Learning I had celiac disease at 19 felt like a foodie’s worst nightmare. The diagnosis was devastating. I felt like I’d never again enjoy my favorite dishes, and for several years that was the case. The gluten-free diet seemed incredibly restrictive to me, a girl who has spent her whole life eating whatever she wanted. Learning how to advocate for myself and my health has been a journey, one that I am still on today.
I was first diagnosed in 2011. Fast forward 13 years, and Spokane has changed dramatically in dietary awareness. Those who are gluten-free can dine out almost anywhere now and find something to eat (thank goodness!). Whether you’re newly diagnosed with celiac disease, simply have an intolerance to gluten, or have a loved one whose journey you are trying to support, this roundup is for you!
Here’s my list of seven restaurants with incredible options for gluten-freers in Spokane. Let’s make sure everyone has a seat at the table in our city.
For All-American Food: Cole’s Bakery & Café
Cole’s Bakery & Café is a staple for all passengers on the gluten-free train. This restaurant is totally gluten-free, perfect for those who are very sensitive or have celiac disease like me. Cole’s is not just a bakery and café, it also serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. And here is the best part (in my opinion), they have completely safe fried food, foods that you will have a hard time finding anywhere else, like: chicken fried steak, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, fish and chips, and much more. It is my personal conviction that Cole’s Bakery & Café has reached legendary status in the gluten-free dining scene of Spokane.
For Chinese Food: Red Dragon
1406 W Third Ave serving downtown and the South Hill
3011 E Diamond Ave serving the northside and Hillyard
Red Dragon has two locations in our city that serve all areas of Spokane. Chinese food has always been my favorite food growing up. My family celebrated every single birthday I had from age 10 to 18 with Chinese cuisine. When I made the celiac-switch at 19, I didn’t know where to find gluten-free Chinese food. I was so relieved when I stumbled upon Red Dragon. It changed everything for me. The same day I found this gem of a restaurant, my husband and I found a babysitter and hit the town. We had a great time chatting with our server who was so friendly and the décor was beautiful and unique. This place is perfect for a date night or for the entire family to enjoy.
For a Sandwich: Zozo’s Sandwich House
Long-gone are the days of avoiding sandwich shops. Zozo’s Sandwich House makes it possible for us to keep our tummies safe while enjoying the foods we love. Have you seen Zozo’s menu? The combinations are so creative. All of the flavors work together so perfectly. Zozo’s Sandwich House’s owners are very accommodating and the service is FAST! They’re even attentive to how the textures of their food work together, which can be an issue for some gluten-free eaters. This sandwich shop will blow all of your expectations of a gluten-free sandwich out of the water. Go check them out!
For Pizza: Versalia Pizza
Versalia Pizza in Kendall Yards was a pleasant surprise. I visited to have a relaxing hang out with my sister, but wasn’t prepared for how great the place is for gluten-free diners like me! The menu has so many options that can easily be made gluten-free. I now have a fierce pizza-loyalty for Versalia, located right on the Spokane River, which is reason enough to drop in. They even have gluten-free beer, too, something hard to find at any restaurant.
For Burgers & Beer: Manito Tap House
Snuggled into Spokane’s South Hill, My hubby and I have dubbed Manito Tap House our date night go-to. I love the décor in the restaurant and the upscale-casual pub vibe. The servers are always knowledgeable about what is okay for me to eat and there are so many options. This is also one of those rare locations that serve gluten-free beer, so it’s a great place to meet friends for a drink if you’re gluten-free. It’s the little things that count, you know?
For Thai Food: Thai Bamboo Restaurant
5406 N Division St serving the northside
2215 E 29th Ave serving the South Hill
Thai Bamboo is one of the safest places to eat since a huge portion of its menu is naturally gluten-free. What isn’t gluten-free is clearly marked as such and gluten-free options are highlighted, making the menu easy to navigate for those with food allergies. Serving Spokane with four locations, Thai Bamboo makes Thai food more enjoyable for gluten-free eaters, as it removes all worry over getting sick. I love taking my kids there, too, who love looking at the beautiful high ceilings that change color. It keeps them mesmerized, which gives my husband and I more space to focus on each other.
For Baked Goods: Boots Bakery & Lounge
Have you gone to a non-gluten-free bakery in Spokane and seen Boots Bakery’s cookies on the counter? If you’re celiac like me or avoiding gluten for any reason, then you know what a welcoming feeling that is. Boots has made it possible for so many people like me to pop into various places around town and find a gluten-free treat waiting there, safe to consume. Boots has its own bakery and lounge located downtown with a full menu alongside its baked goods. One of my first experiences with the company was when it catered my friend’s wedding. I was so happy to learn I could eat whatever I wanted, from the main dish to the side dishes, and all the cake I could consume! I love going to Boots Bakery where I know that everything is gluten-free, totally safe to consume, and undeniably delicious.
Note: Some of these restaurants do not have a dedicated gluten-free kitchen, so cross-contamination can occur. I will leave that up to your discretion. Navigating a gluten-free lifestyle is challenging, but with so many great options in our area, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re new to your gluten-free journey, helping a loved one, or are a seasoned pro, these restaurants make the gluten-free lifestyle much more enjoyable.
See also: Best Restaurants & Places to Eat in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho