I first tried downtown Spokane’s Red Robin gluten free offerings several years ago and have had mixed feelings about the experience ever since. I was impressed by the printed menu with an expiration date and specific GF items listed.  And their attention to cross contamination detail: they used a separate fryer for the fries.   But I was less impressed with the selection and quality. Burgers came wrapped in lettuce, which is better than being served a dry hunk of lonely meat on a plate, but it wasn’t the same without a bun.

Fast forward a couple of years and Red Robin’s gluten free options have become popular enough that they have ditched the lettuce wrapping in favor of a real gluten free bun for their burgers. The Udi’s bun not only tastes good, but now you get to feel like a normal person eating a burger instead of a messy lettuce and beef taco.

The other new update? Red Robin has re-formulated the seasonings they use on their fries and other food to be completely gluten free. Although they don’t seem to be promoting these changes very well on their web site, it’s obvious they are making a serious effort to make some of their food safe for celiacs.

My recent Red Robin lunch visit with my mom was a pleasant surprise and a great example of the increased awareness and attention many national chains and locally owned Spokane area eateries are paying to the growing base of customers living gluten free.  The super friendly server explained many of the gluten allergy related changes to the menu and happily entertained our dietary related questions. They also offer a kid-friendly gluten free menu that includes a beef or turkey burger, chicken on a stick, or a custom meal designed from the adult menu.

Guacamole Burger

Five Stars:[starrating id=153 color=2 name=”” size=1 stars=0 max=5]
Tags:  Good Food Menu Staff Value XC Awareness