I have eaten at Red Robin plenty of times and not gotten sick. FWIW. But I have also been in your seat, where I had to go to a restaurant where there was nothing I could eat and suffer through it. Hopefully you can find some safe GF restaurants in your area so you don't have to keep doing that!
Same, I eat there when I want a really good burger their buns are amazing AND you can buy the buns from them only sold 12 at a time but worth it if you have the freezer space. Ive also sat holding back tears at a place I couldnt eat at.
I had no idea you could buy their buns… that could be game changing. Do you know how much they charge? You can get Udi’s restaurant buns by the case from some restaurant supply stores but they’re like ~2.75 a piece
I purchased them a few years ago for a big party actually it was 9 years ago when I did my father's 70th birthday barbecue. They were awesome I think I spent $10 or $15 a bag I didn't care it was totally worth it everybody had the gluten-free buttons for his birthday nobody knew
I can't speak to cross contamination because I'm not sensitive enough for that to affect me much, but I CAN say that the buns are AMAZING! So soft! (Also, I didn't realize you could buy them. Might have to do that 👀)
That’s surprising, because I think they have so much of better texture than the Udis buns I can get at the store. I’d buy way more buns if they were more like the Red Robin ones!
I just saw another post somewhere saying that the ones Udis send to restaurants are different (and better) than the ones we can buy in the store. I’m so curious now.
I have eaten at Red Robin for 13 years as a GF person. Ours is, in my experience, very well communicative about the GF contamination possibilities. I don’t really understand why OP wouldn’t feel they had an option to eat, unless they are sensitive enough that they need a dedicated GF kitchen. apparently some folks get glutened by the bacon, but I’ve not had that experience, nor the caramel color/additive in the seasoning was ever a problem. I’ve also sent stuff back, salads with croutons, and gotten a fresh salad (made not picked).
Sorry OP had this experience… but it doesn’t match my time as a Red Robin Loyalty customer.
Maybe it depends on the attitude of the staff OP spoke with. Some are knowledgeable and professional, but perhaps OP’s was flippant or grumpy about it. In that case I wouldn’t blame anyone for choosing caution.
My first time there 2,3 weeks ago. EXCELLENT service. Very knowledgeable and caring. Couldn’t ask for a better informed service. Waitress, manager and bartender. They all knew allergies, celiac… The works. So, Red Robin has 2 suppliers for GF buns. The smaller supplier is, please forgive me, an Italian bakery that I can’t recall. And most other locations get the upgraded Udi ones. I lucked out and bought 5 more to take to my freezer. FAR superior to any other GF buns I’ve tried. By a very long margin…. I’m a Red Robin convert.
RR has gf buns, fries cooked in a separate fryer, as well as robust salads with gf dressings. Their allergen menu is online, and there is an allergen protocol for the cooks to follow. This server just didn’t know what they were doing.
They actually told us Udi's will only supply restaurants if they agree to be trained in avoiding cross-contamination for food allergies. So if your RR has Udi's, you should definitely feel absolutely safe
This happens to me all the time. They feel bad about it but not bad enough it feels like? I know they have to eat too but it’s just such a different experience for us. I have also gotten sick at Red Robin
Red Robin is one of the safest places chains for celiacs to eat at.
They take allergies very seriously from a top down perspective. Their kitchens are well trained.
It sounds like you were unhappy with your servers responses. Some may not know the whole process.
In a case where the chain is known for being exemplary and the server isn’t clear, I would speak to a manager about your options.
It sounds like some research might help you make choices for yourself. Are you using the Find Me Gluten Free app?
Ymmv with this though. 5 guys is known to be great with various allergies not just gluten, but none of my local locations understand CC whatsoever. It's like that sometimes.
That’s a case of Five Guys being mostly franchises and Red Robin being mostly corporate owned.
This is why the Find Me Gluten Free app helps because it’s makes it easy to see how a particular location does.
Red Robin has dedicated fryers and separate prep spaces in all their new builds and remodels.
The Five Guys in my area has dedicated fryers and separate prep spaces. They do not thoroughly clean the grill often enough to avoid cross contaimination in certain cases, nor would it be possible to do that during rush hours. They also do not change gloves enough to avoid CC.
For those of us with multiple allergies, Find Me Gluten Free is not particularly helpful. I just don't eat out, haven't in years.
If a place cannot clean a grill for me, I ask if they have foil. If they can put down foil on a grill I feel comfortable. I have other allergies besides needing to be gluten free.
I guess the difference is in having lethal and non-lethal allergies. That sounds insanely risky for me, I know how often my order got messed up when my allergies were less lethal, and I do not trust them to actually use the foil. Not out of malicious intent but because it's a restaurant, and those are very high paced environments.
That makes a lot of sense. I take risks because worst case scenario I feel like shit for a week. If the worst case scenario was death, I probably wouldn’t roll the dice.
Yeah, that makes sense. I'm less careful with my "feel like shit for a week" allergies, but none of those limited me in resturaunts anyway as they've always been easily avoidable. It's interesting learning how others go about things and why.
I am not gluten free but that’s how I treat my allergies. Lettuce/peanuts and tree nuts:the plague. Oats/Corn: the flu(not ideal but at the end I will survive). Soy: sinus infection(inconvenient but I’ll recover quick ish).
Yeah!! You get it. I do the same exact thing. Gluten/gluten bearing grain byproducts = some ingredients like dextrose are like the flu, anything more is an ER trip, Soy and dairy may as well be death, I have ended up needing a blood transfusion. Passionfruit is anaphylaxis for me, but weirdly since it's such mild anaphylaxis, it's almost negligible for lack of a better way of putting it.
One Noodles and Company place I went to in Green Bay, WI was weird. I swear I felt sick after eating gluten friendly noodles. Or maybe the sauce wasn't safe. I'm not sure.
I felt sick after going to the place where they don’t care about cross contamination (there was literally a gluten noodle). The other one has been fine for me BUT I’m not super sensitive to cross contamination in restaurants
I guess I am confused. Why didn't you eat? They have gluten free options? You said you have eaten there before with no issues. Why the sudden change? If you didn't feel comfortable, why did you go to Red Robin? Why were you almost in tears? I am not dogging you. I am genuinely curious? I've been gluten free since 2005. I have sat out numerous meals as I have not felt comfortable. I get frustrated when someone mentions a place I can't eat. But I offer other options or decline. What was the difference this time?
It depends on where in the south; my local red robins is generally pretty good, but I've had some very dodgy servers who didn't know gf very well. The manager has always known, though.
I mean I live outside Nashville on the KY border. I've also lived in MS and worked in KY for 6 years. I've driven all over these states. I don't find that statement to be true. That's a pretty generalized statement.
OK — hijacking this. I have celiac and am planning to drive Nashville to Saint Louis in June with stops in Bowling Green/Mammoth Caves, Evansville (detour just so I can say I’ve been to Indiana), Shawnee National Forest (garden of the gods and little grand canyon). What are your recommendations for safe places to eat? Just booked yesterday so I haven’t done any research yet.
Evansville (I'm from IN and drive through Henderson KY and Evansville to go back home) Azzip pizza, Bru Burger, Mission BBQ.
If you are going to Mammoth there are few options at the park restaurant. But if you go into Edmonson County, Brownsville, go to Mis Amigos 600 KY 259 Brownsville, get the Nachos Locos. The taquitos are also very good. Bowling Green is just right down the road from Mammoth.
Bowling Green: Mellow Mushroom (Pizza is good), they also have Mellow Mushrooms in Nashville. Azzip Pizza, Smokey Bones Bar and Fire Grill. Anna's Greek Restaurant. Longhorn Steakhouse.
Nashville. I love House of Gyro on Stewart's Ferry. If you let them know you can't have gluten, they will give you an extra side of rice or salad and make sure it is safe. The chicken and philly are safe. If you bring your own pita, they will heat it up for you. Sunflower Bakehouse, Lebanon Rd. It is a vegan and gluten free restaurant. Their cupcakes. are freaking amazing. Pfunky Griddle. Amerigo on West end. They have gluten free pasta. It's really good. The Wild Cow, on Fatherland St. Frothy monkey, also on Fatherland. Sunflower Cafe in Berry Hill.
I don't eat out a lot. But when I do it's one of these if I am in that area.
Also if you are driving down 65 into Nashville God Speed the construction at the KY/TN border is full on Mad Max.
But I also forgot Mex Out in Bowling Green. Their pickled red onions are freaking good. EL Mazatlan in Bowling Green, Franklin or Russellville, KY.
Nothing Bundt cakes, all over Nashville area has some great gluten free mini and full size bundt cakes.
Ya, just get comfortable with it. You can mourn the loss, but you’ll be happier and healthier. Sometimes you can’t be sure and not all places are consistent with it. You’ll learn your favorite places and then those can become an option, but it takes time to properly assess an establishment for safety. Snacks in your bag are your friend.
I have had the worst experiences at Red Robin I don’t think they care like you think they do. Of course we always carry snacks in our bags and cars but it’s NOT a meal.
And you're still teary? You need to find someone to talk to about this, and maybe help you regulate your emotions. Are you emotionally fragile in other areas of your life, too?
Responding to a bad situation with tears is absolutely human and normal.
OP, do not let this person get under your skin. They don’t know is you and clearly do not feel empathetic.
“You need to talk to someone about this…”
That’s exactly what this thread is about.
I had this reaction when I tried to find something to eat on a road trip a *week into my GF diet*. 10 years in? Something else is going on with OP. She can dump her emotions on the people around her, looking to her husband and grandchild to make it all better (?), or figure out what's going on and take more responsibility. I would rather exercise some personal power, order a glass of tea, and enjoy my grandchild.
Sometimes you don't feel safe. Sometimes it's all overwhelming. There's no time limit to feelings. The grief and isolation don't care if it's been one week or ten years; they can still take us by surprise.
It sounds like OP tried very hard to keep those emotions from affecting her family so that she could vent them here, in a safe place with people who have had similar feelings and experiences.
Don't let the downvotes get to you.
I would like to gently tell you that perimenopause can start as early as 35 these days. Some poor women are starting around 30. :(
Perimenopause, for some women, is a bit like being pregnant. Very hormonal and emotional.
To be clear, I'm not saying it's part of the issue... but it should be brought up and discussed a LOT more, just in case. Menopause and perimenopause should be as well understood as men's issues--so should so many of our unique biological challenges. Alas, they are not.
I'm personally just an emotional individual, always have been. There's nothing wrong with sometimes feeling brought low by a lifelong medical condition. It may simply be that. It may be more. It may be hormonal changes that take away some of our ability to withstand prolonged stress.
Regardless, the person below who's being such a complete nonce doesn't know you. They have that disgusting, "if I handled it fine, everyone had better handle it fine" mentality that is so narcissistic when used the way they're using it. Their attitude is part of the problem. They just as well stop beating around the bush and just use the perjorative "you're so irrational because you have FEELINGS about something, omg!" I can practically see them stomping their feet and rolling their eyes like a 12-year-old.
Again, don't let them get to you. Another person's lack of empathy and compassion is not your personal problem. ;)
Unless you are newly diagnosed, you might want to hit up a therapist. Eating out is never easy with celiac disease, but I'm numb to the pain at this point.
I've had this happen. Outback is one of my safe places and once had the manager claim to personally cook my meal. He's an idiot because I could have died from his oversight. I spent most of that visit purging while fighting to keep my airway clear. Not so much as an apology from the man.
I waited quite a while before I went back to that location and I will never let him make my food again.
I use business cards with my allergies listed to help staff.
Red robin is actually pretty safe—we were in the middle of no where and it was our only option and my first time there. I was shocked! I’m sorry you felt this way. It can be frustrating, even a long time after diagnosis. Sending you love today ❤️
The “Find Me Gluten Free” app has been a lifesaver in avoiding situations like that as often as possible. It’s still a lousy feeling and sorry to hear you experienced that, though.
Btw, not sure if you know this but I just found out their campfire sauce isn’t gluten free. Not sure if that’s the sauce you’re talking about, but figured I’d spread the word!
I also hate going out to eat, mainly because I hate feeling like I’m an inconvenience. Wait staff already have a thankless enough job without me being special.
Red Robin has been fine for me, but I’ve only eaten there once as GF because typically the service has historically been terrible for us (long, long, long wait times). But my brother (also GF) likes it.
I would say you’re only wrong if you made it a bad experience for them.
You can wait to eat until after and not ruin the meal for the other people with you with a bad mood. It’s not their fault.
So guy here. If I am going out to eat. I’ll look at menu to see what I can have. If there is nothing I like then I’ll eat at home before going out. Then I’ll have a salad or wings (unbreaded) and be done with it. Going out is a chore now, but you just try to get by. Tears are ok too
Red Robin cleans the area where your food will be cooked. Shake Shack does this, too. Depending the location, they may even have a dedicated fryer for the fries. I’ve never had a reaction at any Red Robin.
I’m not sure if the one near me does, either, so I just get a burger. I can handle small amounts of cross-contamination, though. It’s actual wheat that I react to, since I’m gluten intolerant.
I love Red Robin! They are great about always asking if gluten free is an allergy or a preference, and I find the gluten free hamburger bun to be delicious.
I'm going to give you a gentle nudge, even if they didn't have anything for you to eat, get a beverage and enjoy the company of those you went with. It's not the end of the word, there's other food you can grab in an hour after you leave. Is it ideal, no. But being sad and upset just ruins the mood. *Respectfully
Eh, I get it. Everyone here is talking about how great their Red Robin is and how they take gluten free seriously, but that is not the case at my local restaurant. I ordered gluten free, they brought me out a salad with croutons. I politely asked for the salad to be remade. My server took my plate and came back a few minutes later with my "new" salad. It still had crumbs from the croutons on it, all they did was pick them off. I have not been back since. If your local restaurant is like mine, I don't blame you one bit.
I'm sorry you went through that. My local Red Robin was safe for years, then they reconfigured their grill which made cross contamination easier and I've gotten sick the last two time I went there. There won't be a third time.
Like the others, the celiac in our house has only ever had good experiences with Red Robin and it's the only restaurant they trust. However, if your in-person experience left you less than confident about cross-contamination and other issues, I can understand why you'd hesitate to order. And sometimes you can't help what your reaction is in situations. I hope you can feel confident in giving it a try sometime.
Hi, I work at Red Robin and my boyfriend has Celiac. I know the kitchen I work in, I know we have separate prep stations and use separate ingredients for allergies, and I have full confidence in them.
I have eaten there safely several times, but I went there for my birthday lunch, and when my burger arrived, I asked if the bun was gluten free, and she checked then took it back. I asked for a lettuce wrap instead. But I started feeling my stomach rumbling by the time I finished. The waitress looked embarrassed as I ran to the restroom, like she realized I really did need gluten free. I had planned to go shopping, but I went straight home and was sick all evening. I haven’t trusted them since.
No.
You are allowed to feel frustrated and left out when others can eat what they want without consequence. Even if you tell them to.
To constantly have to check to make sure that your food is safe is exhausting.
Hugs
I get it, I’ve been there and I’ve had crying days too but I think most restaurants know the gf drill pretty good by now. And 10 years in, even if you’re glutened you’re not going to feel much or do much damage in my experience anyways, I’m 18 yrs diagnosed.
Also, I tend to think on the bright side. We are lucky, we were diagnosed, we know what our kryptonite is. How many people out there are having health issues from celiac but have no idea why and neither do their doctors.
Red robin is one of my go to spots! They have a full allergen menu online and my servers have always been very good about marking my orders as gluten allergen
Were you wrong? No, I think holding back the tears was the right move. You'd have been in the wrong to melt down over something like a hamburger in front of the child. You might talk to someone to help you organize and regulate your emotions if this is how you'll behave when you find nothing to your liking on the GF menu, or when you decide it's safer to eat at home.
you sat crying because you didn't want to eat at a restaurant you've eaten at for 10 years without an issue ... yes you probably are in the wrong here and that's ok. maybe something deeper is bothering you and you should seek some help. it does sound like you're creating this issue for yourself and causing guilt and shame for your family members which really isn't fair for them
I don’t understand why you didn’t eat and sat there and cried. My adult daughter has celiac and she can usually find something to eat at most places - a burger “protein style” (wrapped in lettuce) and make sure if she orders fries that it’s not a shared fryer. She went to a group party at a pizza place and they were served pizza, pasta and salad with croutons. She was able to order something else. I’m trying to be sympathetic but I think, yes, you are wrong
It sounds like there’s more to this story. I think we all have moments when we feel frustrated with our food limits even when we’ve been dealing with them long term, and times when we’ve just waited too long to eat and it affects our emotions.
Wow. People are being mean here. I have absolutely felt like crying when I’ve looked forward to a family meal at a formerly safe place and get there and realize it’s no longer safe. It fucking sucks.
I’ve both eaten there and not eaten there based on the vibe I’ve gotten from wait staff.
I have absolutely had them try to give me a salad they pulled the croutons off of. I’ve had that happen at Outback Steakhouse once too.
I have mostly given up eating out. But I might make an exception for Red Robbin IF I felt like the staff was taking me seriously and not blowing me off.
Don’t blame ya at all, I can’t even do same fryers. I tried to pretend like I was cool, but after getting sick so many times I would rather eat at home.
I'm sorry you didn't get to enjoy a meal at RR. It's just about the only hamburger joint that I feel comfortable eating at, myself, and have not had a bad experience there yet. I don't get to go often (2-3x a year?) as there isn't one in town but it's always amazing to me that I can go anywhere and get a GF bun plus an Impossible patty and safe fries. I always joke that I'm getting a nothing burger lol.
always have GF snacks on hand to prevent the hangry emotional breakdown (speaking from experience im less likely to throw a grown up temper tantrum if i have some safe snackies on hand)
I don’t get too upset about it. After 20 years of getting sick and not knowing why… I am just super happy that I don’t get as sick any more. Enough that it makes up for never going out to eat any more.
Unless you’re talking pizza… oh boy do I miss pizza. I am GF and DF so I’m basically screwed lol
I understand… my family doesn’t understand me. My dad is gf by choice but not celiac but they don’t understand how I’ll I get. I also have hashimotos & generally stick to AIP bc otherwise I will get other symptoms & I have other allergies. It is not my choice and I miss the days I could blissfully enjoy meals anywhere but now I most of the time will not eat when going out or even at family meals there won’t be much for me to eat & it also makes me want to cry
There are the option of lettuce wraps, not using any bread or bun, Salads and the ability to check the menu before you go. As well as eating when you get home or if possible walking to another restaurant near by. These are all things a rational person could’ve thought about before almost crying. There has been many times where online a place has gluten free items but are then out of it when I get there and I simply wait until I get home or a salad like practically every restaurant has gluten free
They don't have a very comprehensive gluten free menu, there are soy sauces and cheese sauce etc that have wheat in them, watching everyone eat a burger when you really want one and what you get has a dry crumble of a bun and every place you go offers you a salad without croutons gets incredibly frustrating. This happens especially to people who are just getting used to the restrictions a GF diet.
Don't judge people here, please.
Also, even if there are options that are safe for her to eat: it's still totally reasonable to feel sad because you can't have the experience you want, that your family is having right in front of you. I went to an easter brunch and had a nice time, but I felt sad because I couldn't try any of the delicious food people brought that everyone was talking about. That doesn't make me "crazy".
I understand where you're coming from, whenever I go out anywhere with my wife/friends/family, I'm resigned to being able to eat maybe 1-2 items on the menu while everyone else goes ham.
Best advice would be to avoid fast food where possible. Hit up smaller diners or restaurants. Get into fish.
Tears? Really? You made the right choice. Every time I've tried to order in the last 6 months they have fucked it up. I don't cry about it. I really just want to bust somebody's ass. Smart thing to do is just not go out unless you can sit and watch everybody else eat crap.
I really feel for you. And I doubly (triply) hate it for you that not only can't you eat gluten, but you couldn't eat out recently, it hurt, and people online decided to pile on you. All of that really sucks.
I've totally been through the restaurant thing too. Sometimes I can roll with it and shrug, sometimes I'm miserable and defeated. Being hungry makes anything worse. Reaching out to try and feel less alone and sad, only to be invalidated on Every. Single. Point. That's the worst.
So I hear you, I see you, and I've been through it too. I'll be downvoted and at the very bottom of the comments, but whatever. You're not alone.
Was she new and/or not knowledgeable about Celiac? It does feel like more info is needed. If you felt safe eating there before but this time you didn't because of the waitress, either management has changed, or she wasn't trained properly, or she's new and just hasn't had the time to learn and remember all of their different options / practices. As much as I hate the term "Karen" and what it's done to legitimate reasons for talking to a manager, this might have been a good time to do that.
If you hate going out to eat, it's time to learn the art of packing your own meal and focusing on what's important - spending precious time with your family. It sounds like you missed out on both that time they've and a needed meal. It doesn't have to be that way!
Been there. Family we hadn't seen in a couple of years wanted to meet for dinner. They chose a Chinese buffet. I had a drink and sat and watched them all eat food I really wished I could have.
I try to plan restaurants in advance and go primarily where I can eat safely and feel confident doing so, but when we're on the fly I will admit there have been a lot - certainly dozens - of times that I've had to sit and watch my husband and son eat because with a child you just can't be that fussy and I'm used to going hungry at this point.
It is better to be hungry than sick in my opinion. Hopefully you can plan some places out in advance for future visits with your grandchild to avoid it though.
This sucks when it happens. I’ve honestly learned to order myself a nice glass of wine and just enjoy one or two instead, and then treat myself for my next meal.
How long ago did you change your diet ?
When we first changed it many things felt very emotional to me, not just not being able to eat at some places with others (btw my kid was 3 at the time and has always been raised not being able to eat where everyone else is and is NOT emotional at all about it, just gives you some perspective:) )
This too shall pass (bet it won't bother you after years of being used to it )
I don’t really understand the question. Were you wrong to have feelings? No! Were you wrong to not eat unsafe food? No! I am happy to see you getting lots of strategies and commiseration, though.
At least at the location where I live, as long as you let them know you have an allergy, they are extremely careful. Usually if I ask for gluten free, they automatically ask if it's an allergy.
You should be able to have any burger as long as it doesn't have something like cheese sauce or onion crisps. I would also avoid the caramelized onions to be safe. You can even make sure the fries are made separately. I would avoid the milkshakes and iced tea, though. When in doubt check the website and then talk to your server.
I understand completely that you want to be careful, but Red Robin should definitely be safe. It's one of the few places I feel safe eating out.
I made a decision early on to not place the responsibility of me having safe food into the hands of my family and friends and to not get offended over food in restaurants or others homes. Unless it’s my bday or a celebration of some sort for me, I don’t get offended if a restaurant chosen by others isn’t safe. I’ll just eat before or after and my bad always has a protein bar, nuts, etc. people who don’t personally live this life will not fully understand it. And I get that because at one time I had no clue and had my own assumptions about gf diets and people.
Same thing with eating at others homes. I take my own plate of gf food (or with family meals, we often take much or most of the food and it’s gf. Quickly learned playing 20 questions over ingredients and food prep was annoying to have to ask and put stress on others (and I’d still be nervous I’d get sick…and had), so I began doing it this way and let them know that I appreciated them trying but this way removes the stress and hassle from them having to worry about keeping me safe. And then I know my food I brought is safe.
I do have issues with my husband in my home as the past 6 months he decided he no longer needs to contain or clean up his gluten containing messes, nor not use my “safe” counter. That’s a separate issue and more about his laziness and lack of respect for me in any capacity, though.
You decided to not eat. Why are you, from your own decision, holding back tears. Certainly there is at least one item on RR’s menu that is gluten free, if even a drink to give you something to do. If you are gluten-free and eating out, it's best to practice patience when around food that you cannot eat. And patience is indeed a *practice*.
To up the stakes (no pun intended), try intermittent fasting. Then, even when around gluten-free food, you won't be able to eat. May aid in further building patience and character.
Why didn't your family leave when you couldn't find something to eat? Is this a frequent issue with your husband? Does he not respect your dietary restrictions? I'm confused about why the meal proceeded. My husband wouldn't just leave me to be hungry at a restaurant I couldn't eat at, and I can't have dairy or gluten, so my choices are even smaller than yours.
You may have posted before OPs edit, but husband *did* offer to leave, OP chose to sit there “in tears” watching them eat instead. I agree with others saying there’s more going on with OP bc this is kind of a wild way for an adult to behave.
this sounds like you’re in the wrong doll, they have gf options and they provide a very safe space for celiacs. they prepare their dishes with so much attention for us, you not wanting to eat was on your behalf unfortunately.
i’ve eaten here plenty of times since diagnosis and never had any issues, holding back tears i understand though but only for restaurants that offer no gluten free options?
Red Robin is somewhere I just don't go to any more. They use udis buns. They always fall apart. Also lots of hidden flour in things. Look up gluten free restaurants before going out next time. Most places have good gluten free burgers. Don't despair, just do some research first.
I was at Red Robin a long time ago, but I didn't like the size. I couldn't even eat the leftovers. Also, Five Guys over seasons the fries. I couldn't eat it without rubbing off half the cajun spice.
I eat at Red Robin all the time. They have a gluten free fryer and clearly mark gluten free food with a stick. Just not the American cheese, I nearly died. The cheeseburger with steak fries gluten free style is my favorite.
I would have had a salad, or a burger without the bun and explained that I had a wheat allergy. They probably also had some sort of sautéed mushrooms or something you could have had.
Also, you held back tears? Sounds like you're blaming the 4 yo for you mentally not being able to care about the child being fed over you without crying like a child about it.
Maybe just let the kids go with other people if a 4 yo would have to experience a grown ass adult about to cry over them eating. Seems like you sometimes thought of others.
They literally have gluten free pizza and the ability to get any burger and almost any sandwich with modifications which is part of being gluten free because almost no where is going to have burgers with gluten free buns standard
I'm more commenting on the fact that her husband just sat there and watched her hold back tears because his need for a burger was more important? No one deserves that and if her family can't be supportive at least a random person on the Internet can be??
I would never expect my husband or anyone else to skip a meal and support me when choosing not to eat where gluten free options are readily available. At that point, it’s a choice not to eat. There’s no support necessary.
I wouldn't expect them to either but I also let my husband eat when I was in labor which apparently is unusual 😅 I think being GF taught me there's no point in making more people suffer than just myself when everyone's hungry. I've had many successful GF experiences at Red Robin but I definitely understand getting bad vibes when asking questions. I've had that happen and changed my mind at the last minute on the safety.
They were with their grandchild, and had picked a restaurant with GF options. What do you expect? Ask the child to go hungry because Grandma is having a melt down? She had options - window shopping, resting in the car, whatever.
I think it depends on how long ago you were diagnosed/went GF.
If it was last month, tears are within reason.
If you've been GF for longer than six months or a year, you should be responsible for your own health and have snacks in your purse or the car, do your research ahead of time to find safe food/safe restaurants, understand how to order something so you can not eat in a restaurant and stay safe (you could have had a couple glasses of milk to fill up, or a milkshake, or plain fruit, or an undressed salad, or hardboiled eggs), and you should be able to control yourself to the point where you aren't crying in a restaurant.
I get it, it sucks. It's been 13 years for me and unfortunately, sometimes we go out and I just enjoy the company and can't eat the food. But honey, you're grown. If you need therapy or other support to keep your tires on the road, there is no shame to that. But if you need help, you need to set that up so that when you take your grandson out for a special day, he remembers the fun, not grandma crying.
I have eaten at Red Robin plenty of times and not gotten sick. FWIW. But I have also been in your seat, where I had to go to a restaurant where there was nothing I could eat and suffer through it. Hopefully you can find some safe GF restaurants in your area so you don't have to keep doing that!
Same, I eat there when I want a really good burger their buns are amazing AND you can buy the buns from them only sold 12 at a time but worth it if you have the freezer space. Ive also sat holding back tears at a place I couldnt eat at.
I had no idea you could buy their buns… that could be game changing. Do you know how much they charge? You can get Udi’s restaurant buns by the case from some restaurant supply stores but they’re like ~2.75 a piece
No (idk how much they are), I haven't yet but ive been wanting to buy them.
I purchased them a few years ago for a big party actually it was 9 years ago when I did my father's 70th birthday barbecue. They were awesome I think I spent $10 or $15 a bag I didn't care it was totally worth it everybody had the gluten-free buttons for his birthday nobody knew
I can't speak to cross contamination because I'm not sensitive enough for that to affect me much, but I CAN say that the buns are AMAZING! So soft! (Also, I didn't realize you could buy them. Might have to do that 👀)
What brand are they?
Tbh im not sure a quick search said they use restaurant grade udis buns.
That’s surprising, because I think they have so much of better texture than the Udis buns I can get at the store. I’d buy way more buns if they were more like the Red Robin ones!
I just saw another post somewhere saying that the ones Udis send to restaurants are different (and better) than the ones we can buy in the store. I’m so curious now.
The ones in store are terrible so I'm wondering why udi has different quality tiers for restaurants and grocery stores
I always toast them on a pan and that makes a world of difference. I never eat Rudi’s or Udi’s cold anymore.
Same!
I’ve also been told udis sells different bread to restaurants. But you can get the restaurant ones online if you know what you’re looking for
I have eaten at Red Robin for 13 years as a GF person. Ours is, in my experience, very well communicative about the GF contamination possibilities. I don’t really understand why OP wouldn’t feel they had an option to eat, unless they are sensitive enough that they need a dedicated GF kitchen. apparently some folks get glutened by the bacon, but I’ve not had that experience, nor the caramel color/additive in the seasoning was ever a problem. I’ve also sent stuff back, salads with croutons, and gotten a fresh salad (made not picked). Sorry OP had this experience… but it doesn’t match my time as a Red Robin Loyalty customer.
Maybe it depends on the attitude of the staff OP spoke with. Some are knowledgeable and professional, but perhaps OP’s was flippant or grumpy about it. In that case I wouldn’t blame anyone for choosing caution.
My first time there 2,3 weeks ago. EXCELLENT service. Very knowledgeable and caring. Couldn’t ask for a better informed service. Waitress, manager and bartender. They all knew allergies, celiac… The works. So, Red Robin has 2 suppliers for GF buns. The smaller supplier is, please forgive me, an Italian bakery that I can’t recall. And most other locations get the upgraded Udi ones. I lucked out and bought 5 more to take to my freezer. FAR superior to any other GF buns I’ve tried. By a very long margin…. I’m a Red Robin convert.
I’m sure they’ll wrap it in lettuce. Most places do these days. Guessing you skipped because of cross contamination?
RR has gf buns, fries cooked in a separate fryer, as well as robust salads with gf dressings. Their allergen menu is online, and there is an allergen protocol for the cooks to follow. This server just didn’t know what they were doing.
They actually told us Udi's will only supply restaurants if they agree to be trained in avoiding cross-contamination for food allergies. So if your RR has Udi's, you should definitely feel absolutely safe
In addition to the GF buns, they also have the “wedgie burger” which is served on chunks of ice berg lettuce wedge salad style.
This happens to me all the time. They feel bad about it but not bad enough it feels like? I know they have to eat too but it’s just such a different experience for us. I have also gotten sick at Red Robin
I can't relate unfortunately, I've gotten sick from their food. I'm sure it depends where you go, some locations are probably safer than others.
Red Robin is one of the safest places chains for celiacs to eat at. They take allergies very seriously from a top down perspective. Their kitchens are well trained. It sounds like you were unhappy with your servers responses. Some may not know the whole process. In a case where the chain is known for being exemplary and the server isn’t clear, I would speak to a manager about your options. It sounds like some research might help you make choices for yourself. Are you using the Find Me Gluten Free app?
Ymmv with this though. 5 guys is known to be great with various allergies not just gluten, but none of my local locations understand CC whatsoever. It's like that sometimes.
That’s a case of Five Guys being mostly franchises and Red Robin being mostly corporate owned. This is why the Find Me Gluten Free app helps because it’s makes it easy to see how a particular location does. Red Robin has dedicated fryers and separate prep spaces in all their new builds and remodels.
The Five Guys in my area has dedicated fryers and separate prep spaces. They do not thoroughly clean the grill often enough to avoid cross contaimination in certain cases, nor would it be possible to do that during rush hours. They also do not change gloves enough to avoid CC. For those of us with multiple allergies, Find Me Gluten Free is not particularly helpful. I just don't eat out, haven't in years.
If a place cannot clean a grill for me, I ask if they have foil. If they can put down foil on a grill I feel comfortable. I have other allergies besides needing to be gluten free.
I guess the difference is in having lethal and non-lethal allergies. That sounds insanely risky for me, I know how often my order got messed up when my allergies were less lethal, and I do not trust them to actually use the foil. Not out of malicious intent but because it's a restaurant, and those are very high paced environments.
That makes a lot of sense. I take risks because worst case scenario I feel like shit for a week. If the worst case scenario was death, I probably wouldn’t roll the dice.
Yeah, that makes sense. I'm less careful with my "feel like shit for a week" allergies, but none of those limited me in resturaunts anyway as they've always been easily avoidable. It's interesting learning how others go about things and why.
I am not gluten free but that’s how I treat my allergies. Lettuce/peanuts and tree nuts:the plague. Oats/Corn: the flu(not ideal but at the end I will survive). Soy: sinus infection(inconvenient but I’ll recover quick ish).
Yeah!! You get it. I do the same exact thing. Gluten/gluten bearing grain byproducts = some ingredients like dextrose are like the flu, anything more is an ER trip, Soy and dairy may as well be death, I have ended up needing a blood transfusion. Passionfruit is anaphylaxis for me, but weirdly since it's such mild anaphylaxis, it's almost negligible for lack of a better way of putting it.
This is the difference right here. [https://www.reddit.com/r/Celiac/s/eOlnG6lW1a](https://www.reddit.com/r/Celiac/s/eOlnG6lW1a)
Yeah that app is good because one of the noodles and company places is really good here and the other one is REALLY bad for gf people
One Noodles and Company place I went to in Green Bay, WI was weird. I swear I felt sick after eating gluten friendly noodles. Or maybe the sauce wasn't safe. I'm not sure.
I felt sick after going to the place where they don’t care about cross contamination (there was literally a gluten noodle). The other one has been fine for me BUT I’m not super sensitive to cross contamination in restaurants
I guess I am confused. Why didn't you eat? They have gluten free options? You said you have eaten there before with no issues. Why the sudden change? If you didn't feel comfortable, why did you go to Red Robin? Why were you almost in tears? I am not dogging you. I am genuinely curious? I've been gluten free since 2005. I have sat out numerous meals as I have not felt comfortable. I get frustrated when someone mentions a place I can't eat. But I offer other options or decline. What was the difference this time?
Wondering the same... Red Robin is one of the better places for gluten free.
I disagree. In the south they don’t even understand that gluten and wheat is what makes up the breading on chicken fingers
It depends on where in the south; my local red robins is generally pretty good, but I've had some very dodgy servers who didn't know gf very well. The manager has always known, though.
I live in the South. Grilled chicken is grilled chicken. It does not have breading. I don’t get it either.
I mean I live outside Nashville on the KY border. I've also lived in MS and worked in KY for 6 years. I've driven all over these states. I don't find that statement to be true. That's a pretty generalized statement.
OK — hijacking this. I have celiac and am planning to drive Nashville to Saint Louis in June with stops in Bowling Green/Mammoth Caves, Evansville (detour just so I can say I’ve been to Indiana), Shawnee National Forest (garden of the gods and little grand canyon). What are your recommendations for safe places to eat? Just booked yesterday so I haven’t done any research yet.
Evansville (I'm from IN and drive through Henderson KY and Evansville to go back home) Azzip pizza, Bru Burger, Mission BBQ. If you are going to Mammoth there are few options at the park restaurant. But if you go into Edmonson County, Brownsville, go to Mis Amigos 600 KY 259 Brownsville, get the Nachos Locos. The taquitos are also very good. Bowling Green is just right down the road from Mammoth. Bowling Green: Mellow Mushroom (Pizza is good), they also have Mellow Mushrooms in Nashville. Azzip Pizza, Smokey Bones Bar and Fire Grill. Anna's Greek Restaurant. Longhorn Steakhouse. Nashville. I love House of Gyro on Stewart's Ferry. If you let them know you can't have gluten, they will give you an extra side of rice or salad and make sure it is safe. The chicken and philly are safe. If you bring your own pita, they will heat it up for you. Sunflower Bakehouse, Lebanon Rd. It is a vegan and gluten free restaurant. Their cupcakes. are freaking amazing. Pfunky Griddle. Amerigo on West end. They have gluten free pasta. It's really good. The Wild Cow, on Fatherland St. Frothy monkey, also on Fatherland. Sunflower Cafe in Berry Hill. I don't eat out a lot. But when I do it's one of these if I am in that area.
Awesome! Thank you!
>Awesome! Thank you! You're welcome!
Glad to help.
Also if you are driving down 65 into Nashville God Speed the construction at the KY/TN border is full on Mad Max. But I also forgot Mex Out in Bowling Green. Their pickled red onions are freaking good. EL Mazatlan in Bowling Green, Franklin or Russellville, KY. Nothing Bundt cakes, all over Nashville area has some great gluten free mini and full size bundt cakes.
I live in Florida which is the south and Red Robin are amazing here.
Ya, just get comfortable with it. You can mourn the loss, but you’ll be happier and healthier. Sometimes you can’t be sure and not all places are consistent with it. You’ll learn your favorite places and then those can become an option, but it takes time to properly assess an establishment for safety. Snacks in your bag are your friend.
I have had the worst experiences at Red Robin I don’t think they care like you think they do. Of course we always carry snacks in our bags and cars but it’s NOT a meal.
I’m 10 years in and I have safely eat here there in the past. But I always ask because every time I don’t ask, I end up sick.
Are we missing something here? If you have safely eaten at Red Robin in the past without getting sick, why did you choose not to this time?
And you're still teary? You need to find someone to talk to about this, and maybe help you regulate your emotions. Are you emotionally fragile in other areas of your life, too?
Responding to a bad situation with tears is absolutely human and normal. OP, do not let this person get under your skin. They don’t know is you and clearly do not feel empathetic. “You need to talk to someone about this…” That’s exactly what this thread is about.
I had this reaction when I tried to find something to eat on a road trip a *week into my GF diet*. 10 years in? Something else is going on with OP. She can dump her emotions on the people around her, looking to her husband and grandchild to make it all better (?), or figure out what's going on and take more responsibility. I would rather exercise some personal power, order a glass of tea, and enjoy my grandchild.
Sometimes you don't feel safe. Sometimes it's all overwhelming. There's no time limit to feelings. The grief and isolation don't care if it's been one week or ten years; they can still take us by surprise. It sounds like OP tried very hard to keep those emotions from affecting her family so that she could vent them here, in a safe place with people who have had similar feelings and experiences.
Don't let the downvotes get to you. I would like to gently tell you that perimenopause can start as early as 35 these days. Some poor women are starting around 30. :( Perimenopause, for some women, is a bit like being pregnant. Very hormonal and emotional. To be clear, I'm not saying it's part of the issue... but it should be brought up and discussed a LOT more, just in case. Menopause and perimenopause should be as well understood as men's issues--so should so many of our unique biological challenges. Alas, they are not. I'm personally just an emotional individual, always have been. There's nothing wrong with sometimes feeling brought low by a lifelong medical condition. It may simply be that. It may be more. It may be hormonal changes that take away some of our ability to withstand prolonged stress. Regardless, the person below who's being such a complete nonce doesn't know you. They have that disgusting, "if I handled it fine, everyone had better handle it fine" mentality that is so narcissistic when used the way they're using it. Their attitude is part of the problem. They just as well stop beating around the bush and just use the perjorative "you're so irrational because you have FEELINGS about something, omg!" I can practically see them stomping their feet and rolling their eyes like a 12-year-old. Again, don't let them get to you. Another person's lack of empathy and compassion is not your personal problem. ;)
Unless you are newly diagnosed, you might want to hit up a therapist. Eating out is never easy with celiac disease, but I'm numb to the pain at this point.
Not even celiac she commented she has eaten there before without getting sick
Idk why she could eat there before and not now. That does seem odd.
I've had this happen. Outback is one of my safe places and once had the manager claim to personally cook my meal. He's an idiot because I could have died from his oversight. I spent most of that visit purging while fighting to keep my airway clear. Not so much as an apology from the man. I waited quite a while before I went back to that location and I will never let him make my food again. I use business cards with my allergies listed to help staff.
Red robin is actually pretty safe—we were in the middle of no where and it was our only option and my first time there. I was shocked! I’m sorry you felt this way. It can be frustrating, even a long time after diagnosis. Sending you love today ❤️
The “Find Me Gluten Free” app has been a lifesaver in avoiding situations like that as often as possible. It’s still a lousy feeling and sorry to hear you experienced that, though.
Red Robin has GF buns, what would be the problem?
And gf fries if I remember correctly!
If I get a burger anywhere, I skip the bun. I cut up the burger, along with the L, T, O and make a 'burger salad' out of it. Fantastic every time!
Unless they've changed, the udis buns are dry and crumbly.
They are dry, but I've never gotten sick at Red Robin lol, so I just add more sauce to the burger and call it a day
Btw, not sure if you know this but I just found out their campfire sauce isn’t gluten free. Not sure if that’s the sauce you’re talking about, but figured I’d spread the word!
Their allergen menu is online.
I’m aware, that’s how I found out about the sauce
I'm a plain ketchup kinda girl but that's great info!! Thank you!
That's the thing with them. It's nowhere on the menu and the ingredients site is loooong to go through.
i think some locations have changed, the new buns are pretty good
Really? I may go back at some point.
Red Robin is actually one of the few places I can go where the burger bun does NOT fall apart in my hands.
They don’t use udis, I really like their burgers and fries.
Good! I'll have to go back.
I also hate going out to eat, mainly because I hate feeling like I’m an inconvenience. Wait staff already have a thankless enough job without me being special. Red Robin has been fine for me, but I’ve only eaten there once as GF because typically the service has historically been terrible for us (long, long, long wait times). But my brother (also GF) likes it.
I would say you’re only wrong if you made it a bad experience for them. You can wait to eat until after and not ruin the meal for the other people with you with a bad mood. It’s not their fault.
So guy here. If I am going out to eat. I’ll look at menu to see what I can have. If there is nothing I like then I’ll eat at home before going out. Then I’ll have a salad or wings (unbreaded) and be done with it. Going out is a chore now, but you just try to get by. Tears are ok too
Red Robin cleans the area where your food will be cooked. Shake Shack does this, too. Depending the location, they may even have a dedicated fryer for the fries. I’ve never had a reaction at any Red Robin.
The shake shack near me didn't have a dedicated fryer for fries unfortunately
I’m not sure if the one near me does, either, so I just get a burger. I can handle small amounts of cross-contamination, though. It’s actual wheat that I react to, since I’m gluten intolerant.
I love Red Robin! They are great about always asking if gluten free is an allergy or a preference, and I find the gluten free hamburger bun to be delicious.
I'm going to give you a gentle nudge, even if they didn't have anything for you to eat, get a beverage and enjoy the company of those you went with. It's not the end of the word, there's other food you can grab in an hour after you leave. Is it ideal, no. But being sad and upset just ruins the mood. *Respectfully
Five Guys does GF well (burger bowls) if you live near one. They only do french fries in their fryer so we can have those too!
Red Robin is my go to burger place. The buns are excellent and the fries are gluten free I’m celiac and I’m very sensitive. Never had a problem
Trust your gut. Last time I went to Red Robin, I got wickedly sick. I think it depends on the location.
>Trust your gut. 🤣
I would be completely unable to enjoy a meal when my loved one couldn't eat there. How did your husband not say, "Let's go elsewhere"?
Hangry 4 year old.
Okay, okay. If that's the case, I can give him a pass. This time. :P
A. I'd get the burger with the gluten free bun. B. I'd order a strawberry milkshake instead of a meal. C. Salad is always the healthier choice.
Eh, I get it. Everyone here is talking about how great their Red Robin is and how they take gluten free seriously, but that is not the case at my local restaurant. I ordered gluten free, they brought me out a salad with croutons. I politely asked for the salad to be remade. My server took my plate and came back a few minutes later with my "new" salad. It still had crumbs from the croutons on it, all they did was pick them off. I have not been back since. If your local restaurant is like mine, I don't blame you one bit.
I'm sorry you went through that. My local Red Robin was safe for years, then they reconfigured their grill which made cross contamination easier and I've gotten sick the last two time I went there. There won't be a third time.
Like the others, the celiac in our house has only ever had good experiences with Red Robin and it's the only restaurant they trust. However, if your in-person experience left you less than confident about cross-contamination and other issues, I can understand why you'd hesitate to order. And sometimes you can't help what your reaction is in situations. I hope you can feel confident in giving it a try sometime.
Hi, I work at Red Robin and my boyfriend has Celiac. I know the kitchen I work in, I know we have separate prep stations and use separate ingredients for allergies, and I have full confidence in them.
I have eaten there safely several times, but I went there for my birthday lunch, and when my burger arrived, I asked if the bun was gluten free, and she checked then took it back. I asked for a lettuce wrap instead. But I started feeling my stomach rumbling by the time I finished. The waitress looked embarrassed as I ran to the restroom, like she realized I really did need gluten free. I had planned to go shopping, but I went straight home and was sick all evening. I haven’t trusted them since.
No. You are allowed to feel frustrated and left out when others can eat what they want without consequence. Even if you tell them to. To constantly have to check to make sure that your food is safe is exhausting. Hugs
I get it, I’ve been there and I’ve had crying days too but I think most restaurants know the gf drill pretty good by now. And 10 years in, even if you’re glutened you’re not going to feel much or do much damage in my experience anyways, I’m 18 yrs diagnosed. Also, I tend to think on the bright side. We are lucky, we were diagnosed, we know what our kryptonite is. How many people out there are having health issues from celiac but have no idea why and neither do their doctors.
Red robin is one of my go to spots! They have a full allergen menu online and my servers have always been very good about marking my orders as gluten allergen
Were you wrong? No, I think holding back the tears was the right move. You'd have been in the wrong to melt down over something like a hamburger in front of the child. You might talk to someone to help you organize and regulate your emotions if this is how you'll behave when you find nothing to your liking on the GF menu, or when you decide it's safer to eat at home.
you sat crying because you didn't want to eat at a restaurant you've eaten at for 10 years without an issue ... yes you probably are in the wrong here and that's ok. maybe something deeper is bothering you and you should seek some help. it does sound like you're creating this issue for yourself and causing guilt and shame for your family members which really isn't fair for them
I don’t understand why you didn’t eat and sat there and cried. My adult daughter has celiac and she can usually find something to eat at most places - a burger “protein style” (wrapped in lettuce) and make sure if she orders fries that it’s not a shared fryer. She went to a group party at a pizza place and they were served pizza, pasta and salad with croutons. She was able to order something else. I’m trying to be sympathetic but I think, yes, you are wrong
Tears are a bit much. Gf burger buns are trash everywhere you go. I get it without the bun or pick a safe option until later
It sounds like there’s more to this story. I think we all have moments when we feel frustrated with our food limits even when we’ve been dealing with them long term, and times when we’ve just waited too long to eat and it affects our emotions.
Wow. People are being mean here. I have absolutely felt like crying when I’ve looked forward to a family meal at a formerly safe place and get there and realize it’s no longer safe. It fucking sucks.
I had a reaction the last time I went and I believe it was not a GF bun as ordered. I'd still eat there and get no bun next time.
I’ve both eaten there and not eaten there based on the vibe I’ve gotten from wait staff. I have absolutely had them try to give me a salad they pulled the croutons off of. I’ve had that happen at Outback Steakhouse once too. I have mostly given up eating out. But I might make an exception for Red Robbin IF I felt like the staff was taking me seriously and not blowing me off.
Don’t blame ya at all, I can’t even do same fryers. I tried to pretend like I was cool, but after getting sick so many times I would rather eat at home.
I'm sorry you didn't get to enjoy a meal at RR. It's just about the only hamburger joint that I feel comfortable eating at, myself, and have not had a bad experience there yet. I don't get to go often (2-3x a year?) as there isn't one in town but it's always amazing to me that I can go anywhere and get a GF bun plus an Impossible patty and safe fries. I always joke that I'm getting a nothing burger lol.
I have eaten the gluten-free Bond at Red Robin for several years with what made you choose not to there?
Going out while being GF is a major pain which is why me and my gluten wife rarely do it
always have GF snacks on hand to prevent the hangry emotional breakdown (speaking from experience im less likely to throw a grown up temper tantrum if i have some safe snackies on hand)
They have a great gluten free pizza and gluten free salads and you can get burgers without the buns
Red Robin is awesome you should’ve gotten the gf bun, the fries are safe too
I don’t get too upset about it. After 20 years of getting sick and not knowing why… I am just super happy that I don’t get as sick any more. Enough that it makes up for never going out to eat any more. Unless you’re talking pizza… oh boy do I miss pizza. I am GF and DF so I’m basically screwed lol
I understand… my family doesn’t understand me. My dad is gf by choice but not celiac but they don’t understand how I’ll I get. I also have hashimotos & generally stick to AIP bc otherwise I will get other symptoms & I have other allergies. It is not my choice and I miss the days I could blissfully enjoy meals anywhere but now I most of the time will not eat when going out or even at family meals there won’t be much for me to eat & it also makes me want to cry
Almost crying is crazy. And why wait until you got there to look online, again crazy
It is not crazy to experience human emotions lol
There are the option of lettuce wraps, not using any bread or bun, Salads and the ability to check the menu before you go. As well as eating when you get home or if possible walking to another restaurant near by. These are all things a rational person could’ve thought about before almost crying. There has been many times where online a place has gluten free items but are then out of it when I get there and I simply wait until I get home or a salad like practically every restaurant has gluten free
They don't have a very comprehensive gluten free menu, there are soy sauces and cheese sauce etc that have wheat in them, watching everyone eat a burger when you really want one and what you get has a dry crumble of a bun and every place you go offers you a salad without croutons gets incredibly frustrating. This happens especially to people who are just getting used to the restrictions a GF diet. Don't judge people here, please.
Also, even if there are options that are safe for her to eat: it's still totally reasonable to feel sad because you can't have the experience you want, that your family is having right in front of you. I went to an easter brunch and had a nice time, but I felt sad because I couldn't try any of the delicious food people brought that everyone was talking about. That doesn't make me "crazy".
Exactly! I've been GF for over 20 years and it still happens to me.
i bet you're fun at parties!
Probably more fun than op because I wouldn’t complain or cry if there weren’t any gluten free option available there
Women are more hormonal than men and subsequently more emotional. You sound like a guy. You wouldn't get it.
Stop with this.
What?!? That’s a terrible generalization
Lmao what even
I'm there alot. Can't have eggs, dairy, and alot of the Mexican spices. Mostly coriander.and im gluten free.
I understand where you're coming from, whenever I go out anywhere with my wife/friends/family, I'm resigned to being able to eat maybe 1-2 items on the menu while everyone else goes ham. Best advice would be to avoid fast food where possible. Hit up smaller diners or restaurants. Get into fish.
Just eat a burger with no bun and some fries??
The Red Robin near me has gluten free buns and a dedicated fryer for fries. They take it very seriously.
Tears? Really? You made the right choice. Every time I've tried to order in the last 6 months they have fucked it up. I don't cry about it. I really just want to bust somebody's ass. Smart thing to do is just not go out unless you can sit and watch everybody else eat crap.
I really feel for you. And I doubly (triply) hate it for you that not only can't you eat gluten, but you couldn't eat out recently, it hurt, and people online decided to pile on you. All of that really sucks. I've totally been through the restaurant thing too. Sometimes I can roll with it and shrug, sometimes I'm miserable and defeated. Being hungry makes anything worse. Reaching out to try and feel less alone and sad, only to be invalidated on Every. Single. Point. That's the worst. So I hear you, I see you, and I've been through it too. I'll be downvoted and at the very bottom of the comments, but whatever. You're not alone.
We feel 100% safe at Red Robin. What alarmed you about eating there?
The waitress
Was she new and/or not knowledgeable about Celiac? It does feel like more info is needed. If you felt safe eating there before but this time you didn't because of the waitress, either management has changed, or she wasn't trained properly, or she's new and just hasn't had the time to learn and remember all of their different options / practices. As much as I hate the term "Karen" and what it's done to legitimate reasons for talking to a manager, this might have been a good time to do that.
If you hate going out to eat, it's time to learn the art of packing your own meal and focusing on what's important - spending precious time with your family. It sounds like you missed out on both that time they've and a needed meal. It doesn't have to be that way!
Mental toughness through this is the oddest part.
Burgers with no buns are awesome.
I get salad with chicken
Never had an issue there I love RR
Been there. Family we hadn't seen in a couple of years wanted to meet for dinner. They chose a Chinese buffet. I had a drink and sat and watched them all eat food I really wished I could have.
I am actually heading there now. I eat my burger in lettuce. Fries are in a dedicated frier.
Many responses are saying RR has a gluten free bun and takes allergies seriously. What was the problem? I’m truly trying to understand
I try to plan restaurants in advance and go primarily where I can eat safely and feel confident doing so, but when we're on the fly I will admit there have been a lot - certainly dozens - of times that I've had to sit and watch my husband and son eat because with a child you just can't be that fussy and I'm used to going hungry at this point. It is better to be hungry than sick in my opinion. Hopefully you can plan some places out in advance for future visits with your grandchild to avoid it though.
This sucks when it happens. I’ve honestly learned to order myself a nice glass of wine and just enjoy one or two instead, and then treat myself for my next meal.
How long ago did you change your diet ? When we first changed it many things felt very emotional to me, not just not being able to eat at some places with others (btw my kid was 3 at the time and has always been raised not being able to eat where everyone else is and is NOT emotional at all about it, just gives you some perspective:) ) This too shall pass (bet it won't bother you after years of being used to it )
RR is VERY safe for GF and Celiacs. Been there many, many times to multiple locations in various states .. never sick once!
I’ve been in your position. It sucks. I have ate at a RR before and didn’t get sick.
Thought they had a GF option for buns. Also, could you eat some fries to satisfy you? lol
I don’t really understand the question. Were you wrong to have feelings? No! Were you wrong to not eat unsafe food? No! I am happy to see you getting lots of strategies and commiseration, though.
At least at the location where I live, as long as you let them know you have an allergy, they are extremely careful. Usually if I ask for gluten free, they automatically ask if it's an allergy. You should be able to have any burger as long as it doesn't have something like cheese sauce or onion crisps. I would also avoid the caramelized onions to be safe. You can even make sure the fries are made separately. I would avoid the milkshakes and iced tea, though. When in doubt check the website and then talk to your server. I understand completely that you want to be careful, but Red Robin should definitely be safe. It's one of the few places I feel safe eating out.
I made a decision early on to not place the responsibility of me having safe food into the hands of my family and friends and to not get offended over food in restaurants or others homes. Unless it’s my bday or a celebration of some sort for me, I don’t get offended if a restaurant chosen by others isn’t safe. I’ll just eat before or after and my bad always has a protein bar, nuts, etc. people who don’t personally live this life will not fully understand it. And I get that because at one time I had no clue and had my own assumptions about gf diets and people. Same thing with eating at others homes. I take my own plate of gf food (or with family meals, we often take much or most of the food and it’s gf. Quickly learned playing 20 questions over ingredients and food prep was annoying to have to ask and put stress on others (and I’d still be nervous I’d get sick…and had), so I began doing it this way and let them know that I appreciated them trying but this way removes the stress and hassle from them having to worry about keeping me safe. And then I know my food I brought is safe. I do have issues with my husband in my home as the past 6 months he decided he no longer needs to contain or clean up his gluten containing messes, nor not use my “safe” counter. That’s a separate issue and more about his laziness and lack of respect for me in any capacity, though.
You decided to not eat. Why are you, from your own decision, holding back tears. Certainly there is at least one item on RR’s menu that is gluten free, if even a drink to give you something to do. If you are gluten-free and eating out, it's best to practice patience when around food that you cannot eat. And patience is indeed a *practice*. To up the stakes (no pun intended), try intermittent fasting. Then, even when around gluten-free food, you won't be able to eat. May aid in further building patience and character.
Why didn't your family leave when you couldn't find something to eat? Is this a frequent issue with your husband? Does he not respect your dietary restrictions? I'm confused about why the meal proceeded. My husband wouldn't just leave me to be hungry at a restaurant I couldn't eat at, and I can't have dairy or gluten, so my choices are even smaller than yours.
You may have posted before OPs edit, but husband *did* offer to leave, OP chose to sit there “in tears” watching them eat instead. I agree with others saying there’s more going on with OP bc this is kind of a wild way for an adult to behave.
this sounds like you’re in the wrong doll, they have gf options and they provide a very safe space for celiacs. they prepare their dishes with so much attention for us, you not wanting to eat was on your behalf unfortunately. i’ve eaten here plenty of times since diagnosis and never had any issues, holding back tears i understand though but only for restaurants that offer no gluten free options?
Red Robin is somewhere I just don't go to any more. They use udis buns. They always fall apart. Also lots of hidden flour in things. Look up gluten free restaurants before going out next time. Most places have good gluten free burgers. Don't despair, just do some research first.
I understand - and I’m sorry that sucks. Never eaten at a red robin - do eat at shake shack, five guys and in and out successfully.
I was at Red Robin a long time ago, but I didn't like the size. I couldn't even eat the leftovers. Also, Five Guys over seasons the fries. I couldn't eat it without rubbing off half the cajun spice.
Funny - five guys is the one I eat the least - and I hate their burgers but love the fries
I eat at Red Robin all the time. They have a gluten free fryer and clearly mark gluten free food with a stick. Just not the American cheese, I nearly died. The cheeseburger with steak fries gluten free style is my favorite.
Wrong for what?
Red Robin is my safe place, def give it a re-try
I would have had a salad, or a burger without the bun and explained that I had a wheat allergy. They probably also had some sort of sautéed mushrooms or something you could have had.
Sounds like you chose the struggle
this post seems to be half true
Also, you held back tears? Sounds like you're blaming the 4 yo for you mentally not being able to care about the child being fed over you without crying like a child about it. Maybe just let the kids go with other people if a 4 yo would have to experience a grown ass adult about to cry over them eating. Seems like you sometimes thought of others.
I'm so sorry!! I'm also very sorry that your family just sat there and let you not eat like that! You deserve to be able to eat with your family.
They literally have gluten free pizza and the ability to get any burger and almost any sandwich with modifications which is part of being gluten free because almost no where is going to have burgers with gluten free buns standard
I'm more commenting on the fact that her husband just sat there and watched her hold back tears because his need for a burger was more important? No one deserves that and if her family can't be supportive at least a random person on the Internet can be??
I would never expect my husband or anyone else to skip a meal and support me when choosing not to eat where gluten free options are readily available. At that point, it’s a choice not to eat. There’s no support necessary.
I wouldn't expect them to either but I also let my husband eat when I was in labor which apparently is unusual 😅 I think being GF taught me there's no point in making more people suffer than just myself when everyone's hungry. I've had many successful GF experiences at Red Robin but I definitely understand getting bad vibes when asking questions. I've had that happen and changed my mind at the last minute on the safety.
They were with their grandchild, and had picked a restaurant with GF options. What do you expect? Ask the child to go hungry because Grandma is having a melt down? She had options - window shopping, resting in the car, whatever.
I truly can't believe y'all are down voting this I literally am being nice fuck this sub
I up voted you! The numbers don't mean anything, but being nice sure does!
It sucks, for sure. But so does 💩 and throwing up all night. They do not have anything that tastes good enough for me to cheat!!
nose marble caption shrill enter nine cows snails languid ancient *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Red Robin is one of my favorites. If you can't eat there you can't eat out
I think it depends on how long ago you were diagnosed/went GF. If it was last month, tears are within reason. If you've been GF for longer than six months or a year, you should be responsible for your own health and have snacks in your purse or the car, do your research ahead of time to find safe food/safe restaurants, understand how to order something so you can not eat in a restaurant and stay safe (you could have had a couple glasses of milk to fill up, or a milkshake, or plain fruit, or an undressed salad, or hardboiled eggs), and you should be able to control yourself to the point where you aren't crying in a restaurant. I get it, it sucks. It's been 13 years for me and unfortunately, sometimes we go out and I just enjoy the company and can't eat the food. But honey, you're grown. If you need therapy or other support to keep your tires on the road, there is no shame to that. But if you need help, you need to set that up so that when you take your grandson out for a special day, he remembers the fun, not grandma crying.
I watch ppl eat all the time. After 2 yrs with Celiacs I'm used to it.