The Ultimate Gluten Free Guide to the Inland Northwest
- The Guild
- Jun 9, 2019
- 7 min read
By, Mandy of Spokane Gluten Free Eats
We are quite lucky to have such a wonderful variety of supportive and delicious places in our neck of the woods to dine at. Many Chefs and restaurant owners are taking heed when it comes to understanding what true gluten free food is, which is making the food life easier for celiacs and the intolerant ridden alike.
My diagnosis came in late of 2009 after several health issues would not resolve on their own. I was lucky to have a doctor who was supportive with testing, but she was not very informative as to how I exactly do this whole gluten free thing. With trial and error, tons of research and a serious passion for food, I finally became successful in understanding myself and my diagnosis better and immediately began advocating for others. I began noticing social media was constantly flooded with questions about how to eat gluten free in Spokane. So, in January of 2017 I took the leap into the blogging world and decided to start sharing my experiences. I started "Spokane Gluten Free Eats" on Instagram in the hope of helping others who may be just as lost as I once was following my diagnosis years ago.
Included is a list of places I have safely eaten at. While there are a lot of places with "Gluten Friendly" options around, (not celiac safe) I do not include those in my list as I am an advocate for those who suffer significantly from Celiac Disease and gluten intolerances. Advocating for proper and safe places to eat will always be my number one priority. Gluten free should be gluten free.
Please note that while these places are listed as establishments I have safely eaten at, most of them are not 100% dedicated and you are taking a risk for cross contamination. Always talk to the manager, chef or owner before your visit to find out how they handle their products and please before ordering speak up about any your concerns or allergies.
Now go and eat, explore and enjoy!
SPOKANE
Celebrating 5 years in the Spokane food scene Coles Bakery and Cafe rises above the rest as the ONLY dedicated gluten free restaurant and bakery in our area. Coles has everything from pancakes, to cheese sticks, to cupcakes and even pasta. And yes, all 100% gluten free all the time. She even makes specialty cakes and breads as she is a full baking facility as well. You must try her gluten free ice cream cones, just in time for summer. Go online to check hours of operations and menu.
Casually nested on the corner of 2nd ave and Lincoln sits Wild Sage Bistro. With an ever changing seasonal menu and a fully knowledgeable team, eating gluten free here is no challenge. With a large separate menu and even gluten free popovers and lavender butter to welcome you, you'll be sure to be delighted at what they have to offer. Try the coconut cake for dessert, it's the talk of the town.
As soon as you walk into Wiley's you'll see the walls filled with local and regional artists. With a cozy environment and friendly staff you'll have no worries settling in here for a flavorful meal. Most of what is made at Wileys is already gluten free so being accommodating to the gluten free crowd is never an issue for the staff or chefs. Try the Pot de Crème for dessert after you have the Braised Short Ribs.
Opening up into the food scene in Spokane in the Spring of 2019, High Tide brought every Spokanite what they didn't know they needed, New England Style lobster rolls. Sourcing their gluten free bread rolls from the dedicated bakery of Coles, High tide offers a safe and delicious alternative to the gluten free crowd. Knowledgeable and kind staff make the visits here fun! Ask for something "Off-Menu" and see what you can get.
With three amazing locations to choose from in the Spokane area Twigs has one of the most expansive gluten free menus around, which includes vegetarian and vegan options as well. Whether its gorgeous city or water views you'll find the perfect meal here at Twigs. Try the GF Moroccan Beef Appetizer and one of their specialty martinis.
Blessed with gorgeous patio views in the bustling Kendall Yards area Veraci serves some of the best pizza Spokane has to offer. With a hand made, wood-fired GF crust and several pizza toppings to choose from you will definitely be satisfied with the overall experience here. The fresh toppings blanket the slightly sweet sauce pairing perfectly with the crispy artisan crust each and every time. Try the Prosciutto Arugula for the perfect sweet and salty combination.
Also nestled into the bustling Kendall Yards area sits The Wandering Table. With an eclectic environment and a true farm to table vibe The Wandering Table will make you feel right at home. With rustic and flavorful dishes where most of everything is gluten free or can be altered for your choices you will easily find this to be a favorite place to enjoy a clean healthy meal. Try the Devilled Eggs and the Crispy Steelhead and Rice.
Stepping into The Melting Pot Spokane you will immediately be eased to see them display their GIG Certified Gluten Free Certificate. Under new ownership and with a caring attitude towards Celiacs and Vegans and a desire to make a dining out an experience, TMP will have you feeling full and happy. Try the Wisconsin Cheddar and The Original Chocolate dip.
Boots Bakery has been a staple in the Spokane Gluten Free and Vegan food scene since June of 2012. Adorned with a bright blue door and an eclectic interior filled with smells of fresh coffee and pumpkin spices, Boots will have you coming back for more time after time. Try the Pumpkin Waffle with Chai butter and some breakfast hash.
Opening Spokane's First Ethiopian restaurant in 2010 Chef Almaz Ainu and her husband brought flavors not common to our area. With traditional communal dining in mind this meal is more than just a meal, it's an entire cultural experience. There are many choices here for vegetarians and vegans alike and your dining group will find this to be the perfect place for a shared meal. Request GF Injera bread with your meal and try the tea hot or iced.
With local and responsibly sourced ingredients and a knowledgeable team Cochinito is definitely the best taco spot in Spokane. Decorated with a vibrant eye-catching style interior and an accent wall with a mural painted by a local artist this will be a stop you'll keep coming back to. Fresca margaritas and handmade corn tortillas make the dining experience unique. Try the Barbacoa Taco. If you want gluten free celiac safe chips, call ahead to order before your visit as they take longer.
Nestled into the historic Perry districts sits The Shop. Formerly a car shop turned bakery which now boasts a cozying cafe feel and several gluten free options. With most of its baked items already being gluten free the choices here are not limited. Sandwiches, soups, cupcakes, muffins and coffee you will be sure to enjoy your time. With live music weekly and an expansive outdoor patio it's the perfect place to unwind and enjoy some local bites with friends or a book. Try the cupcakes and a sandwich made with their GF focaccia bread.
COEUR D'ALENE
Locally owned and operated Le Peep offers a pleasant and warm environment to its customers. Celiac knowledgeable staff and a large gluten free menu makes eating here worry-free. With gorgeous water and mountain views the outdoor patio makes this place worth the trip into Idaho for breakfast or lunch every time. Try the GF waffle for breakfast and the turkey, apple and brie melt for lunch.
With a new fresh concept Cosmic Cowboy serves gourmet style farm to table foods in a casual setting. Choices ranging from gluten free to vegetarian to even vegan you will love every bite of what is served here. Gluten free beer on tap as well as local organic sodas, Cosmic focuses on what's healthy and fresh. Try the Grilled Chicken or Grilled Steak Plate.
Both Beverly's and Dockside offer the gluten free diner and resort visitor one of the best dining experiences in Idaho. Both with gorgeous lakeside views and a large gluten free offering you will have no problems finding what you're craving here. Beverly's boasts a romantic fine-dining experience with thoughtfully presented dishes and gorgeous sunset lake views. While Dockside is more casual and cozy to its quick dine-in visitors. Both are equally as delicious and satisfying. At Beverly's try the Certified Angus Beef Steak & Prawns for dinner and for Dockside try the GF Huckleberry Pancakes for breakfast.
SANDPOINT
Carolyn the owner and operator of this establishment has had gluten free diners in mind from the beginning. With knowledgeable staff who are trained on creating a safe and delicious pizza pie you will be pleased with this stop. Locally made crusts makes this pizza one of the best that you will find in these parts. Enjoy the historic memorabilia that adorns the walls of this place while enjoying your pie. Try The Carolyn, named after the owner.
Spuds serves its customers with casual counter style service featuring Idaho's top veggie on their menu, the baked potato. With many options on what to top your famous tater with you will enjoy every single offering here. Offering breakfast options as well as savory lunch items you'll be delighted at what Spuds can create for you. Gorgeous dock and marina views outside make this patio one of the best in Sandpoint for diners. Try the Lo-Carb plate or the DIY Potato and create your own amazing lunch!
In 1938 Ivano Lippy journeyed from Luca, Italy to the United States with dreams of being a restaurateur. He was a hard worker with many goals an ambitions and created an amazing place to dine at all while supporting his family. Even though Ivano is no longer here his dreams are carried on and are still providing excellent service to this day. The gluten free options here will not leave you disappointed either. With complete understanding of Celiac Disease they prepare every plate with caution and care. A true fine dining experience with heart and true Italian style dishes will make this a must stop with every trip. Try the GF Formaggio Melanese with a glass of Pinot.
For a complete list of places she has safely dined at locally, nationally & internationally you can find Mandy at @spokaneglutenfreeeats on Instagram.
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