Writing about gluten free Illinois is a tremendous task. There are so many options available. Many of these restaurants have branches in several different cities, so I have organized this article differently from my other state-by-state guides. The list is in alphabetical order by the name of the restaurant. The first item in my description will indicate where these restaurants are situated. Restaurants and bakeries that work from a single location are also included in this list.

Adobo Grill. Locations: Chicago(2), Lombard, Indianapolis. Each restaurant publishes its gluten free menu and serves upscale Mexican style food.

Apples Bakery. Location: 8412 North Knoxville Avenue, Peoria. Check out this list of gluten free items they have available.

Chicago Diner. Location: 3411 North Halsted Stree, Chicago. This is best known as a vegetarian-vegan establishment but it does have a varied gluten free menu.

Chicago Oak Brook Hotel. This hotel and its restaurants have earned the seal of recognition of Tthe Celiac Sprue Association.

DaLuciano’s. Location: 8343 West Grand Avenue. Forest Grove. This well-known establishment includes a restaurant with gluten free menu posted on-line and fresh-frozen gluten free food available in their Gluten Free Shop. I understand from a blogger that this restaurant is rather small but very popular. Reservations are a must.

Flat Top Grill. Locations: Chicago(3), Bloomington, Champaign, Evanston, Lombard, Naperville, Oak Park, and Peoria plus other locations in Indiana and Wisconsin. In these unique restaurants, you design your own stir-fry. The site describes just how you go about doing this and their allergens list spells out what items we need to avoid.

  Lou Malnati’s . Locations: 24 locations in Chicago. This pizzeria features a wonderful crustless and gluten free pizza. The bottom layer is made from sausage. You will need to scroll almost to the bottom of the home page to read about it.

  Weber Grill Restaurant. Locations: Chicago, Lombard, Schaumburg, Chicago, Indianapolis. Check out their gluten free menu.

 As in every state, chain restaurants providing gluten free meals will your most convenient source of nourishment. This link will take you to specific information about any or all of these restaurant chains: Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano, Bonefish Grill, Boston Market, Carrabbas Italian Grill, Cheeseburger in Paradise, Chili’s Grill and Bar, Chioptle Mexican Grill, Claim Jumper, Fleming’s, Kona Grill, Mitchell’s Fish House, O’Charley’s, On the Border Mexican Grill, Outback Steakhouse, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Red Robin, Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Winger’s Grill and Bar, Steak ‘n Shake, Ted’s Montana Grill, Uno Chicago Grill, Wildfire, and Yard House.

WLS-TV recently discussed gluten free restaurants in the Chicago area and included a "mouthwatering" video of some of the establishments. This report is posted on their website along with names and addresses of the restaurants they featured.

  The Celiac Sprue Association of Greater Chicago has published an extensive list of gluten free dining and shopping opportunities. First hand experience from people who have actually visited these stores and restaurants is valuable information.

  Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods Markets will be your most convenient source for purchasing gluten free food in Illinois. The links will help you find locations.

  Fruitful Yield Health Food Stores provides gluten free products at ten locations in Illinois. Click on the store name, choose a convenient location, and then enter the words "gluten free" in the box on the right side of the page. This will lead you to a list of nearly 4000 items. New Vitality Health Foods in Orland Park may also be a valuable source: "we deal in gluten free, dairy free, soy free, casein free, nut free, and just about anything else free you need."

Information added 03/3/09