Washington and Lee University
“Washington and Lee provides symbols on all prepared foods, which makes it simple to go through the line and check if something is safe. They have an allergy-friendly counter in the dining hall that has a few snacks, gluten-free pasta, and they always have a great salad bar. I will say there are more limited options for those who are gluten and soy-free, but I am working with dining, and they are eager to accommodate all students and are adding more options.”
The Marketplace
“This is the main dining hall at Washington and Lee, and they have good allergy protocols here. If you alert dining staff that you have allergies, they are more than happy to change their gloves, get a fresh serving utensil, and/or serve from a clean pan that hasn’t been put on the line yet. All items are noted with allergen icons for the top 8 allergens, and you can find the ingredient list for most items online. The sandwich station has a separate toaster for gluten-free items, and when telling staff that you have celiac/gluten allergy, they immediately change gloves, get a fresh set of utensils, and will get the sandwich toppings from the back so as to avoid any cross-contamination. There is a small allergy corner that hasn’t alternative milks, gluten-free pasta, grilled chicken, and baked potatoes as well as a few snacks. They are always seeking input from students, and overall, for a school of this size, I have been impressed with the allergy-friendly options and procedures.”
Devils Backbone Brewing Company – Outpost Tap Room & Kitchen
“Devil’s Backbone is such a fun spot, and we’re surprisingly allergy-friendly! I called before coming, and they were able to tell me that there were safe options for my allergies. Upon arriving at the restaurant, they handed me an allergen menu that had most (if not all) of the top 8 allergens indicated, which made me feel safer about my dining experience. The food is always delicious, and I have dined here multiple times with no issues.”
Hardens
“I always enjoy eating at Hardens! The menu notes what is gluten free and what they can make with a gluten free option, and when J first came here, I spoke with a server about what would be safe. She went and spoke with the chef, and he identified what would be safe for me as well as what adjustments they could make to other menu items. I am able to safely have the burger with fries and the gluten-free bun, which is great! They also have a fancy drink menu and is a great spot for a night out. While it can be crowded, I do feel safe here and would recommend.”
Pure Eats
“I have had nothing but good experiences at Pure Eats! I typically get a hamburger with the beef tallow fries, and this is a dedicated fryer that is perfect for individuals with allergies. They have a gluten-free bun that was also soy-free, and they were happy to check the labels of any other products to ensure that they were safe. One day a week, they have peanut butter donuts in the shop and recommend staying away just to promote safety, but there aren’t nuts in the shop on other days. The family who runs this establishment is extremely kind, and we will be back soon.”
Seasons’ Yield Bakery and Cafe at Haywood’s
“I am a big fan of Season’s Yield! They have an allergen guide online that details all of the ingredients in their menu items, and when coming in, they are happy to check over their list of ingredients as well. They have a gluten-free muffin that is DELICIOUS, and many soy-free products as well. They don’t use any peanuts but do have some tree nuts on the menu, but these are easy to avoid, and I have never had an issue with cross-contamination. I would highly recommend to anyone in Lexington!”
Bistro On Main
“I had a very pleasant experience at Bistro on Main! I was able to safely eat a burger and french fries. When I informed them of my allergies, they checked with kitchen staff and informed me that they do not use soybean oil and that a burger would be safe. They had great knowledge of their ingredients, and it was a great experience.”
Heliotrope Brewing
“Heliotrope is a fun experience for all! They bring you the pizzas without being cut and a pair of scissors, and you are able to cut your own slices at the table. When reaching out about allergies, they were able to provide ingredient information for their pizza crusts and other products, and I am able to safely eat the gluten-free crust.”
Salerno Wood Fired Pizza & Taphouse
“I have found that I am safely able to eat the gluten-free crust, but I would caution those with celiac disease as there is a chance of cross-contamination. They were able to tell me their ingredients when asked, but it did take them a while to find someone who had the information. I enjoy the food served, and it has a great atmosphere, but it can be difficult if you have more complex allergies.”
TAPS
“Taps is one of my favorite spots in Lexington! The menu notes what is safe for gluten-free options, and they have very limited nuts on the menu. When I asked the waitstaff about my allergies, they were sure to check everything in the kitchen, and I have had salads as well as the burger safely here. It has more of a family feel, but I have dined here safely on many occasions and would recommend it to others.”
Sweet Things Ice Cream Shoppe
“Sweet Things is an ice cream staple in Lexington! They always have at least two sorbet flavors, and I am able to eat some of the basic flavors like vanilla as well. As soon as you inform them of food allergies, they get a separate scoop in the back.”
