Mama Lu's - A Modern Day Taco Shop

Make sure you ask for the GF chips as the regular ones are fried with other non GF items. No GF menu, but the server told us almost anything could be made GF. I had a couple tacos and guacamole and chips. It was very good.

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?

— Most/All

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

— Good

Our waitress was amazing! Took all the extra time and effort to be sure none of my food was even questionable for me. I was able to enjoy the guacamole, GF chips (be sure to specify gf), the al pastor tacos, and the rice and beans. Would definitely feel safe eating here again!!

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

Great food but portions small for the prices. Amazing made in housecorn tortillas.

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

Really cute place that has a small menu but big flavors. Chips are safe as long as you tell them you need GF. Salsas (2) are a different flavor but tasty. The green one is a bit spicier. You can get any of the tacos (but not the beer battered fish one or the veggie). Really good flavors. Just tell servers you are GF and they can show you what items are safe. I ate there back to back days and did not have any problems.

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

As a MI transplant living in TX, I can confirm these tacos are just as good as the ones I get down south. Maybe a little too mild on the spice for my liking :P but still great & most importantly, safe!

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

Had the nachos and they were delicious! Just as previous reviews stated, they can make most things GF. No reaction so I’ll be returning!

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

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 dinner
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

If you tell them you’re gluten free they’ll be able to modify all the tacos to make them gluten free except for the veggie ones.

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

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the 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

Knowledgeable and confident about menu. Asked specifically if it was celiac and brought me my own chips. Most of the tacos are GF and they can do a grilled fish taco too.

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

— Somewhat

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?

— Good

I had three tacos, queso and chips. Didn’t have a reaction at all. Very knowledgeable about celiac disease and gluten free. Will go back.

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

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the 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

The place was cute and upscale, and the margarita mango was fantastic. I shared with the server, who was fantastic in every other aspect, that I had celiac and he seemed to understand, but it seems like his understanding or those in the kitchen didn't realize but my companion's tacos came out on the same plate as mine, and he pointed out that one taco wasn't gluten free but just to avoid that. I realized they were likely trying to save the amount of dishes or resources they were consuming, which I am usually all about, but that doesn't quite fly when those with needs at the level of an allergy are involved. It meant I didn't get to try the tacos, and it wasn't the first time something like this happened while in Michigan. I think perhaps more training is all that this place and in the region needs to fine tune those services to better accommodate guests with celiac disease.

The chips and salsa were fine as they were not in a shared fryer and came out of a bag. The house made salsa was good but I'm not sure what was in it. One was kind of creamy but the menu didn't include any list of allergens, so I'm not certain of which other allergens were present but was assured the salsas were also gluten free.

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

— Not very

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?

— Good

Overall we had a good experience. I don’t think our waiter was the most knowledgeable one there but my husband (celiac) was able to safely order tacos and the waiter brought out store bought gluten free chips for us. My husband had 3 different tacos, guacamole dip, and the tortilla chips & queso dip. Everything tasted great and no reactions! We will return.

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?

— Most/All

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

— Excellent

We came here an hour before they closed which normally would make me nervous that they are rushing my food and not taking precautions but not here!! The server went above and beyond with reassurance and I did not get sick! Nothing deep fried here is safe. I had the street corn, pollo taco and grilled fish tacos. So good!!

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

— Very

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

The menu doesn’t say anything about GF but don’t let that put you off. Our waiter, Keegan, was very knowledgeable ( his Dad has Celiac) and he told me everything I could have including what might have cross contamination. He was great! Brought me separate chips that did not go in the shared fryer. Most things on menu can be tweaked so they are GF.

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

— Very

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

Amazing. Almost anything can be gluten free AND the food is worth it. You can tell they are freshly made corn tortillas, the tacos are amazing and so are the margaritas.

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

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the 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

Mama Lu’s is amazing! They take every precaution to prevent any cross contamination and every item on their menu is or an be modified to gluten free. I have eaten here countless times and never had a reaction!

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

Food was amazing. Had the queso dip with gluten free chips and tacos. Waiter was knowledgeable and made me feel confident food was safe to eat. If you are ever in Traverse City go here, you will not be disappointed.

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

I cannot believe how good this food was. My 8-yr old celiac was legit dancing he loved his food so good. Most of the menu is gf or can be made so. I can’t wait to return.

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?

— Most/All

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 online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

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

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the 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 lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

Almost all the whole menu is gluten free and the tacos I had were amazing! The food looked so good, I contemplated for a second if it could be gluten free. I felt very safe eating here!

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

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the 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

The best taco meal I've ever had. The entire menu except the churros can be made gf. We tried three of the tacos, the nachos, and the beans and rice. Everything was amazing. The beef used on the taco and the nachos was delicious and I love being able to eat chips. They have seperate gf ones. The waitstaff is knowledgeable. I will definitely be back.

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?

— No gluten-free information on the 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 kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

They can make anything GF, and specifically mentioned Celiac. The food and service were fantastic!

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

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the 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 lunch
• Good for takeout

Gluten free chips were fantastic

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

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 takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Offers outdoor seating

Amazing food AND amazing service. They had really great gluten free options and if our server didn’t know the answer to one of my questions, he found the answer. I felt really safe eating here and had an amazing time.

They can make almost anything on the menu gluten free and have gluten free chips!

The food was pretty good! I had the gluten free nachos and gluten free chips and salsa :) They can also make most of the tacos gluten free! Be sure to get two tacos because they are very small.

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?

— Good

Staff was knowledgable. Lots of options. Fryer is shared.

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

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?

— Good

Amazing service!! We had the guacamole, GF chips, Street corn, and 4 different tacos; Pollo, Shrimp, Carne Assad, Al Pastor. Definitely Gluten free with no reaction. However all of the food we tried had an overwhelming taste of lime. Neither of us enjoyed our food. One celiac and one not. With the guacamole we couldn’t even taste the avocado or any other flavors, it was straight lime. Same for the tacos. The street corn was by far the best. If your in a jam for something gluten free this place is safe, but there are many other restaurants in Traverse City that offer gluten free that are better!

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

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the 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?

— Poor

A delicious place that has gf options that are great! They have separate chips for us and accommodate all allergies. I am vegan and celiac disease and they prepared my food based on these dietary needs. A must go to!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

My daughter has celiac disease and there are very few places she can safely eat. This place was a GREAT find!! She loved all the choices and the wait staff was very knowledgeable. The tacos were AMAZING! We can't wait to eat here again.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

The staff is very knowledgeable about celiac. They have gluten free chips!!!!! Almost all of the menu can be gluten free (not items removed to be GF) making it so we could have the items as described in the menu. My boyfriend isn’t celiac but eats GF with me when we are out and he enjoyed every bite! Beans and rice are amazing! Ate here twice on vacation!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Incredibly friendly and knowledgeable staff. They buy separate tortilla chips for celiac patrons, and modify all dishes to accommodate GF diets.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Very good! The staff was knowledgeable. I got the nachos and they make their own gluten free chips in a separate fryer!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. Had the mango margarita, street corn, and pork taco with a corn shell. All were amazing!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Great food and knowledgeable. I let them know I needed gluten free and I got corn shells and corn tortilla chips. I ate WAY too much, but everything was SO good!!! Highly recommend!

Amazing. Tacos can be made gf and are to die for. Even the chips and their two salsas were excellent. It is a small restaurant so it was packed at noon on a Saturday. But the service was great and fast.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Chips and guac are GF! Tacos are so good.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Yum! We had tacos street corn and cherry margaritas. Everything delicious and all made gluten free for me. The staff was very knowledgeable about celiac needs.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

We vacation in TC every summer and this is our new “go to” place for Celiac friendly street style food. The tacos are so good and the margaritas are spot on. You leave here feeling like you got quality food for a fair price. Be warned: This place is small but totally worth the wait. Would be hard, if not impossible, to bring a large group to eat here on a busy night.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Excellent tacos! Staff is very knowledgeable about GF. No dedicated menu, but basically everyone on the menu can be GF!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Wow!! I wish I could eat here everyday! Everything was gf except a couple things. Waitstaff was extremely knowledgeable about gf food and cross contamination. Can't say enough about how great our meal was!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Being celiac I hate going out to eat, however on vacation I really didn't have a choice. The menu does offer gf items & when I told them they said they treat every gluten free as celiac. She said it may take a little longer because they had to prep the kitchen (which I was ok with, ensures they did take the time). I'm sensitive & I had ZERO issues here & the food was good! I highly recommend if you're in town. Just let them know ahead of time & they'll go above & beyond. I wish they knew how much it meant to me! Let me add that yes they don't have a lot if options but the resturant in general doesn't have a lot of options. It's a street taco spot!

Originally went here because the business directly told me they had a dedicated fryer and that the majority of their menu was gluten-free. Since that contact last September, they have eliminated the gluten-free fryer and changed their menu. There were many items that had fried ingredients on them, making that selection no longer gluten-free. Our waitress was knowledgeable about what was safe and recommended certain items. They even recreated the chicken taco by rolling it in crushed tortilla chips and baking it, instead of giving me the fried chicken. Overall the food was good, just highly disappointed about the change in menu, which makes me only give it two stars.

Celiac friendly?

No

if your a celiac this is the place for you. I have serious wheat allergy and the staff was very knowledgeable and had no problems explaining everything on the menu. I was so full and had a great time. plus they do a white wine sangria that looked delicious ♡

I am GF and DF. Lots of options. I could eat the chips and I preferred the creamy tomato salsa. Short rib taco was to die for. Super friendly and knowledgeable staff. I highly recommend this place!!

Delicious! What an amazing find. Definitely a must the next time I'm in town.

I loved this place!! Unique flavor combinations. All but two items are gluten free. Great creamy tomato salsa. So very good! Our waitress did forget part of our order, but all of the wait staff was very friendly.

This place was awesome! Almost the whole menu is gluten free. I came with my boyfriend and we split the chips and salsa (the Mama Lu's special salsa is to die for. They are going to begin selling it next summer!) he got two different tacos and I got the nachos. Will definitely be back next time! Server was very knowledgeable which makes me think everyone there must be as well :)

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Almost the entire menu is gluten free as is. No asking for a different menu! There was only one taco and a dessert that was not gluten free. The corn tortillas are made in house. Even the corn chips are produced in a gluten free facility. GREAT! Separate fryer is used for the items with gluten so no worries about cross contamination. Knowledgeable staff was able to answer questions quickly.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Everything is GF except for two items in the menu! Delicious!!