26 Top Restaurant Chains For Eating Gluten-Free

Eating out gluten-free should feel freeing, not stressful. With the right game plan, big chains can be surprisingly accommodating and consistent.

This guide highlights menus, ordering tips, and cross-contact watchouts so you can walk in confident and leave happy. Let’s make your next meal out simple, safe, and seriously satisfying.

1. Chipotle

Chipotle is a go-to because bowls and salads dodge gluten easily. Ask them to change gloves before they touch your food, and watch them wipe the prep area.

Skip flour tortillas and consider corn tortillas only if you are comfortable with potential cross-contact.

Choose rice, beans, meats, fajita veggies, salsas, lettuce, and guac. Avoid flour-based items and watch for limited-time add-ons that may contain wheat.

Keep it simple, communicate your needs clearly, and you will usually leave satisfied.

2. QDOBA

QDOBA mirrors the build-your-own format, so bowls and salads are your safest bet. Start with rice, beans, and a protein you trust.

Ask staff to change gloves and use fresh utensils, then verify toppings using the allergen chart to avoid sneaky wheat ingredients.

Skip flour tortillas and be mindful of limited-time sauces or queso variations. If you want corn shells, ask about cross-contact.

Keep sauces straightforward to minimize risk. With a little direction, you can craft a solid gluten-free meal.

3. Moe’s Southwest Grill

Moe’s can work well when you focus on bowls and corn tortillas. Start by asking staff about glove changes and clean prep space.

The big question here is the fryer, since chips and crispy toppings may share oil with gluten-containing items.

If fryer cross-contact is a concern, skip chips and crunchy add-ons. Verify marinades and sauces through their allergen info.

Build with rice, beans, protein, veggies, salsa, and guac. You will leave with a hearty plate while minimizing risk.

4. Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A offers clear gluten-free guidance, and their grilled options are usually the safest play. Consider the gluten-free bun where available, or go bunless with lettuce.

Confirm waffle fry fryer practices at your location if you are highly sensitive, because procedures can vary.

Pair grilled nuggets or a grilled chicken sandwich with fruit cup or side salad. Sauces are generally labeled, so double-check ingredients.

Communicate your needs kindly, and they often handle it smoothly. Consistent training helps make this chain a reliable choice.

5. Five Guys

Five Guys keeps gluten sources simple, with buns being the main culprit. Order your burger bunless in a lettuce wrap or bowl.

Ask staff to change gloves and prepare on clean surfaces. Most toppings are straightforward, but keep sauces minimal if you are cautious.

The fries are cooked in peanut oil in dedicated fryers at many locations, but confirm local practices. Choose a simple build with cheese, bacon, and veggies.

You will get a satisfying, juicy burger without the bun stress.

6. Shake Shack

Shake Shack publishes detailed allergen information, and many locations offer gluten-free buns. Request a bun build listed in their guidance or go lettuce-wrapped.

Ask for a fresh prep surface and glove change. Fries may share fryers, so verify or skip if you are sensitive.

Stick with classic ShackBurger components and simple sauces. Milkshakes can be trickier depending on mix-ins, so ask questions.

With clear communication, you can enjoy a familiar favorite without worry. Their transparency makes ordering less guessy.

7. In-N-Out Burger

In-N-Out keeps things minimal, which helps. Order Protein Style to swap the bun for lettuce.

Ask for a clean prep station and glove change if needed. Their allergen info is easy to reference, and simple ingredients reduce surprises.

Fries are cut in-store and often cooked in dedicated fryers, but always confirm at your location. Keep sauces basic if you are wary of thickeners.

You get a classic, crisp lettuce-wrapped burger that hits the spot while staying gluten-free.

8. Jersey Mike’s Subs

Jersey Mike’s offers gluten-free bread at many locations, which is a big win. Ask for fresh gloves, a clean surface, and separate utensils.

Choose meats and cheeses you trust and keep crumbly toppings minimal to reduce risk.

Request condiments squeezed directly rather than spread with shared knives. Some shops will prepare in the back to minimize cross-contact if you ask.

With a little patience, you can enjoy a solid sub that feels normal again.

9. P.F. Chang’s

P.F. Chang’s is a standout for sit-down dining thanks to a dedicated gluten-free menu.

Servers are usually trained to guide you through safe options. Rice-based dishes, lettuce wraps, and clearly marked sauces make ordering straightforward.

Confirm wok practices and any shared equipment. Ask for gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

Communicate your sensitivity level and request careful handling. You will leave feeling like you had real choices, not compromises, which is refreshing.

10. Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company offers rice noodle dishes and gluten-sensitive pasta options. Start by confirming sauces and crumb toppings, since those can hide wheat.

Ask for fresh utensils and a clean pan if they can accommodate.

Build a dish with rice noodles, veggies, and a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp. Keep sauces simple, and skip crunchy garnishes if cross-contact worries you.

You get a comforting noodle bowl without guessing every ingredient. Always check the allergen guide for updates.

11. Red Robin

Red Robin is known for robust allergen procedures and customizable builds. Ask for a gluten-free bun or go bunless, plus confirm fryer practices for fries or onion rings.

Their staff typically guides you through safe sides and sauces.

Use their allergen tools to tailor exactly what lands on your plate. If cross-contact is a concern, pivot to a side salad or fruit.

The burger satisfaction stays while the stress drops.

12. Outback Steakhouse

Outback labels items as gluten-friendly, which is helpful, but cross-contact remains possible. Tell your server you need careful handling and ask about dedicated prep spots.

A simply seasoned steak with steamed veggies and a baked potato is a strong choice.

Skip croutons, fried add-ons, and questionable sauces. If you are highly sensitive, confirm grill and pan practices.

The menu guidance reduces guesswork, letting you enjoy a classic steakhouse meal confidently.

13. LongHorn Steakhouse

LongHorn publishes a gluten-sensitive guide alongside allergen info, which streamlines ordering. Opt for a grilled steak, plain veggies, and a baked potato or rice.

Ask about seasonings and marinades to avoid hidden wheat.

Communicate your needs so the kitchen can adjust prep. Skip fried sides unless a dedicated fryer is confirmed.

With a straightforward approach, you get hearty steakhouse flavor without uncertainty.

14. Texas Roadhouse

Texas Roadhouse lists gluten-friendly suggestions but states cross-contact can occur. If you are highly sensitive, ask to speak with a manager.

Choose a simple steak, steamed veggies, and a baked potato. Request no croutons and verify butter and seasoning blends.

Skip fried items unless you confirm a separate fryer. Communicate clearly and they will usually accommodate.

The experience can be great with proactive conversation and careful choices.

15. Olive Garden

Olive Garden offers a gluten-sensitive page and detailed allergen info. Their gluten-free pasta options can be satisfying, but confirm sauce ingredients and prep.

They do not use a separate fryer, so fried items are generally not safe for strict gluten-free needs.

Ask for salad without croutons and check dressings. Keep entrees simple with marinara or meat sauce verified as gluten-free.

Communicate your sensitivity level and request careful handling for peace of mind.

16. Carrabba’s Italian Grill

Carrabba’s publishes a gluten-free menu PDF that makes planning easier. Focus on grilled meats, seafood, and sauces verified gluten-free.

Ask for clean pans and utensils, and confirm pasta handling if you choose their gluten-free option.

Skip breaded items and shared-fryer sides. A classic grilled chicken with veggies and a simple sauce feels special without stress.

The documentation helps you order confidently and enjoy the meal.

17. Maggiano’s Little Italy

Maggiano’s stands out with a dedicated gluten-free menu section. Tell your server your comfort level, and they will guide substitutions.

Gluten-free pasta and simple sauces like marinara or oil and garlic are usually safe bets.

Confirm separate water for boiling gluten-free pasta if you are highly sensitive. Skip breaded starters and shared fryers.

With attentive service, you can enjoy classic Italian flavors that feel indulgent yet safe.

18. Bonefish Grill

Bonefish Grill publishes a gluten-free menu PDF and the seafood focus helps. Choose grilled fish with simple sauces like lemon butter.

Confirm the absence of flour dredges and shared fryers for sides.

Ask for clean pans and fresh gloves. Pair your protein with steamed veggies and rice.

You will get a bright, fresh plate that keeps things simple and safe, even on busy nights.

19. The Cheesecake Factory

The Cheesecake Factory offers a dedicated gluten-free menu in many locations. Look for clearly marked items and confirm modifications as needed.

Portions are huge, so keep your order focused and simple.

Ask about cross-contact, especially for fried items. Some cheesecakes are labeled for gluten-free, but verify crust ingredients and handling.

With clear communication, you can enjoy variety without second-guessing every bite.

20. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

BJ’s is known for gluten-free pizza crust and a thorough allergen document. Ask about dedicated procedures for the GF crust, including separate screens and clean cutters.

Choose simple toppings to reduce risk and avoid breaded meats.

Confirm fryer setup for appetizers. Staff often walk you through safe options, which eases decision fatigue.

You can enjoy pizza night again with thoughtful requests and a straightforward build.

21. California Pizza Kitchen

CPK is a strong chain pick for gluten-free pizza, thanks to stricter procedures tied to specific GF pizzas. Tell them your order is for gluten intolerance or celiac so they follow protocols.

Confirm a clean cutter and cooking surface.

Stick with the certified GF pizza options listed. Avoid heavy cross-contact toppings.

With clarity and the right menu picks, you will enjoy crisp, flavorful pizza without worry.

22. Blaze Pizza

Blaze offers gluten-free dough and a customizable line. Request a fresh screen, clean cutter, and glove change.

Ask to have your pizza built away from flour dust if possible. Keep toppings simple and avoid breaded items.

Because it is a shared environment, there is inherent risk. If you are comfortable navigating that, you can craft a solid pie.

Clear requests make a big difference here.

23. MOD Pizza

MOD Pizza states they cannot guarantee items are free of gluten, and their crust is not recommended for gluten sensitivity. This is a choose-your-risk scenario.

If you proceed, ask for extreme care: clean cutter, new gloves, and a separate prep spot when possible.

Keep toppings simple and avoid floury areas. If your sensitivity is high, consider another chain.

Your comfort level should lead the decision here.