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5 Top Gluten-Free Restaurants in Boulder

Those who have banned gluten from their diets will be right at home in Boulder, an early adopter of the gluten-free lifestyle. In fact, many of Boulder's restaurants have completely nailed the art of delicious, gluten-free cooking. Whether you're celiac, paleo or just gluten intolerant, you'll find plenty of choices in Boulder. The following range from entirely gluten-free to simply gluten-friendly.

Thrive

The vibe: The colorful, wonderfully crunchy Thrive is entirely gluten-free. It's also raw and vegan, but don't let that deter you — folks absolutely rave about their tasty and creative menu. Plus, only in Boulder can you flip through tarot cards while you wait.

The dish: The pad thai with spiralized zucchini noodles and marinated mushrooms, broccoli, carrot, red bell pepper, purple cabbage, green onion, cilantro, black sesame and kraut. All tossed with a sprouted almond butter pad thai dressing.

100% gluten-free? Yes.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Thrive (@thrive.raw)

Flower Child

The vibe: A bustling newcomer to the Boulder restaurant scene, Flower Child serves up soul-satisfying, made-from-scratch meals with farm-fresh ingredients. This crowd-pleasing spot offers clearly marked gluten-free dishes, as well as vegetarian, vegan, organic and paleo selections.

The dish: Try a healthy bowl, like the Glow Bowl, made with spicy-sweet potato noodles, bok choy, zucchini, onion, jalapeños, shiitake mushrooms, coconut milk and sunflower butter. Little ones will love the Gluten-Free Mac & Cheese. 

100% gluten-free? No.

 

River and Woods

The vibe: Chef Daniel Asher is a leader in the sustainable food movement, and it shows on the creative River and Woods menu, which puts a playful (often elegant) twist on family favorites. Everything gluten-free is clearly marked. 

The dish: Come for the gluten-free bacon-wrapped date skewers starter, pan-seared Idaho mountain trout entree, high-end cocktails and peaceful courtyard out back!

100% gluten-free? No.

 

The Buff Restaurant

The vibe: A Boulder brunch staple, The Buff offers numerous gluten-free dishes — more than three-quarters of their menu has gluten-free options! Grab a 99-cent Bloody Mary, Mimosa or Tequila Sunrise in a mason jar while you wait for your entree.

The dish: Gluten-free lemon pecan griddle cakes with fresh-grated lemon rind. You also can't go wrong with any of the egg dishes. These people know what they're doing with potatoes.

100% gluten-free? No.

Black Cat

The vibe: With a James Beard-nominated chef at the helm, the cozy, high-end, farm-to-table Black Cat will take care of your every wish (including gluten-free requests).

The dish: Whatever Chef Skokan brings from his own farm that day (just ask your server for gluten-free recommendations).

100% gluten-free? No.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Black Cat (@blackcatboulder)

More to Try

Check out these eateries for more creative and satisfying gluten-free dining in Boulder.

  • bartaco Tasty tacos and Mexican dishes. Everything on the menu is gluten-free except for three items that are easy to avoid. Ordering is done through your phone, where you can indicate if you have a gluten allergy (and include up to four other allergies, like dairy, etc.) for each dish. 100% gluten-free? No. 
  • Whole Sol Winner of 5280's best brunch, this smoothie and acai bowl joint also serves hot bowls, gluten-free toasts, and delicious drinks. 100% gluten-free? Yes.
  • Kim and Jakes Cakes When you need something sweet, this is your go-to GF bakery in Boulder. 100% gluten-free? Yes.
  • Hapa Sushi This is an innovative take on sushi, with lots of naturally gluten-free items to choose from. 100% gluten-free? No.
  • Pollo Tico Fresh Latin-American eatery located in Avanti with the vast majority of dishes being gluten-free, like yucca fries, fried sweet plantains, arroz con pollo and more. 100% gluten-free? No.
  • Zeal Ideal for those who want to eat healthy, whole foods, most of Zeal's menu is already sans gluten or has a gluten-free option. 100% gluten-free? No.