ALONG COMES MARY

As surprising as it might sound, the gluten-free options when in Georgia are of an abundance. During my summer trips to Atlanta and its nearby suburb of Roswell, I was so pleased to once again find plenty of foodie options for all. Roswell, just 30 miles outside of the city, has an impressive assortment of fine restaurants and casual bistros that are often on Atlanta’s “Best Of” lists.

Since I’ve fallen in-love with several of these Atlanta cafes, I thought it was time to share some of my favorites. Enjoy!

Herban Fix, Atlanta

With contemporary vibes and a brightly colored interior, Herban Fix is centrally located in Midtown Atlanta and offers an entirely vegan menu. Asian inspired, many dishes are or can be prepared gluten-free (hello, rice noodles). While from the outside Herban Fix looks like a fancy affair, I was so pleased that the hostess said it’s a very laid-back environment and it certainly was. I was among fellow solo diners as well as girlfriends enjoying a drink after work and couples enjoying a romantic dinner for two.

While my usual favorite (Pad Thai) called my name and hit the spot as always, it was my decision for dessert that really stole the show. When my server recommended their flour-less chocolate cake, I knew it was meant to be. Dense and rich, it was the ideal send off for a terrific meal in the city.

Herban Fix is open for lunch and dinner, as well as brunch on the weekends.

The Flying Biscuit Cafe, Atlanta

A locals favorite, The Flying Biscuit Cafe has been serving breakfast all day long for 25 years. I stumbled upon their Midtown location on my way to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Famished, I pulled up a seat at their countertop bar and was thrilled to see that while Flying Biscuit is essentially a “greasy spoon,” they had a plethora of “GF” symbols throughout their extensive menu. The breakfast options are endless, and if lunch or dinner is on your mind, they’ve got aplenty for you there as well.

I ended up at The Flying Biscuit twice, with my second visit being at their original location in Candler Park. While my lunch of shrimp and grits in Midtown was on a casual Wednesday, be prepared for a wait in Candler Park should you arrive on a Saturday morning.

If cross-contamination is a concern, let your server know and they’ll be very considerate. While they don’t yet offer a gluten-free biscuit or bread, The Flying Biscuit is still a “must” if you’re looking for a classic Southern meal where all of the locals gather. Reasonable prices also make it quite inviting.

Petit Chou, Atlanta

When my partners from Discover Atlanta recommended we grab a quick bite at Petit Chou, I knew I’d be in good hands. Petit Chou is an adorable breakfast and lunch nook located in Atlanta’s Cabbagetown district serving up locally-sourced foods and all-natural drinks and treats.

Despite a bit of a lunch rush, we were seated right away at a cozy corner table and I savored every sip of my coffee. Lately, that’s been my “clue” if I’ll be in for a good breakfast; I judge the cafe by its coffee! Proudly serving PERC Coffee, a roasting company out of Savannah, it was bold, strong and piping hot, just what I needed as I’d be heading to Roswell following the luncheon.

With a clever menu combining French-inspired dishes with Southern flare, most AM plates will have the option of a side of grits and a biscuit while their PM offerings include artisan crafted baguette sandwiches, soups and salad. I did my old reliable (breakfast) and was thrilled they offer gluten-free toast as well as meatless sausages and several vegetarian options. I also was impressed the cafe does not utilize a walk-in freezer, deep fryer or microwave.

Caribou Coffee, Atlanta

If you know Caribou, you may be thinking, why bother mentioning the South’s answer to Starbucks?? Well, my friends, because Caribou blows any of the West Coast coffee giants out of the water. Not only do they have a large menu of delicious coffees and teas (I got their cold brew any chance I got) but they offer FOUR gluten-free breakfast sandwiches. How ideal is that if you’re in a rush or on the go? Two of the four offerings are also vegetarian.

With seven locations in Atlanta, keep Caribou in mind if you need a quality gluten-free breakfast sandwich (or oatmeal) and coffee on the go.

Five Daughters Bakery, Atlanta

This may be the most important thing I ever share on Along Comes Mary: Five Daughters Bakery has gluten-free donuts. And they’re amazing. Sure, I’ve bought frozen GF donuts from specialty stores, and am pretty sure I’ve had one at a bakery, but none compare to what I had at Five Daughters. Located in Atlanta’s historic Ponce City Market, Five Daughters serves up delicious, homemade baked goodies and includes some allergen-friendly treats like their donuts. Gluten and dairy-free as well as paleo, these donuts were heavenly. If only I could get them to ship me some or open up in LA.

Fellows Cafe, Roswell

When a restaurant’s pancakes are automatically gluten-free, count me in. Fellows is one of Roswell’s newest eateries and its created quite the buzz for good reason. A unique and intimate space, Fellows offers a variety of brunch favorites and lunch favorites like burgers and sandwiches. In addition to lemon ricotta pancakes and huevos rancheros, Fellows has a fun drink menu that makes it hard to resist a morning cocktail with your avocado toast.

Plum Cafe, Roswell

Who knew Roswell is crawling with gluten-free cafes? At Plum Cafe, everything is 100% organic and several menu items are gluten-free and vegan. A great spot to pop into for a quick bite as you shop along Canton Street, Plum Cafe is open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. If the weather is as nice as it was during my visit, grab a patio table and enjoy people watching.

Table and Main, Roswell

With a slew of accolades, Table and Main has become one of Atlanta’s top restaurants for all your Southern favorites. While mouth watering plates like chicken and waffles are off limits for those of us gluten-free, don’t get too sad. Dishes like shrimp and grits as well as seafood will make you forget your troubles. A terrific wine list is also at your fingertips and despite the space getting crowded (reservations are recommended), you’ll feel right at home as Table and Main is a converted Roswell house.

Gluten-Free Galore in Georgia

While these are just a few of my favorites, rest assured that Atlanta is a great spot should you need gluten-free meals. Let me know where your favorites in the South are. xo

(*Disclosure: I was a guest at some of the listed restaurants for review purposes. All opinions are my own.)