Ann Arbor Gluten Free Dining Options
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Visting the University of Michigan? Planning a trip to Ann Arbor? Then you’ll want to read my list of Ann Arbor Gluten Free Dining Options.
Where is Ann Arbor?
Ann Arbor is a huge tourist destination in Michigan. Being the home of one of Michigan’s two Big Ten athletic teams, that brings a lot of visitors. In fact, the Ann Arbor Convention and Visitor’s Bureau estimates 5.6 million people visited there in 2014.
If we figure that 1% of the population has Celiac Disease, we could estimate that 50,000 people are in need of gluten-free dining options while in the area. So to help make your trip a little bit easier, here are my list of top Ann Arbor gluten-free restaurant suggestions. (Plus two dedicated gluten free bakeries!)
Zingerman’s Roadhouse
My first mention in my Ann Arbor gluten-free restaurant suggestions is Zingerman’s Roadhouse. Why? Because Zingerman’s is synonymous with the name Ann Arbor. The level of care that they take with their food prep is PHENOMENAL.
With dedicated fryers, toasters and waffle irons, it gives peace of mind while you’re enjoying your meal. I mean, look at those Bits & Grits Waffles?! I wish I had a plate of them right now. Or their a gluten-free fried chicken. Fried Chicken folks! While you’re in the area, make a pit stop at Plum Market across the street for Ethel’s Baking Company treats and other gluten-free goods.
Earthen Jar
Of all the Ann Arbor gluten-free restaurant options, Earthen Jar is the only one that has a 100% gluten-free kitchen. That’s right, no gluten anywhere. Period. HOW AWESOME IS THAT?! Earthen Jar is more than a gluten-free restaurant. It’s 100% vegetarian as well.
All foods are served buffet style and charged by the pound. There are gluten-free desserts in the display case as well, made by Simple Pleasures. (*There is naan available, which does contain gluten, but it is made off site and is only available by request.*) Cardamom Indian restaurant also comes highly recommended by locals.
Frita Batidos
I think I’m in love with Frita Batidos. Even though their “fritas” are served bunless for us gluten-free eaters, it may be the most delicious beef patty I’ve ever tasted. Did I mention that their beef is locally sourced? Their signature fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer. That’s a huge thing for those of us with Celiac Disease.
Their batido milkshakes are wonderful. I could eat my weight in their cajeta, which is made-in-house salted goat’s milk caramel. Cover one of their sweet deep-fried plantains in the stuff and you’ll never want to leave. Add rum to their batidos and it truly is a happy hour.
Condado Tacos
I’ve visited three different Condado Taco locations, and have had amazing meals every time. The majority of their menu is gluten free, and they have great protocols in place for dietary restrictions. Plus they’re a peanut free and nut free restaurant. Read my review.
Juicy Kitchen
Ann Arbor is a place with many eclectic flavors and attention to healthy eats. Juicy Kitchen focuses fresh, local food with options for all kinds of eaters. Gluten-free? Check. Vegetarian? Check. Vegan? Yep, that’s covered too.
This delicious gluten-free stuffed French toast is cooked on a dedicated griddle with clean utensils and bowls. Cooks never share the egg wash from the regular French Toast. I highly suggest taking a bite with a bit of strawberry.
Core Life Eatery
The Core Life Eatery chain recently opened a new location in Ann Arbor. Apart from the bread made off site, everything at Core Life contains no gluten ingredients. You can create your own bowl, or order one of their popular entrees. They also feature some pretty amazing beverages, including hot bone broth.
Anna’s House
This chain of restaurants originally started in Grand Rapids, and opened the Ann Arbor Anna’s House location in 2019. Gluten free meals are prepared in a dedicated prep space with dedicated utensils. While any meal here is stellar, their gluten free breakfast options are phenomenal. Pictured above is their breakfast lasagna.
Buddy’s Pizza
Buddy’s Pizza has many locations across Michigan, including one on Ann Arbor- Saline Rd. Read more about this business in my review.
Tasty Bakery
This 100% gluten free bakery serves up treats at their storefront, and at the Kerrytown Market. Customers also enjoy their treats at local Sweetwater coffee shop locations. To learn more about this unique confectionery, read my interview with Tasty Bakery.
Nirit’s Bakery
This Cottage Law business, Nirit’s Bakery, sells at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market. Everything they make is gluten, dairy, soy and nut free.
Blank Slate Creamery
Blank Slate Creamery is an ice cream icon in Ann Arbor. They make all of their own ice cream, and many flavors are gluten free. Gluten Free flavors are clearly labeled.
Blom Meadworks
Blom Meadworks sells naturally gluten free, alcoholic mead. They often have gluten free snack options, too.
Other Ann Arbor Gluten-Free Restaurant Suggestions
1. Paesano’s
I’ve heard lots of great things about Paesano’s over the years. A friend recently had dinner there, and enjoyed gluten free pasta and even tiramisu! They even serve gluten free bread. I need to return to Ann Arbor just to visit this restaurant.
2. Pilar’s Tamales
Pilar’s Tamales is a small Salvadoran restaurant on Liberty St. Corn flour comprises the base of almost every item on the menu. They do make a few non gluten-free desserts. I highly suggest the pupusas stuffed with cheese and loroco flower.
3. Miki Japanese Restaurant
My friend Jen Burch, from Blue Bear Aware, highly recommended this Ann Arbor gluten-free restaurant option to me. The biggest issue for any Asian restaurant is the presence of wheat in soy sauce. She reports that Miki offers gluten-free soy sauce for their dishes. If you get a chance to eat there safely, report back so I know!
4. Totoro
If you’re in the mood for sushi, Totoro has many gluten free sushi options. Gluten free options notated on menu.
5. Stadium Market
Stadium Market isn’t really a restaurant. It’s a party store with a functional kitchen, selling gluten-free pizza and breakfast sandwiches Again, Find Me Gluten-Free has many reviews about this place. I sought the advice of Valarie Mates, the moderator of the online Gluten-Free Ann Arbor Yahoo Group.
She said that it’s “awesome.” Stadium Market reportedly has many gluten-free beers, and sells a selection of Udi’s products. If you can attest to their steps for preventing cross-contact, please let me know!
6. Salt Springs Brewery
Salt Springs Brewery is located in Saline, which is just outside of Ann Arbor. While I have not personally eaten there, I’ve been told they have a dedicated gluten free fryer for fried fish. However, I would check with wait staff before ordering, just to make sure.
Final Reminders about Eating Gluten Free in Ann Arbor
As always, I suggest calling restaurants prior to dining to ask about gluten free food preparation practices. This allows you to get the best information without staff being distracted during a food rush. Luckily, Ann Arbor is a forward thinking city and there are plenty of options. You can even eat safely at University of Michigan dining commons! And last I knew, there’s a gluten free stand at the football field.
Where do you look to eat in Ann Arbor? Leave me a note and I’ll be sure to check them out!
**In full disclosure, I was provided free meals at some of these establishments, but that does change my views or my comments.**
I stopped reading at the first entry because this article is a sham. It’s clearly not a gluten free restaurant by the following sentence, “With dedicated fryers, toasters and waffle irons, it gives peace of mind,” just a gluten free optional menu. It’d be better if the writer didn’t decide for us. Don’t think I’ll use this website.
Dear Meh,
I understand your point. It was not my attempt to mislead anyone. There are no 100% completely dedicated gluten-free restaurants in Ann Arbor. There are actually only a handful in the state of Michigan. Please know that I’m not a sham, though. I’ve been diagnosed with Celiac Disease for over a decade and take great care to ask every question about a restaurant. Other helpful websites that you may want to use are Allergy Eats and Find Me Gluten Free. Have a nice day.
Zingermans does have a dedicated gf frier. I don’t know about toaster and I haven’t ever seen them have gf waffles but gf frier definitely. In fact when the gf frier us broken down they print menu’s without the gf fried food on it.
Zingerman’s has had a dedicated waffle maker for many years. I highly recommend trying their gluten free bits and grits waffles. 🙂 And yes, they have a dedicated fryer
Thanks for the info, very helpful.
Are many of these restaurants filling with corn? Corn is a common ingredient that many with Celiac and Auto- immune diseases find indigestible & inflammatory , as though they have been”glutened”. A bit more transparency on ingredients would be helpful. Thank you, for the reviews of places we can begin a conversation with whilst traveling. Often times we end up eating picnic style from a local grocer to stay clean with our eating.
Dear Laura,
The focus of my blog is on restaurants that take care in preparing gluten free meals. And corn is gluten free. Unfortunately, I don’t have additional information on ingredients. You will have to ask the restaurant you’re interested about the use of corn in their meals.
Thanks for this post! I contacted you with some more questions because I’m visiting Ann Arbor soon, and it doesn’t seem like the most celiac friendly city, so I’d love all the advice I can get!
Thank you for the post! I am always looking for good gluten-free options in restaurants. Seva off of Jackson Ave is another place that is lovely, and I’ve never had a reaction from there.
I do have a question: what is a good place to go for desert? P.F. Chang’s used to have a gorgeous gf cake and ice cream dessert, which of course is no longer there. I’m looking for more options.
Thanks!
Glad I could help! Quick note as I’m not sure that I updated my post. Arbor Brewing no longer has gluten – free fryer.
As far as dessert, I’ve heard great things about Iorio’s Gelato.
Erin — How about Tasty Bakery for dessert? They are a 100% gluten-free bakery. Yum! I also love Simple Pleasures, inside Earthen Jar.
I would alao recommend Seva on Jackson, as they have a dedicated fryer and are an all vegetarian restaurant. Everything is labeled and they are very good about cross contamination.
Miss Kim and Zingerman’s Deli are also in the Zingerman’s family, and are surprisingly amazing at preventing cross contamination. Paesano has been fantastic as well; never glutened there. Plus they have GF bread and pasta for only $1 upcharge. Carlyle Grill has been good too, including GF pasta in its own water, and Chela’s for tacos.
As a GF vegetarian, I wish more places a
were aware of this intersection.
Thanks for this post!
I stopped in to Seva and had an awkward experience. I thought I mentioned Paesano’s in my post, as it was recommended by others, but will double check. Thanks for your comments!
My kids love Seva, but I’ve been glutened there too many times, even though I know they are trying to be careful. Their Pad Thai is so good — but, sadly, I get sick every time I eat it.
When I just “popped in,” they gave me misinformation. I ended up not ordering anything there and leaving.
Earthern Jar and Paesano’s are two of my favorites, so I’m glad to see them included on the list. Paesano’s management is extremely knowledgable about separately preparing celiac-safe items and I eat there at least a few times a month and have never gotten sick. As a celiac and vegan, Blue Nile also is a go-to of mine. Like Earthern Jar, pretty much the only thing with gluten is the injera bread. Otherwise, all the items (berbere lentils, yellow split peas, collard greens (which are amazing)), and their meat options are gluten-free. In addition, the People’s Co-op downtown has a hot bar with many gluten-free items that they prepare separately as well as soups. While cross-contamination the buffet can happen, I’ve never had a problem with it. You can find gluten-free desserts there, too. But if you’re really looking for cake or cookies, Tasty Bakery is a great. Finally, Cardamom is another good option. Most items on the menu (fresh/modern Indian) are gluten-free and, again, I eat there a lot and have never gotten sick.
Thank you for the other recommendations. I’ve heard some good things about Blue Nile, and I think someone recently mentioned cardamom to me.
Anna’s House across the street from the Briarwood Mall has a wonderful GF menu and has an entirely separate kitchen to prepare gf foods.
The Earl is a great place for celiacs. They have gf options and are very careful about cross contamination
Thanks for the recommendation!
I had an amazing meal at Salt Springs Brewery. The waiter was very knowledgeable. My husband and I shared the calamari appetizer and I had the whitefish and chips for dinner. Beautiful place and the patio is great during the Summer.
I just recently ate at Paesanos and was surprised about how attentive they were about making sure my food was gluten free. I had the spaghetti and it was very good and also I got gluten free bread, that was rare a treat to go with meal. They do charge extra for the gluten food but that is ok when it is good.
So glad to hear you had a great meal at Paesano’s. I just ate there for the first time last week, and loved it! I highly recommend ordering the gluten free tiramisu.
Knight’s (both locations) has great GF desserts! Went with a friend for his birthday! Can’t speak to their food as I only got a giant blondie with ice cream! But so good!!
Detroit Street Filling Station is 100% vegan with a lot of GF options and amazing food!!
Maiz in Ypsi has always been great for me too! I know not Ann Arbor but close by!!
Real Seafood Company is always fabulous. I go to the Bay City location more often with my parents but the Ann Arbor one is awesome too.
We went to Gandy Dancer on Christmas and they can do almost the entire menu GF. We got appetizers, entrees, and desserts!!
Thank you for all of these recommendations. 🙂 I’ve heard good things about Gandy Dancer, but have never tried it. I’ll have to make a point to go, sometime.
Hi: Do you know of any place in Ann Arbor that makes gluten free pachki (punchkey)?
Dear Ann, No GF bakers in Ann Arbor are making paczki this year. The closest to Ann Arbor would be No More Belly Aching in Brighton. Please see this blog post for more information. https://miglutenfreegal.com/michigan-gluten-free-paczki/
Miss Kim’s has SO many gluten free options and if you talk to the owner/chef she takes gf very seriously. I’ve eaten there quite a few times and have never gotten sick and I felt like the staff really understood gf.
Detroit Filling Station has lots of GF options and even has a celiac option you can select while ordering. They take food allergies very seriously and the food is delish! It is vegan or vegetarian, as well.
I had the grits and bits waffles at Zingerman’s this morning. Heaven on earth! Thanks so much for the recommendation!
So glad to know you enjoyed it. It’s one of my absolute favorite restaurants.