Is it just us or is gluten-free taking over the world? Our coworker, Emily, found out she had Celiac Disease back in 2007, so when we set out to create a g-free guide to Greenville, we tapped into our very own GVL #glutenfree guru.
But first, let’s start by answering the real question here: WTH is gluten? Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, oat + more that helps foods maintain their elasticity and shape. So if you’re avoiding gluten, what’s the bad news? Your typical breads, pastas, + baked goods are off limits… The good news? Potatoes, rice + corn are all naturally gluten-free – so dive right in to those corn tortilla chips at your fav Mexi spot (assuming they use a dedicated fryer).
Even if you’re not gluten-free, we’re betting you know someone who is. Here are a few of our favorite spots (+ menu recommendations) that gluten-free folk and the “diet free” can enjoy together.
🍽 Breakfast
Bex Café and Juice Bar, 820 S Main St. #104
Build your own breakfast sandwich using GF bread or a bagel.
Greenfield’s Bagels, 101 Verdae Blvd. #180
📸: @greenfieldsbagels
Last time we went in there, there were 3+ different types of GF bagels. We opted for the plain bagel + smoked turkey, egg + cheese.
Biscuit Head, 823 S. Church St., Unit C
Not only do they have a gluten-free biscuit option, it’s vegan too. Catch us at the jam bar.
Southern Pressed Juicery, 2 Washington St.
📸: @southernpressedjuicery
Their honey sesame almond granola + maple oat granola are GF. We recommend the Butter Me Up Energy Bowl with acai, banana, almond mylk, almond butter, seasonal fruit, oat granola + coconut flakes.
Eggs Up Grill, various locations
📸: @eug_greenville
Gluten-free pancakes for the win.
🍽 Lunch
Rick’s Deli + Market, 101 Falls Park Dr.
Personal fav is the Camperdown Club with turkey, ham, bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, swiss + cheddar cheese – sub GF bread.
Happy + Hale, 600 S. Main St. #100
The menu denotes all the #GF options. We vote for the Chimichurri Steak Bowl with chipotle seared tenderloin, herb brown rice, roasted red peppers, onions + mushrooms, chipotle ranch, and topped with chimichurri pesto.
Their gluten-free flatbreads are where it’s at. Oh, they also have a pancake option for breakfast.
Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery, 205 Cedar Lane Rd.
You can make any of their sandwiches gluten-free (best part is, there’s no extra charge).
Caviar and Bananas, 1 N. Laurens St.
“Their gluten-free bread tastes like buttery breadsticks.” – Ariel Turner, journalist at Community Journals and super (gluten-free) foodie.
Grill Marks, various locations
Nothing like a good burger + fries. But if you’re not feeling that, they also have a GF Buffalo chicken tender salad – which every GF person knows that chicken tenders are hard to come by.
Tropical Grille, various locations
Looking for a light lunch? Grab the chicken veggie bowl with chopped chicken + fresh steamed veggies.
Papi’s Tacos, 300 River St. #123
All of their tacos are gluten-free. Get the Travelin’ Taco (a chicken taco inside of a bag of Fritos) and take a stroll downtown.
🍽 Dinner
Thai Restaurant, 3012 Augusta St.
Their Pad Thai is amazing.
📸: @thenosedive
Personal fav is the grilled cheese – add chicken breast.
D’Allesandro’s Pizza, 17 Mohawk Dr.
We’re not discounting Sidewall’s pizza, but D’Al’s crust is really good. Don’t forget about Tacozzini, either.
Mac’s Speed Shop, 930 S. Main St.
All of their wings are smoked. Grab a napkin and dig in.
Tipsy Taco, various locations
If you make it past the chips and guac, go for the Black’n’Blue (blackened chicken, blue cheese crema, arugula + grape tomatoes) or Witterwitout (a philly-style taco with queso, peppers + onions). BTW – margaritas are usually gluten-free, in case you were wondering.
They have gluten-free pasta available, so go ahead and order that fettuccine alfredo.
Dessert
If you’re looking for something sweet – pop into River Street Sweets for a praline or stop into Larkin’s for a flourless chocolate torte or key lime pie. The Chocolate Moose Bakery & Café also has some delectable gluten-free goodies.
Tons of options, right? Please keep this in mind though: Many restaurants try to be accommodating to gluten intolerance and other allergies, but it is super important to ask about food preparation to avoid potential cross contamination or any other issues.
If you want to learn more about gluten-free lifestyles, recipes, and other resources, check out Greenville Gluten Intolerance Group and Gluten-Free Greenville and Spartanburg.
This is not a complete, definitive list of every GF option in Greenville – As always, if you have another gluten-free option we need to try, comment below.
