Carlitos Café y Cantina

The waiter said right off the bat this isn’t a safe place for celiacs. Other reviews say it’s possible, but I wouldn’t risk it.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

They no longer have a dedicated GF fryer for their corn chips, which is a bummer since their chips are fantastic. I got the steak fajitas, but did not eat the tortillas as I get nervous about the *potential* shared space. I did not ask if the flour and corn tortillas were prepared in the same area.

They wrote gluten allergy on my order and I didn’t not get sick afterwards. It’s a win in my book.

The hostess wasn’t able to answer my question about the chips/shared fryer, but a waiter came up immediately and helped answer my questions.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers outdoor seating

My dad (not gluten restricted) and I (celiac) got dinner to go from Carlitos.

The person taking our order told me there are lots of options, because they can make most meals with homemade corn tortillas. He recommended the grilled fish tacos when I said I like fish. He wrote "gluten allergy" on the order.

He gave us tortilla chips with the order for my dad, but he said I shouldn't eat them, because they are corn but they are fried in the same oil as flour tortillas.

I am glad this restaurant took my celiac seriously. I feel it is safe for people with celiac, but I don't know for sure if they use a shared grill, clean the grill, so I can't say with certainty.

The food was delicious!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegetarian options
• Offers outdoor seating

Our waiter said Nothing is gluten free and that everything isn’t safe for people with an actual allergy/celiac. Frustrating.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

Delicious food! Able to accommodate my GF Honey—no problem. Waitstaff clearly communicated the kitchen is small but they are careful and do their best keep from cross-contaminating. Menu is not marked but quite a few items are GF or can be adapted to be GF. We’ve been twice this week and my partner has not felt “glutened.” There is a dedicated fryer for the tortilla chips, so that’s delightful. Our tag was marked “ALLERGY!!!!!”

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Dog friendly
• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for peanut-free
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Offers outdoor seating
• Reservations recommended

Hostess was not friendly at all and was not aware of anything on their menu. Finally sat down and asked our server about gluten-free options and having a dedicated fryer. He began by saying yes, and when we asked if anything else is put in the fryer he said yes the flour shells are as well. Then he just abruptly walked away mid sentence. Will not be back. Not safe at all for anyone with celiac.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

Run to this place! I love love loved this place!! They have a Dedicated fryer. First time in years I was able to enjoy nachos or eat the tortilla chips and salsa. The Sopes was good which I also enjoyed. Most things have corn instead of flour. Even though it is not marked gluten free, most of the menu is gluten free. The staff is very knowledgeable about gluten and cross contamination. They take every precaution. Just ask them anything and while most things are gluten free they tell you how you can tailor other things to be gluten free. The service was fantastic! The ambience of the environment was very nice, I sat outside, there was nice music playing, they have the heat lamps and nice breeze as it’s not too far from the beach. Any time I go to Santa Barbara I will definitely stop by here.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers outdoor seating

servers are somewhat unknowledgeable and I left with an upset stomach, chips are not celiac friendly

Celiac friendly?

No

Food was so so but setting is great. Live music, chips and guac and margaritas on a sunny day!