Are you looking for a place to enjoy a nice gluten free meal in Burlington, Massachusetts? Or maybe you are looking for an easy place to grab a gluten free meal on the go? Well either way, you are in the right place! In this article, we discuss all of our favorite restaurants in Burlington, Massachusetts. We also include restaurants that are located in the neighboring towns of Bedford and Billerica.
For each restaurant we discuss in this article, we will provide information on a few specific characteristics to help you decide which restaurant best suits your preferences. We will start this article out by describing those characteristics. After that, we will talk about our favorite sit down restaurants in Burlington that offer gluten free options. Then, we will talk about our favorite fast casual restaurants and cafes in Burlington that offer gluten free options.
Characteristics of gluten free restaurants in Burlington
We will start out by discussing the characteristics that we will use to provide more information about each gluten free restaurant in Burlington. This information will help you decide which restaurant best suits your tastes and preferences.
- Gluten free status. First, we will talk about the gluten free status of each restaurant. This will include information on whether the restaurant is a dedicated gluten free facility or not. If the restaurant is not a dedicated gluten free facility, we will provide additional information that can be used to assess the risk of cross contamination.
- Other dietary restrictions. After that, we will talk about other food allergies and dietary restrictions that the restaurant caters to. Some of these restaurants specifically cater to gluten free foodies, whereas others can handle a wide range of allergies and dietary restrictions.
- Cuisine. After that, we will talk about the food that is served at each restaurant. This will include information on the main type of cuisine that the menu draws inspiration from. It will also include information on any specialties that the restaurant has.
- Atmosphere. Then we will discuss the atmosphere at each restaurant. This will include everything from the ambiance and decor to the level of formality and the energy level of each restaurant.
- Location. Next, we will provide more information about the location of each restaurant. Some of these restaurants are located in busy areas near the Burlington Mall or 3rd Ave, whereas others are located in quieter areas. We will also provide details on whether each restaurant is located in Burlington, Bedford, or Billerica.
- Seating. Finally, we will discuss the seating options that are available.
Gluten free sit down restaurants in Burlington
Now that we have laid out the characteristics we will use to describe each restaurant, we will talk about some of our favorite gluten free restaurants in Burlington. We will list these restaurants roughly in order of preference, with our favorite spots appearing towards the beginning of the list.
Rosa Mexicano
Rosa Mexicano is an absolutely amazing Mexican restaurant that recently opened a new location at the Burlington Mall. This is a lively place with an upbeat atmosphere and a really nice ambiance, so it is a perfect place to go to celebrate an occasion. They have some of the best gluten free food North of Boston and many of their most popular dishes are or can easily be made gluten free.
- Gluten free status. Rosa Mexicano is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, the menu is clearly labeled to denote what can and cannot be made gluten free. The servers are generally educated about food allergies and able to provide information on potential sources of cross contamination as well. As if that wasn’t enough, they also usually have a dedicated gluten free fryer available, so you can enjoy all of their yummy fried foods without having to worry about cross contamination.
- Other dietary restrictions. Vegetarian options are clearly labeled on the menu. There are a decent number of vegetarian options available, especially considering that they serve Mexican food.
- Cuisine. The menu at Rosa Mexicano focuses primarily on Mexican food. Their menu is filled with indulgent dishes that are loaded with creamy cheese, flavorful sauces, and crispy fried bits. They easily have some of the best food in the area!
- Atmosphere. As if the delicious food was not enough, Rosa Mexicano also has a lively atmosphere that makes it a really fun place to grab a meal. Many people go here to celebrate special occasions, so there is always excitement in the air. The restaurant is tastefully decorated with bright and colorful accents that create a really nice ambiance. The staff members are also friendly and accommodating.
- Location. Rosa Mexicano is located right in the heart of the Burlington Mall. That means that it is a great place to stop after enjoying a long day of shopping. It also means that there is ample parking nearby.
- Seating. Most of the seating at Rosa Mexicano is located indoors, but they do have a small outdoor patio that may be used for outdoor seating in the warmer months. This is a popular spot in a busy location, so we recommend making a reservation a few hours before heading over if you plan to stop by during peak weekend dinner hours.
Maggie’s Other Farm
Maggie’s Other Farm is another one of our absolute favorite spots in the Burlington area. While most of the other restaurants that we mention in this article belong to large chains that have multiple locations across the United States, Maggie’s Other Farm is a more unique spot that is associated with a local restaurant group that is known for providing safe gluten free options. They also have delicious food, a gluten free fryer, and an upbeat atmosphere. What else could you want?
- Gluten free status. Maggie’s Other Farm is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, gluten free options are clearly labeled on the menu and the staff are knowledgeable about potential sources of cross contamination. They have separate labels to denote items that are naturally gluten free and items that can be made gluten free upon request. Their fryer is also dedicated to gluten free food, so there is nothing to stop you from enjoying their crispy fried treats.
- Other dietary restrictions. Vegetarian options and options that can easily be made vegetarian are also labeled on the menu.
- Cuisine. Most of the menu at Maggie’s Other Farm takes inspiration from American food. That being said, there are also a few items on the menu that take inspiration from various Asian cuisines. There are dishes that feature ingredients that are commonly used in Japanese, Korean, and Chinese cooking.
- Atmosphere. Maggie’s Other Farm has an upbeat atmosphere. The restaurant is intentionally designed to be a gathering spot for friends and family. They have a large bar and many TV screens, so it is a great place to go to catch a sports game. The atmosphere is not as festive as that of Rosa Mexicano, but it is still fun.
- Location. Maggie’s Other Farm is located in Billerica, which is a town that is immediately adjacent to Burlington. It is located in a commercial area that has many hotels nearby.
- Seating. There is a mixture of indoor and outdoor seating available at Maggie’s Other Farm. It is generally possible to get a seat without calling ahead, but they have a waitlist if you want to be safe.
Tavern in the Square
Tavern in the Square is part of a local restaurant chain that operates multiple locations across the state of Massachusetts. Tavern in the Square is a large sports bar that also has a very lively and upbeat atmosphere, especially during high profile sporting events. There is a lot to love about Tavern in the Square. They have amazing food, even better drinks, and rock solid allergy protocols. They also have giant margarita towers that can be shared with friends.
- Gluten free status. Tavern in the Square is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, a large portion of the items on their menu can be made gluten free. Items that are gluten free are clearly labeled on the menu and dishes are sent out with allergy sticks if you have a food allergy. They also have a dedicated gluten free fryer, so there is no shortage of fried foods to go around.
- Other dietary restrictions. Vegetarian items are also labeled on the menu. There are many vegetarian options available.
- Cuisine. Tavern in the Square serves American-inspired cuisine. Many items on their menu are inspired by traditional American bar food, but with a few non-standard ingredients added to create some unique flavor combinations.
- Atmosphere. Tavern in the Square has a very lively atmosphere that can get a little rowdy during large sporting events. This is a really fun place to go if you are looking for a high energy spot to gather with friends.
- Location. Tavern in the Square is located right next to the Burlington Mall. That means that it is another great option if you are looking for somewhere to grab a meal after a long day of shopping.
- Seating. There is a mixture of indoor and outdoor seating available at Tavern in the Square. There is a lot of seating available, so it is generally possible to get a table without a reservation. That being said, you want to make a reservation a few hours in advance if you plan to head over during a large sporting event or peak weekend dining hours.
The Melting Pot
The Melting Pot is another nice place where people often go to celebrate a special occasion. It is a little more formal and a little less high energy, so it is a great place to go to celebrate a special occasion in an environment that is a little less rowdy. The Melting Pot is a fondue restaurant that serves all different kinds of sweet and savory fondues. That means that it provides a more unique dining experience that feels really special.
- Gluten free status. The Melting Pot is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, many of their fondue offerings are or can be made gluten free. Items that are or can be made gluten free are clearly labeled on the menu. Different labels are used to denote items that are naturally gluten free and items that can be made gluten free with substitutions.
- Other dietary restrictions. There are also vegetarian and vegan options available. The vegan options are somewhat limited, but they do have a vegan cheese fondue and there are a few dessert fondues that can be made vegan friendly. They have a separate vegan menu that shows exactly what can and cannot be made vegan friendly.
- Cuisine. The menu at The Melting Pot revolves around fondues and similar dishes that are cooked right in front of you. Their appetizer menu consists largely of cheese fondues and their dessert menu consists largely of chocolate fondues. Their entree menu consists largely of meats and vegetables that are served to you raw so that you can cook them in a pot at your own table.
- Atmosphere. The melting pot has more of a formal and upscale vibe than most of the other restaurants we discussed in this article. This is a really nice place where people often go to celebrate special occasions. They have some nice mood lighting that also helps to make the dining experience feel more special.
- Location. The Melting Pot is located in Bedford, which is a neighboring town that is immediately adjacent to Burlington. The restaurant is located in a commercial area that has a few restaurants, shops, and office buildings nearby.
- Seating. There is primarily indoor seating available at The Melting Pot. There is a lot of seating available, but this is a popular spot so we highly recommend making a reservation a few days in advance.
The Bancroft
The Bancroft is an upscale steakhouse that is located right in the heart of Burlington’s 3rd Ave shopping and dining area. This is another upscale place that is a great option if you are looking for a nice place where you can celebrate a special occasion. The Bancroft has some really delicious, upscale food. Their menu is filled with tasty dishes that feature unique flavor combinations.
- Gluten free status. The Bancroft is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, they have a separate gluten free menu that provides information on exactly what is and is not gluten free.
- Other dietary restrictions. There is a large range of vegetable sides and salads that are available for vegetarians. While it might not sound that appealing to be limited to sides and salads, the sides and salads at The Bancroft are better than most vegetarian entrees you would get at other restaurants in the area.
- Cuisine. The Bancroft is an upscale steakhouse that serves elevated takes on the types of dishes that you would find at a traditional American steakhouse.
- Atmosphere. The Bancroft has a nice, upscale atmosphere that makes the restaurant feel really special. The restaurant is decorated with a mix of modern accents and more rustic touches.
- Location. The Bancroft is located right in the heart of Burlington’s 3rd Ave dining and shopping area. This is a popular area that is lined with many restaurants, bakeries, and entertainment venues. It is a really fun spot to spend a weekend night out.
- Seating. Most of the seating at The Bancroft is located indoors. There is a large amount of seating, but this is a popular spot in a busy downtown area. We recommend making a reservation a few days in advance if you plan to show up during peak weekend dinner hours.
Burtons Grill and Bar
Burtons Grill is another restaurant that is very popular among the gluten free community in Burlington. They have a large menu full of tasty items, many of which can be made gluten free. They take food allergies seriously and go out of their way to train their staff on proper allergen protocols, so they are generally a safe bet for anyone with food allergies.
- Gluten free status. Burtons Grill is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, they are well known in the gluten free community for offering amazing gluten free options. They have a gluten free menu that shows exactly what can and can not be made gluten free. They also usually have a dedicated gluten free fryer available.
- Other dietary restrictions. There are a decent number of vegetarian options available at Burtons Grill. Vegetarian options are not labeled on the menu, but they are generally easy to spot. The staff at Burtons Grill take food allergies very seriously, so they are generally able to accommodate other food allergies as well.
- Cuisine. Burtons Grill serves American cuisine. They have everything for steaks and burgers to salads and rice bowls.
- Atmosphere. Burtons Grill generally has a pleasant atmosphere. The restaurant is tastefully decorated with some colorful accents.
- Location. Burtons Grill is located in a strip mall that is a little bit off of the beaten path. It is located in an area with many grocery stores and big box stores, so it is a convenient place to stop by after running some errands. It is located in the town of Burlington.
- Seating. Most of the seating at Burtons Grill is located indoors, but there is a small outdoor area that has some seating available. Some nights and weeks are more popular than others so the competitiveness of seating can vary from week to week.
Fogo de Chao
Fogo de Chao is another great spot to stop after a long day shopping at the Burlington Mall. While they do not have a gluten free menu, they do generally have allergen printouts that can be used to determine what allergens are in each of their dishes. That means that this is another great spot to go if you have multiple food allergies and dietary restrictions in your party.
- Gluten free status. Fogo de Chao is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, they do usually have allergen printouts that can be used to determine which items contain common allergens.
- Other dietary restrictions. The allergen printouts at Fogo de Chao contain information on many common allergens including dairy, eggs, fish, soy, nuts, and sesame.
- Cuisine. Fogo de Chao is a Brazilian Steakhouse that has a large menu that takes inspiration from Brazilian cuisine.
- Atmosphere. Fogo de Chao has a fun and upbeat atmosphere. The interior is nicely decorated with modern accents and generally has a nice ambiance.
- Location. Fogo de Chao is located right in the heart of the Burlington Mall. That means that it is another great option if you are looking for a place to stop after shopping at the Burlington Mall.
- Seating. Most of the seating at Fogo de Chao is located indoors. Since Fogo de Chao is located right in the Burlington Mall, it can get busy during the weekend. Reservations are not always required, but they may be a good idea if you are going during a popular time.
Flatbread Company
Flatbread Company is a casual spot in Bedford that serves all kinds of flatbreads and pizzas. They have gluten free crusts available and many of their options can be made gluten free just by substituting in the gluten free crust. They have one of the best gluten free crusts we have had in a long time.
- Gluten free status. Flatbread Company is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, many of the items on their menu can be made gluten free by substituting in a gluten free flatbread. They have a gluten free menu available that provides more information on what can be made gluten free.
- Other dietary restrictions. They have vegetarian and vegan options available. Many of their flatbreads can be made vegan friendly by substituting in vegan cheese.
- Cuisine. As the name suggests, the menu at Flatbread Company revolves around pizzas and flatbreads. They also have salads available for anyone who is looking for something lighter.
- Atmosphere. Flatbread Company has a casual atmosphere. The restaurant is large with lots of open space, which makes it a nice place to grab a meal.
- Location. Flatbread company is located in Bedford in the same commercial area that The Melting Pot is located in. There is not a lot to do in the area, but there is ample parking.
- Seating. There is ample indoor seating available. Since there is so much seating available, it is generally not difficult to find a seat.
Gluten free fast casual restaurants in Burlington
Now that we have discussed our favorite sit down restaurants that offer gluten free options in Burlington, we will discuss some of our favorite fast casual restaurants and cafes. We will also list these in order of preference, with our favorite spots appearing towards the top of the list.
Twist Bakery & Cafe
Twist Bakery & Cafe is a dedicated gluten free bakery in Burlington that is easily our favorite gluten free bakery in Massachusetts. They serve a wide range of baked goods ranging from cookies and cupcakes to muffins and breads. They also serve a range of breakfast and lunch items in their cafe. Whether you are looking for something sweet or savory, Twist is bound to have something for you.
- Gluten free status. Twist Bakery & Cafe is a dedicated gluten free facility. Everything they make is entirely gluten free.
- Other dietary restrictions. Twist is generally pretty conscious of a wide range of food allergies and dietary restrictions. Most of the items they serve are free of peanuts, tree nuts, and soy. They also have many items that are dairy free.
- Cuisine. Twist serves the type of cuisine that you would expect to see at a traditional American cafe. Their breakfast menu consists of items like eggs and pancakes. Their lunch menu consists of items like salads and sandwiches.
- Atmosphere. Twist is a cute little cafe that has a pleasant atmosphere.
- Location. Twist is located right in the heart of Burlington’s 3rd Ave. This is a bustling downtown area that is lined with shops, restaurants, and bakeries. It is not too far away from the Burlington Mall either.
- Seating. There is both indoor and outdoor seating available at Twist. There is a lot of seating available and a lot of people take their food to go, so it is generally possible to get a seat without waiting too long.
The OkiPoke
The OkiPoke is a yummy poke spot that is located in the heart of Burlington’s 3rd Ave area. They serve poke bowls and sushi burritos that are piled high with all kinds of flavorful toppings and sauces. While it is not a dedicated gluten free facility, many of the toppings that they have available are naturally gluten free.
- Gluten free status. The OkiPoke is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, the majority of the ingredients they use are gluten free. There is not a gluten free menu available online, but there is generally a gluten free menu that is marked up at the restaurant that shows what can and cannot be made gluten free.
- Other dietary restrictions. There are vegan and vegetarian options available at The OkiPoke. All of their bowls and burritos can be made with tofu rather than fish or meat.
- Cuisine. The menu at The OkiPoke focuses primarily on poke bowls. They offer most of the common toppings and sauces that you would usually expect to find at a poke joint.
- Atmosphere. The OkiPoke is a casual spot that primarily serves takeout and delivery.
- Location. The OkiPoke is located on 3rd Ave, right across from Twist Bakery & Cafe. That means that you can grab a poke bowl for lunch, then stop by Twist for a sweet treat on your way out.
- Seating. There is a mixture of indoor and outdoor seating, but most of the seating is located outdoors. That being said, most people take their food to go so it is often possible to get one of the few indoor tables without waiting a long time.
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