Stockholm's Restaurant and Brewery

 We'd had this place on our radar to check out for a while, especially once I saw the extensive gluten free markings on their menu. We stopped at Stockholm's while on our beer passport journey one rainy afternoon. We chatted with the bartender who said it was slower because Swedish days was just wrapping up otherwise the restaurant would be much busier. We learned that the owner makes a special "adult" root beer that if you didn't know it had alcohol in it, you wouldn't realize it. The flavor and taste were just so good.

We opted to try the mussels, which is not something we normally get, but decided to be adventurous. We told the server multiple times "No toast, gluten free". So we were initially annoyed that our plate arrived with toast on top, but the porter, server and bartender all chimed in "It's gluten free bread!" We were so excited that they could do gf toast to go with the meal. 

As of now I'd give them 4 dragonflies, I'd like to go back and try some more options and see how it is. They have good options, and a wide menu. The staff is aware and can tell Gluten Free options from regular and even were able to discuss why items were not safe. But I only had an appetizer and the amazing root beer. This one will require a revisit, but I'm looking forward to it because what I have tried was tasty.

Obscurity Brewing

 Obscurity Brewing and Mead Hall - Came to check out this place as a stop on our beer passport this summer. While we weren't planning to get food while here, we weren't that hungry. But as we sampled Meads, Cider and my husband had beer, food sounded good, so we opted to try the BBQ platter. Chatted it up with our beertender about gluten free options, what was safe, if the sauces were safe, (Which they all are safe) and she put our order in. Sadly she forgot to mark it gluten free, so it came out with a piece of bread in the middle of the plate. 

I will say I'm more and more annoyed with places that just add bread to things, why can't you just add it to the menu listing! Then we could more specifically say "Make sure not to add the bread!!" 

Our server apologized multiple times that it was her fault and had a fresh plate brought out to us. We were wowed. This was honestly some of the best BBQ we've had in a long time. Their Alabama white sauce was tasty and not just peppery. The Ribs fell right off the bones, and the brisket was lean and not fatty at all. We also really like the elote. There was the right amount of spice and flavor. Almost as good as the elote we had that was topped with bacon! 

We actually came back with friends a few weeks later. We planned out a brewery hop for the day to try different things, making note to everyone that this was where we were getting dinner, because it's just that good! They have a rotation of 3-4 ciders or meads from their cider/meadery across the street, and also have cocktails, so it's a well rounded selection of food and adult beverages and great fun atmosphere. I give them 5 dragonflies, because the BBQ was so good and the staff was very understanding.

Blackberry Market - Trendy Cafe

Blackberry Market has 2 locations, one in LaGrange, the other in Glen Ellyn. Both are in cute little shopping districts in the downtown of the town. Their menu is a mix of item with multiple allergy warnings marked, per item. We had stopped in the LaGrange location recently while at the craft fair. Their $1 Ice tea was a nice incentive, and we learned they had multiple gluten free baked goods, from a lemon poppy seed loaf to cookies and a brownie. The lemon poppy seed loaf was sweet, and very moist. 

While looking for some light brunch options we decided to check out the Glen Ellyn location, since it was along our route. We also noticed they had a mural from Matthew Hoffman, who does the "You are Beautiful" Displays. So it was a double win for us to get brunch and snap a photo of a new display. 

This one also had a nice display of gluten free baked goods, each packed in their own wrapper and in the case. I got a raspberry lemon muffin to go with my breakfast stack, which essentially was a breakfast salad! 2 eggs, I got scrambled with bacon over a bed of greens with dressing. All dishes seem to come with a side of potatoes, a mix of red and sweet potatoes. The non-gf options come with a biscuit and blackberry jam. 

While they didn't have a ton of options that were gluten free, they had so many markings on the menu, the glass case and the baked goods on display, it's obvious they know how to handle allergies. Though with limited options, they were interesting and seemed like there were a few options to come back and check out. I would give them 4 dragonflies. I would like to see some items served on bread or toast, having some interesting baked goods, do give a nice option to get some carbs in addition to the fancy sliced potatoes that come with the meals.

American WildBurger - Going Strong

 It's been a hot second or more since I've gone to American WildBurger, but almost 10 years later, they're going strong. We happened in the area a couple times recently and opted to stop in and grab a bite. They have expanded their menu for their gluten free offerings. Now besides burgers and fries, they have wings, fried shrimp, fried chicken, and moved 1 location to their left! 

We were doing a BYOF to go to a brewery, so I was excited to get the fried shrimp and fries. Something so simple was so satisfying. This time they were out of shrimp, (we got there later in the evening) so I got the wings. The options for sauces were pretty nice, it wasn't the same 1-2 options everyone has. So I got the Garlic Parmesan wings. With another side of fries. I wasn't sure if 6 wings would be enough, but they're big enough, they're like Big Birds wings! They were more than plentiful for the serving size. 

They have options for alcoholic beverages as well as regular. There is ample seating if you're there with several people. I haven't had a burger recently so I can't comment on the burger bun, because previously I wasn't a fan of the latest bun they were using for the burgers. Over all I give them 4 dragonflies because while they have some fun side dishes, and salads, but I'd like a good grilled veggie or something fun like that as a side. 

 

Awesome Breakfast Egg Harbor Cafe

Some how, I've managed to not mention Egg Harbor Cafe, and I don't know how I've missed this post! This has got to be one of top 3 favorite places for breakfast, my motivation is the Sweet Ali's Cinnamon Roll. But really you can't go wrong with anything you order here. Our biggest joke is when we went to Door County, WI and were in Egg Harbor, there is no Egg Harbor Cafe! But being around the burbs of Chicago, there are several locations in popular parts of towns. 

They have a separate gluten free menu that is quite extensive. They do lunch options too, but to be honest, I have only ordered breakfast food with them, cause their eggs and harbor potatoes are super tasty, and their bacon is made just the way I like it. Their skillets are pretty tasty too. They have gotten in to some of the fancy coffee and tea drinks too, but a carafe of coffee at the table feels like in an older movie at the all day breakfast shop. 

I give Egg Harbor 5 Dragonflies (6 if it was an option), for quality, quantity of items of the menu and super attentive staff. 

Elmhurst Brewing Company

I think I’ve spoiled myself by always going places with good defined gluten free menus. That when I go somewhere that just throws stuff together I have to try really hard not to roll my eyes at the menu. I’ve looked at Elmhurst Brewing Companies menu a few times the last year or so that we’ve had our Friday “Brew Crew”, and the menu does rotate seasonally and so do the gluten free options. It seems that they are becoming less and less. Which was a bit shocking since most cases I feel I eat better at most breweries than I do most sit down establishments. This one was a bit different. 

They had 1 flatbread option and 2 salads marked on the menu. I questioned a couple other items including their pimento dip, (Which seems to be a brewery staple, as that’s where I always seem to get it.).

1^st things first, they had cider from Right Bee, and an Old-Fashioned option. Their Old-Fashioned was ok. You had to stir the ice to melt it some to bring off the harsh edge on the drink. The Cider was great! I want to go do a tasting at Right Bee one of these days cause I think I’ll like the options. 

 

Not gluten free, but thought their taster paddle was cool.

I got the pimento cheese dip, they determined they could do cucumbers and celery instead of crackers and the beet and goat cheese salad. Had the wings been an option, I would have gone with them, my husband did, and said they were amazing! Our friend who got the Schintzel said it was better than the German restaurant we went to! 

The goat cheese salad had these cute little ‘goat balls’ as my husband called them rolled in pepper and placed sparsely on the salad. Their green goddess dressing was good. Overall the salad was OK, nothing I’d rave about, but it didn’t upset my stomach. The pimento dip tasted processed and fake. We joked that they ran across the street and got a container from the grocery store and plopped it on the plate. Not amazing, at all!

Overall, I’d give them 2 Dragonflies, while they nicely marked 3 items on the menu gluten free, it felt like they did so out of obligation, that they really wanted to make or serve anything gluten free. The ambiance was nice and if you eat gluten the food sounds like it’s good… Just not, the gluten free aspect.

 

Balanced Rock Winery

Just outside the exit to Devil's Lake state park, is a cute winery on a bit of a hill, Balanced Rock Winery. One thing that cracks me up, is that they have a driving range on their property. So if you like golf, you're set! Plus they are dog friendly with a large patio with live music to really take some time to chill for the day while getting some good food and drink.

There were a few options for wine. Do a tasting at the bar, or a flight or a glass could be take to a table, as well as you can order food to go with your wine. We opted to each get a flight and share (there were exactly 6 sweeter wine and a flight was 3 wines, so we were set!). We each ordered a different nacho plate, I don't know if we were that hungry or the food was that good. Once our food arrived, we totally forgot about the wine and went into heffer mode, just chowing down on our food. The salsa was nice and thick and not too spicy, plus I was excited they had black olives on the nachos. You don't see that too often most places. So I stole the olives off my husbands plate. Really the food was great, the wine was tasty, and the ambiance was lively and not too serious, but still a nice setting. 

I give them 5 dragonflies. For a winery to have such a good food display was rare and very inviting. The inside it super cute and makes a great stand alone option to hang out, but in nice weather, the back and side patio, totally pump it up a notch on cuteness. Plus the scenery was so nice and in the fall would be even prettier. 

Elgin Food Hall Birdettes

I had seen on Find Me Gluten Free a listing for Birdette's in Elgin, it mentioned they had gluten free fried chicken! I got super excited, as that is the main thing I really crave. So I asked around to a few other people if they'd heard of it or knew anything, they said no, but was worth checking out. A little more digging I found out they're in a food hall. While thinking that was a bit odd for Elgin, still was intrigued to find a reason to be out that way to check it out. We've visited food halls other places we've traveled and they were super cute and worth visiting again. 

While at a loss for a late lunch we wandered over to the Dream Hall food hall to give it a go. It was rather confusing to figure out where all the food options were and what they were since it looked to have multiple floors, and only 3 spots to order food on the 1st floor. Eventually we figured out the left you got coffee, the middle was all the food options and the right was the bar. We walked around and checked out the space, and opted to order our food.

I had to go with the fried chicken. I did the drumettes, and a mozzarella & tomato salad with my chicken. My husband did a curry bowl. We were slightly confused at the menu but realized all the food options were listed in one spot. My wings were good, the creamy buffalo was not very spicy at all which was good, it didn't distract from the chicken which was pretty awesome. They asked if I wanted blue cheese on the side, and I said sure. Sadly the blue cheese was Ken's dressing, which is GF safe, but I find their dressings lack flavor of any level. I enjoyed my caprese salad, though the tomatoes were very tough like they were hot house raised. My husband was underwhelmed with his curry dish having little to no spice and not being very curry like. He wished he'd gone with the nutella pancakes instead. He also got a iced coffee drink from the coffee stand, that was really good.

I'll give them 4 dragonflies because they have multiple GF options and very clear labeling. When I mentioned gluten free they seemed very knowledgeable on it. But the lack of being able to figure out what was going on with the space and where to go was a bit odd. Plus most of the options could have had more flavor. I hope the succeed, since they don't seem in a high foot traffic area like most food halls. 

Tumbled Rock Brewing

Not far outside Starved Rock in Baraboo WI is a tasty brewery - Tumbled Rock Brewing. We found them on a previous trip to go hiking and really enjoyed the food we got. I had gotten the steak tip appetizer (Sans the crostini) and the elote salad. I was expecting a 'normal'serving size for the elote and was shocked at the large portion. I couldn't finish it even with help from my husband, who had gotten a pizza because they have a giant pizza oven, and seems to be their specialty item.

As we were heading back up this way after doing a few hikes, I suggested we stop there for a late lunch get a beverage and some appetizers. We opted to get a few appetizers to share. One thing to note on their menu is anything that is marked GF that is fried, IS in a Shared fryer. Which annoys me when places do this, but I knew to ignore these items. Our server was very engaged an able to punch in 'allergy' & 'gluten free' notes on the items we ordered and she went back and talk to the kitchen to make sure they saw the note. Since the steak tips should have crostini, the server offered to bring us a plate of tortilla chips to go with our food instead. My husband loved the tortilla chips and we took the extras with us to munch on later.

Our meal was fabulous and the rain held off so we had a nice meal on their patio. I give them 4 dragonflies because they have a bunch of options that are GF, and they are tasty. Do keep note that they have a shared fryer for GF items that are fried. So keep that in mind when ordering off the menu. I wish they wouldn't mark those items, as it can be confusing when ordering, to know what really are safe options. Otherwise they seem knowledgeable and diligent with the food on all orders. 

Church Street Brewing

My husband found Church St. Brewery several years back. Riding the Metra he would see their large sign that faces the back yard (which they were not using at the time) but made us aware of them, and then one of his favorite food trucks started going there. 

Originally they had a tiny taproom where you sat at wine barrels for tables, very speak easy like. As they've grown, they've expanded a couple times, making the tap room larger, and getting formal seating options. As well as expanding the back yard and making it a nice beer garden. During Covid they put up a tent and added some umbrellas to tables so you had some shade coverage. This year they've installed pergolas in the back. They also set up for live music in the back as well as inside.

They've also grown their options of what they serve. They experimented with a gluten reduced beer. They also joined in on the hard seltzer game. The one thing that severely irks me about their hard seltzers. They are Gluten Reduced, NOT GLUTEN FREE! I hate that seltzers are not a clear cut gluten free option. When going anywhere new if an establishment has a hard seltzer brand I don't know, I always ask if it's gluten free, which draws a lot of eye roll reactions. I always bring up Church St, that their seltzers are not gluten free. 

Several other breweries around us have started making their own vodka and whiskey, which has made Church St. start serving cocktails and even wine from Lynfred down the road. Which meant options that were safer for me. We also loved that they would have a rotation of food trucks, or we brought our own food. One day we were shocked to show up and see they had a food menu. When we were told going forward we couldn't bring our own food, I questioned them on Gluten free options and they said "Yes we do!" and brought us a menu. 

We've since had a couple of their dips, a salad, (Cause they ran out of Cauliflower crusts) and their pizza on Cauliflower crust. The last time we ere there they said they have a customer show up weekly to get their GF pizza saying it was worth the trip. I agree! It is squishy and tasty, I have to always ask and confirm they brought the right pizza out.It's not your typical crusty had gluten free pizza. With their expansion in the liquor they have options like margarita flights for Cinco De Mayo, and Mint Juleps for the Kentucky Derby. So it's a nice rotation of options for me on drinks, and a place with a great place to casually hang out, and being a brewery it doesn't feel like I have to eat, we can just enjoy some drinks and chill. 

I give them 4 dragonflies, cause I'd love to see a GF beer option, not gluten reduced... Even if it was from another brewery like Alt or Lakefront. But they have wine, and spirits to choose from, and that pizza, (The meat-za, and the pear one they had last summer). Everyone is super nice and not pretentious when explaining the need for gluten free, they have other regulars who also explained to them, so it's a very comfortable environment.

Riccardo's - Italian Stop

I will randomly just scroll thru Find Me Gluten Free, just to see if something new, different, or interesting gets posted. I get excited when something different pops up, just cause it's nice to go somewhere new, try something else, and not eat the same things. Riccardo's popped up recently, and I realize I go to the grocery store right across the street once a week! 

We decided to take the family and check it out. It's set back and not the easiest to find if you're not looking for it. The inside reminded me of a family run dinner style from the early 1990's. The gluten free menu is not huge by any means, but they have some great options like ravioli, mostaccioli, and different chicken dishes. My favorite part is they serve the Udi's rolls as an option for gluten free! It's $1 a roll and they will ask how many rolls you want. 

They have 1 soup option that is safe, the minestrone soup. What kills me is they only have the house vinegar dressing for the salad option. Which I just don't understand 75% if not more of dressings bought in store are safe, but the moment you eat out, NONE are an option! Ugh! Though they do have a couple gluten free dessert options which is awesome. I still get hung up on the salad dressing, like how hard is it to have a safe dressing that doesn't taste like it would be a cleaning solution!

Their lack of a good tasting dressing makes me rate them down to 4 dragonflies, they have options, if you're in the mood for them, the GF menu is much smaller than the regular menu, but it's a good option to meet up for a special event or a group dinner that's not too pricey.

Rokbonki - Hibachi Happiness

I've written before on the good experiences I've had at Benihana, and how each location handles allergies differently, from cooking the allergy meal first, to making it in the back and bringing it out plated, but never had a bad experience. Last year a friend mentioned an independent hibachi restaurant that he loves, and has been going to for many years. He kept bringing up taking us there to try it, cause he was certain we'd love it more than Benihana, so we made plans to check it out. I gave him my spiel on food prep and eating there. He called and talked to them and they determined that I would be able to eat most of the meal. Most because they do a course of hibachi noodles with the meal, and that would not be able to be adjusted. 

So we made reservations at Rokbonki and hoped for the best. I was pleased when I mentioned to our waitress that my meal had to be made gluten free, and she understood what needed to be done and helped guide our meal accordingly. It turned out the salad dressing was not safe, nor the soup, but a plain salad was an option. The teriyaki noodles were a no go, as well as the dipping sauces. But the rest was going to be fine. We had a fabulous meal, the hibachi chef opted to make my meal before the rest, of the people at the table. All was going well, and he had a misstep, I thought he grabbed the wrong bottle, and he realized it just as quickly. He apologized, and flagged down a server to get him a new steak and mushrooms and gave my original cut of meat to everyone else at the table and started over at making my portion of steak. Every part of the meal was fabulous and my husband who hates salad could not stop raving about the salad dressing.   

We recently had our 3rd visit, each the 2nd and 3rd time the chef was chatty with me about my allergy, how long I've known about my issues and how it impacts my life. Each time he was super cautious and I even learned I could have the egg sauce (Tokyo style shrimp) as that is gluten free, though their garlic topping is not, because it has breadcrumbs. I was so glad they went and asked all the questions and the chef at our table was super informed. He was so nice to explain that the scallops are dusted in corn starch (not flour) to keep them crispy when frying. I also asked for 2 sides of rice, since the teriyaki noodles are not gluten free, and I was hungry.

 

The 2nd time we went, I felt bad, since we only had half our table to our party, the other party was 2/3rd vegetarian. I don't think they were totally understanding the chef trying to keep the gluten free and vegetarian separate and prepped at opposite ends before the regular options. But he still did a great job at it. My husband and I are always alert watching the movement to make sure they don't grab a wrong bottle or switch a utensil. Finding a 2nd Hibachi restaurant that handles allergies quite well makes me feel better about this type of food option. Knowing that it all about the training and staff awareness anywhere you go, here it's top notch. 

I give them 5 dragonflies for service, personal handling and amazing tasting food.

Mission BBQ - Top Notch

Mission BBQ opened near to where we live, back prior to the pandemic, so we decided to check it out. We liked, the food was good, the service was good, but two things were drawbacks for us. They had mostly bench seating, and we had other places in the area that were better. But the pandemic put a bit of a wrench in our other options, so we opted to try Mission BBQ again now. They have a pretty comprehensive menu for gluten free on their website, which was super helpful!

1st thing we noticed when we got inside was there were more regular chairs and less bench seats, which was nice. Talking to the cashier who took our order, and he was able to confirm the only thing in the fryers was the French fries, so those were gluten free. He also flagged our entire order to have 'no cornbread', when our order was called, they confirmed 'no cornbread', I let them know, it was just my tray, and they could give the other trays cornbread. 

One of the servers came over and noted that he saw me staring at my phone while ordering, and offered to give us a to-go menu to look at for our next visit. When I told him I was looking at my phone for the allergy options, he went and got us a print out for the allergy options! He even went over options not on the menu, including the Chicago Sweet sauce being safe. Ultimately there was only 1 sauce that wasn't safe, and it was the mustard one. They even brought out containers of the Alabama white sauce, since it needs refrigeration, they don't keep it on the table. 

The meal was very good! We'd done a 3 meat sampler with brisket, sausage and pulled chicken, I got fries and my hubby got his fav, mac and cheese. They seemed to be very aware of keeping things separate and safe. They were even super nice and gave our friends free dessert, since it was their first time there. Unfortunately the dessert was not gluten free, which was sad, but I had dessert waiting for me at home.  Over I have to give them 5 out of 5 dragonflies, I would normally rate them down for a lack of a dessert option. But the number of meat options, sauce options and sides. I mean, they have French Fries, that's huge! 

 

Firewater BBQ - Take 2

We were going to be in the Geneva area, and my husband asked what my thoughts were on going back to Firewater BBQ. We liked their food the previous time we'd been there, a couple years ago, but had not been back. We'd encountered a minor hiccup the previous time we were there, that despite asking the cashier repeated what was gluten free, what sauces were gluten free, and confirming what sides were gluten free, my meat was placed on top of a piece of bread on my tray. 

They were nice and made a new tray for me and apologized, and I apologized as well, that since it was our first time, I didn't realize a random piece of bread would be on the tray, since Nothing mentioned it on the menu, and I'd said 'gluten free' at least a dozen times while ordering, the gal never mentioned it to me.

Fast forward 2 years, and we were heading over to Penrose Brewing (again) and we thought we'd pick up some food to nosh from somewhere different this time. So we opted to order from Firewater and take it with. I double checked their website, which now mentions Gluten Free options and gives some guidance on what is safe or not. When we got there right away I ordered first, and told the gentleman taking my order, "No Bread, Gluten Free!" I confirmed which sauces were gluten free, and reconfirmed the sides listed on the site were gluten free. My husband ordered his food and we waited for our togo order. They were starting to get backed up with orders, while we grabbed napkins, silverware and pickles. They have prepaked pickles and jalapenos you can have with your food! 

When they finally called our order number I grabbed the bag and while my husband and I exchanged a look, I told him I felt like I needed to check my food. Sure enough I open my container and BAM! There is a hunk of Corn Bread on top of the paper holding my meat. I lifted the paper up and could see the crumbs on the meat as well. Once I got a hold of one of the people packing food I nicely told her I'd told the cashier who took our order I was gluten free and specifically said no bread. He'd told me to "hold on let me type this in." The person who seemed to be the manager walked over and asked what was going on, I re-explained to him, and he said "yeah it's contaminated let me take care of this, there was no note." I told him again "I specifically told your cashier No Bread!" He said he'd talk to him and remade my meal. 

When we got to Penrose with our food my husband looked at his and commented he should have said his was gluten free also, so we could share, cause his had a slice of plain old white bread in the bottom. I laughed cause he commented they could have at least buttered it or toasted it so it wasn't just cheap white bread with his ribs. 

The food was good, the sauces are very tasty. There was one sauce I couldn't have, and it was either the mustard or the vinegar one, which I didn't mind at all, I'm really more of a traditional Chicago sauce or Alabama White sauce person, and they had Alabama white sauce so I was super happy! For anyone who hasn't had Alabama White sauce before, it's great on Pork and Chicken, amazing on wings. You have to try it at least once! 

Over all I give them 3 dragonflies, while we love the food, and their website makes it seem like they understand, ultimately, they're a chain and understanding is only as good as the people making and serving the food. So if you order with them be prepared to talk your self silly requesting a safe meal, and still need it to be remade! 

German Food with Charm

 One of the ways we got thru the pandemic was meeting up with our "quarantine crew" every Friday or every other Friday at an outdoor beer garden, or unique dining space. We each took turns picking places, and putting places on our 'Must try list'. Schitzel Platz came up one day while we talked about another German restaurant closing, that we never got to visit, but had an extensive gluten free menu. Upon research I discovered Schitzel Platz also has an extensive gluten free menu. What I didn't realize, was this wasn't the restaurant I thought it was. I thought we were talking about the Bavarian Lodge, so I was very confused when I looked up the directions to get here. The Bavarian Lodge does note gluten free options in their FAQ's, Schitzel Platz has them easily marked on the menu. 

They have several options for appetizers, and even schnitzels that are gluten free. The server did note that the cordon bleu would be served opened face for the gluten free option, which was rather comforting that I could tell the difference for mine. Having never had a schnitzel, I had to go for the most over the top sounding one. We tried the sausage sampler, schnitzel and I even had a tasty coffee drink for dessert, as none of their desserts were gluten free.

 

Our waitress was very helpful is double checking with the kitchen on safe options, and confirming that the french fries would not be contaminated and which condiments were safe as well. Meals came with soup or salad, I went with a salad, while confirming there would be no croutons and the dressing was safe. She informed me they did salad 'differently' than most places. She wasn't wrong, and it was refreshingly tasty! 

Since we were there on a Friday there was live music. Live Music can be a total turn off if they're too loud, cause you can't hear the other people in your party. But them music level was appropriate, and actually he was very nice and entertaining. We feel he totally added to the ambiance and made it more fun for eating there the first time. 

Everything was so good. It was a lot of food, they had a variety of tasty German wine and food. Really everything was awesome and I can't help but give them a 5 out of 5 dragonflies because of how much food we got, the waitress checked anything she wasn't sure on, and the entertainment was a lot of fun.