Crystal Cove Shake Shack

The burgers are great and they have gluten free buns but the fries are fried with the fish and chips so they are not celiac friendly.

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?

— Excellent

I asked if the strawberry shake was gluten free and despite being a busy day, the person working the register went to get me the ingredient label on their ice cream and strawberry mix in. He also told me they could sanitize the blender before making mine too cut down on cross contamination. He did warn me that there was no way to prevent CC, but put a note on my order to sanitize it. However, once I got the shake I came across three definitely not strawberry pieces - one whole chocolate chip, one mystery topping, and one probably chocolate piece. At that point I decided to stop pushing my luck and not get glutened. However, it's been a few hours and I don't have any symptoms so I got lucky.

I wouldn't recommend a shake for anyone with reactions to cross contamination. But they did have an affogato on the menu of soft serve and coffee, so that could be an option for a dessert depending on the soft serve ingredients.

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

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

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 kids
• Good vegetarian options
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

I’m just adding a review because the others were so positive, and it led to a tough experience for me. This seems like a nice establishment, but I think it’s much more uncertain that they will be able to handle cross-contact than earlier reviews make it seem. It was a very very busy Sunday, and the worker behind the counter told me they have one grill and can not clean it, and it is where the gluten buns are also grilled. I had waited in line a long time, and was already pretty low blood sugar, so I went with my boyfriend to cry and find some other option although in this scenario we had just been dropped off and had no car. I decided to try harder and get a manager even though I loath to be a karen, but I think because I was polite and clearly on the verge of tears she agreed to make me a burger on a fresh pan on the burners used to warm soup. They advertise the gluten free buns, but I would only consider this a reliable option if you are intolerant and not celiac.

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

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main 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?

— Good

I’ve been several times now without getting sick. It’s very tasty.

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

— Somewhat

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

I ordered a classic cheeseburger they have gluten free buns (Udi’s). They cleaned the station, changed their gloves, and typed “allergy” on the receipt. There is no dedicated fryer so the fries were a no, but they offered fruit as a sub.

I also ordered Dole whip as a dessert.

There is limited parking, and the line was pretty long. But definitely worth the wait in my opinion. :)

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main 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 breakfast/brunch
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Offers outdoor seating

The fellow who took my order explained what he believed to be gluten free and what precautions were taken. I ordered a burger on a gluten free bun with mustard instead of their spread, fries, and a strawberry shake. I had no adverse reactions.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main 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