Charlie's Kitchen

They have an updated menu and no longer offer GF buns or lettuce wraps. They do have a dedicated fryer for fries and can do bunless burgers. Nothing special; staff was receptive to allergies.

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

— Somewhat

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?

— Average

Very safe for celiacs! They have a separate fryer for fries and gluten free buns, however they sometimes run out of the buns, so I had mine lettuce wrapped. Be prepared that this is a totally greasy spoon type of restaurant.. overall very safe but not what we were expecting at all!

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

— Very

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

Well known, used to be dive bar, now with patio. Cross between a diner/bar/soda shop. Burgers!

All burgers can be made gf with gf bun. Had Chef’s Favorite Burger with gf fries from dedicated fryer. Super tall burger and delicious! Has bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion.

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• 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 lunch

Love Charlie’s! Honestly, I was surprised about how GF-friendly they are. Waiter was super attentive and knowledgeable and told me their fries have a totally dedicated fryer and they have GF buns. He was also super frank about what they did and did not make there (he said I might want to avoid the Beyond Burger since they don’t make it from scratch) and what could be eaten safely. Not a ton of vegetarian options, but lots of burgers for meat eaters. The fries are SOOOO good. Downeast cider on draft. Get a table on their patio if you can!

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

— Somewhat

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?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Dog friendly
• Offers outdoor seating

I got the beyond burger with fries, I thought they would have GF buns (see previous review here) but it looks like they no longer have them. I ended up eating just the burger patty with a single slice of tomato and a single slice of pickle, which was quite underwhelming. The fries were good though, and they had a dedicated frier. I’m fairly sensitive and I didn’t get sick, but nothing on their menu was labeled GF and the server wasn’t all that knowledgeable about cross-contamination (and seemed annoyed that I asked) so I may have just gotten lucky.

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

— Somewhat

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?

— Poor

Charlie’s Kitchen has been a Harvard Sq. Icon for years. I stopped in and inquired about what is and isn’t gluten free. They offer 6 shrimp cocktail for five bucks and Oysters that are 2 for a buck. They also carry Omission pale ale bottles and angry orchard. I asked about what they can cook gluten free, and the bartender stated they have gluten free buns to go with the burgers. I opted for just the shrimp, oysters and beer. Next time will inquire more about cross contamination and the burger and gf bun.

Been here like 5 times? The staff isn't especially knowledgeable but they can make a gluten free burger and they have a dedicated French fry frier!!! They also have cider and a gluten free beer. I'm just happy there is a cheap dive bar where I can actually eat. I'm a fairly sensitive Celiac and I've never gotten sick here!

Celiac friendly?

Yes