10 Chicago Restaurants with Super-Friendly Gluten-Free Menus

There’s just no substitute for fresh-baked bread. Girl & the Goat, known for its exceptional baking, makes gluten-free loaves that are as good as the real thing—seriously. Not only that, it provides a gluten-free guide to the menu, which clearly labels the dishes and ingredients that may have gluten. Last we checked, Stephanie Izard’s to-die-for green beans were still fair game.

809 W. Randolph St.; 312-492-6262 or girlandthegoat.com

From the empanadas to the cassava rolls, everything here is sans gluten. The soft-and-flaky empanada dough gets stuffed with everything from sweet apples and cinnamon to savory pulled pork. Do not leave without trying a perfectly buttery cassava roll stuffed with cheese or chocolate—OK, or probably both.

3338 N. Clark St.; 773-857-3039 or cassavachicago.com

It’s kind of unfair how Summer House Santa Monica keeps its grade-A cookie selection on display right by the front door—the temptation is high. At least is has plenty of gluten-free options to keep your tummy happy. The entrées also accommodate sensitivities with mahi-mahi tacos, butternut-squash steak and all burgers and sandwiches on GF bread.

1954 N. Halsted St.; 773-634-4100 or summerhousesm.com

At brunch, lunch or dinner, Beatrix’s gluten-free options do not disappoint. Shakshouka with feta and kale, crispy quinoa cakes with poached eggs and a juicy burger on GF toast all make ordering off the gluten-free menu feel like a special privilege, not a burden.

Multiple locations; beatrixchicago.com

Pancakes, muffins and (yes) New York-style bagels should make your tummy rumble with hunger, not fear. That can be the case at Wheat’s End, which bakes up all your favorite breakfast treats sans gluten. The sunny spot is the perfect place to stop in before work or for a leisurely weekend brunch.

2873 N. Broadway; 773-770-3527 or wheatsendcafe.com

True Food’s menu caters to an anti-inflammatory diet developed by health guru Dr. Andrew Weil. And since bread (sigh) can be considered inflammatory, that means plenty of yummy GF dishes. Our favorite might be the ooey-gooey spaghetti squash casserole, but the spicy panang curry bowl and pizzas (which can be made with GF dough) are equally yummy.

1 W. Erie St.; 312-204-6981 or truefoodkitchen.com

The gluten-free trend has made it even to the highest reaches of Hancock Tower. Executive chef Cardel Reid has put together a menu that includes 15 GF dishes, including ahi tuna tartare and seared sea scallops. Pairs well with an expansive view of Lake Michigan. Not bad…not bad…

875 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-787-9596 or signatureroom.com

Aside from a few of the sauces, Aloha's poké bowls are completely gluten-free. Beautiful colors, satisfying proteins and a slew of ingredient options including tuna, salmon, tofu, edamame, pineapple, ginger and more ensure you don’t feel like you’re missing out on all the other lunch options out there. And really, is a sandwich anywhere near as Instagram-worthy?

Multiple locations; alohapokeco.com

Of all the trendy doughnut shops in the city, Do-Rite has the best gluten-free game. The birthday cake and cinnamon sugar flavors are nothing to sneeze at, but really it all comes down to three little words: Valrhona chocolate glazed. Go forth and eat doughnuts.

Multiple locations; doritedonuts.com

Deeply inspired by their travels in Italy, Spacca Napoli’s owners are passionate about recreating authentic Neapolitan pizza in Chicago. But that doesn’t mean they turn up their noses at dietary restrictions. Call ahead and they’ll arrange to make your fior-di-latte, San-Marzano-tomato-topped pie with GF dough.

1769 W. Sunnyside Ave.; 773-878-2420 or spaccanapolipizzeria.com