Below is a list of my favorite restaurants in Boulder, Colorado. Everyday, readers ask me to tip them off about the best restaurants in Boulder. More often than not, y’all are interested in gluten-free restaurants, and a few of the below are just that. Every restaurant that I have listed will cater to special dietary needs and work with those that follow a gluten-free diet.
Gluten-Free Restaurants in Boulder
Keep in mind, the majority of these restaurants do not have dedicated gluten-free kitchens, or even gluten-free menus. I like them because they have great, fresh, wholesome food. Well, at least those listed in the first section do. Nevertheless, all of the eateries below will take the time and make the effort to provide a gluten-free meal when it is requested.
Arcana
Arcana serves locally sourced Colorado ingredients prepared using traditional techniques of American cuisine. Celiacs can eat safely here, I often order a bunless burger sans fries with extra greens. Restaurant is expensive.
909 Walnut Street
(303) 444-3885
Blooming Beets
Blooming Beets is Boulder’s first paleo restaurant. Everything on the menu is gluten-free and those with celiac disease can eat there very safely.
3303 30th Street
303-443-3479
Frasca
Frasca serves extremely expensive fine Italian food. Winner of James Beard award, this is one of the top restaurants in the country, if not the world.
1738 Pearl Street
303-442-6966
Fresh Thymes Eatery
Fresh Thymes Eatery is a 100% gluten-free restaurant owned by a friend of mine who also has celiac disease and MS. If you are gluten-free you can safely eat at this incredible dining spot with true peace of mind and total enjoyment. Incredibly reasonably priced, with food that is ethically sourced with the utmost care.
2500 30th Street #101
303-955-7988
The Kitchen
The Kitchen has expensive seasonal food, that is primarily local, and is a nationally renowned restaurant.
1039 Pearl Street
303-544-5973
The Kitchen Next Door
The Kitchen Next Door has quick healthy food at a reasonable price and is incredibly family friendly.
1035 Pearl Street
303-542-8159
Oak
One of our favorite places to dine, Oak, has fantastic food, interesting drinks, and is expensive. The creative and exciting menu reminds me of dining at hot spots in the Napa Valley.
1400 Pearl Street
303-444-3622
Salt
Salt is Bradford Heap’s classic and pricey restaurant in downtown Boulder.
1047 Pearl Street
303-444-7258
Wonder Press
Wonder Press is an absolute must visit if you are in Boulder! It’s brimming with cold-pressed juice made fresh daily, in the best flavors you can think of. My boys go gaga for the fruit juices as well as the nut milks. I’m a fan of the Spicy Greens Juice and the Dandelion Coffee.
946 Pearl Street
970-618-7632
Zeal
If you didn’t think you could get cauliflower rice in a restaurant, you’re wrong. At Zeal you can.
1710 Pearl Street
720-708-6309
Zolo Grill
Super tasty Southwestern food with fresh local ingredients. Zolo Grill has a secret paleo menu, provided upon request.
2525 Arapahoe Avenue
303-449-0444
Child-Friendly and Gluten-Free
Noodles and Company
Noodles and Company offers some gluten-free dishes using rice noodles, be careful and make sure to ask what is currently GF as dishes can change.
1245 Alpine Ave
303-440-4340
I hope this list provides you with a general guide to gluten-free restaurants whether you live in Boulder or are just passing through town.
Please note, this list does not guarantee gluten-free service in any restaurant. Dishes can change and so can restaurants. Be kind to your servers and ask them what is easiest for the kitchen to make gluten-free. If you treat them well, they’ll partner with you in getting you the best food possible. Love your waiter staff and the hands that feed you!
Rachel says
Have you tried Shine Restaurant and Potion Bar just off Pearl St.?!
Elana says
Rachel, it recently closed that location and I’m not sure if it’s going to reopen somewhere else :-)
Steve says
Beau Jo’s Pizza on Baseline closed :(
Elana says
Thanks Steve! I’ve removed it from this list :-)
Susan says
We just returned from a wonderful trip to Vail and Boulder! Tried to get into Frasca without success but LOVED Wonder and went back 3 more times — what a cool place, complete with Dandy coffee — I bet that’s your hangout away from home! I bought both of your signed books there!
We had many great meals in both towns. But if you haven’t tried Tangerine, I highly recommend them! They offer everything gluten free or not, but it’s not exclusively GF so may not work for you. Breakfast and lunch menu and everything delicious and darn near paleo. Even though it’s not paleo, we loved Brasserie 1010 for its consistent good food, diverse French bistro menu and reasonable prices — they were very flexible on substitutions too.
We loved walking the historic districts around Pearl, including Mapleton, and we hiked Mt Sanitas and Royal Arch. Also loved 2 other shops on Pearl: Two Hands Paper and Liberty Puzzles.
Elana says
Susan, Sounds like a great trip! I’m good friends with the owner of Wonder and introduced my Dandelion Coffee to her. I’m so glad you enjoyed Colorado and bought my signed books here :-)