Lucina Eatery & Bar

Great food and accommodating staff! Given the previous reviews, I was surprised when my server said that the fryer was dedicated gluten free, so I had him double check with the kitchen and it turns out that a few months ago they made it a dedicated gf fryer. I'd still double check in case they changed up the menu, but my stomach had no issues with my meal afterwards. My favorite plate was the mofongo 10/10

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

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer

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

Lucina was absolutely FABULOUS and I can't wait to go back. As someone who has been gluten free for twelve years, I've had my fair share of terrible restaurant experiences. No, Lucina does not have a separate fryer for gluten free items. But, they do mark the GF items on their menu and their staff is super knowledgable about modifications and making sure that your food is safe to consume (side note: I can count the total number of restaurants in Denver on one hand who have separate fryers). I felt very comfortable ordering from the menu and, when I wasn't sure if something was gluten free, I asked. The owner/chef de cuisine has been working with gluten free for years now and has a wonderful understanding of what is safe/not safe. As soon as we sat down at our table, our server asked if anyone had an allergy and she was so kind and patient with my questions. The paella was to die for and the steak with chimichurri was delicious too. My only request would be for a gluten free/dairy free dessert addition on the menu :)

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

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 dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good vegetarian options
• Offers outdoor seating
• Reservations recommended

Lucina is a stylish neighborhood bar and restaurant. They have great drinks and focus on Spanish tapas small plates. They mark items on the menu that are gluten free or can be prepared that way but PLEASE BEWARE. They DO NOT have a dedicated fryer and many of the GF marked menu items that go in that fryer are not safe for Celiacs or those that are sensitive. Fried plantains and other treats are unfortunately all contaminated. You also have to make sure that side items on some of the larger plates aren’t also going in the shared fryer. Luckily, we had a very patient waiter that helped us navigate a complicated mine field of not really GF food items. If you do go, ASK A LOT OF QUESTIONS. I had a great meal with no ill effects but I probably won’t go back until they figure out what GF truly means for those that take it seriously.

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

— Not very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

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 dinner
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers outdoor seating
• Reservations recommended