Safe Dining in Maryland

Don’t judge a book by it’s cover. Maryland may be the 9th smallest state in the U.S. yet it boasts 100% gluten free eateries in every direction. Fifteen in total as of spring 2018.

Whether heading west to the mountains, east to the bay, or visiting the great city of Baltimore, there are lots of safe options in the form of these dedicated facilities. Best of all, because they are completely gluten free, you can walk in, order and enjoy. No questions asked, no worries. Whenever possible,  please support these businesses that support the gluten free community!

Southern Maryland/Metro DC

The Red Bandana Bakery (8218 Wisconsin Ave Ste. 101, Bethesda (240) 284-6523). The Red Bandana describes itself as a happy, healthy little bakery. This dedicated gluten-free facility also specializes in vegan, dairy-free, low-fat and low-sugar baked goods. With a long-time, loyal following at farmers markets, they recently opened their storefront in Bethesda. They also play host to fun community events so keep an eye on their website.

Seoul Spice – (4200 Guilford Dr Unit B2, College Park). With 2 DC locations already up and running, Seoul Spice is a great addition to the College Park Community. This Korean fast-casual includes design-your-own rice bowls, burritos, tacos and salads, topped with cilantro, kimchi and other toppings. It’s all paired with soju cocktails (on tap) or Asian soft drinks.

West of Baltimore

Sanctuary Modern Kitchen (16 North East Street, Frederick (240) 415-0592). Sanctuary: Modern Kitchen creates classic comfort dishes, sans gluten. They use family recipes and cooked in small batches, without grains and common allergens. The menu has a variety of options; look for dishes like French Onion Soup and Buffalo Wings.

A Better Choice Bakery (6 W. Potomac St, Brunswick (301) 712-4137). A dedicated gluten free, dairy free bakery with a selection of corn and soy free products. Products are also free of artificial food dyes. Local and non-GMO ingredients are used whenever possible.

One Dish Cuisine (8001 Hillsborough Rd, Ellicott City (443) 759-6344). Gluten Free restaurant and bakery with a special menu free of the top 8 allergens including dairy and casein. Recently named the most allergy-friendly restaurant in America by AllergyEats.

Maryland’s Eastern Shore:

Figg’s Ordinary (207 S Cross St #102, Chestertown (443) 282-0061). Located in Historic Chestertown, Figg’s Ordinary is a gluten and refined-sugar free café and bakery on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Open for breakfast and lunch, they’re known for their savory quiches, tarts, salads and sandwiches on house-made focaccia. Sweet offerings include donuts, pies, tarts, muffins, cookies and more – all made with unrefined sugars. Dairy free options are available as well. Visit their website for shipping options. Ingredients are sourced from local farmers and producers, and they’re moving towards becoming a zero-waste business.

Gluten Free Bakery Girl (116 N Talbot St, Saint Michaels (410) 693-1153). Owned by a professional pastry chef with a gluten intolerance, this bakery specializes in wedding cakes, cupcakes, tarts and pastries. Customer favorites include: specialty cookies, dark chocolate buckeye brownies, lemon bars and English Bakewell tarts. See website for other retail locations throughout Maryland that sell their products. If you can’t visit them in charming St. Michael’s, they also have an online store and will ship right to your door!

Baltimore

From the historic Inner Harbor area of Fells Point to northern neighborhoods close Johns Hopkins University (Remington and Hampden), the gluten free scene in Baltimore continues to grow.

Points South Latin Kitchen (1640 Thames St. Baltimore (443)563-2018). This 100% gluten free restaurant serves traditional South American dishes and classic drinks in the heart of historic Fells Point. Don’t miss their Roasted Pumpkin Seed Dip made with Pepitas, Citrus, Sofrito, Patacones and Pickled Radish. Brunch served on the weekends starting at 11 am.

Amano Taco (301 W. 29th St, Baltimore (443) 681-1902). You can find this popular stall in the hip R. House food hall. Amano Taco serves authentic Mexican tacos, bowls and housemade salsa with a creative twist. Don’t miss: Pollo Guajilllo, made with antibiotic-free chicken, pickled onion, cilantro and chipotle cream. Now serving breakfast tacos on the weekends from 10 – 2 pm.

White Envelope Arepa Bar (301 W. 29th St, Baltimore (443)681-1906). White Envelope elevates this Venezuelan street food, made with traditional cornbread, by using inventive fillings. Located in the cool R. House food hall, don’t miss their Beet Arepa: la REINA pepiada. Now serving a breakfast arepa on the weekends from 10 – 2 pm.

Sweet 27 Bakery and Cafe (127 W 27th St, Baltimore (410) 464-7211). 100% gluten free bar, restaurant and bakery serving authentic multi-cultural cuisine. Serving breakfast from 9 – 1 pm daily.

Harmony Bakery (3446 Chestnut Ave, Baltimore (410) 235-3870). 100% gluten free bakery with a selection of vegan, dairy and vegetarian items. Not to be missed are their savory offerings, including soups, flatbreads and tarts.

Plant Bar (529 E. Belvedere Ave., Baltimore (443) 449-7137 and 1310 Point Street, Baltimore). Pioneers in the Baltimore Juice Bar space, Plant Bar offers gluten free, vegan, raw, paleo and plant-based food, juices and smoothies. The focus is nutrient-dense, plant-based food and drink that come alive with flavor. 

Tortilleria Sinaloa (1716 Eastern Ave., Baltimore (410 276-3741) in Fells Point makes corn tortillas from scratch, in-house. Their small – but mighty – menu features quesedillas, tacos, and tamales. It’s authentic Mexican and 100% gluten free! Don’t leave without taking home a kilo of fresh-made tortillas or fresh-baked chips.

Eat Deliche (1712 Fleet St., Baltimore (443) 388-4499). Gluten free, organic grab n’ go and meal prep.

Heading North (Baltimore County)

Divine12 Café (717-503-7819 or 703-927-4984). Catering and private party service only. Divine 12 Cafe is a gluten free, organic and non-gmo catering service offering a varied menu of clean and hearty food with vegan options. The menu offers everything from beautiful salads and soups  to hearty comfort foods like lasagna, chili and Mac n’ Cheese. Not to be missed: their gluten free fried chicken. Please call or place orders through their website, www.divine12cafe.com.