Top Celiac-Friendly Restaurants in Eugene

Living with celiac disease means you’re always on the hunt for spots that take gluten-free dining seriously and understand things like cross-contact. As a celiac, I know the struggle. Eugene, Oregon is a hidden gem for incredible, celiac-friendly eats. From killer cafes to inventive kitchens, these restaurants offer more than a salad sans croutons. We are serious about making gluten-free delicious. Here is your guide to stress-free dining in Eugene. 

Dedicated Gluten Free

Jazzy Ladies Cafe

100% gluten-free and absolutely delicious, Jazzy Ladies in the Market District is a must-visit for brunch, lunch and dinner. Their elegant space sets the stage for unforgettable meals and on select nights they even feature live jazz and special events that enhance the charm. I’m obsessed with their breakfast enchiladas with smoked jalapenos and a lavender latte from the brunch menu. Plus, their pastry case is always packed with decadent treats you can take to go. Best of all, there’s nothing more comforting than knowing you can order anything off the menu without a second thought about gluten.

Estelle Bakery

I love Estelle. I fell in love with this dedicated gluten free, celiac-safe pastry kitchen when it was a booth at the Farmers Market. Now I sit at the counter of their brick-and-mortar with my legs swinging joyfully. Eating things this good without any fear brings out a childlike joy in me. My favorite items are the pecan pie bar, the pear almond tart and the sage sausage + mushroom galette. You'll see me in line at Estelle every time I step into Springfield. Springfield is Eugene's neighboring city and Estelle is only a short 7-minute drive from the University of Oregon. 

Braised

A dedicated gluten free food truck! When you want delicious, casual comfort food, this place totally delivers. Braised food truck is located in West Eugene at a food truck pod with a variety of other options, so if you have folks who eat gluten in your party, everyone can have something different here! I love their braised BBQ sando and their cottage pie. Avoiding things other than gluten? Check out the allergen cheat sheet on their website.

Elegant Elephant Baking Co. 

Elegant Elephant has been a staple for celiacs and people with common food allergies for a long time. They started out as a popular food cart and now they offer breads, pastries, bagels and desserts in their location near Skinner Butte. They also have espresso and Vanilla Jill's ice cream. You can often find their baked goods in stores and coffee shops around town.  

Gluten Free Friendly

Tacovore

When I found out I could eat at Tacovore safely, I was beyond excited. This is the place we love to take our out-of-town guests because it doesn't require dressing up or spending a lot of money but the flavors and the vibes are still excellent. If you've got vegans or vegetarians in your party, they will love it too. In fact, the mushroom taco is one of my favorites! Although the menu mentions that everything except the tortas are gluten free, helpful staff informed me that the carnitas and grilled fish were at risk for cross-contact since they are warmed on the same grill top as the torta bread. The fryer, however, is totally safe, so eat all the chips, salsa and guacamole that your heart desires. And their hot sauce bar is a hit, whether you prefer your sauces on the mild side or if you're living dangerously. 

Tiger Mama

At Tiger Mama in the Whiteaker District, a Korean-born husband and wife team are serving up Korean classics in a dynamic space that feels both energetic and casual. Tiger Mama is Oregon's first soju bar (a distilled spirit that's naturally gluten free). They have an entire separate menu for gluten free folks and another for vegans. Be aware that the fryer is not dedicated gluten free, though, so some items on the separate menu are not celiac safe. I personally love the Japchae (stir-fried glass noodles) and the portions are so large that I always have leftovers the next day. If you're tired of eating the same safe but boring meal everywhere you go, this is an excellent way to invite some excitement into your life without stress. 

Hot Mama's Wings

Hot Mama's is not a dedicated gluten free restaurant but they do have a fryer just for gluten free items including their fries, hot wings and fish & chips. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about cross-contact. My favorite wings are the raspberry habanero and chile lime cilantro. And I never order here without getting fries.  Every celiac knows that you are legally required to order fries when they are celiac-safe. If there are vegetarians in your party, the tempeh wings are fabulous. This is also a great place to watch the Ducks games and have a cocktail. 

Eugene Burger Company

Eugene Burger Company, right in the heart of the 5th Street Public Market, is all about great burgers and peace of mind. Most of their menu is gluten-free, they’ve got a dedicated fryer and a solid gluten free bun that doesn’t taste like cardboard. The super chill owner has celiac family members, so they’re not messing around when it comes to keeping things safe and the staff is dialed in too. Give me my double Smashburger on a gluten free bun with sautéed mushrooms, onions, roasted jalapenos and special sauce and I'll be a happy girl. This spot is surrounded by other great food vendors, so the whole family can get exactly what they want. 

Toxic Burger

Toxic Burger West 11th location is clean, cool and offers good food. Look, I know I already gave you burgers and wings but let me defend having another on the list. First of all, you can order in the drive-thru and still feel safe even on a lazy day or when you're in a hurry. Also, last time I checked, ALL OF THEIR SHAKES ARE GLUTEN FREE. Seriously, even the Oreo shake is gluten free. A shake, fries and a gluten free crispy chicken sandwich from a drive-thru is this a dream? This location is not dedicated gluten free but the staff is super dedicated to keeping you safe. Just let them know you need a celiac-prep. 

Four Plus 3 Korean BBQ

One of my favorite places to dine that's not dedicated gluten free is Four Plus 3 BBQ. It's not just delicious but it's fun to enjoy an interactive meal where you cook your meats yourself on a clean, tabletop grill. Communicate with the server that you want everything gluten free and they will provide gluten free tamari and other condiments as well as inform you of which meats are safe. Typically, I just avoid all marinated meats. Don't worry, it's still super tasty even without marinade. If you are into K-pop, then you'll love that popular videos play on every screen in the joint. 

There are other places you might find great food in this city. This is just a list to get you started. 
Other places you will love:

• The Coco Nut - Vegan and dedicated gluten free cafe open Wednesday - Saturday. 
• Fig and Bean Bakery - Excellent dedicated gluten free bakery open Saturdays only.
• Cafe Yumm! - Quick, casual Eugene staple with multiple locations and an online allergen guide. Be prepared to become addicted to yumm bowls. 

REMINDER: Staff and menus change. Always ask your server about safety and inform them of any dietary restrictions.