Downtown Dayton | Photo by Arden Reimer | The Wright State Guardian
A gluten allergy or intolerance can be a huge inconvenience, especially when many places lack knowledge of how to avoid cross-contamination or gluten in general. Here is a list of gluten-friendly options in the Dayton area.
On campus
Finding gluten-free food on campus that is safe from cross-contamination can be a real challenge. While Wright State’s campus meal services claim to be safe and inclusive for all, that is not always the experience that people have.
I have a gluten allergy and am sensitive to cross-contamination, and I lived on campus in the Woods last year and was required to purchase a meal plan. Knowing that my options would be limited, I got the smallest one possible. I struggled to find anything safe other than one particular wrap that was sold in the Hangar, but it cost more than a swipe. Other times, I specified to staff that I had an allergy and still ended up with contaminated food.
While some places, such as the sushi restaurant, yielded positive experiences for me, I avoid eating on campus at all costs. If you are gluten-free and shackled to a meal plan, my advice is to stick to RaiderMart or pre-packaged food that you know will be safe for you and to try the sushi place because most of their ingredients are safe.
Breakfast
Across the street from campus, you can find First Watch, a tasty brunch joint that offers gluten-free bread. In my visits here, the staff has been knowledgeable and the food has been both delicious and safe.
A delicious place to dine in the mornings, Another Broken Egg offers gluten-free pancakes and more, but I always choose to focus on the pancakes.
Coffee Hub sells Purely Sweet Bakery’s products along with their coffee. Purely Sweet Bakery is a dedicated gluten-free bakery that sells everything from donuts to cupcakes in several places, including stores that sell local products and places like Coffee Hub. While the coffee is alright, I mention this place as a means to an end to mention the delicious pastries.
Lunch
Perhaps the most inconvenient aspect of being gluten-free is the fact that drive-throughs are vastly out of the picture. Chick-fil-A, however, really comes through for us gluten-less folks. They offer gluten-free buns and grilled chicken options that are delicious. While Chick-fil-A does not need my endorsement, I do like to spread the word that they are very gluten-friendly.
Chipotle’s food is, for the most part, inherently gluten-free. As long as you stay away from the flour tortillas, you are pretty much set.
Jimmy John’s is a great option, as long as you are willing to advocate for yourself. They offer a gluten-free lettuce wrap version of all their sandwiches, and I always ask the staff to change their gloves for me as well. This is an affordable option.
Perhaps my favorite current eatery, Bibibop is a dedicated gluten-free chain restaurant. While there is not one located close to the campus, a 10 to 20-minute drive will get you to one.
Noodles & Company is remarkably good about handling allergies, but they tend to drop the ball when it comes to DoorDash in my experience. I have never had an issue eating in a restaurant, but the moment that I place an online order, they send me the wrong noodles.
Another place where just about everything is already gluten-free, Fusian is a build-your-own sushi place that prioritizes both taste and safety.
McAllister’s Deli offers gluten-free bread and is always safe from cross-contamination. They also have a wide selection of sandwiches, salads and soups, with some really good iced tea.
Panera is my go-to for when I am craving a salad because while that is about all that I can eat there, they are delicious.
I mention this one last in this category on purpose: Piada. This is mainly a pasta place and does not offer a gluten-free alternative. There are, however, some ways to eat gluten-free here, such as power bowls. I stay away from Piada, but when one of my friends goes, I always ask them to pick me up some brownies. Weirdly, Piada sells the best gluten-free brownies I have ever had. The brand is Manifesto, and they are difficult to find, but Piada sells them for some reason.
Dinner
For nicer occasions, the closeby Olive Garden offers gluten-free pasta. When paired with tomato sauce and grilled chicken, as well as the outright statement of my allergy, I have never had a bad experience.
Chuy’s is a must-try for its queso alone, and its enchiladas come with fresh house-made corn tortillas. While self-advocacy is important everywhere, I do find it to be especially beneficial here.
A great place for both dinner and dessert, The Cheesecake Factory offers gluten-free pasta as well as other types of meals and substitutions—and cheesecake.
Additionally, Longhorn Steakhouse and Texas Roadhouse both have several meals that can be made gluten-free, along with plain steaks and similar items. I have had both good and bad experiences at both, meaning that it unfortunately might rely on the staff.
Thankfully, I have always had great luck in the realm of pizza. Ordering delivery has never left me with a stomach ache from any place I have chosen. I must give a special mention to Papa John’s, though, as they are my most trusted and frequented.
Red Robin offers a gluten-free bun, and in my experience, the staff is always knowledgeable. I have had friends who have worked here, and they have informed me that the kitchens are safe and have dedicated spaces for gluten-free preparation.
Other
Fit Nutrition is a local drink business that sells both energy teas and protein shakes. The staff is knowledgeable about what products are gluten-free, which most of them are, and the drinks here are tasty and energizing.
The Neighborhood Nest is a local Fairborn bakery that is completely dedicated to being gluten-free. They are also conscious of other allergies, such as dairy, eggs and more. If you ever find yourself in need of some pastries, which are a rare treat for us, then stop by.
There’s an app for that
Something that helped me find my bearings in being gluten-free was an app titled “Find Me Gluten Free” which uses your location to tell you some options near you. You can rate different restaurants and search by what type of food you are in the mood for.
While being gluten-free might make finding food hard at times, once you know some places you can safely eat, it becomes a lot easier. Self-advocacy is so important, especially in gluten allergies.
