Gluten Free Eating on the Road

Traveling when you or your family is gluten free can play like a comedy at times. Coolers of food wedged in between suitcases, snack bags littering the car: the scene could be funny if everyone weren’t so hungry. Here to rescue you from the travel hangries, I’ve joined forces with Michael Savett from Gluten Free Philly and Abby Kelly from Gluten Free Connecticut and Gluten Free New England to give you a round-up of 100% gluten free restaurants from Maryland to Connecticut. Happy (and safe) travels!

Maryland

Traveling across the state Maryland, there are 100% gluten free options in every direction. Whether heading west to the mountains, east to the bay or visiting the great city of Baltimore, there are a variety of options. Here are highlights; see Baltimore Gluten Free for a complete list.

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.

Seoul Spice (4200 Guilford Drive, B2, College Park (202) 817-6927). Gluten free vibrant comfort food in Terrapin Row, College Park. Korean at heart, they offer tacos, bowls, korritos and more.

West of Baltimore

Sanctuary Modern Kitchen (16 North East Street, Frederick (240) 415-0592). Sanctuary: Modern Kitchen creates classic comfort dishes, sans gluten. Using family recipes and cooked in small batches without grains and common allergens, look for dishes like French Onion Soup and Buffalo Wings.

A Better Choice Bakery (27 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.

On Maryland’s Eastern Shore:

Gluten Free Bakery Girl (116 N Talbot St, Saint Michaels). 100% Gluten Free Bakery specializing in wedding cakes, cupcakes, pastries and gluten free baking. See website for other retail locations throughout Maryland.

Baltimore

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

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

Points South Latin Kitchen (127 W 27th 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.

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 crema.

White Envelope Arepa Bar (301 W. 29th St, Baltimore (443)681-1906). White Envelope elevates the arepa – a 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.

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. Now serving breakfast until 1 pm.

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.

Delaware Valley (DE, PA and NJ)

The Delaware Valley has more than two dozen dedicated gluten-free restaurants, bakeries and businesses where guests can partake without concern of cross-contact. The full list of businesses can be found in the Gluten Free Philly app (search “100”) [iOS and Android] and on the Gluten Free Philly website.

Delaware

Cafe at Good Earth Market (31806 Good Earth Lane, Dover 302-537-7100). Organic food store and cafe featuring food, a bar, and live music.

At Melissa’s Bed & Breakfast (36 Delaware Ave., Rehoboth Beach 302-227-7504). Located just one and a half blocks to the ocean, this circa 1910 beach cottage serves an extended all gluten free continental breakfast.

Juice Fresh (37385 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach 855-584-2366). Juice cafe in Rehoboth Beach that sells organic cold pressed juices, smoothies, soups, salads, muffins, healthy cake, homemade power bars and more. Also delivers to Baltimore and DC.

Pennsylvania 

Sweet Freedom Bakery (1039 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr 610-527-7323). Menu is also free of dairy, soy, egg, corn, peanuts and refined sugar; vegan; kosher.

The Happy Mixer (4275 County Line Rd., Chalfont 267-663-7209) The menu is also free of tree nuts with dairy-free options.

Gangster Vegan (2454 W. Main St., Morristown 610-630-1600). Vegan.

Philadelphia

Agno Grill (2104 Chestnut St., 267-997-4524) Menu featuring fresh, healthy, nutritious Mediterranean Food.

Fox & Son (512 N. 12th St., 215-372-7935). Unique fare including corn dogs, poutine, fried cheese curds and funnel cake.

Farmers Keep (10 S. 20th St., 215-309-2928). Also free of dairy, egg, nuts and shellfish; beers are not gluten free.

Pure Fare (119 S. 21st St., 267-318-7441; 1609 South St., 267-687-2292; 3417 Spruce St., no phone) (vegan options)

Real Food Eatery (207 S. 16th St., 215-608-8941). Vegan options.

Snap Kitchen (601 S. 10th St., 215-845-0027; 1325 Frankford Ave., 267-838-6590; 243 Market St., 215-845-0004; 1901 Chestnut St., 215-845-0002). Pre-packaged gluten-free meals.

Sweet Freedom Bakery (1424 South St., 215-545-1899). Menu is also free of dairy, soy, egg, corn, peanut and refined sugar; vegan; kosher.

Taffets Bakery (1024 S. 9th St., 215-551-5511). Kosher.

Yoku (119 S. 21st St., 267-318-7441). Vegan, egg-free and nut-free options.

Northern and Western Suburbs

A&M Factory (360 Lancaster Ave., Malvern, 484-318-7537).

Arnold’s Way Cafe (319 W. Main St., Lansdale, 215-361-0116). Vegan

Gangster Vegan (2454 W. Main St., Norristown, 610-630-1600; 6 Gay St., Phoenixville, 610-616-0000). Vegan.

Oasis Juice Bar (224 Sugartown Rd., Wayne, 610-254-9797). Vegan.

Snap Kitchen (5 S. Morehall Rd., Malvern, 484-320-3447; 775 E. Lancaster Ave., Villanova, 215-845-0026; 536 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, 610-225-3030). Pre-packaged gluten-free meals.

Superfoods Cafe (1007 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-520-2200). Vegan.

Sweet Freedom Bakery (1039 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-527-7323). Menu is also free of dairy, soy, egg, corn, peanuts and refined sugar; vegan; kosher.

Sweet Megan Bakery (234 Holland Rd., Southampton, 267-288-5080). Free of major allergens; kosher.

Sweetah’s Gluten-Free Bake Shop (20 E. Oakland Ave., Doylestown, 267-736-6663). Menu is also free of soy. Vegan options available.

The Happy Mixer (4275 County Line Rd., Chalfont, 267-663-7209; 12 Summit Sq. Shopping Center, Newtown, 215-860-1989). The menu is also free of tree nuts with dairy-free options.

New Jersey

Southern NJ, minutes from Philly

Posh Pop Bakeshop (109 E. Kings Hwy., Haddonfield 856-428-7674).  Gluten free bakery located in historic downtown Haddonfield. Their case is filled with beautiful traditional treats like cookies, cupcakes, cake pops, macaroons, monkey bread, cinnamon rolls, breads, cakes and donuts. Don’t miss: their sweet and savory crepes as well as panini. Throwing a party or need food for a meeting? They also cater.

Heart Beet Kitchen (29 Haddon Ave., Westmont 856-240-1106 and 801 E 8th St, Ocean City). Plant-based, vegan menu that elevates eating your veggies to an art form. The setting is where Instagram dreams are made, with cozy seating areas and rustic-chic furniture. In addition to meals, they have a full menu of smoothies and kombucha on tap. Now serving brunch.  Don’t miss: the eggplant meatballs over zucchini noodles.

Just outside of Atlantic City

Kizbee’s Kitchen (734 W. White Horse Pike, Egg Harbor City 609-553-3383). Dedicated gluten-free wholesale & retail bakery. 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.

Heart Beet Kitchen (801 E 8th St, Ocean City 609- 938-9786) The second location of this popular, plant-based, vegan eatery just a few steps from the Ocean City boardwalk. In addition to meals, they have a full menu of smoothies and kombucha.  Don’t miss: the eggplant meatballs over zucchini noodles.

Heading North

WildFlour Bakery/Cafe (2691 Main St., Lawrenceville 609-620-1100). Fresh baked artisan breads, pastries and custom cakes. Serving breakfast and lunch daily made with  freshly baked bread, Mary’s Organic Chicken and locally grown produce.

Cave Bistro (515 Sylvania Avenue, Avon-by-the-Sea 732-776-8556). Grain free, gluten free, paleo restaurant offering a seasonal farm-to-table menu.

Connecticut

Traveling to or through New England this holiday season? Gluten-Free Connecticut welcomes you! Here are some celiac-friendly spots throughout the state for a delicious and safe stopover, from south to north. For a complete list of gluten free and gluten-friendly dining spots, head to Gluten Free Connecticut’s comprehensive database. Safe travels!  

Traveling I-95 North? See below!

NewBrook Kitchen & Artisan Market (37 Saugatuck Ave., Westport (203) 557-6087). If you’re traveling along I-95N, your first celiac-safe stop is in Westport, where NewBrook Kitchen, a 100% GF and paleo café churns out amazing meals for dining in or to go. You can also pick up desserts, snacks, and other items from local artisans. (dedicated GF facility)

Izzi B’s Allergen-Friendly Bakery, 22 Knight St., Norwalk (203) 810-4378). If you’re in the mood for a treat, Izzi B’s Allergen Free Bakery comes up next on 95 North in Norwalk. They are dedicated GF and top 8 free as well. Check their website and place your order prior to arriving if possible, or call to see what they have in stock that day. They do not have a formal storefront, so you’ll be picking up your treats right in the kitchen!

Still Delicious Bakery (13 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook (860) 552-4662). As you proceed north on I95 along the coast, you’ll eventually arrive in Westbrook, where Still Delicious dedicated GF bakery cranks out amazing breads, bagels, and treats. Even if you’re not hungry, you must stop in and pick up one of their chocolate chip cookie lava cakes. We dare you to buy just one. (dedicated GF facility)

Shayna B’s By the Sea (247 Main St., Old Saybrook (860) 339-3144). Continuing on 95 north, you’ll eventually hit Old Saybrook, where Shayna B’s by the Sea is located. You’ll find her dedicated GF and dairy-free eatery right on Main Street where you can grab sandwiches, calzones, soups baked goods and more. (dedicated GF facility)

Traveling along Route 84? See below!

 Gluten-Free Oasis  (594 Federal Rd., Brookfield (203) 885-0314). When you enter Connecticut from the west via route 84, you’ll arrive first in Danbury. We recommend taking a quick detour off the highway to Brookfield for a stop at Gluten-Free Oasis, which serves sandwiches on their homemade GF cheese bread. You can also pick up rolls and other fun stuff to take with you. And trust us, you’ll want to! (dedicated GF facility)

Swoon Gluten Free Bakery (109 Danbury Rd., Ridgefield (203) 438-4326). If you’re up for a little detour, Swoon just might be the cutest bakery we’ve ever seen. Just swing south from Danbury to their adorably tiny little shop in Ridgefield.  They may be small, but they make incredible treats worth bringing to your holiday hosts or hostesses. They have vegan and dairy-free options as well. (dedicated GF facility)

Pure Love Bakery (136 Simsbury Rd. #16, Avon (860) 409-0302). Tucked away in the beautiful rolling hills of the Farmington Valley is Pure Love Bakery. They’re maybe 20 minutes off of route 84, but if you have some extra time, this place is worth the detour. They make pretty much everything – breads, rolls, English muffins, cookies, cakes, brownies –  anything your little GF heart desires. They always have fun stuff in their front case, but if you’re looking for something in particular, call ahead and place a special order. Oh, and don’t forget to pick up a bag of the best GF granola around! (dedicated GF facility)

Dee’s One Smart Cookie (103 New London Tpke. Suite C, Glastonbury). Connecticut’s very first gluten-free bakery, Dee’s One Smart Cookie, has recently moved to bigger digs in Glastonbury, CT, east of Hartford. A dedicated gluten-free facility, you won’t find gluten, nuts, peanuts, soy, GMO’s or dairy in any of their products. Most products can be made egg free as well. Stop by for a treat, breads, snacks, muffins, and give them a call before you go because om some days, they sell soups, pizzas and more! 

Nature’s Grocer (81 East St., Vernon (860) 870-0020). After you pass through Hartford and approach the CT/MA border, you’ll pass through Vernon which is home to one of our all-time favorite spots, Nature’s Grocer. Their dedicated GF café makes all sorts of sandwiches, paninis, wraps, soups, pizzas, calzones and more, which you can eat in their adorable dining area or take to go. (vegan cheese available) They also make an enormous number of GF baked goods, many of which are vegan as well. (dedicated GF facility)   

Traveling on 91 North? See Below!

The Sweet Beet (498 Salmon Brook St., Granby (860) 653-2338). If you’re traveling on 91 north through Connecticut, don’t miss The Sweet Beet in Granby. It’s a bit off the beet-en path, but if you’re GF and vegan, it’s worth every beautiful mile. They have cases full of prepared foods and they’ll make sandwiches to go. They also have soups and amazing desserts. (dedicated GF facility)

Gluten-Free Connecticut is expanding into New England! Starting in September 2018, you can easily find gluten free dining in not only Connecticut, but also Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. You can find all this great info at www.wickedglutenfree.com!