Welcome! My name is Isabel, a proud member of the Celiac Disease club, and a human who is extremely food motivated. When my friends were starting the Where’s This Food app, I began brainstorming ways to include people with Celiac Disease/gluten intolerance.
I am all too familiar with pre-planning nights out to make sure I have food options, sometimes not eating what I order due to anxiety over cross-contamination, and feeling guilt over sending back meals or questioning ingredients. My goal was to visit gluten free restaurants in Erie, PA, learn about their businesses and what inspired them!
I visited 5 gluten free restaurants in Erie and was able to meet with 3 of the 5 owners. These restaurants were ones that I determined to be gluten-free focused through online reviews. Restaurants claiming to be gluten free while breaking just about every safety protocol is something I run into commonly, so I spent hours combing through various gluten free restaurants in Erie until I settled on the five that you will be reading about in a second. But first, I want to talk about our experience with the owners. These individuals are passionate about their products and are motivated to serve their community. These gluten free restaurants and bakeries fill the food gaps for individuals with dietary needs. I left with a full stomach and peace of mind over how my food was prepared. I had no stomach pains, cramping, headaches, or rashes–my tell-tale signs of gluten ingestion.
There is always a risk for those with Celiac’s when eating somewhere without a dedicated kitchen; however, these locations take the necessary precautions to make it the safest eating experience possible. Here’s a breakdown of where I went, who I met, and what I feasted on.
Our Top Picks For Gluten Free Breakfast in Erie, PA
The Tipsy Bean
Coffee, community, and gluten-free baked goods. Standing in line to order my vanilla almond milk latte, I was in awe of the dedicated gluten-free case displaying scones and biscotti. When I asked for one of everything, the barista gladly placed my order. Noticing a second case, I quickly added a gluten-free peanut butter cup brownie. I think I was 12 (now 26) when I ate my last biscotti, and to say I was overjoyed is an understatement. The lemon biscotti was sweet with a little crunch. The best part: it did not fall apart.
Similar in texture, with some added nutty-ness, was the vanilla almond biscotti. Next, the scones. Tart cherry, which was true to its name and had the fluffiest texture, and lemon zest, which was tangy and refreshing. I had to finish with the brownie, a personal favorite, which had a rich chocolate topping, chewy texture, and peanut butter topping.
The owner, Giselle, has been in business for 5 years. Shehas established an open space that combines her love for coffee, farming, and roasting, which is done in-house. She has a passion for the connections made in a coffee shop, and the ritual around coffee.
She said she became motivated to provide gluten-free options after customer feedback and requests. It took about one year to develop recipes that would be successful and match the atmosphere of her cafe. Finding the science and chemistry behind baking gluten-free was a challenge, especially when it came to textures and taste. She added that the products have been extremely popular, and even people without dietary restrictions order gluten-free goods.
She informed me that all of the gluten-free goods are made in-house, and gluten-free baking is scheduled on specific days so there are limited contamination issues. The kitchen is sanitized before/after, and the staff use separate utensils and changed gloves.
Giselle informed me that all of their milk options are certified gluten-free, which is a relief because of cross-contamination issues with oat milk. As a person with her own allergies, she wanted to make food options that were safe for everyone. Along with her baked goods and cold case products, most soups are also gluten-free, and she offers custom cake and cookie orders.
Give a Crepe
Walking into Give A Crepe, I was met with a welcoming face who explained the sweet/savory crepe options. I started by notifying her of my allergy and scanned the work area. A wave of relief washed over me as I saw her prepare my crepe on a dedicated gluten-free grittle, with dedicated utensils, and no signs of contaminated ingredients.
She told me about the batter and how popular it is with travelers and locals. Honestly, it looked too good to be true when comparing my crepe to my friend’s gluten crepe, which is a huge victory. No crumbles or dough that was falling apart. I ordered a Fostered Crepe (banans with house-made cinnamon caramel ), which was fluffy, light, and smooth. It was the perfect balance of sweetness. I also ordered a Brekki Crepe (house-cured bacon, egg your way, gruyere cheese, and spinach). It was salty, decadent, and oh-so cheesy.
All of their crepe cake pieces are gluten-free, so, of course, I had to get one to go. This was layers of crepe filled with peanut butter mousse and topped with heath bar crumbles. 10/10.
The owner, Stephani Klassen, came out to greet us and was knowledgeable about the gluten-free world and the complications of cross-contamination. When I asked why she was motivated to provide gluten-free options, she instantly responded “everybody needs to eat”.
She began experimenting with gluten-free crepe recipes when coworkers at her previous job were diagnosed with Celiac Disease and were unable to eat crepes anymore. She said it was a challenge to find the perfect batter recipe, and it took time to find the right blend of ingredients. She found that studying other cultures helped her understand how different carbs are used in recipes.
Give A Crepe has been in business for 5 years, and she stated that having gluten-free options has allowed her to feed more people. She said she serves many travelers passing through Erie who are searching for a safe place to eat gluten-free. You can find Give A Crepe at their main location in the Historical Federal Hill District of Downtown Erie, at pop-up events, and they also offer catering services to those in the community.
Best Overall Gluten Free in Erie, PA
Erie Food Co-Op
My experience at Erie Food Co-Op was simple, concise, and satisfying. It is rare to find every item on the menu to be gluten-free or have gluten-free options, so it was difficult to make a decision. I started my order by explaining my gluten allergy, and the employee taking my order was instantly grateful. She said the ordering experience is much easier when customers start by stating their allergies or dietary needs.
I ordered the lumberjack wrap and a cookies and cream milkshake (naturally gluten-free with gluten-free cookies). The lumberjack had a satisfying spice with a tang from the onion. The gluten-free wrap held together perfectly, and the tag notes that it was made in isolation. The cookies and cream shake was like drinking an Oreo: creamy, chocolaty, and irresistible.
Best Gluten Free Dining in Erie, PA
Like My Thai
Comfort and hospitality. I sat at the counter at Like My Thai and was served a feast. The owner, Michael (Mike), informed me that the restaurant was a pop-up for 5 years, and they have been at their current location for 10 years. He immediately suggested the fried spring rolls. As a gluten-free person with a fear of shared friers, this was a first for me (EVER). They are naturally gluten-free and the only fried item on the menu. He also served me chicken on a stick with peanut sauce and sweet chili sauce, and the pangang curry.
Mike stated that most items on the menu are naturally gluten-free or can be prepared gluten-free; however, customers need to notify staff of food allergies before ordering. He stated that many servers start by asking about dietary needs, are knowledgeable about dietary restrictions, and can help customers navigate the menu.
He has gluten-free soy sauce, but generally uses soy sauce with gluten unless notified of an allergy. The pork is not gluten-free, but chicken is an easy substitute. Additionally, all sauces and curry are gluten-free (they make their own paste!). I ate worry-free and was able to safely experience cultural food.
Picasso’s
Picasso’s is a go-to of mine when visiting the Erie area. My order is usually The Starry Night (corned beef, sauerkraut, swiss, creamy wasabi, on gluten-free bread) or The Warhol (peanut butter, bacon, apple butter, on gluten-free bread).
The key is to inform them if you have a gluten allergy and ask them to use clean gloves, clean utensils, separate ingredients, and ask them not to melt/press the sandwich. This will help limit contamination and ensure a safer eating experience. At Picasso’s. The tots are fried in a dedicated fryer and are an overall highlight of the meal. When ordering, I confirm with the staff what sauces are gluten-free, just in case there are any changes.
