We have dined at Red Robin many times since following the gluten-free diet. In fact, it was one of the first places where I felt comfortable eating gluten-free. Despite the fact that the gluten-free buns were just recently added to their menu, they have always had a nice selection of menu items without gluten.
It was just announced in November that Red Robin would be adding Udi’s Gluten-Free buns to select locations across the US. Our local Red Robin just recently started serving them, so I knew I had to get over there to sample them as soon as I could. I know it may sound a little silly, as I have eaten many of Udi’s gluten-free buns/products in the past. However, just the idea of ordering a burger or chicken sandwich in a restaurant and having it come on a bun that is safe for me to eat is too exciting for me to pass up.
We headed out last night to meet up with my dad, stepmom, and sister for a belated birthday dinner for me. When they asked where I wanted to go to eat, Red Robin popped into my head immediately. I went in with the intention of having a burger but ended up ordering the chicken Caprese sandwich. I had ordered the same chicken sandwich protein-style (wrapped in lettuce) the last time I had been to Red Robin and fell in love. Having the bun option certainly made the choices harder, but that was something that I was thrilled about. If you have been following the gluten-free diet for any amount of time, especially before it became so mainstream, you know what I mean. It used to be that there were few options if any. There were many times when I felt lucky to get a plain burger, baked potato, and salad with oil & vinegar.
Doesn’t that look amazing? If you have previously dined at Red Robin, you know that the baskets that the food comes in are typically red. The yellow baskets are for orders that are gluten-free or have some other kind of allergen red flag. Red Robin does a wonderful job of catering to those with all kinds of sensitivities, not just gluten-free. The allergen lists are updated frequently to ensure that any changes in procedures or manufacturers are noted to the best of their abilities.
My sandwich was outstanding! The bun was toasted perfectly and held up to the many items that were stuffed inside –chicken breast, fresh mozzarella, and tomatoes. I ordered the pesto aioli (also gluten-free) on the side and ended up dipping my fries in it. I was full about halfway through this meal, but couldn’t help but finish my sandwich because it was so good!
The one thing that Red Robin is missing from their gluten-free menu is dessert. Of course, I don’t usually have room for dessert, but it would add to their already great options for those who are gluten-free. Red Robin has locations across the country, though not all of them may be serving the buns yet. Make sure to call ahead if you are going in specifically to try the buns, as I would hate for you to be disappointed.
Have you had a chance to try the buns at Red Robin yet? What did you think?
I had no idea Red Robin was so GF-Friendly! I will need to make it my next “dinner out” spot. Thanks!
KJ,
Please let us know what you think!
Kim
Absolutely the only place my celiac husband can enjoy a great burger the way it was intended, with a bun
We love the salads anyway, so glad you are on the healthy track. One of our favorite stops!
I absolutely love Red Robin and how accommodating they are for gluten-free and other allergies. Think we’ve been there about four times in the past two months thanks to them having the new gf rolls. It just makes such a difference than ordering a burger sandwich. My fave is the guacamole burger without bacon. They’re great with preventing cross-contamination as well. Change their gloves, separate tools, friers, and counters. It’s well worth the extra $1 for the gf roll and fries experience. 🙂
I LOVE Red Robin!! This just makes it even better! Thanks for sharing. I hope the Red Robin near me gets the g-free buns soon too!!
I hope they do too!
Sounds great. Are the fries cooked in a dedicated GF fryer?
JP,
The fries at the location I visited were fried in a dedicated fryer. Please ask to verify at each location before eating the fries.
Kim
I am curious if they grilled your bun in an area separate from where they grill their wheat buns? My daughter runs a restaurant and has warned me about breads being grilled on the same grill as even steaks, burgers, etc. which causes cross contamination. I have Celiac and am extremely sensitive to cross contamination so it’s always something I inquire about before ordering.
I’ve had one of the chicken sammies at the Red Robin (Stringtown Rd-Grove City) and I had no problems. I haven’t noticed mild cc with myself. (GF buns being grilled on the same grill as others) but if they take the amount of precautions that they take I’d bet they grill on a clean surface. I also didn’t get fries with mine, so I’m unsure if that location fries them in separate oil. next time I go I’ll have to ask. of course the server did say they would serve the fries without the seasoning if I wanted that.
I wanted to share Red Robin’s gluten-free menu. Please read the red print.
http://www.redrobin.com/pdf/Wheat_Gluten_Allergen_Menu.pdf
HOW MANY CALORIEZ DOES IT HAVE THO?!?!
I agree that their gf hamburger buns are great. Someone said that they use Udi’s. I know that my wife does not like the Udis buns from the supermarket. So, can anyone tell me what other GF buns they use? I wish they sold the GF buns they use at our Red Robin, but they don’t.
Just went last night and it was a great meal and I loved the bun!!!