Milwaukee is likely not the first city that comes to mind when thinking about gluten-free dining. After all, most people associate Milwaukee with breweries and beer-products rich in malted barely and wheat ingredients. However, Milwaukee is also home to a number of Celiac-friendly restaurants.
Beans and Barley is a Milwaukee deli, cafe and market open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. While they do not have a specific gluten-free menu, many of their offerings-such as soups and stir-fries-are gluten-free and others--such as burritos and sandwiches--can be made gluten-free by substituting corn tortillas or rice breads. Prices are low--only a few dollars an item--and workers are sensitive to the needs of gluten-free diners and can help identify safe food choices.
Beans & Barley Market & Cafe
1901 E. North Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 278-7878
beansandbarley.com
The Bonefish Grill is a chain restaurant featuring fresh fish, wood-fired grilled steaks, soups and salads. The chain offers a gluten-free menu with entrees such as Lily's chicken--a chicken breast stuffed with goat cheese, spinach, and artichoke hearts, grilled sea scallops and shrimp with lemon butter. Other popular choices include the "Saucy Shrimp," shrimp sautéed in lime tomato sauce with garlic and kalamata olives, and a flourless macadamia nut brownie. They describe the atmosphere as "polished casual" on their website, and most entrees range from $14 to $20.
Bonefish Grill
18355 W. Bluemound Road
Brookfield, WI 53045
(262) 797-0166
bonefishgrill.com
Roots is a farmer and chef-owned restaurant with a casual, upscale atmosphere featuring locally grown vegetables, sashimi-grade fish and hormone-free meats. Open only for dinner and Sunday brunch, this restaurant's menus are constantly changing with the seasons and availability of local ingredients. Entrees range from $20 to $30. Gluten-free entrees such as steak and cioppino are available, but chefs will also work with patrons to create custom, gluten-free dishes according to individual tastes. Roots has been featured as a top 20 green restaurant in "Organic Style," "Bon Appetit," and "Gourmet" magazines.
Roots
1818 N. Hubbard Street
Milwaukee, WI 53212
(414) 374-8480
rootsmilwaukee.com
Molly's produces only gluten-free, nut-free baked goods. Daily offerings include brownies (sold individually and by the pan), cookies (including chocolate chip and iced sugar cookies), specialty desserts such as lemon bars, decorated cakes, pizza and pie crusts, loaves of bread, rolls, pitas and hamburger buns. In addition, seasonal and daily specials may be available and fresh pastries are offered each morning. The bakery is only Wednesday through Saturday and closes at 5:30 p.m. weekdays and 4 p.m. on Saturday. Order forms can be downloaded from their website and faxed to the bakery. Prices range from $2.50 for a brownie to $50 for a 1/2 sheet cake.
Molly's Gluten Free Bakery
Located at the Old Lyndale Farm
N47 W28270 Lyndale Road
Pewaukee, WI 53072
(262) 369-1404 (fax and phone)
mollysglutenfreebakery.com
Opened in 1976, Saz's is famous for their house barbeque sauce, which happens to be gluten-free. As a result, many of their entrees, such as ribs, steak, fresh fish and chicken are or can be made gluten-free. They have been voted "Best Barbeque in Milwaukee" by WISN.com and are open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday and for brunch and dinner on Sunday. Saz's also offers take-out and sells their signature barbeque sauce by the bottle. Dress is casual and most menu offerings are between $13 and $22 for dinner.
Saz's State House
5539 W. State Street
Milwaukee, WI 53208
(414) 453-2410
sazs.com
Tess is an almost exclusively gluten-free restaurant; diners are served gluten-free bread and two gluten-free beers are available. Open seven days a week for dinner only, Tess offers traditional and contemporary American fare such as steamed mussels, blackened tilapia, gorgonzola chicken, and pan-seared snapper. Most menu items range from $10 to $20 and dress is casual although the restaurant has an upscale feel.
Tess
2499 N Bartlett Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53211
(414) 964-8377
Additional options include chains such as P.F. Chang's, Outback Steakhouse, Buca di Beppo and Chili's that all offer gluten-free menu offerings.
