EAT
1. Carmo
“Carmo Cafe, located very close to the WW2 museum, is very friendly for those with dairy, egg, soy, and gluten allergies. The restaurant describes itself as a ‘tropical cafe’ and has a menu with clearly marked allergens. There are a plethora of allergy free options from ceviche, the Rico (really delicious), and the Banquette breads. You can substitute any dish containing regular cheese with the dairy free cheese [Daiya cheese] and customize most of the dishes to add seafood or meat.”
@indrani who manages tree nut, milk, egg, fruits, and Chocolate allergies.
2. Shaya
“This restaurant blew us away. The food was amazing – super hip spot but definitely not too cool to handle our food allergies. They took it so seriously and double and triple checked all. One of the best experiences we have ever had.”
@susie who manages peanut and tree nut allergies.
3. Willie Mae’s Scotch House
“This place is legendary for their fried chicken – and the place was jam packed but they were super patient. They did not use peanut oil when we were there!”
@susie who manages peanut and tree nut allergies.
4. Cafe Amelie
“Extremely helpful waitstaff. Knowledgeable about menu ingredients. Wrote all my allergies on the ticket and double checked everything with the chef. 10/10”
@jonloft who manages soy, vegetables, and celery allergies
5. Little Goat Diner
“They have dedicated dairy free, vegan, and gluten free menus. The options in each were great and the waitress was well educated!”
@cherish313 who manages peanut, tree nut, egg, soy, and milk allergies
6. Uncle Julio’s Mexican From Scratch
“This restaurant is family friendly and has great food. The waitstaff is very helpful and knowledgeable about my peanut and tree-nut allergy and they make sure that everything is safe for me to eat.”
@natalie who manages peanut and tree nut allergies
7. Big Star
“Delicious! Plenty of gluten-free options.”
@neonnimrod who manages fish and Celiac-gluten allergies
8. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse
“We have had MANY meals here. Their amazing food is matched by their absolute top notch service – most servers have been there for years and they 100% take care of their food allergic guests. So many safe options from appetizers to desserts. I highly recommend.”
@susie who manages peanut and tree nut allergies
9. MAK Restaurant
“They are completely nut free except for their dessert which is made separately. Also super respectful of my shellfish allergy!”
@alansing who manages peanut, shellfish, and tree nut allergies
10. 3 Arts Club Cafe
“The food here is delicious! The staff was very educated and told me exactly what was safe for me to order without hesitation. Avoid the cookies as they are at risk for cross contamination!”
@mbontorin who manages peanut and tree nut allergies
11. Dove’s Luncheonette
“Really great! Servers are super educated and very friendly about food allergies.”
@natsmom who manages peanut and tree nut allergies
12. Wheat’s End Cafe
“Delicious gluten free take on the traditional brunch options I’ve been missing since going gluten free – especially yummy bagels and donuts!”
@gvonohlen who manages milk and Celiac-gluten allergies
13. Parlor Pizza Bar
“An absolutely amazing restaurant with tons of great options ad beautiful food! The atmosphere is amazing and so is the service. Easily accommodates to allergies and is very knowledgable.”
@diver96 who manages peanut and tree nut allergies
14. The Allis
“There are no peanuts used inside. They are very well trained on whether you eat gluten-free by choice, or because of an allergy. They have separate practices to prevent any cross contamination. Love it here!”
@drizzlekitchen who manages peanut and Celiac-gluten allergies
15. Athenian Room
“There were either very limited nuts or it was completely nut free – either way? This is a great, safe, family friendly and casual spot!”
@susie who manages peanut and tree nut allergies
16. The Loyalist
“Sooo good and they were really good to us – I would strongly recommend this place!”
@adamwood who manages peanut and tree nut allergies
17. Chicago Diner
“Mostly nut free kitchen. The staff were well educated on the menu and allergens. Additionally, there is a comprehensive book they refer to in order to verify ingredients. My daughter safely enjoyed not only her meal, but also a milkshake and dessert which is usually not safe outside of the house. One of the best experiences yet!”
@memachado1 who manages tree nut, fish, and seed allergies
18. Quartino Ristorante
“We have been dining at Quartino’s for 8 years this month! Fresh food, great single ingredient choices and a separate gluten-free menu. The staff double check orders and follows through.”
@sarahmatheson who manages tree nut, milk, egg, soy, shellfish, Celiac-gluten, and sulphite allergies
19. Medici on 57th
“Offer dairy and gluten free options!”
@kschumacher who manages peanut, tree nut, milk, fish, fruit, and mango allergies
20. Honey Butter Fried Chicken
“Staff is educated, kind, enthusiastic, and happy to accommodate anyone with food allergies! There is a wide range of delicious options. Although most of them are based around chicken, there are also vegetarian options.”
@natalie who manages peanut and tree nut allergies
21. Urbanbelly
“I have eaten there several times because of my level of comfort. I informed the staff when my dinner came, that I had forgotten to mention a peanut & tree nut allergy when ordering. They took my dish away and insisted on making the same dish with no hesitation under the knowledge of the allergies. Incredibly friendly staff. Our server had allergies as well!”
@adamwood who manages peanut and tree nut allergies
22. Monteverde Restaurant & Pastifico
“We had the most amazing dinner for our nut and sesame allergic son. The restaurant created a menu for our table that was totally safe for him. Our server was an allergy mom too so she totally got it! Everything was delicious, and I would go back in a heartbeat!”
@sheberhard who manages peanut, tree nut, seed, and hemp allergies
23. Split Rail
“Food was amazing. Great atmosphere as well. The restaurant is peanut free and allergen friendly. My daughter loves that she can eat anything without worrying. It was an awesome experience and I highly recommend it!”
@felipec1629 who manages a peanut allergy
24. Ema
“Waitstaff and kitchen were super helpful with allergies, and peanuts are virtually nonexistent on the menu. The brussels sprouts are to die for, and the charred eggplant is amazing. One of my favorite places in Chicago, hands down!”
@nxm2001 who manages a peanut allergy
25. Antique Taco
“Gluten-free options and very limited nuts. Super helpful!”
@susie who manages peanut and tree nut allergies
TREAT
1. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
“I have heard so many good things about Jeni’s and have been wanting to try their ice cream forever! I was so excited that I finally got a chance this past week! I told the staff about my allergies and asked them to use a clean bin along with a clean scoop. The staff was aware and made me feel safe. The ice cream was delicious and I would definitely go again!”
@lizzyanderlik who manages peanut, tree nut, and seed allergies
2. Swirlz Cupcakes
“Delicious and several options for those with allergies compared to other cupcake places. I have ordered a variety of mini vegan cupcakes for my husband’s birthday and they were not sacrificed in taste nor moistness in any way.”
@dcdocc who manages peanut, soy, milk, wheat, Celiac-gluten, Brewers yeast, Bakers yeast, and egg allergies
3. defloured: A Gluten Free Bakery
“Awesome staff, very nice. Biggest selection of desserts for any and all food allergies. Excellent desserts. Delicious, you would never know they are gluten free.”
@elizabeth0234 who manages peanut, tree nut, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, legume, watermelon, chia, cantaloupe, and cauliflower allergies
4. Frío Gelato
“This is a completely nut free place. They have a dairy free section as well. They also are soy and shellfish free! Great for almost all allergens. .”
@erinweisberg who manages peanut and tree nut allergies
5. West Town Bakery & Diner
“These guys were ready to take my allergen friendly order without a blink of an eye – no eggs, nuts, sesame, no problem!”
@vkpope who manages peanut, egg, seed, and tree nut allergies
6. Dinkel’s Bakery
“We are so excited Dinkel’s has gluten free cupcakes and cakes! My kids love them! One of the owner’s family members has celiac so that is what got them making GF baked goods. Delicious!”
@thedyercrew who manages tree nut, Celiac-gluten, egg, and milk allergies
7. Sprinkles Cupcakes
“I got the vegan red velvet cupcake and it was very good! Sprinkles has very good handling protocol if you inform them of an allergy.”
@altheachan who manages peanut, tree nut, egg, seed, milk, and shellfish allergies
8. Scoops Ice Cream
“A great place to go if you are craving ice cream! They have great flavor and are very educated when it comes to allergies.”
@diver96 who manages peanut and tree nut allergies
9. Do-Rite Donuts
“Daily selection of gluten free donuts! Nice people. Bagged my gluten free donuts separately from other donuts.”
@zeebee who manages a Celiac-gluten allergy
10. Scone City
“Has always worked for us even though they do have some nuts!”
@adamwood who manages peanut and tree nut allergies
STAY
1. Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
“Relatives with multiple food allergies always stay and/or eat here when in Chicago. They rave about the sensitivity!”
@kaydeethree who manages peanut, tree nut, egg, shellfish, vegetable, fruit, bell pepper, and legume allergies
2. Kimpton Gray Hotel
“This hotel was amazing! They asked when we booked our room if we had any food allergies and had left us complimentary drinks and snacks that were safe! Above and beyond!!“
@susie who manages peanut and tree nut allergies
3. Loews Chicago Hotel
“Really great!!”
@adamwood who manages peanut and tree nut allergies
4. The Ritz-Carlton
“We had the greatest staycation at the Ritz! Before we arrived, I emailed with the hotel about my daughter’s severe milk allergy and figured out a menu so that she could have safe room service for breakfast! The kitchen knew about our order when we called down in the morning and the food was delicious. This hotel is so great for children- tons of kid amenities, very allergy aware!”
@amgaetano who manages a milk allergy
5. Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel
“My sister and I booked an environmentally friendly hotel room with wood floors and an air purifier! Also, there was a refrigerator in the room (not kitchen).”
@missallergicreactor who manages peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish, seed, vegetable, fruit, green pea, olive, all tropical fruit, mango, legume, black bean, and tahini allergies
