Brinstar – Video Game Arcade + Bar and Grill

I had the pleasure of chatting with Brinstar’s owner, Belle Fawcett. I asked her why she chose to open a restaurant with arcade games. She replied “My boyfriend liked beer and video games. And thought other people do too.” She was right, because they keep pretty busy. Read my blog post to learn more about what this unique eatery has to offer.

Why do you choose to offer gluten free options at Brinstar? 

I dined with friends and family who have dietary restrictions. I noticed how often gluten free and vegan options simply didn’t exist for them. At our restaurant, I wanted to make sure customers didn’t feel left out.

In addition, I realize that offering safe gluten free options isn’t just a “trend.” People rarely eat out by themselves. By offering gluten free options, we allow families and friends to enjoy each other in community, like everyone else. We’ve even been asked to provide food for local conferences, when their kitchen staff didn’t have options for guests.

Is your menu also free from any other allergens?

We offer Impossible meat for burgers and dairy free cheese for our vegan customers.

What kind of oil do you use for frying/ cooking?

We cook all our gluten free fried foods in soybean oil.

Do you have a separate gluten free menu? 

All gluten free menu items are noted on our main menu. We offer Udi’s buns for gluten free burgers. Out kitchen maintains a dedicated fryer for fresh cut french fries, chicken strips and our homemade falafel. We offer gluten free gravy for our poutine. Most days we prepare at least one gluten free soup.

What steps do you take to prevent cross contact in the kitchen?

While we don’t have a separate gluten free prep space, we take pretty strict precautions. We cook gluten free orders in a separate pan instead of using the flat top. Staff know to change gloves, use separate cutting boards, and grab different utensils. We store all gluten free stuff ingredients on top shelves, to prevent cross contact with gluten from other items

What training do your staff receive on preparing GF meals safely? 

Not only do I train my staff on all the steps to safely prepare a gluten free order, I also train them on WHY it’s important. Again, we know this is not just a fad. The staff here really take it to heart, and are proud of the gluten free food we serve. You can often hear them shout out allergy orders in the kitchen, and they know the steps to take.

I also maintain separate “cheat sheets” near the kitchen. One list includes all of our gluten free options. Staff know to double check that list if they’re unsure or have questions.

Do you have picks or special plates that denote a GF meal?

We don’t currently use special plates or picks for gluten free meals. The gluten free buns look very different than standard buns.

What’s your most popular gluten free menu item?

Our gluten free chicken tenders are pretty popular with our gluten free clients. We offer some great burgers too.

Do you offer gluten free beer or hard cider?

We maintain a full bar, and offer many gluten free alcohol options. We serve Neff gluten free beer, Unity Vibration Hard Kombucha, B. Nectar Mead and Angry Orchard Hard Cider.

Do you have patio seating? Are dogs allowed outside? 

While we do have some seating outside where you can dine, we don’t take orders or serve guests outside. (It’s a licensing issue.)

In the summer, Downtown Midland blocks off a section of Main St, from Ashman to Rodd street. The Commons Pedestrian Plaza offers tables and even outdoor games for the whole family. Customers often order their meal to go and enjoy the outdoors with their family. During the summer months, one can attend many free concerns in that area.

What unique events do you have at your restaurant?

We offer Pinball tournaments on Mondays, and Trivia on Wednesdays. Brinstar offers Bingo as well. As we share on our Facebook page, “escape the insanity of the “real world” and enjoy quality time with family and friends in a fun and entertaining atmosphere.” We suggest calling to reserving a table on Trivia nights, because it’s really popular.

What add’l things would you like my followers to know about your Brinstar?

We offer what I proudly call “Kids Happy Hour.” During Spring Break and all Summer long, we offer $5 kids meals from 11 am to 4 pm. Kids meals options include your choice of choose chicken strips (gluten free), grilled cheese* or hot dog* with fries and hot chocolate, Sprite, Barq’s root beer or Coke. (*not gluten free). We sometimes offer it during other holidays as well.

Do you have parking on premises? Any tips on traveling to your Brinstar? 

While customer parking is available along Main St, we suggest using public parking lots. You can find parking lots near us on the Downtown Midland Parking article. As far as traveling to our restaurant, we’re about 4 miles from US-10, and less than a mile from the Midland Loons Dow Stadium.

Other Places to Visit in Midland, Michigan

As mentioned above, we’re close to the Midland Loons Minor League Baseball Stadium. We highly recommend visiting the Midland Center of the Arts, and the canopy walk at Dow Gardens. Make sure to visit Off the Wheaten Path, Midland’s own dedicated gluten free bakery!

Restaurant Location, Hours and Contact Information

Brinstar

415 E Main St

Midland, MI 48640

(989) 486-1733

Hours – Open at 11 close at 11pm except Fri and Sat open until 2

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Email

Brinstar 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!

As a reminder, no matter where you dine, make sure to ask thorough questions about gluten free food preparation.

The post Brinstar Arcade Bar & Grill Gluten Free Options appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Dedicated Gluten Free Beer in the Midwest

Beer. If there’s one thing that those newly diagnosed with Celiac Disease miss, it’s GOOD gluten-free beer. There’s only a handful of true, dedicated gluten-free breweries in this country. (Stay far away from that gluten-removed beer.) Lucky for us mid-westerners, Alt Brew in Madison, WI brews IPAs, ales and porters that stand up to the task. My husband and I visited Alt Brew on our epic trip to South Dakota.

Who Started Alt Brew and Why? 

Trevor Easton, the owner of Alt Brew, had been brewing beer at home for years. It was a love and passion he shared with his wife. When she received a Celiac Disease diagnosis in 2007, it changed everything Easton knew about brewing beer.

At first he tried still brewing regular beer at home, but he realized the issue with cross-contact with gluten was huge. Therefore, he started over, making brews from completely gluten-free grains. He tried batch after batch, admitting to me that he dumped more beer in that first 6 months than ever before.

Does Alt Brew Beer Taste Good? 

Fast forward ten years later and Alt Brew beers are winning awards. They always have 8 different beers on tap, as well as seasonal items in bottles. Their most notable brew is their Copperhead Ale. It won a Silver Medal Award at the Great American Beer Festival. You’ll find everything from IPAs, ales and even their Sunset Belgian Tripel made with teff.

As I prefer ciders to beer, my husband ordered one of the tasting flights at Alt Brew. His flight included the Imperial Brown, the Kickback Kolsch, Hollywood Nights IPA, the Rustic Badger Farmhouse Ale and the Copperhead Ale. My husband prefers stouts and porters to a traditional IPA, so the Imperial Brown was high on his list. He says the Rustic Badger is an all-around great beer. Visit the “Taproom” link on their website to see what’s currently on tap.

Don’t like beer? They also now have a line of ciders!

Does Alt Brew Serve Food? **Temporarily Not Serving Food*

Alt Brew offers more than just beer. They also serve a completely gluten-free menu that includes pizza, nachos and more. We ordered the BBQ pizza and the nachos. Usually the BBQ pizza is topped with smoked pork. However, Trevor swapped out chicken for us due to my husband’s pork intolerance. We had spent seven or more hours on the road (driving a Uhaul) and their food was exactly what I was craving. The two dishes easily served two people.

(Alt Brew does allow outside food to be brought in.) 

All About Supporting Local

Alt Brew is all about partnering with local businesses. This includes Pasqual’s tortilla chips that are used for the nachos. While it wasn’t on their menu, they also work with local business The Conscious Carnivore. This ethical butcher shop uses Alt Brew’s beer to make one amazing gluten-free beer brat. In addition, they partner with Rusty Dog Coffee, from whom Trevor buys coffee when roasting their Coffee Stout that comes out in the spring.  

Love to Play Pinball? 

Alt Brew is known far and wide for one more unique feature. Pinball. When they had their soft opening in 2016, Trevor was approached by a local pinball enthusiast. It all started with a suggestion and one pinball machine.

Now there are more than a handful of pinball machines in the rear of Alt Brew, including “Killer Queen.” This unique pinball machine allows for multiple players and is one of ONLY 14 machines in the entire world. This feature quickly made Alt Brew the go-to place for pinball fans, and is now home to monthly pinball tournaments.

Perfect Night Out

Without a doubt, we had a great night at Alt Brew. While we enjoyed the food and beer, I enjoyed Trevor’s company just as much. He has such a welcoming and cordial presence. I felt like I could have sat and talked with him for hours. If you are in the Madison area, I highly recommend making a stop here, because I guarantee you’ll love the place. You can also find their beer in other Wisconsin businesses, like Brennan’s Market and Total Wine/ 

Other Must-Visit Madison, Wisconsin Businesses

Looking for a bite to eat? A local friend recommends Everly and La Taguara, which both have dedicated gluten free fryers. She stated Imperial Garden and Red Sushi also do a great job with gluten free meals. My friend also said that Otto’s Restaurant and  Bar is a hidden gem.  

Looking for something sweet? Make sure to visit Madison Chocolate Company, which is a dedicated gluten free bakery. Make sure to visit Ice Cream Social, too. All their ice cream flavors, and their cones, are gluten free. 

What’s your favorite style of beer? Have you found a gluten-free beer that you love? Have other Madison dining suggestions? Please share with our readers below!

Brewery Location and Contact Information

Alt Brew
1808 Wright St
Madison Wisconsin 53704
608-352-3373
Webpage | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Taproom open for outdoor and indoor seating Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 1 pm-9 pm.
Order pickup Tues-Wed 10am-4ppm, Thurs-Sat 10a-9p. Closed Sunday and Monday

**While we were not charged for our pizza or nachos, my thoughts and opinions are completely my own. We paid for our beer, which my husband thoroughly enjoyed.**

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