In a town where being unique is not only accepted but encouraged, the epicurean landscape includes delectable spots for the carnivorous, vegan, vegetarian, and… ah yes, the “gluten-free.”
PDX has some 100% Gluten-Free places to dine, and they also have many places that offer gluten free menus or special dishes.
In no particular order, here are 13 of the best gluten-free eateries in Portland:
1. New Cascadia
This place was one of the first gluten-free stops for me. The New Cascadia Traditional Bakery,
Is much more than a bakery, and their baked goods are amazing…ranging from pocket pies and pizzas to challah every Friday. They have multiple choices of fresh bread every week, cupcakes and more.
Oh, and they make a mean latte. New Cascadia is 100% gluten free and you can find their amazing cinnamon raisin bread at both Whole Foods and New Seasons!
2. TULA
TULA is 100% Gluten Free, serving a full line of gluten-free sweet and savory baked goods.
Hip and cute, this GF Portland eatery serves breakfast and lunch. Here you will find a wide variety of snacks and meals ranging from breakfast sandwiches to cookies and pies, as well as fresh baked breads and smoothies. They are a great meeting place for a coffee or a bite to eat and have Wi-Fi.
3. Harlow
Harlow has a hipster and hippie yoga vibe, with chandeliers and distressed wooden tables with unmatching chairs. Harlow offers 100% gluten-free & vegetarian dining and features juices and smoothies, along with delicious macrobiotic bowls, cocktails, and more. Great for breakfast or anytime.
Harlow has the best “Dirty Chai” in the city. The atmosphere is casual, and the food flavorful and creative.
4. A N D Café
And Café is a hippy dippy vegetarian brunch spot where everything, including their signature waffles and meatloaf benedict, can be made vegan and gluten-free.
They make some very tasty pancakes!
5. Por Que No and Stella’s Tacos
These two taco powerhouses offer many gluten-free options. Stella’s located in the Alberta Arts District rocks a gluten-free Chili Relleno, and many of their tacos are gluten free. Por Que No located on NE Mississippi, brings an amazing array of tacos and bowls, and also tamales! Breakfast on the weekends only at Por Que No, and Stella’s serves breakfast tacos until 3 pm. Both are fun, original and have their own flair. Both are also a really good deal, a great place to eat on the cheap!
Note: you’re safe with most Mexican restaurants as long as you go for corn over flour and ask about sauces.
6. Andina
credit: Lincoln Barbour
Andina is a Peruvian restaurant and tapas bar with an extensive special menu of gluten-free tapas, available for lunch and dinner, and dessert.
7. Zach’s Shack
Crave a hot dog? Zach’s Shack on SE Hawthorne and 46th SE deliciously has soft Gluten-Free Buns! Oh and a great variety of dogs, my favorite being the “Chicago.”
Best hot dogs in the city. Open late, video games, Ping-Pong, and a bar. What more could you ask for?
8. Tin Shed
They have it all and lot’s of gluten-free options, their gluten-free mac and cheese is uber good. They have toast, buns, and some crazy good coconut rice.
9. Back to Eden
Want dessert? Back to Eden on Alberta offers a full bakery or gluten-free desserts as well as low sugar ice cream treats!
10. Ground Breaker Brewing
Thirsty? Head over to Ground Breaker Brewing, the only dedicated gluten-free brewery in town (quite likely, the only gluten-free brewery in many towns!). They have a bistro as well, and their sandwiches are excellent.
11. Teote
If you’ve never had an arepa, you’re in for a treat. These are Venezuelan corn cakes filled with your choice of meat (and they’re all so good) and everything in the place (except the Tecate) is 100% gluten free. Plus! They have an amazing hidden patio with a fire pit.
12. Hawthorne Fish House/Corbett Fish House
Let’s say you can’t eat gluten but you want something extra naughty for dinner. Enter Hawthorne Fish House. Now, of course you can’t eat here every day, but when you’re gluten free and you’re craving beer-battered fish and chips, this is the place to go. Try the crab/cheese soup, too, if your stomach has capacity.
13. Jade
Hand-pulled noodles. Excellent sauces. Tea. Great food. If you’re missing Asian food, go to Jade. Sure, it’s in Sellwood, which is apparently a neighborhood of Portland nobody visits, but it’s worth a stop. Bring your friends, too, because even if they eat gluten, they’ll love everything here.
Bonus: Kyra’s Bake Shop
Okay, so it’s not in Portland, but Kyra’s Bake Shop is fabulous. Kyra has won Cupcake Wars on the Food Network three times, and her sugary treats are worth the trip to Lake Oswego. Get the cinnamon rolls. Trust me. If you’re coming back through my neighborhood after you go down there, pick one up for me.
As you can see, Portland offers ample dining for those who are wishing to avoid gluten. For a more extensive list of gluten-free establishments check out these links: http://www.glutenfreeportland.org, OPEN TABLE, and Travel Portland. So eat up and enjoy!
