Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery

This restaurant is covered in every inch with tropical decor along with music and views of the ocean which makes for a fun and enjoyable experience. A few GF options and the staff was supportive but open that they can’t ensure a 100% contamination free meal. Not gluten reactive but the poke bowl was delicious with lots of fresh tuna. Wait staff said it was GF when delivered. Lots of drink choices including some good GF cocktails.

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?

— 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 kids
• Good for lunch
• Offers outdoor seating

We went to this restaurant as a recommendation by someone who worked at the desk in our hotel. We went because it was right on the water and supposedly had great sunset view. We had a wait which was no big deal but it was around 30 mins, we were able to just shop and walk around the pier for a bit. We got seated, the environment was loud but the views were very nice. The menu was well labeled with allergen information. They had a good variety of gluten free food, and food you could ask to be made gluten free. We got the burger, I asked for a gluten free bun. They didn’t have an option besides a lettuce bun. They also followed up by telling me that the fries were not gluten free so they would give me white rice. This did not sound appealing so I asked if they had anything else and they had a variety of items like coleslaw or sweet potato fries. I got the sweet potato fries. My meal overall was okay my burger ended up being well done which I did not request. We also got the lettuce chicken wrap on the appetizer menu. It was labeled gluten free but tasted very soy sauce like. The chicken was a great texture but the veggies and small chicken were bathed in salt. So much so there was liquid that we did not dare try at the bottom of the chicken and veggies. This was served with two massive heads of lettuce.

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

— Not 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?

— Not Much

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

— Poor

There were a ton of options available to be gluten free upon request. The food came fast, the server was very nice and knowledgeable on everything. This restaurant is in the pier in Santa Cruz and you can get window seating looking at the water, and the food is very good!

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

The website menu was totally different then when we got there. Only one or two gluten free items. No gluten free clam chowder.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main 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

Other Characteristics

• Good for lunch

Waiter said the “gluten free” menu options could be made safely but my daughter was glutened, so they were not. We believe they used regular soy or teriyaki sauce. Very disappointing, as we asked and shared concern for her celiac disease BEFORE making a reservation and again in the restaurant before ordering.

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

— Not 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?

— Some

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

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options