This guide is sponsored by People’s Food Co-op
When my daughter was 5 years old (2014), we learned she had over ten food intolerances, including the big ones — gluten/wheat, dairy, soy, rice, and peanuts. Our lives had to change dramatically including the way we shopped, prepared meals, and ate out at restaurants. This added another level of planning whenever we traveled. To make travel go as smoothly as possible, I always prepared a quick food guide for any city we were visiting. Today, I am sharing my version of the Rochester food guide. Whether you are gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, keto, Paleo, or vegetarian, this guide should help you find restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, ice cream stands, and grocery stores that will accommodate your needs. Please be sure to discuss food preferences/allergies with your server, and you may find they have even more options available!
Please note, that restaurants in Rochester do not identify dishes adhering to paleo diets. Since my daughter ate this way for many years, I have added that delineation for restaurants that we made work for her (she ate a lot of burgers). Several restaurants can accommodate dairy-free by excluding the cheese on dishes, but I did not list them as dairy-free unless it was stated somewhere or they offered a dairy substitute. I also only included establishments with online menus so you not only know what food preferences they accommodate, but what dishes they serve.
I hope that you find this food preference/allergen guide as helpful to you as it has been to our family over the years!
Dining and Grocery Guide
PEOPLE'S FOOD CO-OP
People’s Food Co-op’s response to our shoppers’ gluten-free needs is a good example of how we do business. As a co-op, we are here for you, to provide you with the best, safest food choices possible. Part of our co-operative mission is to respond to our community’s food needs. Take a walk through the PFC’s grocery aisles. On practically every shelf in every category you will see little blue tags under many, many products. These are the “gluten-free” tags that are used throughout the store. Every little blue tag on all those shelves says, “We’re listening.”
PEOPLE'S FOOD CO-OP GLUTEN FREE INFO AND SERVICES
People’s Food Co-op has made a strong commitment to supply the best gluten-free items for our shoppers. Salsas, pastas, nut butters, jellies, breakfast cereals, chips, gluten-free flours, even brownie mixes – all of these products and many more are available and clearly marked with a transparent blue tag for the gluten-free shopper.
People’s Food Co-op bakery makes Co-op’s Own™ gluten-free chocolate chip, thumbprint, and monster cookies as well as a muffin and scone variety in the fresh bakery case. The bakery is not certified gluten-free, so they cannot guarantee there would be absolutely no gluten contamination in these house-made products. People’s has other packaged items in the bakery department, including Co-op’s Own™ bumble bars, yum bars, crispy bars, cranberry almond power bars, coconut macaroons and a 6 pack of monster cookies that are also produced in-house. People’s Food Co-op also happily takes special orders for gluten-free items.
The Wellness department at People’s Food Co-op abounds in gluten-free items. It’s a flurry of blue-tagged, gluten-free products. Vitamin supplements, essential oils, protein mixes, and many more are all available gluten-free.
People’s Food Co-op carries a large selection of gluten-free ciders including Social Cider Works, Loon Juice Ciders, Wild State Ciders, and several more.
Generally, nearly all the wine at People’s Food Co-op is gluten-free. PFC also has a selection of gluten-free beers from St. Paul’s Burning Brothers Brewery and Green’s Brewery.
GLUTEN FREE, VEGAN, VEGETARIAN + ALLERGEN FRIENDLY DINING
Local Restaurants
1928 Cocktails and Bites (GF, V, Veg)
Shanghai-inspired cocktail and food lounge with gluten-free and vegan items indicated on the menu.
BB’s Pizzaria- (GF, Veg)
Offers Minnesota style pizza with gluten-free pizza crust and vegetarian options
Beetle’s Bar and Grill (GF, V, Veg)
American grub that offers salads, gluten-free buns, vegan burger patties, and a vegan burrito bowl.
Benedict’s (GF, V, Veg, P)
Offers breakfast and lunch with gluten-free and/or vegan items indicated on the menu. Paleo salads and omelets are offered. Open 6 AM – 3 AM daily.
BeBap (GF, V, Veg)
Korean-inspired eatery with gluten-free, vegan, and/or vegetarian items indicated on the menu.
Bloom Acai Café (GF, DF, V, Veg, P)
Superfood sorbet bowls made with fruits, made-on-sight nut butter, and various toppings that are all gluten free, dairy free, and plant based.
Boxcar Hippie (GF, DF, V, Veg)
Burrito and bowl restaurant offering vegan meat and cheese options with vegan and gluten-free items indicated on the menu. When you order, you have the option to specify any of the following allergies: cashew, egg, gluten, peanut, tree nut, legume, dairy, fish, onion, seafood, and corn.
Canadian Honker (GF, Veg)
Offers American fare with separate gluten-friendly and vegetarian menus available.
Cantonese Wong’s Café (Veg)
Chinese cuisine offering vegetarian options.
CB3 Burgers and Brews (GF)
American fare with a lunch and dinner menu that indicates a few gluten-free items and offers a gluten-free bun.
Chester’s Kitchen and Bar (GF, Veg, P)
Offers upscale American fare with gluten free items indicated on the lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch menus. Paleo and vegetarian friendly bowls and salads.
China 1 (Veg)
Chinese cuisine offering vegetarian options.
China Star (Veg)
Chinese cuisine offering entrees with vegetables and tofu. Closed on Mondays.
Corona’s Tacos (GF, Veg)
Authentic Mexican food offering soft corn tortillas and a vegetarian burrito.
Crave (GF, V, Veg, K, P)
Offers American fare and vegetarian sushi with plant-based and gluten sensitive menus for lunch and dinner. Paleo friendly options and a keto friendly Poke bowl.
Crooked Pint Ale House (GF)
American fare offering gluten-free buns for their burgers.
El Carambas (GF, Veg)
Mexican cuisine featuring a vegetarian section on their menu. They offer corn tortillas for tacos and you are able to indicate that you are gluten free when you order online.
EVEN Kitchen & Bar (GF, Veg)
Offers American fare with gluten-free and vegetarian items indicated on the breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus.
Fiesta Café & Bar (GF, Veg)
Old school Mexican cuisine offering a vegetarian and gluten free menu.
First Meeting Noodle (Veg)
Chinese cuisine with hand-pulled noodles offering vegetarian dishes.
Five West (GF, V, Veg, K, P)
Offers American fare with burgers and steaks with gluten-free and vegan-based entrees indicated on the lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch menus.
Food Lab (GF)
Offers original new American gourmet food including tacos with soft corn tortillas as well as rice bowls.
Forager Brewery (GF, V, Veg)
Offers locally sourced comfort food for lunch and dinner. Gluten free and vegan options indicated on the menu. Gluten free pizza crust is available, but cooked in the same oven as other food with gluten. Dedicated gluten-free fryer for french fries.
Forager Café (GF, Veg)
Offers coffees, teas, smoothies, house-made juice, cocktails, and breakfast food. Gluten free bagels as well as oat and almond milk available for substitution. Breakfast served daily 8-11am, drinks served from 8am-3pm. Located inside Forager Brewery.
Glynner’s Pub (GF, V)
American fare offering gluten-free buns for their sandwiches and burgers and a plant-based vegan Beyond™ Burger.
Great Wall (Veg)
Chinese cuisine offering vegetarian entrees. Closed on Mondays.
Hot Chip Burger Bar (GF, V, Veg, K, P)
Burger bar offering several gluten-free and vegan items indicated on the menu. They have a dedicated gluten-free fryer, vegan cheese, bacon, mayo, plant-based burgers, and a gluten-free bun option. Vegan milkshakes are also available. When you order, you can specify any of the following allergies: cashew, egg, garlic, onion, avocado, gluten, peanut, tree nut, sesame, dairy, fish, onion, or seafood.
Hunan Garden (Veg)
Chinese cuisine offering vegetarian options.
Hyderabad Indian Grill (GF, DF, V, Veg, P)
Indian cuisine offering vegetable and vegan dishes. Gluten free, dairy free, nitrate free, and vegan items indicated on the menu.
Ichi Tokyo (Veg)
Japanese sushi, seafood, and steakhouse offering vegetarian options. Two locations in Rochester.
India Garden (Veg, V)
Traditional Indian cuisine offering vegetable and vegan dishes.
Kumo Sushi (Veg)
Japanese sushi restaurant offering vegetarian options.
Latitude 44 (GF, V, Veg)
New American fare with gluten free and vegan items indicated on their menu.
Los Arcos Kitchen (GF, Veg)
Family-owned Mexican restaurant offering a vegetarian section on their menu as well as tacos and fajitas served with corn tortillas. Two locations in Rochester.
Los Dos Amigos (Veg)
Traditional Mexican cuisine offering a vegetarian section of their menu.
Mango Thai (V, Veg)
Inventive Thai cuisine offering vegan and vegetarian dishes.
Mill Valley Kitchen (GF, V, Veg)
Mill Valley Kitchen focuses on sourcing and preparing food as close to its whole state as possible. The menu designates dishes that are gluten-free, vegan, and vegan adaptable.
Mr. Pizza North (V, Veg)
Offers generous servings of familiar Italian and American comfort food. Menu includes vegetarian pizza options as well as vegan pepperoni, vegan mozzarella cheese, and vegan cheesecake.
Mr. Pizza South (GF, Veg)
Pizzeria offering gluten-free crust and vegetarian pizza options.
Newts (GF)
Offers specialty hamburgers and microbrews on tap with a gluten-free bun option. Three locations in Rochester.
Nupa (GF, Veg)
Mediterranean cuisine offering gluten-free pita bread and vegetarian options. Two locations in Rochester.
Old Abe Coffee Shop (GF, V, Veg)
Offers vegan food, including sandwiches and poke bowls, as well as coffee, smoothies, and other drinks.
Olde Brick House (GF)
Typical Irish pub fare that offers gluten-friendly pasta dishes.
Ootori Sushi (Veg)
Sushi restaurant offering vegetarian sushi rolls.
Pasquale’s Neighborhood Pizzeria (GF, DF, V, Veg, K)
House-made pizzeria that offers gluten-free New York Style crust, vegan ground sausage, Daiya dairy-free cheese, and vegetarian options. They also offer a crustless keto pan pizza and a couple vegan salads. For dessert, indulge in gluten free cheesecake.
People’s Food Co-Op (GF, DF, V, Veg, K, P)
Co-op café offers gluten-free and vegan options as well as vegetarian sushi. Deli food, hot bar, and salad bar food marked with common allergens. Dine in or carry out.
Pho Chau (Veg)
Vietnamese cuisine offering vegetable and tofu options. Can indicate peanut, gluten, or shellfish allergy when you order online.
Purple Goat (GF, V)
American fare offering Beyond™ Burger patties and gluten-free buns.
Red Cow (GF, V, Veg)
American eatery offering craft beer, gourmet burgers, salads, and updated pub eats. Gluten-free and vegan items indicated on their lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch menus. Offers gluten-free wings and plant-based burgers.
Royal Indian Cuisine (V, Veg)
Indian cuisine offering vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Saints on 2nd (GF)
Diverse American fare in a contemporary setting offering gluten-free items indicated on the menu.
SMOAK BBQ (GF, V, Veg)
Texas style BBQ offering tofu and vegan fried chicken for their bowls and salads. Sandwiches can be made with a gluten free bun and tacos can be served with corn tortillas. All meats are gluten friendly and gluten friendly sides are indicated on the menu.
Sorellina’s Italian by Victoria’s (GF)
Italian cuisine offering gluten-free options indicated on the menu.
Taco Lab (GF)
Taco truck offering tacos on corn tortillas.
Terza (GF, Veg)
Italian cuisine offering a separate gluten-free menu.
ThaiPop (GF, V, Veg)
Thai cuisine offering gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options indicated on the menu.
Thirsty Belgian Bar & Kitchen (GF, Veg)
Belgian and American pub grub offering cauliflower and herb gluten-free pizza crust and vegetable toppings.
Tilda’s Pizzeria (GF, Veg)
Wood fired pizzeria offering cauliflower gluten friendly crust, vegetable topping options, and goat cheese.
Twigs Tavern & Grill (GF, DF, V, Veg)
New American mains with a dedicated gluten-free kitchen offering lunch and dinner. Offers a large gluten-free menu, plant-based burgers, and vegetarian items indicated on the menu. Also features hot rock grilling for meat and seafood.
Victoria’s Ristorante & Wine bar (GF)
Informal Italian restaurant offering gluten free pasta, salads, seafood, and pizza items indicated on the menu.
Wabi Sabi Sushi & Noddle Bar (V, Veg)
Asian cuisine offering vegetarian bowls, tofu, and vegan dishes. Ability to remove MSG when you order online.
Whistle Binkies Olde World Pub and Whistle Binkies on the Lake (GF, V, Veg)
American bar and grill offering a gluten friendly and vegetarian menu as well as veggie burgers, portabella mushroom cap burgers, vegan Beyond™ Meat burger patty, and gluten-free buns. Two locations in Rochester.
Wildwood Sports Bar & Grill (GF, Veg)
American fare offering mushroom burgers and gluten-free hamburger buns. Locations in Rochester and Byron.
Workshop Food Hall (GF, Veg)
Features several restaurants with two offering food accommodations.
Murdoch’s Place– offers burgers with choice of a gluten free bun and a veggie patty. Offers hot dogs with the choice of a gluten free bun.
Julio’s Tacos– offers tacos with corn tortillas and a veggie taco.
Zen Fusion (GF, Veg)
Hibachi and Sushi restaurant that offers egg tofu for their fusion bowls and vegetable options. Dinner menu indicates gluten free items.
National Chains
Applebee’s (GF, V, Veg, K, P)
American fare offering an online vegan/vegetarian guide
Offers an online allergen guide
Offers IMPOSSIBLE® burger patties and lettuce wraps in place of buns. Two locations in Rochester.
Arby’s (GF)
American fast-food sandwich restaurant offering an online gluten free menu guide
Broadway Bar & Pizza (GF, V)
Pizzeria offering a gluten friendly and vegan menu.
Buffalo Wild Wings (DF, Veg)
American fare where the menu does not provide any allergen/preference information, but they do have an online allergen and preparation guide.
They offer a black bean burger and dairy free wings. Two locations in Rochester.
Burger King (V)
American fast-food offering IMPOSSIBLE™ burgers with allergen guide available on-line. 3 locations in Rochester.
Culvers (GF)
American fast-food offering gluten free buns for their burgers. Online allergen and nutrition guide. Two locations in Rochester.
Chick-Fil-A (GF)
American fast-food chain specializing in chicken sandwiches and offering gluten free sandwich buns and an online allergen guide.
Chipotle Mexican Grill (GF, V, Veg, K, P)
Offers plant-based protein, veggie bowls and tacos with crispy corn tortillas. Both white and brown rice are offered. Tortilla chips are gluten free. Two locations in Rochester.
Denny’s (V, Veg)
American fare offering Dr. Praeger’s® veggie patties. Two locations in Rochester.
Domino’s Pizza (GF, Veg)
American pizzeria offering gluten friendly pizza crust and vegetable toppings.
Erbert and Gerberts (GF, Veg)
Made to order sub sandwich shop offering Udi’s® gluten free bread and provides an online allergen guide.
Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que (V)
BBQ chain offering Beyond™ Meat burger patties.
Firehouse Subs (GF, Veg)
Made to order sandwich shop offering Schar™ gluten free sub rolls.
Five Guys (GF, K, P)
American fare offering burgers and hot dogs with lettuce wraps instead of buns. Fries are gluten free and cooked in peanut oil. Restaurant serves shelled peanuts while you wait for your food. They provide an online allergen guide.
HuHot Mongolian Grill (Veg)
Offers all-you-can-eat, customizable stir-fry vegetarian dishes.
Jersey Mikes (GF)
Offer sub sandwiches on Udi’s® gluten free rolls. They provide an online allergen guide.
Nautical Bowls (GF, DF, V, Veg, P)
Healthy, fresh superfood bowls that are plant-based, gluten free, dairy free, and soy free.
Noodles & Company (GF, V, K)
Fast-food American noodle restaurant offering zucchini noodle bowls, low carb LEANguini noodles, IMPOSSIBLE™ Panko Chicken and seasoned tofu protein options. Two locations in Rochester.
Olive Garden (GF, V, Veg)
Italian cuisine offering gluten free pasta, vegetarian, and vegan options. They have an online allergen guide as well as online gluten free, vegan and vegetarian menus.
Pancheros (GF, V, Veg)
Burritos, tacos, and bowls offering vegan Tofusada® with an online allergen menu.
Qdoba (GF, V, Veg, K, P)
Mexican fast-food that accommodates keto, gluten friendly, vegan, and vegetarian diets. Offers plant based IMPOSSIBLE™ beef and tacos with crispy and soft corn tortillas. Both white and brown rice are offered. They provide an online allergen guide.
Red Lobster (GF)
American seafood standard fare. They provide an online food allergy wizard.
Rosati’s Chicago Pizza (GF, Veg)
Pizzeria offering gluten free pizza crust and vegetable topping options.
Ruth’s Chris (GF, Veg, K, P)
Upmarket steakhouse chain offering gluten friendly, keto, and vegetarian menus.
Saladworks (GF, Veg, P)
Counter served build your own salad, wraps, panini, and soups. Located in the Subway level downtown and only open on weekdays. They provide an interactive allergen menu.
Subway (GF, Veg, K, P)
Made to order sub sandwiches and breadless bowls/salads offering an online allergen guide. 9 locations in Rochester
Taco Bell (GF, Veg)
Fast Mexican food offering an online gluten free guide, a vegetarian guide, as well as an online interactive allergen menu. 3 locations in Rochester.
Taco Johns (GF)
Offers Mexican fast food and provides an online allergen guide.
Toppers Pizza (DF, V, Veg)
Pizzeria offering vegan plant based chicken and Dairy Free Follow Your Heart® mozzarella cheese options in their vegan online guide. 2 locations in Rochester.
Wahlburgers (GF, V)
American fare offering an IMPOSSIBLE™ burger patty and gluten free buns.
Local Desserts
Chocolaterie Stam (GF, DF)
Offers dairy free sorbet.
Drift Dough Donuts (GF, V, Veg)
Specializes in dairy-free and egg free donuts. Can preorder gluten free donuts (not fully vegan). Located inside of Old Abe Coffee.
Flapdoodles (GF, DF)
Ice cream shop that offers dairy free sorbet. Two locations in Rochester.
Hot Chip Burger Bar (DF, V)
Offers Vegan milkshakes.
La Michoacana Purepecha (GF, DF, V)
Offers dairy free and gluten free popsicles, aguas frescas and frutas preparadas.
Mezza 9 (GF)
Café and dessert shop offering a gluten free flourless chocolate torte.
Mr. Pizza North (DF, V)
Offers vegan cheesecake.
Pasquale’s Neighborhood Pizzeria (GF)
Offers gluten free cheesecake.
Terza (GF)
Italian cuisine offering a separate gluten free dessert menu.
Twigs Tavern & Grill (GF)
Dedicated gluten free kitchen offering gluten free desserts.
National Chain Desserts
Cherry Berry (DF)
Self-serve frozen yogurt chain offering dairy-free sorbet. They provide an online allergen wizard.
Cold Stone Creamery (DF, V)
Ice cream chain offering dairy free sorbet and Silk® almondmilk shakes. Two locations in Rochester and they offer an online allergen guide.
Dairy Queen (DF, V)
Fast food chain offering dairy and gluten-free Dilly® bars made with coconut cream that are also vegan. 2 locations in Rochester — one is closed seasonally.
Nothing Bundt Cakes (GF)
Bakery offering gluten-friendly chocolate chip cookie cakes. Call for availability.
Local Coffee
Café Aqui
Offering coffee and tea with oat and almond milk substitutes year around and coconut milk only in the summer. Also offers ice cream and smoothies.
Café Steam
Offering coffee and tea with almond and oat milk substitutions.
Forager Café
Offers coffee, tea, house-made juice, smoothies, and cocktails. Oat and almond milk substitutions available.
Lumen Coffee
Offers tea, coffee, smoothies and shakes with oat, soy, almond and coconut millk substitutions.
Mezza 9
Offers tea and coffee with almond, soy, oat, and Lactaid® milk substitutions.
MOKA
Offers coffee, tea, smoothies and shakes with soy, almond, coconut, and oat milk substitutions.
Old Abe Coffee Shop
Offers vegan drinks including coffee, smoothies, and other drinks.
National Chain Coffee
Caribou Coffee
Offers oat, almond, and coconut milk substitutions. 12 locations in Rochester.
Dunkin’
Offers coffee and tea with oat and almond milk substitutions. Allergens listed on their online menu. Two locations in Rochester. They also provide an online allergen and ingredient guide.
Scooter’s Coffee
Offering coffee, tea, and smoothies with oat, coconut, and almond milk substitutions. Provides an online allergy guide.
Starbucks
Offers coffee and tea with oat, almond, coconut, and soy milk alternatives. 8 locations in Rochester.
Uni Uni
Bubble tea, tea, smoothies, and juice offering soy, oat, almond, coconut and lactose free milk substitutions.
Grocery Stores
People’s Food Co-Op
Locally owned food cooperative offering local, organic, fairly traded, and natural goods. Offers several items to fit your dietary needs including gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, vegetarian, paleo, and keto food options. You do not need a membership to shop here. Gluten-free items are marked on the store shelves with a blue tag.
Aldi
An international no-frills grocery store offering several gluten-free items under the brand liveGfree. Keto, vegan, and vegetarian food options are also available. Please note that you must have a quarter on hand to unlock and use a cart while shopping. You are responsible for bagging your groceries with bags you bring with you, boxes from the store, or bags that you purchase. 2 locations in Rochester.
Costco
National grocery chain offering food in bulk. You can find some gluten free, vegan, dairy-free, vegetarian, and keto food options. You must have a paid membership to shop here.
Cub Foods
Mostly located in Minnesota, this grocery chain offers gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, vegetarian, and keto food options.
Fresh Thyme Market
Midwest grocery chain offering gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, vegetarian, and keto food options.
Hy-Vee
Employee-owned Midwest grocery chain offering a Health Market located within the grocery store. While products vary with each location, you will find gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, vegetarian, and keto food options. Offers some locally made products. 4 locations in Rochester.
Natural Grocers
National grocery chain offering gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, vegetarian, paleo, and keto food options. All produce is organic. Offers some locally made products.
Trader Joes
National grocery chain selling their own branded products. Many products are offered seasonally or for a limited time. You can find gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan items as well as a large assortment of keto-friendly cheeses.
This is Food Union
Small specialty food shop.
Sam’s Club
National grocery chain offering food in bulk. You can find some gluten-free, vegan, dairy free, vegetarian, and keto food options. You must have a paid membership to shop here.
Walmart
National grocery chain offering gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, vegetarian, and keto food options. Two locations in Rochester.
