Lotus Cafe & Juice Bar

We stumbled on Lotus Café during a drive last week. They have an extensive, almost entirely gluten-free menu. They also had gluten-free flourless brownies that were amazing.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main 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

Clearly marked, big menu. Friendly personnel, very clean. Delicious food and outstanding smoothies!

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

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main 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

Very expansive menu - so yummy

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

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

— Good

Always delicious breakfast and baked goods. They have the best black bean enchiladas!

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

— Very

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?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main 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 breakfast/brunch
• Good for dairy-free
• Good for takeout

I attempted to contact the owner by phone and e-mail but haven't heard back.

Here is the e-mail I sent (posting so that celiacs are aware that they use a shared grill and do not clean in-between):

I was excited to eat breakfast at your restaurant yesterday and used my Nima Sensor (gluten sensor) to test the food before I tried it. Mind you, I mentioned I was celiac when I was ordering and that I had a gluten allergy. I was told, no problem. Lo and behold, my pancakes had gluten.

When I spoke to the manager, he said that everything is cooked together and that they can't guarantee anything as being celiac safe. This wasn't mentioned to me when I was ordering, nor did I see it written down anywhere. He didn't say sorry or offer me a refund, or anything. It was an extremely disappointing experience considering how excited I was to try your food, and the lack of customer service thereafter.

When gluten-free food is cross-contaminated it is no longer free of gluten and makes it extremely unsafe for celiacs like me to eat. It would be wise to mention that your food risks being cross-contaminated on signs, and to anyone ordering who states they are celiac or have a gluten allergy.

Feel free to e-mail, or call. I attempted to call this morning, but I believe only the same manager was present.

Thanks

Celiac friendly?

No

Items were clearly marked and staff was knowledgeable. I had the wild grilled salmon with lettuce, tomato and guacamole on a GF bun. It came with corn chips and salsa. I didn’t eat the salsa, but everything else was excellent. Would return. Many healthy options.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I just had the Artichoke Pesto Chicken sandwich on a GF bun... I’m blown away. Total deliciousness. West Coast GF is leaps and bounds ahead of the East Coast.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Many gluten free options. Staff was knowledgeable and able to answer all of my questions. Nothing is deep fried, so CC in the fryer was not an issue. Will totally recommend and plan to return.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

So many gf options! The smoothies and breakfast food are excellent!

So many great gluten free choices! Excellent portobello mushroom and gf/vegan brownie. Highly recommend Lotus!!!!

Excellent! So many gluten free options. Bread, muffins, salads, sandwiches. Great fish tacos too.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Good gf selection and knowledge but frankly the food is pretty terrible. I keep wanting the place to better than it is but after eating here twice, its just not worth it. Everything lacks seasoning and spice. If you want paleo, vegan or raw food, they have it. Nice staff, just wish the food was better.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

juice options are limited, but gf options are huge. knowledgable staff and great place to go on a daily basis.

Lotus is a favorite of mine, since it has such an extensive menu for whatever you're in the mood for (breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert, smoothies, coffee...). We've had a couple instances where staff didn't seem knowledgeable about gluten, but they always double-check with the chef/cooks, who definitely know their stuff. I think Lotus has the best acai bowls and gluten-free pancakes!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Love the options here! Their labeling system is extensive and the menu is giant. Most items I've ordered are good. It's nothing fancy but there are many healthy and gf options. Their lotus salad is really good. They have gf bread now so most sandwiches can also be gf, so that opens up a bunch more options. In my experience their gf deserts are not good.

Wish they had more juicing options but their GF menu selections pretty good