gluten-free food in Bristol

Gluten-Free Eating in Bristol

May 11, 2018

Home of the Bristol Motor Speedway and the Rhythm and Roots festival, Bristol has the Tennessee/Virginia state line running straight through the middle of the city. This small city is a great place to visit for a semi-rural getaway. If you want to be in a region with hiking trails, mountains, and plenty of woods and forests, but not in the middle of nowhere without any sort of restaurant or grocery store, Bristol’s your destination. Small, rural cities and towns are typically a red flag to those with celiac disease, as it usually means it’s difficult to eat. While eating gluten-free food in this region is a challenge, it’s certainly not impossible.

Find Gluten-Free in Bristol
Photo by Heath Owens

Mellow Mushroom

If you’re after edible and safe gluten-free pizza, look no further than the iconic Mellow Mushroom. This amazing, psychedelic restaurant offers amazing food and a gluten-free pizza that tastes awesome. You don’t want to miss the chance to hit this restaurant. They’re located between exit 7 and exit 10, just down the street from Sugar Hollow Park in Bristol, Va. They have several other locations, as well. 

J Frank

If you’re looking for a nicer restaurant for the evening, check out J Frank. They offer a decent gluten-free food selection, amazing food, fantastic ambience, but they may be a little pricey for some.

Quaker Steak and Lube

If you’re after some delicious wings, a fun atmosphere, and a drink, head over to Quaker Steak and Lube on State Street. That’s right, they have quite a few gluten-free food options for both beverages (both alcoholic and not) and food. Their wings are amazing and, as long as you inform your server about your celiac disease when you order gluten-free food, entirely safe.

620 State

Conveniently located on the notorious State Street (where the state line cuts through the middle of the town) in downtown Bristol, this delightful restaurant is perfect for a nicer evening out. They have a full bar, fantastic food, and a decent gluten-free selection.

Cootie Browns

If you have celiac disease, this place may be a bit risky for you. They offer a decent gluten-free menu, but you run a fairly high risk of getting cross-contaminated. It’s your call; the food is delicious, that much won’t disappoint.

Aubrey’s

I got to try this delicious restaurant relatively recently and can honestly say that you won’t be disappointed by the menu selection or the gluten-free food. I’ve heard nothing but great things and their gluten-free menu is incredible. Unlike most places in the area, Aubrey’s offers gluten-free buns and a ton of their normal menu options made gluten-free. It’s located in the newer Pinnacle shopping center in Bristol.

tell server you have celiac disease

Finding celiac-safe gluten-free food in Bristol is no longer impossible. There are many restaurants who, when informed of your condition, will go to great lengths to ensure your safety when dining there. If there are any restaurants you know of that we have left out, please feel free to contact us through the form provided on our about page. If you would like us to scour your area for celiac-safe restaurants, please feel free to send us article tips through the same form mentioned above.