Gluten-free friends, there’s no need to panic. You can enjoy quintessential San Diego favorites – beer included – while keeping your gluten allergy in check. Read on for a few go-to spots to find gluten-free goodies…this is just the tip of the iceberg!
BEER
Duck Foot Brewing
Celiac Disease is no joke: this is something the co-founder of Duck Foot knows all too well. That’s why Duck Foot brews all of their varieties with an enzyme that ‘removes nearly all traces of gluten’ from their suds. So take a breather and try any and all of their fun, tasty brews like Duckzilla double white IPA or Drink This Or The Bees Die made with local orange blossom honey.
Culture Brewing
The fine folks at culture have crafted nearly 20 beers that contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten, making them gluten-reduced. Sip on an IPA, red ale or stout at a Culture tasting room in Ocean Beach, Solana Beach or Encinitas. (Hot tip: their American Pilsner and Vanilla Cream Ale have less than 10 PPM of gluten.) The dog-friendly locations also feature works by local artists, host trivia nights, food trucks and more.
Stone Brewing
Beer aficionados probably know this already, but the Stone Delicious IPA is one of the most popular gluten-reduced options around town. You’re likely to find it in most bars and restaurants, and at a Stone restaurant or tap room of course. Unless you’re drinking it at a Stone location, opt for the Delicious IPA in a bottle: as the keg beer may be served from lines that previously housed non-gluten free options. There’s plenty more info on the Stone website as well.
SWEETS
Starry Lane Bakery
This cute Hillcrest bakery is an absolute dream for anyone who has strict food allergies. The dedicated gluten-free facility lovingly creates treats free of the top 10 food allergies including peanuts, soy, eggs, and more. Stop in to pick up cookies, cinnamon rolls, lemon bars, scones, cupcakes and more. Grab some goodies for a leisurely picnic at nearby Balboa Park.
Paleo Treats
Bars, brownies and bread, oh my! There’s absolutely no gluten, soy, dairy, and preservatives used at this Normal Heights store. Chocoholics will flip over the peanut butter cups, six-ingredient brownie bombs, and ice cream bars. Great news: they ship around the world, so you can enjoy their paleo and keto treats even if you’re not in town.
Frost Me Cafe & Bakery
Make a trip to Little Italy even sweeter by stopping by Frost Me. Indulge with a coffee and one of Frost Me’s gluten-free cupcakes: Lavender Lemon Blueberry, Toasted Coconut and Almond Raspberry Mousse are offered throughout the week, and Double Chocolate Ganache is available every day. Enjoy your dessert out on the lively Pizza della Famiglia and you’ll be transported to a laid-back European state of mind in no time!
MAIN MEALS
Cafe 21
Both Cafe 21 restaurants have a funky and eclectic vibe, with exciting food and drinks to match. Their farm-to-table dishes include many gluten-free options, like {eggs}cellent creations for breakfast and shareable dinner plates like brussels sprouts and chicken wings. Cafe 21 also offers enticing cocktails made with fresh-squeezed fruit and veggies, herbs and spices – even CBD bitters! Stop by anytime of day and score great deals during happy hour from 3-6 p.m.
Solare
Experience a taste of Tuscany at Solare. This award-winning restaurant in the heart of Liberty Station offers freshly made gluten-free bread, pastas and pizza dough. Their wine list is especially impressive: Solare features over 2,000 bottles! The relaxed environment and fresh, seasonally-inspired menu make this a winner for lunch and dinner.
Choice Juicery
Just juice? Please! All six locations offer a gluten and dairy-free plant based menu. Cool off on a hot day with a smoothie bowl naturally sweetened with dates, or opt for superfood snacks ranging from nachos to sushi and coconut ceviche. Choice Juicery has great pre-made meals if you’re on the go: even the packaging is plant based! Juice is served in reusable glass bottles, which makes this eatery even more eco-friendly.
