Texas - Any Recommendations?

[maxcarr]

Hi - we're heading to Austin and San Antonio this week...any great recommendations for restaurants (with 3 kids between 8-13) I'm the only one with celiac though. Thanks in advance!

Max

[penguin]

I can't help you with San Antonio, but I can help you with Austin...

I don't eat out tons, and when I do it's usually fast food, I don't know where you're coming from, so I'll assume you don't have these places.

Chipotle - They are all over town and the only things NOT gluten-free are their flour tortillas, though beware the lettuce and cheese because they use their hands to put it into burritos. I always get the burrito bol, which is the normal burrito without the wrap.

Chick-fil-A - A few places around town, they have a gluten-free listing on their website. Grilled chicken, fries, and most sauces are safe.

Taco Cabanas are also all over Austin and San Antonio, and they have a lot of gluten-free items, but I think you have to call them to get the list. I've never eaten there, though.

Austin has a couple of PF Chang's, Outbacks, and Applebee's. I think there's one of each in the Arboretum area. I've eaten at the PF Chang's there with no problems.

You'll also find the landmark store for Whole Foods at 5th St and Lamar, but beware, it's a zoo. Fabulous, but a zoo. They have what must be the worlds largest salad bar.

There is also another Whole Foods in the Arboretum area, at 183 (Research Blvd.) & Capital of Texas Hwy (loop 360). There is a Central Market at 290 and Lamar on Westgate Blvd, and one at Lamar and 45th St. approx. There is a Sun Harvest on Anderson Ln (take the Anderson Ln./Spicewood Springs exit off MoPac and turn right), and another one at 290 and Lamar, kind of kaddy-corner to Central Market.

There's an Amy's ice cream near Central Market on Westgate, and it's yummy and they're accomodating.

I've heard that Hula Hut (I think it's on Lake Austin Blvd) is a good choice for Celiacs, and so is the County Line on the lake (on 2222).

Good luck and have fun!!!

[cornbread]

I agree on Hula Hut. Very careful/courteous waitstaff. They will run and check on ingredients for you and suggest ways you can have a dish prepared safely, ie: substituting stuff. Great place for kids and adults alike.

If you plan on having a special meal without the kids, Sullivan's steakhouse is awesome and has never glutened me. Speak to your waitstaff and they will go all out to prepare you a safe meal.

I've also had good results at Magnolia Cafe (open 24 hours, all types of food, casual and but great food and very friendly and very very 'Austin'). They have a few 'branches' around town. Once again, speak to them and they will deliver. I CAN NOT say the same for Kerbey Lane however, who are the other 24/7 place. My husband and me used to go there daily before my diagnosis, but once I started going and asking for stuff to be prepared a certain way I got glutened. More than once. And they appeared not to care about losing 2 of their most loyal customers.

Mexican... you can't come to Austin without having some Tex-Mex. I highly recommend Maudie's (same deal - mention you can't have wheat and check what you're ordering has 100% corn tortillas and that there's no gluten in the sauces). They have a few items to choose from for the gluten-free, and it's worth a visit alone for their tortilla chips. Another good option for Tex-Mex is Guero's. For proper Mexican (ie: interior not tex-mex) I can very very highly recommend Manuel's. It's at 310 Congress. Make sure you get corn tortillas and have them check the dish you want, etc.

PM me if you want more info!

[penguin]

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I've also had good results at Magnolia Cafe (open 24 hours, all types of food, casual and but great food and very friendly and very very 'Austin'). They have a few 'branches' around town. Once again, speak to them and they will deliver. I CAN NOT say the same for Kerbey Lane however, who are the other 24/7 place. My husband and me used to go there daily before my diagnosis, but once I started going and asking for stuff to be prepared a certain way I got glutened. More than once. And they appeared not to care about losing 2 of their most loyal customers.

Mexican... you can't come to Austin without having some Tex-Mex. I highly recommend Maudie's (same deal - mention you can't have wheat and check what you're ordering has 100% corn tortillas and that there's no gluten in the sauces). They have a few items to choose from for the gluten-free, and it's worth a visit alone for their tortilla chips. Another good option for Tex-Mex is Guero's. For proper Mexican (ie: interior not tex-mex) I can very very highly recommend Manuel's. It's at 310 Congress. Make sure you get corn tortillas and have them check the dish you want, etc.

PM me if you want more info!

I was wondering about Magnolia, diners scare me now, but I've heard such good things about the food. What do you get there?

And I've lived in Austin for 9 months and haven't eaten mexican once! What's wrong with me!?!?!

[maxcarr]

Thank you both for the recommendations! That will be very helpful in sorting out where to go - I'm excited to eat Mexican there - it's one of my favorites. Thanks so much for all the info!

Max