Updated July 2019

I’ve been lucky enough to spend summers in the southern New Jersey shore town of Avalon every year since childhood. It’s always interesting to see how the beach changes from year to year; the same goes for the food landscape. Sure, there are food traditions that seem to weather the seasons: cherished ice-cream parlors and pizza places. But even these tradition-driven towns are increasingly responding to consumer demand for healthier, more nutrient – dense food. With that shift comes more naturally gluten free offerings as well as efforts to accommodate gluten free diners. As a result, gluten free eating at the Jersey Shore is getting better with each passing year.

Our annual vacation to Avalon is the perfect opportunity to experience the gluten free food scene at the beach. While there are other businesses with gluten free offerings, this post covers only establishments my gluten free family has dined recently and vetted. As always, please mention your dietary needs prior to ordering and ask appropriate questions. Products and menus can change without notice and there is always a risk when dining out.

Atlantic County

Kizbee’s Kitchen – A 100% dedicated gluten free baking company located in Egg Harbor City. Using high-quality organic and locally-sourced ingredients, owner Jenna Kisby worked 2 years to perfect her  proprietary blend of gluten free flour. Everything is made from scratch including cakes, cupcakes, mini sweet bread loaves, pies and bread pudding bites. In addition to Kizbees’ store front in Egg Harbor City, products can be found at farmer’s markets in Margate, Brigantine, Galloway, Linwood, Ventnor and Longport.

Eat Clean Org – For those who would rather spend their precious vacation time on the beach and out of the kitchen, Eat Clean Org is for you. This fully gluten free, organic meal prep company creates delicious meals using organic meats, wild-caught fish and local produce. There are even family style portions for when company comes to visit. Delivery is available to: Ventnor, Margate City, Longport, Somers Point, Brigantine and Atlantic City.

Ocean City, NJ

Bashful Banana – Gluten free options include sandwich and bakery items. Their Banana Whip, made simply with frozen bananas, is perfection on a hot summer day.

Curley’s Fries – On the boardwalk, Curley’s Natural Cut fries are made in a dedicated fryer. The spiral cut are not and are not gluten free.

Eat Clean Org – Also available in Atlantic County, this fully gluten free, organic meal prep company creates delicious meals using organic meats, wild-caught fish and local produce. Made in a dedicated gluten free commercial kitchen, meals are safe and ready to eat – simply heat and eat. There are even family style portions for when company comes to visit. Free meal pick- up in Ocean City at Exodus Sports and Fitness or delivery to your door for $5.

Heartbeet Kitchen – Beach outpost of the popular 100% gluten free, dairy free, peanut free, plant based, organic, and locally sourced eatery. Besides creative plant-based menu items, you can find smoothies, soups and baked goods.

Playa Bowls –  Playa Bowls boasts and amazing array of Acai, Pitaya, Coconut, Green, Banana and Chia bowls. All bowls are gluten free with gluten free granola available for topping. Smoothies and juices round out the offerings in this popular beach-themed spot.

Sea Isle City, NJ

The Juice Pod – Juice and smoothie bar that specializes in acai bowls with gluten free granola available for topping. Lunch options include the gluten free grain bowls like the Fiesta Bowl (think Chipotle rice bowl with chicken and avocado) or Mediterranean Bowl, made with a quinoa base. They also sell gluten free snacks, like chips and crackers, by the register.

Avalon, NJ

Big Hogs BBQ – Slow-cooked, smoked BBQ. All BBQ proteins and sauces are gluten free. Gluten free bun available upon request if you call ahead.

Tortilla Flats – Mexican food landmark with a large selection of gluten free options marked by a sombrero on the menu. Gluten free items are prepared in a separate work area. Their tortilla chips are gluten free, not always a given at Mexican restaurants.

Sundae Best – Homemade ice cream, including gluten free flavors and gluten free cake and sugar cones. Upon mentioning gluten free, they will scoop your ice cream from new container with clean scoop. In addition to their original locations, they now have a location on the Avalon boardwalk.

Stone Harbor, NJ

Kitchen 309 – Locally sourced menu that is almost entirely gluten free. Meals are centered around proteins that include at least a few seafood offerings and creative sides. Gluten free menu offerings are stored, prepped and cooked separately from the gluten-containing. They also offer gluten free desserts like house-made ice cream, Chocolate Pots de Creme and sorbets.

Pure Juice + Kitchen – Smoothies, juices, bowls, avocado and nut butter toasts. The menu is 95% plant- based and sources local and organic ingredients. Nut milks are made in-house and used for their bowls and smoothies. Their cross contact protocol is tight: after a glove change, their toasts are made in a separate prep area, using a dedicated toaster. Toast toppings are labeled gluten free and kept in the back in the dedicated area. They also sell kombucha on tap from Inspired Brews.

Playa Bowls –  Playa Bowls boasts and amazing array of Acai, Pitaya, Coconut, Green, Banana and Chia bowls. All bowls are gluten free with certified gluten free granola available for topping. Smoothies and juices round out the offerings in this popular beach-themed spot.

Juice Girl – Farm to cup juices, smoothies, acai and pitaya bowls. Gluten free granola available for bowls.

Café Noir – European-inspired coffee shop and café serving individually wrapped gluten free muffins and bagels. There is a separate toaster for gluten free bagels and they will open a new cream cheese container to avoid cross contamination.

Alex’s Stone Harbor Market –Fresh and local offerings featuring savory breakfast bowls, sandwiches, wraps, bowls, soups and salads. Gluten free bread and wraps are available for sandwiches and wraps. Gluten free orders are prepared on a clean surface with dedicated utensils. Alex’s also sells a selection of gluten free packaged goods and Inspired Brews kombucha on tap.

Kizbee’s Kitchen  (Stone Harbor Famers Market, Sundays) – 100% dedicated gluten free bakery selling sweet breads (don’t miss the Honey and Fig), cookies, pies, pop tarts and assortment of other sweets. Don’t miss the Cinnamon Buns: the tender bun has a gooey-cinnamon swirl of sweetness in the center. It pulls apart in a twist of goodness. My favorites part? The cream cheese icing. Light, fluffy, and creamy.

Cape May, NJ

Lucky Bones Backwater Grille  – Family-friendly restaurant with a large gluten free menu. I enjoyed a gluten free crab cake served on a Three Bakers gluten free bun while my others in my party ordered gluten free pasta. Staff is knowledgeable and accommodating.

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* This information is based upon the current menus at the time of publication and does not reflect changes in ingredients or availability of items. Please contact the restaurant directly for up-to-date information.