Chili’s supports the gluten free community by publishing its list of celiac friendly options, by being a family restaurant that serves everyone (you’ve probably already been there with friends), and perhaps most of all by being present in all 50 states.
Chili’s — like so many other restaurant chains — has the annoying habit of preparing a gluten free menu and then hiding it in some obscure corner of their website. Here is the strategy for finding it:
- Click on the home page.
- Click on Locations (Any location is OK, since the gluten free information is always the same).
- Find and click on “Download Allergens Information” in the lower right corner of the page.
- Scroll down and click on the last option. Note that the allergen information lists are updated every month.
I understand the the gluten free lists are available at the resttaurant. So you can feel "safe" at Chili’s even if you don’t plan ahead.
Chili’s updates its allergens information monthly. As always, I suggest that you read the gluten free menu ahead of time. There are so many choices and substitutions involved, that I need to think about these things ahead of time. However, do not let your waiter know that you have already decided what to order. Start a conversation about gluten free dining and then decide if your waiter is ready and able to help you or if you need to speak with a chef or manager.
The Outback Steak House is the only other restaurant chain that is present in all 50 states. I’ll write about them next Monday. My new plan is to provide a restaurant review each Monday.
