Gluten-free in Charleston

Charleston is a foodie’s paradise. Until a few years ago, that description would have held little appeal to me. As a longtime celiac, I gamble with my intestinal welfare whenever I eat in unfamiliar territory. This is rather irritating, since food is such an integral part of travel and culture.

Within the past five years, however, restaurant awareness has skyrocketed, and I was pleased to discover that Charleston can be a paradise for the gluten-free as well. When I went to Charleston back in March I blathered about how much food I ate, but I had barely scratched the surface. This time, with my family along for the ride, the surface was thoroughly pummeled. Here are places making it easy to be gluten-free in Charleston, followed by a list of those we heard about but didn’t get a chance to check out.

You know the drill though – things change all the time, so check with your server for the latest.

Magnolia’s – Whenever I told people I was visiting Charleston, Magnolia’s was the place they raved about. To my happy surprise, the restaurant had an extensive, mouthwatering gluten-free menu. Magnolia’s Shellfish Over Grits – so Charleston – is one of them, and oh so scrumptious. Gluten-free menu available.

Southend Brewery – Southend Brewery mixes the Charleston lowcountry food with traditional American fare. The restaurant carries gluten-free pizza crusts for build-your-own pizzas. I have also had their seasonal berry salad and shrimp and grits, both of which are tasty. Gluten-free pizza crust available.

Hominy Grill – Can you say gluten-free pancakes? Hominy Grill was easily my favorite breakfast stop in Charleston, and not just because of the delectable, cloud-like pancakes. The waitstaff went the extra mile to make sure my food was cooked in a contaminate-free environment. And those pancakes, y’all…those pancakes. Good food, good people. Gluten-free menu available.

Bull Street Gourmet – Bull Street Gourmet can best be classified as “elegant deli.” Both the chef at our hotel and wonderful manager of the Nathaniel Russell House recommended Bull Street Gourmet. Now I do too. Gluten-free bread was available upon request. True to southern style, I ordered a BBQ and coleslaw sandwich. Bull Street is also a great place to pick up munchies for the road. Gluten-free bread available.

Five Loaves – I had the pleasure of experiencing Five Loaves last time I came to Charleston, and it merited a return trip. Five Loaves is a gluten-free hotspot – most of their soups, sandwiches, and salads are gluten-free. To my delight, I was able to try she-crab soup for the first time (soup thickeners have always been an issue for the gluten-free). The reuben and roasted turkey (with cranberry spread and herb cream cheese) sandwiches are gold. Polish it all off with their flourless chocolate cake or Nutella torte. Gluten-free marked on menu. Gluten-free bread available.

Brown Dog Deli – Located on Broad Street, Brown Dog Deli is a quirky, casual restaurant. I ordered the Apple “Butter” Jeans sandwich (brie cheese, apple slices, apple butter, arugula, smoked turkey, honey ham, and prosciutto) and was blown away. One of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. The family and I ate our brown-bag dinner at Waterfront Park and watched the sun set. Gluten-free bread and wraps available.

Barbadoes Room in Mills House Hotel – I include this because nothing is more convenient than wandering down to the hotel lobby in your morning stupor to get breakfast. When I was there, the Barbadoes Room offered gluten-free toast, doughnuts, and muffins, though it may be advisable to contact them ahead of time to check availability. On a side note, Mills House Hotel has a great location if you need lodging. Gluten-free baked goods available.

Poogan’s Porch – Steps away from the Mills House, we hit Poogan’s Porch for our final brunch before leaving Charleston. Named for a stray dog who lived at the house during the seventies, Poogan’s Porch has a delightfully Southern atmosphere, and the delightful ability to cater to gluten-free diners. I ordered the Grilled Vegetable Omelet, along with a side of positively savory cheese grits. Familiar with gluten-free requests.

SNOB (Slightly North of Broad) – To SNOB I will give the honor of being my favorite dinner in Charleston. The Queen and I split the Grilled South Carolina Peach Salad. I ordered Pan-Seared Duck Breast with blueberry compote and Charleston golden rice. Both were perfect – and not too heavy (as Charleston fare is wont to be). Gluten-free menu available, online as well.

82 Queen Street – Beautiful outdoor dining, complete with string lights and a gazebo. I ordered jambalaya for the first time. Familiar with gluten-free requests.

Other rumored gluten-free establishments:

• Patat Spot – According to their site, Patat Spot serves gluten-free falafel and even has gluten-free cookies available for dessert. Located near College of Charleston.
• Basil Thai Restaurant – Named Best Thai/Vietnamese by the Charleston City Paper – three years running! Basil Thai marked their gluten-free options directly on their menu.
• Cupcake – Located on King Street, the bake shop rolls out gluten-free cupcakes on Saturdays and Tuesdays (take note: they are not made in a gluten-free environment).
• Fat Hen – On their menu, gluten-free items are marked with an asterisk. And there are quite a few.
• Queen Street Grocery – Can you say gluten-free crepes?
• Crave – Located in Mt. Pleasant (a 10 minute drive from downtown Charleston), Crave has a gluten-free and paleo-friendly menu that includes a layered coconut cake for dessert.
• Burton’s Grill – Gluten-free treasure trove. Not only are they gluten-free certified (see menu), but they also carry gluten-free pasta and bread. You heard me.
• Charleston Crab House – The bottom of their online menu says they have a gluten-free menu.
• Purée Café – Also located in Mt. Pleasant, Purée is an organic café that makes good gluten-free and vegetarian grub a priority. Their extensive breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus say it all.

Enjoy Charleston!