Visiting Denver and eat gluten free? Read my comprehensive list of the best gluten-free restaurants in Denver and Boulder. This post was last updated on April 2021. Please inquire at each restaurant to ensure no details in this article have changed. The best information on each restaurant will be at each individual location.
I get emails and messages from people all the time asking me for recommendations on things to do and eat (when they eat gluten free) while they’re visiting Denver and Boulder.
That’s why I decided to create this post. It features some of the best gluten-free restaurants in Denver, Boulder and surrounding areas.
All establishments included on this list have been vetted either by me or strongly recommended to me by readers in order to confirm they are doing gluten free right.
Please note that I only recommend establishments I feel have good measures in place to offer a safe, gluten-free dining experience for you.
If you would like me to add your restaurant to the best gluten-free restaurants in Denver list, or have a suggestion of a fantastic gluten-free establishment in Denver or Boulder, please contact me and let me know.
Also, be sure to read my list of the best gluten-free bakeries in Denver.
Please note restaurants are not listed in any particular order, although I did try to include the dedicated gluten-free restaurants at the top of the list.
Acova
There are so many places in Denver that offer gluten-free options, but if I had to settle in on a few gluten-free favorite restaurants in Denver, the very top of my list would be Acova Restaurant. Acova is located in the LoHi (Lower Highlands) neighborhood. The food is outstanding and the owner (and her son) have celiac.
While Acova is not 100 percent gluten-free, it has a separate prep area for making its gluten-free items, as well as a dedicated gluten-free fryer. The food is approachable and craveable. I seem to always get sucked into ordering the amazing fish and chips (so good!), but the fried chicken is delicious too, and my father-in-law swears by the chicken piccata.
Almost everything on the menu can be made gluten free, and the menu is well marked so you know what you can enjoy. And don’t forget to top off your meal with delicious apple donuts – a favorite treat!
Holidaily Brewery Tap Room
While in Colorado, you must take time to visit Holidaily Brewery (check taproom hours) to sample amazing craft gluten-free beer made exclusively from gluten-free grains.
Karen Hertz, a former Coors executive who loves craft beer but could no longer tolerate gluten after surviving thyroid cancer, founded Holidaily and has been providing the best craft beer I’ve ever had. It’s hard to believe it’s all gluten free!
Holidaily often has gluten-free food trucks parked outside for you to enjoy along with your amazing craft beer. The brewery also carries my book, Dear Gluten, It’s Not Me It’s You, so pick up a copy while you’re there!
Just BE Kitchen
Just BE Kitchen is a must try restaurant because it’s 100% paleo and certified delicious (by me). Everything is gluten free in this charming, comfort-food oriented restaurant.
Just BE also offers plenty of Whole30 options as well.
Vital Root
Edible Beats also has a 100% gluten-free and 99% vegan restaurant (by request) called Vital Root. It’s located in the trendy Highlands, and, I have to say, the food is outstanding. I ordered the pad thai and loved it. The cassava fries can’t be beat either.
Please note that Vital Root is a counter service restaurant, so it’s perfect for brunch, lunch or a quick dinner.
Whole Sol
I recently fell in love with Whole Sol, a 100% dedicated gluten-free and organic restaurant that serves up smoothie bowls, hot bowls, sandwiches and toast, cold pressed juices, and gluten-free cookie dough (must order!). They have lots of vegan options too.
Don’t be fooled; just because Whole Sol’s menu is gluten free and healthy, it’s still incredibly delicious. I enjoyed the OG smoothie bowl made with acai and topped with banana, strawberry, granola, honey, and for a little extra, a scoop of peanut butter. It was outstanding, full of flavors, textures, and colors. The cold pressed juices are tasty too, and come served in adorable glass jars.
Whole Sol has three locations, one in Sloan’s Lake near Mile High Stadium, one on the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, and one in LoDo near Union Station.
Linger & Root Down
Linger (LoHi) and Root Down are two restaurants owned by the Edible Beats restaurants group. They are both outstanding restaurants that offer a romantic atmosphere, eclectic bites and plenty of safe gluten-free options.
If you go to Linger, stop by Little Man Ice Cream for dessert afterwards. You can’t miss it as the ice cream stand as the facade looks like a bucket of ice cream. They will use a clean scooper when scooping ice cream for you to help minimize risk of cross contact with gluten. My husband loves this ice cream. We always have to stop here when we’re in the neighborhood.
Beau Jo’s Pizza
If you’re craving pizza, I might compel you to mosey on over to Beau Jo’s, a treasured Colorado restaurant serving up Colorado-style pizza. Unfortunately you won’t be able to enjoy the “Mountain Pie” (deep dish pizza) because it contains gluten, but I assure you that Beau Jo’s is serious about making safe pizza for its celiac and gluten-free customers.
Beau Jo’s gluten-free crust comes from the Sweet Escape Bakery and is really delicious – truly! It is a Colorado tradition to dip your pizza crust in honey. While your GF pizza crust will be much thinner than everyone else’s crust, give it a try and see what you think. When in Rome… err, Colorado!
If you visit the Beau Jo’s in Idaho Springs, which is in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, take a tour the Argo Gold Mining Mill and Tunnel. We loved it!
Quieros Arepas
I personally believe you cannot visit Denver without trying Quieros Arepas. This restaurant (and food truck) serves only gluten-free foods.
If you’ve never had an arepa before, you’re in for a real treat. An arepa is a cornbread-type sandwich stuffed with all sorts of pulled meats and fried plantains. Delicious!
Quieros Arepas is located inside Avanti F&B (a collective eatery) and has a dedicated shop on Pearl Street near the University of Denver (DU).
Next Door Eatery
For a more casual, family-friendly dining experience, check out one of the six Next Door restaurants based in Colorado. This local restaurant chain has a laid-back, Colorado vibe that will ensure a good time for all (without breaking the bank).
The food is made with sustainable ingredients and is approachable, offering everything from delicious salads and soups to juicy burgers and tangy fish tacos. You can also order warm, fresh-baked gluten-free chocolate chip cookies for dessert – nice touch, right?
The Cherry Cricket
Another casual and approachable restaurant to try is The Cherry Cricket – Ballpark location. The atmosphere is fun and lively with an active bar scene, an area for gamers, and plenty of dining room seating.
I had one of the best burgers I’ve ever had when I went to The Cherry Cricket for an event last year. The burgers are flavorful and juicy, and the gluten-free bun, well, it’s divine. I don’t know who supplies the restaurant with its gluten-free buns (definitely not Udi’s), but they are soft and unbelievably gluten free.
Woody’s Wood Fired Pizza
While you’re visiting Golden, Colorado, take a moment to visit downtown Golden (it’s cute) and visit Woody’s Wood Fired Pizza. Part of the menu is celiac safe and includes Holidaily beer battered fish and chips (although you can’t eat the fries/chips), as well as fried chicken tenders and sweet potato tots. Any burger can be served with a gluten-free bun too.
Woody’s also has gluten-free pizza crust, and is willing to make accommodations to prepare the pizza as safely as possible. Truth be told, however, I didn’t like the crust and I’m not sure how celiac-safe it is.
Humboldt Farm Fish Wine
Another fantastic restaurant if you’re looking for a date night out is Humboldt Farm Fish Wine located in Denver’s Uptown neighborhood. The flavorful dishes are plentiful and it’s hard to decide what to order because so many things sound good.
Humboldt boasts a dedicated fryer for gluten-free foods, and the staff is knowledgeable about gluten and takes all allergens seriously. Try the fried crispy broccoli as a starter and then make sure you order a fish dish – the restaurant’s speciality – although they offer beef and pasta options as well. There is really something for everyone whether you eat fish or not.
Aung’s Bangkok Cafe
If you love Thai food, a great restaurant in Englewood is called Aung’s Bangkok Cafe. My friend who has traveled to Thailand said the food is as authentic as it gets without being in Bangkok. I order the Drunken Noodle and love it. My husband loves the curry.
Yellowbelly Chicken
Yellowbelly Chicken is another personal favorite fast casual restaurant based in Colorado. Yellowbelly fries up some yummy and totally gluten-free fried chicken with all the fixings, including smashed potatoes and hushpuppies paired with a honey-butter sauce. Everything in the deep fryer is gluten free, so yes, you can enjoy all those delicious fried foods you miss!
Modern Market
Another great Colorado fast-casual restaurant worth trying is Modern Market. Modern Market uses only fresh ingredients and makes everything, including its dressings, in-house. The salads are hearty and delicious, and the green chili chicken soup is a personal favorite of mine.
Modern Market offers gluten-free pizza, too. If you order pizza, make sure you clearly communicate your allergy needs. I typically avoid the pizza due to the risk of cross contamination, but by all means give it a try if you feel comfortable with the process.
Five on Black
Also give Five on Black a try. They make Brazilian food that you order similarly to how you’d order at Chipotle. The Brazilian cheese bread is to die for. Five on Black has a prime location just off the 16th Street Mall (in case you want to get in some shopping – and amazing people-watching – trust me!).
Larkburger
If you’ve got burgers on the brain, stop by any of the Larkburger locations throughout the Denver metro area. The burgers are great, and you can eat the crispy fries. Larkburger also makes gluten-free onion rings, the only restaurant I’m aware of in town that offers these delicious rings of fried joy!
mmm…. COFFEE!
Another gluten-free hotspot is mmm… COFFEE! It’s a dedicated paleo bistro in the Santa Fe Arts District. Sip on coffee and eat some yummy paleo muffins and cookies. When you’re done, walk around to visit some of the art studios where local artists display their works.
Fresh Thymes Eatery (Boulder)
Head on over to Fresh Thymes Eatery for a healthy lunch made from consciously sourced ingredients. This restaurant is 100% gluten free too.
Enjoy foods “from the counter” or order something made to order off the menu. Everything is on the table, so to speak, so feel at home here while you enjoy a worry-free, casual dining experience with your friends.
The Buff (Boulder)
The Buff restaurant at 2600 Canyon Blvd in Boulder came highly recommended to me by one of my readers and rightfully so; nearly all of the menu has the option to be gluten free.
For any meal, you can enjoy steak and eggs, french toast, omelets, skillets, griddle cakes (pancakes), breakfast tacos, fried chicken, gluten-free granola with fresh fruit, grilled cheese, and any burger.
There is truly something gluten free for everyone at The Buff, especially since the restaurant has a dedicated gluten-free fryer, separate gluten-free cooking spaces, and dedicated gluten-free utensils.
On top of it all, the owner of the restaurant has celiac disease, giving patrons that extra assurance in knowing that the staff is thoroughly trained in handling and serving its gluten-free guests.
Flower Child (Boulder)
I also found Flower Child cafe to be accommodating to my gluten-free diet and I highly recommend it! Lots of locally sourced, healthy foods along with plenty of GF options.
Shine (Boulder)
Shine also came highly recommended to me from a reader, where I learned that the restaurant is 100 percent gluten free!
While the menu changes seasonally, the restaurant is always serving up health-forward meals with plenty of paleo, vegan and dairy-free options as well.
At Shine, you’ll enjoy everything from gluten-free fettuccine and ramen dishes, to street tacos, burgers, homemade fermented pickles, yucca fries and variety of booze and cocktail creations.
You can also enjoy doughnuts, biscuits and fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies from the Shine bakery.
The Urban Egg
For a great all-around brunch, skip Snooze (its gluten-free pancakes are not gluten free according to my Nima Sensor) and seek out The Urban Egg instead. This restaurant takes a lot of precautions to create a safe brunch experience for its gluten-free diners.
I personally enjoy the Huevos Rancheros with a side of Fred’s Hawaiian pineapple pancake – gluten free, of course! The gluten-free pancakes are made with Cup4Cup flour and are fluffy and chewy – amazing mouth appeal.
Abrusci’s Fire & Vine
Abrusci’s is an Italian restaurant with plenty of celiac-safe practices. Almost all dishes can be ordered gluten free, and the pasta and pizza are prepared safely to accommodate the celiac community.
Park Burger
This restaurant offer gluten-free buns and a dedicated fryer so you can enjoy French fries; avoid the pizza.
Little India
Most dishes are already naturally GF at Little India – sweet!
Ted’s Montana Grill
Ted’s Montana Grill offers up a dedicated fryer (and delicious French fries!) and employs many practices to limit cross contamination. Enjoy a juicy bison burger – it’s a great treat and what Ted’s Montana Grill is known for.
Additional Information
Always be sure to inquire at each restaurant about their gluten-free safe practices as safe practices and menus can change.
A special thank you to my friends at MacroMenu, a free app that helps you identify safe allergy-friendly restaurants, for some of the additions to this list. If you’re visiting Denver, be sure to download the MacroMenu app to find more gluten-free restaurants in Denver.
Visiting Denver? Also be sure to read:
Great to hear. I love Acova too!!
Just had dinner at Acova. It was amazing! Started with the crab cakes, then the grilled corn on the cob. My main course was the fish and chips! Don’t know how I did it but I had to have the fried apples! Delicious! I only wish they were in PA. If you are in Denver and have Celiac this is the place to go! Thanks for the recommendation! Gail Harrison