Bar Bites: Comfort Food Classics

Hello, there!

If you’re looking for salads and low-carb dishes, I’m afraid you’ve come to the wrong place. Now, don’t get me wrong. I know vegetables are important and for the most part we try to keep things pretty balanced and healthy more often than not. However, when we go out to eat, I usually succumb to the cravings and just order what I want (read: something fried and fabulous).

Life is for living my friends and that means ordering the good stuff when out and about is the right thing to do. I love it!

So, to share the wealth (so to speak), I wanted to create a Bar Bites guide devoted entirely to comfort food. You won’t find my favorite healthy dishes here, but you will find my favorite places for fries, burgers, fried pickles, donuts, tacos, and much more.

Yippee!

Let’s dig in, shall we? I’m already hungry!

Note: All restaurants below are spots I have visited multiple times and feel safe visiting with celiac disease. Be an advocate for yourself when dining out and alert your server to your dietary needs prior to ordering. Speak up! It’s for your health and that is important.

Cornflake-crusted chicken tenders with Bang Bang sauce.

Tavern in the Square - the majority of the menu can be made gluten free! My go-to items are the nachos (add chicken and guacamole), cornflake-crusted chicken tenders (add Bang Bang sauce), truffle tots, Bang Bang Broccoli, Buffalo Cauliflower, southwest tots, and the GF pizza. Comfort food (that’s safe) in a relaxed, casual atmosphere with sports on giant TVs. Works for me!

Frankie Says Relax - fries at The Stones.

Double cheeseburger and fries at The Stones. Decadent even without the bun!

The Stones Commonhouse - a local spot that has a handful of great gluten free options (just alert your server to your dietary needs). My favorites include the cheeseburger (add a patty, skip the bun), regular fries, buffalo chicken fries (above), veggie burger with fries, or the Italian chopped salad with fries (of course).

Legal Sea Foods - can’t go wrong with this option. I love ordering their GF sushi options, Rhode Island Fried Calamari, Fried Pickles, Fried Seafood (usually clams), or a bowl of mussels with fries on the side. Be sure to tell your server of your dietary needs and request GF soy sauce for the sushi (I love the spicy tuna roll and the red dragon roll).

Lone Star Taco Bar - one of my forever-favorite spots in the city, I love everything on the menu (the gluten free options are numerous). My favorites are the carnitas taco, veracruz fish taco, fundido chorizo taco, and the breakfast taco. All are served on house-made corn tortillas and don’t forget to order a margarita or two during your visit.

Fried seafood and chicken tenders at Woodman’s.

Woodman’s of Essex - thankful that this fried seafood (and lobster) institution (since 1914!) is open year-round because I honestly love visiting during the “off-season” for fried clams, calamari, and fried shrimp. All fried seafood is available gluten free which is delightful; the view of the marsh (especially at sunset) while you eat is pretty amazing, too.

J.T. Farnham’s - open until December, make sure you visit this additional fried seafood sanctuary in Essex that prepares all fried seafood gluten free as well as GF onion rings which are unreal (the chowder is GF, too). I love the fried clams and fried oysters and now I’m planning a visit for the weekend. Reminder: this spot is cash only!

The Bancroft - for a fancier night of fun food, head to this excellent restaurant with plenty of delicious gluten free options. And while the choice is there to stick to the healthier menu items, my go-to appetizer will always be the decadent, divine polenta truffle fries served with an amazing aioli. The “bag of fries” is another top-notch selection if you’re not in the mood for the polenta. Order a steak, some fries, and a great cocktail for a supremely stylish night of (gluten free) comfort food.

Tempo Kitchen and Cocktails - I love visiting this local spot for the incredible number of gluten free options. Specifically, I love the fried shrimp tacos, tuna and salmon tartare, kung pao cauliflower, truffle fries, fried Brussels sprouts, and Philly steak and cheese egg rolls. Basically, order all of the appetizers, but save room for dessert because many of those can be gluten free as well. The main dishes are excellent, too!

Twist Bakery Cafe - In case you’re not familiar, Twist is a 100% gluten free restaurant. Woohoo! I love to order the pancakes or breakfast tacos in the morning (the ham and cheese pinwheels and the savory scones are incredible), the Caesar quesadilla (add bacon) for lunch, and the desserts are superb. I love the carrot cake as well as the mini cheesecake. Basically, it’s all delicious and it’s all - always - gluten free.

Kane’s Donuts - I love their gluten free donuts! Rest-assured they’re made in a specific GF kitchen and there are over a dozen flavors available! I personally love the chocolate frosted and cinnamon sugar, but honestly all of the GF options are amazing. Gluten free options are available at both locations, but I prefer visiting the Lincoln Ave one in Saugus which is where the GF donuts are made. PS: shipping is available nationwide!

Crave Cafe - Last but not least, I can’t forget about this local bakery in Beverly that offers incredible gluten free cupcakes, macarons, and other pastries. Also, their must-order breakfast sandwiches can be made on (delicious) gluten free bread. Order ahead because the cupcakes sell out early! And be sure to mention your dietary needs when placing your order.

Enjoy!

Mollie

One last note: the above list is hardly “everywhere” that has amazing GF comfort food. There are plenty of other awesome spots to visit, but this is where we go most often for the comfort food cravings. Thank you for reading!