Las Vegas is world-renowned for its entertainment, casinos, and nightlife. With dozens of buffets, restaurants, and eateries throughout the city, Las Vegas seems like a dream destination for foodies. But for those with celiac disease or who follow a strict gluten-free diet, navigating the dining scene in Vegas can prove challenging. With more awareness and demand for gluten-free options, many Las Vegas restaurants have expanded their gluten-free offerings. But is Las Vegas truly gluten-free friendly? Here we dive into what to expect when dining gluten-free in Sin City.
What is gluten and celiac disease?
Before determining if Las Vegas is gluten-free friendly, it helps to understand what gluten is and why some people must avoid it. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. It helps baked goods maintain their shape and texture. For most people, consuming gluten is not a problem. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, ingesting gluten can cause issues.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where gluten triggers damage to the small intestine. This damage prevents proper absorption of nutrients from food. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity also causes adverse reactions when gluten is consumed. Reactions range from mild to severe and can include bloating, abdominal pain, fatigue, and more. The only treatment for celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity is strict adherence to a 100% gluten-free diet.
Prevalence of celiac disease and gluten sensitivities
Celiac disease impacts about 1% of the population worldwide. Experts estimate about 2.5 million Americans have celiac disease but many are undiagnosed. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity may impact 6-7% of the population. With rising diagnoses, the demand for gluten-free options has grown substantially. The gluten-free food industry was valued around $4.35 billion in 2017 and continues expanding. With more people requiring gluten-free meals, restaurants and food establishments need to accommodate. So how does Las Vegas stack up?
Gluten-free dining options in Las Vegas
Las Vegas offers hundreds of restaurants ranging from quick service to upscale dining. Finding gluten-free options used to be difficult, but the tides are changing. Most Strip hotels and casinos now have dedicated gluten-free menus or allow for easy modifications. Chefs are becoming better trained for preparing gluten-free dishes safely. Here are some of the top spots for gluten-free dining in Las Vegas:
- Hash House a Go Go – This Quad Resort spot offers gluten-free pancakes, waffles, and biscuits for hearty breakfasts.
- Five50 Pizza Bar – Located in Aria Resort, Five50 Pizza makes gluten-free pizza crusts and offers vegan cheese.
- Burger Bar – Found in multiple hotels like Mandalay Bay, Burger Bar has gluten-free buns and clearly marks gluten-free options.
- Julian Serrano – This tapas restaurant in Aria Resort marks all gluten-free items on the menu.
- Rx Boiler Room – This steakhouse inside The LINQ hotel has a separate gluten-free menu.
In addition, restaurant chains like PF Changs, Cheesecake Factory, and Yardhouse have locations in Vegas with broad gluten-free choices. The Wynn and Encore hotels also boast exceptional gluten-free dining at restaurants like Costa di Mare and Lakeside.
Gluten-free options on the Strip
Beyond sit-down restaurants, finding gluten-free quick bites to eat along the Strip is also possible. Here are some of the best options:
- Blaze Pizza – Build your own gluten-free pizza
- Pinkbox Doughnuts – Gluten-free donuts
- Roxy’s Deli – Custom sandwiches on gluten-free bread
- Maxie’s at The LINQ – Gluten-free desserts
- Earl of Sandwich – Sandwiches with gluten-free bread
Many hotels also have coffee shops with gluten-free bakery items, oatmeal, yogurts, and more for a quick breakfast or snack on the go.
Gluten-free buffets
Buffets are a dime a dozen in Las Vegas. These large spreads offer endless food variety. In the past, buffets posed a challenge for gluten-free diets. Now, many of the most popular Vegas buffets provide gluten-free options. Some to consider include:
- Wicked Spoon at Cosmopolitan – Dedicated gluten-free station
- Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace – Extensive gluten-free selections
- The Buffet at Aria – Gluten-free desserts and bread
- Buffet at Wynn – Made-to-order gluten-free dishes
Calling ahead to ensure gluten-free choices are available on the day you plan to visit is wise. Some buffets rotate or change options regularly.
Gluten-free meal delivery in Vegas
For those wanting to enjoy a gluten-free meal in their hotel room, many meal delivery services in Las Vegas offer gluten-free options. Companies like UberEats, GrubHub, and DoorDash allow you to filter for gluten-free meals. Gluten-free family owned business Roxie’s Catering also provides gluten-free meals delivered to hotels along the Strip. With most hotels having mini fridges, stocking up on gluten-free snacks is simple. Many hotels will also allow you to store cold items in their kitchen if you ask at check-in.
Gluten-free shows and events
Beyond restaurants, Las Vegas hosts endless shows, concerts, and unique performances. Thankfully, accommodation for gluten-free needs applies to more than just food. Most major shows provide allergy information upon ticket purchase. Guests can call ahead to communicate dietary restrictions. Shows like Mystere by Cirque du Soleil, Absinthe, and O by Cirque du Soleil cater to gluten-free guests. Psychology favors seating near aisles and exits for quick access to restrooms or breaks as needed.
Tips for eating gluten-free in Vegas
While gluten-free options abound in Las Vegas, navigating restaurants and events still requires diligence. Here are some tips for eating gluten-free in Vegas:
- Research restaurant menus online and call ahead to verify gluten-free options
- Ask about risk of cross-contamination from shared surfaces
- In buffets, request clean plates and utensils and fresh serving utensils
- Look for gluten-free labels or markings on packaged foods
- Specify the gluten allergy severity to your server
- Pack gluten-free snacks to have on hand between meals
- Inform your hotel of your gluten restriction at check-in
- Download restaurant finder apps like FindMeGlutenFree
- Carry gluten-free cards explaining your dietary needs in multiple languages
Eating gluten-free requires effort, but Las Vegas accommodates gluten-free guests better than ever before. With preparation and knowledge of the best spots, enjoying Vegas gluten-free is achievable.
Traveling to and around Vegas gluten-free
Between restaurants and shows, getting around Las Vegas requires planning too. Rental cars present the freedom to control snacks and meals en route. Sanitizing surfaces is advised. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft also enable gluten-free travelers to get to the Strip, head downtown, or travel among hotels. These services offer little control over exposure so masks and surface wipes help minimize risk.
The Las Vegas Monorail provides transport up and down the east side of the Strip. Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and surface sprays allow for cleaning hands and areas before sitting down. Using a tissue or napkin as a barrier when grabbing handles is another tactic. The monorail enables hopping between hotels and casinos conveniently.
Gluten-free shopping
For gluten-free travelers wanting to stock their kitchenettes or hotel rooms with staples, Las Vegas offers several dedicated shopping options. Leading grocery chains like Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, and Whole Foods have outlets in the region with gluten-free sections. The Good Seed is a gluten-free bakery with two Las Vegas locations offering breads, pastries, pizza crusts, and snacks. Gluten Free Gourmet is a bakery inside Rainbow Plaza specializing in sweet treats. Total Wine & More provides gluten-free beers, ciders, and liquors for unwinding and enjoying the Vegas vibes.
Accommodations for gluten-free guests
When selecting hotel accommodations, those eating gluten-free should consider room types with kitchenettes or kitchens and refrigerators. Luxury suites at hotels like Vdara, Mandarin Oriental, and Four Seasons provide these amenities. Budget hotels like Extended Stay America also have fridge and kitchen access in each room. Cooking your own meals ensures no risk of cross-contamination.
Some Vegas hotels go beyond accommodation and actively cater to gluten-free guests. MGM Resorts properties earned the Allergen Friendly Designation for their dining protocols. Hotels like Bellagio and ARIA offer detailed gluten-free menus. The Venetian and Palazzo hotels have protocols allowing guests to order gluten-free in-room dining at any restaurant on property. Encore and Wynn hotels work to accommodate all dietary needs.
Is Las Vegas ultimately gluten-free friendly?
As the prevalence of celiac disease and gluten sensitivity rises, Las Vegas has adapted to meet the demand for gluten-free options. Decades ago gluten-free travelers struggled in Vegas but now the options span from quick bites to five star dining. While navigating gluten-free living takes effort, Vegas makes it more possible than ever. Hotels, restaurants, and shows work to accommodate dietary needs. With preparation and research, those eating gluten-free can indulge in Vegas experiences.
Las Vegas still has room to grow, but the increasing awareness and dining choices create a gluten-free friendly environment. By taking precautions, researching options, and seeking accommodations, Las Vegas delivers great enjoyment for gluten-free guests. The classic Vegas appeal can be experienced gluten-free. While always requiring diligence eating out, Las Vegas offers delicious gluten-free cuisine, top-class entertainment, and memories waiting to be made.
Conclusion
In summary, Las Vegas offers ample dining, entertainment, and amenities to create a welcoming environment for gluten-free guests. From an ever-growing list of gluten-free menu items at leading restaurants to accommodating hotel options, those avoiding gluten have more options than ever to experience the magic of Vegas. With preparation and care taken to research and confirm gluten-free choices when booking travel, Las Vegas provides a rewarding getaway full of flavor, adventure, and indulgence even for those with dietary restrictions. Gluten-free guests can feel at ease that Las Vegas has taken major strides to cater to their needs.
