Gluten free dining has become increasingly popular in recent years, as more people are diagnosed with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. For those with gluten intolerance, sticking to a strict gluten free diet is essential. But dining out and traveling can make it challenging to find gluten free options. If you’re gluten free and headed to Buffalo, New York, you may be wondering: Does Buffalo have gluten free options?
What is Gluten?
Before diving into the gluten free dining options in Buffalo, it helps to understand what exactly gluten is. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten triggers an autoimmune response that damages the small intestine. This can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, fatigue, headache, anxiety, brain fog and more. The only treatment is a strict lifelong gluten free diet, avoiding any foods and products containing gluten.
Prevalence of Gluten Free Diets
In the United States, it’s estimated that around 1 in 141 people, or 0.7% of the population, has celiac disease. However, experts believe non-celiac gluten sensitivity may affect 6-7% of the population. This means around 2 million Americans have celiac disease, and over 20 million have non-celiac gluten sensitivity. With rising diagnosis rates, it’s no surprise that the demand for gluten free foods has skyrocketed. The global gluten free products market size was valued at $5.6 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 8.3% from 2022 to 2030.
Challenges of Dining Out Gluten Free
For those adhering to a strict gluten free diet, dining out can present some challenges:
- Cross-contamination is a concern if kitchen staff use the same surfaces and utensils for gluten-containing and gluten-free dishes
- Many menu items are made with wheat or barley-based ingredients like breadcrumbs, soy sauce, broths, sauces and seasonings
- Servers may not fully understand what counts as gluten free
- Language or communication barriers at some restaurants can make special requests difficult
- Limited gluten free options available at many casual dining and fast food establishments
Thankfully, gluten free awareness is increasing, and more restaurants are accommodating special dietary needs. Many have dedicated gluten free menus or can modify dishes. But it still requires effort and diligence to find safe gluten free options when dining out.
Is Buffalo Gluten-Friendly?
Now onto the main question – can you easily find gluten free options when dining in Buffalo? Thankfully, the answer is yes! While Buffalo is best known for its famous chicken wings, beef on weck sandwiches and classic Buffalo-style pizza, the city offers many accommodating gluten free restaurants and options. Here’s an overview of what to expect when dining gluten-free in Buffalo:
Dedicated Gluten Free Restaurants
Buffalo has several entirely gluten free bakeries, cafes, pizzerias and restaurants. Here are some top picks:
- Sweet_ness 7 Cafe: Bakery and cafe with gluten free breads, muffins, cupcakes and lunch items. Also serves dairy free and vegan options.
- Depew Bakery: Gluten free bakery with breads, desserts and pizza crusts to take home and bake.
- Camino Kitchen: Brazilian steakhouse using certified gluten-free ingredients. Gluten-free steaks, plantains, yuca fries and more.
- Pizza Plant: Vegan and gluten free pizzeria with pizza, sandwiches, wings, desserts and more.
These dedicated spots offer peace of mind for gluten-free diners and are clear about their preparation processes. Many also cater to multiple food allergies and diets like dairy-free, vegan, and peanut-free.
Gluten-Free Friendly Restaurants
In addition to establishments specializing in gluten free, Buffalo has hundreds of restaurants with solid gluten-free offerings. Here is a sampling of top picks for gluten-friendly eats in different categories:
Steakhouses
- Tappo Italian Eatery
- Mavericks at the Airport
- Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
Italian
- Pane Siciliano Bakery
- Santora’s Pizza Pub & Grill
- Franco’s Pizza
Mexican
- Cantina Loco
- Agave
- La Divina Mexican Store
Asian
- Shango Bistro & Wine Bar
- Saigon Bangkok
- Golden Thai Restaurant
American & Contemporary
- Toutant
- The Terrace at Delaware Park
- Cache American Bistro
These restaurants have dedicated gluten free menus, are knowledgeable about gluten free preparation, or allow easy modifications. Many highlight “gluten free friendly” directly on menus or websites to welcome gluten-free diners. Even numerous pizzerias, pubs, bars, coffee shops and cafes advertise gluten free crusts or baked goods to accommodate more diners.
Gluten-Free Chains
In addition to local eateries, Buffalo has outposts of larger restaurant chains with gluten free menus, like:
- Outback Steakhouse
- Texas Roadhouse
- Red Robin Gourmet Burgers
- The Cheesecake Factory
- PF Chang’s
- Chipotle Mexican Grill
These chains have detailed gluten free menus online and food prep protocols to avoid cross-contamination. They’re helpful options when traveling or for an on-the-go meal.
Grocery Stores
Buffalo-area grocery stores like Wegmans, Tops Friendly Markets and Dash’s Market have expansive gluten free sections. You’ll find gluten free bread, pasta, cereal, snacks, meal components and more. Many stores also sell pre-made gluten free takeout meals, pizza, sandwiches and salads. This makes it easy to shop for gluten free foods during an extended hotel stay or vacation rental.
Farmers Markets
Summer in Buffalo brings bountiful farmers markets. The popular Broadway Market sells fresh produce, meats, dairy and other products from local farms and vendors. There are also rotating food trucks and prepared food stands. While shopping, look for gluten-free baked goods, jams, fresh pasta and pantry items. The farmers market is a great spot to stock up on naturally gluten free fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, meats and dairy if you have access to a kitchen.
Gluten Free Beer
Beyond food, Buffalo’s bar scene has expanded its gluten-reduced and gluten-removed beer selections for patrons avoiding gluten. Popular spots like Resurgence Brewing Company, Labatt Brew House and Buffalo Brewing Company serve gluten-free beer brands like Ghostfish, Glutenberg, Ground Breaker and more.
Tips for Dining Gluten Free in Buffalo
To make navigating Buffalo’s food scene easier, keep these tips in mind:
- Research restaurant menus online in advance and call ahead to confirm gluten free options and preparation protocols.
- Clarify menu questions with your server and confirm dishes are prepared without cross-contamination.
- Stick to naturally gluten free options like meat, fish, vegetables and fruit when menu specifics are unclear.
- Seek out restaurants with dedicated gluten free menus or symbols denoting gluten-free dishes.
- Scope out grocery store options if you have kitchen access for preparing some gluten free meals.
- Inform your server as soon as you’re seated about gluten free needs. Ask about ingredients and preparation for any ambiguous menu items.
- Pack snacks like fruit, nuts and gluten free bars when out sightseeing in case you can’t easily find a gluten free meal.
- Download restaurant finder apps like Find Me Gluten Free which has thousands of reviews about gluten free accommodations at eateries.
- Consider lodging with a kitchen if staying for an extended time, so you can cook some gluten free meals yourself.
Is Buffalo, NY Gluten Free-Friendly? The Verdict
The verdict is that Buffalo offers abundant options for enjoying the city gluten free! Between dedicated gluten free restaurants, accommodating eateries, gluten free chains, well-stocked grocery stores, farmers markets and gluten removed beers, you have ample choices. With proper planning and precautions, Buffalo can be a great gluten free-friendly travel destination.
The city still has room to grow – not all restaurants are well-versed in gluten free preparation and smaller towns or rural areas outside Buffalo may have fewer choices. However, awareness is steadily increasing. Many restaurants train staff on food allergies and local gluten free cooking classes and support groups help spread knowledge.
Gluten-free visitors to Buffalo should feel confident they can discover plenty of meals and sites during their travels. Just be sure to research options, ask questions, read labels and follow other best practices for safe gluten free dining. With the right accommodations, Buffalo can serve up a memorable gluten free getaway.
Key Takeaways
| Feature | Gluten Free Status |
|---|---|
| Dedicated gluten free restaurants | Several all-gluten free bakeries, pizzerias, and cafes |
| Accommodating restaurants | Hundreds advertise gluten free menus or options |
| Gluten free chains | Outposts of national chains like Outback, Red Robin, Chipotle |
| Grocery stores | Large gluten free sections in stores like Wegmans, Tops, Dash’s |
| Farmers markets | Vendors sell gluten free pantry goods, produce, meals |
| Beer | Local brewhouses serve gluten-removed options |
Sample Gluten Free Buffalo Itinerary
If you’re heading to Buffalo gluten free, this sample 2 day itinerary has you covered:
Day 1
- Breakfast: Sweet_ness 7 Cafe for gluten free baked goods.
- Lunch: Pane Siciliano Bakery for sandwiches on gluten free bread.
- Dinner: Tappo Italian Eatery for gluten free pasta
- Dessert: Depew Bakery’s gluten free cupcakes
Day 2
- Breakfast: Gluten free cereal, yogurt, fruit from grocery store
- Lunch: Pizza Plant for gluten free pizza
- Dinner: Mavericks steakhouse for gluten free steak & sides
- Drinks: Glutenberg gluten-free beer at Resurgence Brewery
Gluten-Free Dining in Buffalo: The Future
The gluten free dining landscape in Buffalo will likely continue growing and improving. Based on current trends:
- More existing restaurants will expand gluten free offerings, driven by consumer demand.
- New exclusively gluten-free establishments will open, adding options.
- National gluten free chains like Mariposa or Flower Child may expand to Buffalo locations.
- Grocery stores and markets will widen gluten free selections, making home cooking easier.
- Staff training on safe gluten free prep will become more standardized across restaurants.
- Gluten removed beer and other alcoholic drinks will be more widespread.
- More hotel stays and events will cater to gluten free guests with menu choices.
While already quite accommodating, Buffalo still has room to grow into an even more gluten-free friendly destination. The improving understanding of gluten issues and market trends point to expanded dining access for gluten free travelers visiting western New York.
Conclusion
Buffalo offers plentiful gluten free dining choices from dedicated venues to accommodating restaurants. With proper planning and precautions, those adhering to a gluten free diet can safely enjoy the best of Buffalo’s food scene. The city’s combination of local eateries and national chains, well-stocked grocery stores and growing gluten free beer options allow visitors to experience Buffalo’s cuisine on a gluten free diet. While not without challenges, Buffalo provides many appetizing options for gluten free travelers.
