dino Daisy Play Cafe, which even has gluten free donuts & cookies.
Location, Hours and Contact Information
5 Lakes Brew Pub
350 84th St SW Suite 480, Byron Center, MI 49315
Hours: Mon – Thurs 11 am – 9 pm / Fri & Sat 11 am – 10 pm / Sunday 11 am – 8 pm
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5 Lakes Brew Pub is one of many Michigan gluten free dining options I recommend on my blog. Looking for options in bigger cities? Check out my suggestions for Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Traverse City. Plus, check out my Michigan gluten free baker list!