A 518 Listicle of Gluten Free Places to Eat
Saratoga County has a plethora of local businesses serving up delicious food & gluten free options for those with Celiac.
It feels like forever ago that I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease as a freshman in college back in 2013. When I came home to Saratoga Springs, NY, to visit my family, we would occasionally go downtown to eat. At the time, there weren’t many options, and honestly, we went to Wheatfields quite often because they served gluten free bread and had a gluten free pasta option, something not many places offered back then. Oh, how far we’ve come (ha!). Now, there’s a plethora of restaurants and bakeries making it easier to dine out and indulge in both healthy and carb-loaded favorites like pastas, donuts, and breads. Although it can still be a struggle at times, it’s such a relief to see more places that are accommodating and understanding the change in the times.
👉 Here’s a listicle (no photos), and quite honestly, a bit of a brain dump, organized by location (including spots with gluten-free fryers) to help you get started.
Locations listed in order: Lake George/Bolton, Glens Falls, Saratoga, Ballston Spa, Troy, Albany, Schenectady
Lake George/Bolton Landing
Bear’s Cup Bakehouse - Bolton Landing: Just opened for the season. All of their products are baked in the same location, BUT they are kept separate from their gluten full options. Their gluten free options include chocolate chip banana bread, double chocolate sea salt cookies, and white bread for sandwiches.
The Gem - Bolton Landing: This is your BBQ place! All main courses, smoked meats, and housemade sauces are gluten-free, with items marked by a wheat asterisk for easy navigation.
Shepard’s Restaurant at the Inn at Erlowest - Lake George: Many dishes can be modified to be celiac-safe, and the staff is knowledgeable and accommodating when it comes to dietary needs. Dining on their outdoor patio while taking in sweeping views of Lake George is the perfect setting for a romantic evening, a birthday celebration, or a vacation meal you’ll remember long after the trip ends.
Glens Falls
Park & Elm: You can find gluten free products in their market next door. Some items include cheese, gluten free pasta, gluten free crackers, and more. The restaurant staff is knowledgeable and will make recommendations. Most of the menu is either gluten free or can be modified easily. Try the salmon!
Mint: Mint is a scratch kitchen where attention to dietary needs comes first. Gluten-free dishes are clearly labeled, substitutions are welcome, and the kitchen uses only gluten-free breadcrumbs where needed. Their location in Slingerlands, NY (Albany) has a gluten free crab cake (OMG!).
Farmacy: They have a handful of options listed on their brunch and dinner menu, like their Carnitas Tacos, Brisket Hash, and Grilled Hanger Steak, if those fit your fancy.
Gourmet Cafe: Their gluten-free-friendly offerings include housemade rosemary focaccia for all sandwiches, as well as gluten-free pastas and pizzas.
O’Toole’s Restaurant & Pub (Queensbury): O'Toole’s offers casual comfort food with a gluten-free twist. Their menu indicates which items are gluten-free or can be modified, and they use a dedicated gluten-free fryer, which is a huge bonus for those with Celiac.
Saratoga
(This is where I lived, so it is a bit more extensive)
Bare Blends: 100% gluten free and vegan at their Saratoga location. Order anything you want!
Boca: Lots of gluten free options. The team will inquire about dietary restrictions when you dine here.
The Bunker: Gluten free pizza and cooked on a separate pan in the oven. Great place to watch a game or get friends together for golf.
Cantina: Lots of menu items labeled gluten free. Please double-check with the team that they are using a gluten free fryer. They had told me a few months back that they recently changed their protocols so that all “GF” labeled items were in the dedicated fryer aside from the fried ice cream. I felt safe eating the nachos and taquitos. The brussel sprouts made me sick most recently, so just be careful. Love their happy hour. 2 for 1 margs and $5 GF apps.
DairyHaus: Gluten free ice cream cones are available, so you don’t need to BYOC (bring your own cone).
Druthers: Gluten free buns available for burgers.
Osteria Danny: Gluten free pasta available. There have been mixed reviews here for Celiacs. Call ahead. I have had gluten free pasta, but another Celiac went and said they didn’t have any available.
Seneca: They have a gluten free menu and are good about helping you find a safe option. I honestly just love their cocktail & wine menu. It is fantastic.
Solevo: This is one of my favorites. No gluten free pasta, but all pastas can be served with polenta. Try the bolognese and the gluten free limoncello olive oil cake.
9 Miles East: Gluten free pizza crust available from Saratoga Gluten Free Bakery. They also have gluten free options (salads & soups) to go.
Hamlet & Ghost: Surprisingly, not many gluten free options here, and their flat-top grill is contaminated with gluten (so skip the burger). It’s a small kitchen, so I think it is tough. Their happy hour is great, though, and I usually find 1 option to eat that is fantastic. If they still have the smoked beets on the menu, try those!
Familiar Creature: Save room for the soft serve. They do not have a dedicated gluten free fryer. If they are not busy, they will bake the potatoes for you instead of frying. Ask your server about gluten free options, as their menu changes all the time.
Sara’s Kitchen: My go-to for takeout. Pricey but delish. They have a gluten free fryer for gluten free pita chips and a gluten free dedicated panini press for gyros. Don’t skip the LimoNana drink on the side.
Mama Mia’s: Fantastic gluten free pizza. They also have gluten free pasta, but it is most likely the Barilla brand. Just ok. Their menu clearly states what toppings are safe. I always get the pepperoni pizza and ask them to cook it separately using separate utensils.
Hatties (Wilton Location): They have let me know their fried chicken here is gluten free (in a dedicated fryer). It is not gluten free at the track or downtown Saratoga.
Walt Whitman: Gluten free buns for their burger and gluten free pizza crust. They have cocktails too. Skip the fries and ask for a side salad instead. Their fryer is not gluten free.
PDT Maison: Loved their chicken caesar wrap with the gluten free wrap (order without croutons). They have gluten free bread and wraps for an easy brunch/lunch option. If you are reading this and not Celiac, my boyfriend said they have one of the best burgers in downtown Saratoga.
Taverna Novo: Gluten free pizza and pasta available. Most of their entrees are gluten free. Small and intimate setting.
Ballston Spa
Next Door Kitchen: No gluten free fryer, but the chef has an intolerance (might even be Celiac) and is very careful. Lots of gluten free options. They will even bring you a separate amuse-bouche at the beginning of your meal. Great wine list.
Iron Roost: They have weird hours (not open weekends…) but they do have gluten free waffles and a separate waffle maker.
Whistling Tea Kettle: Gluten free bread for sandwiches. Some of their salad and soups are gluten free too.
Troy
Birch Baked: Okay, this place is a MUST! Apple cider donut holes (fritters). Brought me right back to childhood. They also have breads, pizza crust, other donut flavors (like glazed and strawberry frosted), and cookies. Be prepared to stand in line. Don’t worry, it moves fast.
Liza’s: 100% gluten free and dairy free breakfast/lunch spot. Must try the paleo gluten free banana muffins, their Big Betty on a waffle (I had it with toast but heard the waffle was where it was at), and don’t skip the matcha latte with their housemade cashew mylk.
O’Malley’s Oven: 100% gluten free. They have breads, baked goods, and more! You can find them at the Troy Farmer’s Market.
Troy is coming in hot with the most delicious gluten free options. I am sure there are other places I am missing here.
Albany
City Line Bar: Thanks to my friends Kristen (@saucysuraci) and Rachel (@fullbowlhappysoul), I found out they are turning 3 of their 4 fryers into dedicated gluten free fryers!
Rosanna’s on Dove: Their menu is about 90% gluten free. They have homemade gluten free focaccia, gluten free gnocchi, gluten free spaghetti and meatballs, and gluten free and vegan cakes. Also, their fryer is 100% gluten free.
Josie’s Table: Gluten free pasta, pizza, and other gluten free modifiable options on their menu. Located in Stuyvesant Plaza.
Kismet Grill: Most of their menu is naturally gluten free. They make everything to order, so it is fresh. Great hospitality too. Stay tuned for their cocktail launch soon.
Schnectady
Different Blends Gluten Free Bakery: Ice cream cookie sandwiches, gluten free products in their market area, take-and-bake breads, and cinnamon rolls. The list goes on and on.
Ember & Cork: A variety of gluten free options, clearly labeled on their menu. A place to wine and dine.
Milas 518: Must try the cocktails. The wrap-around bar is a vibe. Their menu options have modifiable gluten free options (no gluten free fryer). Crudite for their dips like whipped ricotta and labneh. Short ribs - chef’s kiss.
Have restaurants you love in the area? Drop them in the comments to let others know.