“Are you sure you don’t want a donut?” Trust me, I’m sure—I’m celiac. Being celiac means that I can't eat anything with gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley) or my body will respond by attacking my small intestine. So how do I survive as a college student? Good question. Luckily Washington University in St. Louis has a gluten free kitchen, but my options here are limited.
While many students are impressed by the food on campus, I am even more impressed by the options available to me off campus. As a California native, I assumed that the rest of the nation was not prepared to serve gluten-free individuals, and I didn’t expect to find restaurants so accommodating in St. Louis. Despite my allergy, my adjustment to the Midwest has been super sweet (read: literally).
Here’s a list of six of the most gluten-free friendly restaurants in St. Louis to make being celiac at WashU a whole lot easier.
City Coffee House & Creperie
Only a few blocks from campus, City Coffee House & Creperie is a brunch haven you can’t resist. Check out the chalkboard menu for sweet and savory treats, like my personal favorite, the Strawberry-Banana Nutella. Ask for a gluten free buckwheat crepe, and don’t forget to ask to have the grill wiped down before they make your order.
The Original Pancake House
NoWait saves the day with this iconic breakfast chain. The Original Pancake House is a cozy pancake restaurant in Ladue, with numerous other locations across the country. Their gluten free pancakes are fluffy and delicious. They're also cooked to order in designated gluten free pans, so you don't have to worry about cross-contamination.
Whitebox Eatery
Who doesn’t want to start the day with an egg sandwich? Whitebox Eatery has some of the best gluten free bread in STL and an amazing menu. My personal favorite is the veggie egg sandwich, prepared gluten free upon request. Enjoy your breakfast with one of their flavored lattes or a cappuccino.
Snarf’s
Snarf’s is my go to, and it's proximity to campus makes it even better. With the best gluten free bread I’ve ever had, Snarf’s offers any sandwich you can imagine. Choose from their top sellers or create your own. My sandwich always has avocado and provolone cheese. Have fun refilling your drink at the CocaCola Freestyle machine.
Pi Pizza
Pi Pizza offers a delicious gluten free pizza crust cooked to perfection. You can create your own pizza with it, which means the options are endless. They also have vegan pizzas for any friends that tag along and have different dietary restrictions. Don’t forget to save room for their gluten free, vegan cookie sandwich—you won’t believe that it’s good for you.
Frida's St. Louis
Have you ever had trouble coordinating where to eat because each of your friends has their own dietary restriction? Frida's offers a great solution with their marked menus, making it easy and safe to eat gluten free, vegan, soy free, oil free, and nut free in one place. The menu includes salad, sandwiches, wraps, vegetarian burgers, protein plates, pizza, and dessert. Frida's also has a full drink menu which includes a variety of smoothies, juices, and alcoholic beverages.
Whether you suffer from gluten sensitivity or celiac, or are just in the mood to tantalize your taste buds, you will not want to miss out on these six STL gems. So take that much needed study break and venture into the city of St. Louis for some delicious treats, without your dietary needs holding you back.