Middle Grounds Grill

This is the first review I’ve ever written, and this was the first time going to this restaurant- on April 4 2024. I was very disappointed. I did get glutened. The waiter had the vibe that he didn’t want to be there and that he didn’t really care. He lifted every water glass not by the stem but by the mouth of every glass which is just gross. We came there for the early bird specials. There were 4 of us. We each got a $15 early bird special and 1 person in the party asked for the 5oz steak early bird special with a side of crab to make it a surf and turf. Long store short- he forgot about the appetizer that we ordered and the crab leg he brought out was literally 10” long and at least 2 inches around. We weren’t expecting that or the $60 bill for the crab leg alone. The bill should have been under $100 but it came out to be over $150. $100 spent on one person alone. I think the waiter didn’t like that we were only getting the early bird specials so he added on the giant crab leg to get a bigger tip. Also, he questioned if I had celiac or just dietary. I don’t have celiac but I said I’d get sick for a week, that it was an allergy since some people don’t fully understand and it’s just easier to say allergy. He said all he had to do was hit a button the computer for dietary or allergy. He knew nothing about gluten issues other than hitting a button on the screen. The steak was yummy. The mashed potatoes were really watered down so to speak without a whole lot of flavor and the green beans were almost raw inside but looked cooked on the outside. We’ll never go back to that place. There was hardly anyone there when we arrived before 5pm but they still sat us right next to the bathroom. By the time we left, the place was packed without a whole lot of standing room in the front. It was crazy busy. I hope their experiences were better than ours. They have complimentary valet, but the lot is tiny. We did manage to get free valet since we were there so early and they took us right away. I’d recommend making reservations at least a few days ahead and asking for a booth. The tables are a bit uncomfortable and the overhead lighting was glaring down on us. It would have been more comfortable wearing a hat tbh. But if you are sensitive to gluten, I wouldn’t recommend this place unless you call and ask at the time of your reservation to get a server who has knowledge of your allergy, but even that could be iffy if the kitchen doesn’t follow the safety practices.

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?

— Average

Other Characteristics

• Reservations recommended

They have a decent selection of gluten free items but NOTHING gluten free came out seasoned. Not even salt and pepper on the green beans. They steamed them through them on a plate that was all. They do cook items on a separate service but I don’t think it’s asking a lot to also season the food

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?

— Poor

Very knowledgeable about gluten free, menu well marked and almost everything was gluten free. Separate area in kitchen to prepare the food. Food is expensive but well worth it!

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

Waitress was very knowledgeable about Celiac. There were plenty of options to choose from.

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

This place is absolutely delicious! It’s my favorite fancy spot when visiting St Pete. The seabass is my recommendation.

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

Jen was our server and she was very helpful in helping me find gluten-free items. I had salmon, mixed vegetables, asparagus, no reaction.

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

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free 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

Ate here last night. Food was safe. Plenty of options. Food was also really really good. Would go back for sure!

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

Absolument fantastique ! Ils proposent une carte standard et mettent à côté tout ce qu’ils peuvent adapter sur la carte ! Ils sont très au clair avec les allergies, notamment le gluten ! Un vrai plaisir ! Salade, pâtes, viande ou produits de la mer …vous y trouverez un plat parfait 👌🏻 et le service super sympa! Ma fille a mangé un filet mignon de black Angus avec du riz et des haricots verts ! Leur purée de pommes de terre à l’ail est à tomber !

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

My fiancé has severe wheat, dairy and egg allergies and we’ve visited this place on two separate occasions with no issues.

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?

— Some

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

— Excellent

Menu is clearly marked for dishes that can be made gluten friendly. I ordered the half wedge salad with ranch as well as the chicken Alfredo pasta with gluten free noodles. The noodles didn’t hold up very well but the overall taste was good enough. The chocolate flourless torte was also very good.

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

Incredibly knowledgeable and accommodating of GF. Tons of delicious offerings.

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?

— Good

It is difficult to eat out when you have a family member that has been diagnosed with Celiac Disease but the Middle Ground nailed it. Our waitress was well educated on Celiac and made my daughter feel at ease while ordering her meal. My daughter had the spinach and artichoke dip with veggies, steak, mashed potatoes, green beans and gluten free chocolate cake with ice cream. She was so happy with her meal and had zero reaction! My family will definitely eat here again on vacation!

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• 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?

— Some

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

— Excellent

Good food... Got steak with potatoes and green beans but didn't feel well after. Maybe ask for no seasoning on your steak.

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

Absolutely amazing experience, start to finish. One of the best meals I have ever had (and my fiancé too who is not gluten free) and best of all felt fine after eating three courses! Our server Linda was fantastic. She really went above and beyond, even asking about specials and telling me how they could modify. My food was announced as gluten free and great care was clearly taken to make it that way. To have a menu where I can have so many options, including soup, appetizer and entrees, that I can’t even choose because so many sound good is beyond words. If and when we are in the area again, we will come 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
• 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

Great food and very safe. We have three celiacs in the family and have never been sick here in over a dozen dinings.

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

Great experience. Ordered several delicious gluten free dishes. Waitress was familiar with Celiac disease and spoke to the chef to make sure our son had a safe dish to eat. We ordered one appetizer, 5 different main dishes, and a dessert! All celiac friendly. So good

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?

— Some

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

— Excellent

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

Wonderful GF foods great staff. Had the scallops excellent

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?

— Some

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

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Offers outdoor seating
• Reservations recommended

This place is a gem! Our waitress was knowledgeable and informative about gluten free! They have a gluten free menu and also a chart of all allergens! Beautiful restaurant eating inside or outside!

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?

— Some

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

— Excellent

Delicious! Loved the scallops!

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

We went for dinner and the waitress asked if I was celiac. I had a few questions and she always checked with the kitchen first.The gluten free pasta is cooked in a separate pot. The food was amazing!! I am very sensitive and did not get sick. They have a flourless tart for dessert too! Highly recommended this place!

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?

— Some

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

— Excellent

Scallops are delicious. They take extra precautions when preparing gluten free. Wait staff and managers knowledgeable about cross contamination.

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

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for takeout

Amazing . Everything about it is top notch.

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

Wow!! This restaurant is SO knowledgeable about celiac and went above and beyond in keeping us safe with gluten and other allergies. We are here on vacation and will definitely come back. If I could give it 100 stars I would!

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
• 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
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free 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 takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers delivery

Menu is clearly marked with options that can be prepared GF. Started with Smoked Fish Spread..make sure to substitute crackers for veggies. Artichoke Smoked Gouda Fondue served with carrot sticks and cucumbers. Celiac diner had the Breast of Duck. Rest of table Herb crusted pork tenderloins and swordfish. Dessert highlight flourless torte. Maybe next time we dine here they will have GF bread for the table.

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.)

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

Food was delicious. No issues. Large GF options on the menu

Celiac friendly?

Yes

So nice to be able to eat soup...had the gluten free seafood chowder and it was delicious! They had pasta choices, which was nice. I had the shrimp pesto pasta...the flavor was delicious, the shrimp huge, the rotini pasta was just ok as it is less forgiving when even slightly overcooked than penne pasta and fell apart in my bowl. Still a good meal though!

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?

— Most/All

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

— Good

I’m surprised by the reviews saying how accommodating the staff. The waitress told my daughter the kitchen was too busy to customize her gluten free vegetable pasta order so they served it as described on the menu. My daughter is also dairy free but ended up with cheese in her meal. How can you tell someone with celiac the kitchen is too busy to care about what they’re ingesting?

The first thing our waitress asked upon greeting us was if anyone in our party had food allergies. That seems to always be a good sign. She took extra care to label our tickets. And ensure that separate utensils would be used upon cooking. I ended up really splurging for anniversary and got the king crab. And my husband got the steak. My son got fettuccine Alfredo with chicken. And he said it was so good he was worried it wasn’t gluten-free but it was and none of us had any reactions. All of their menu was clearly labeled with gluten-free items by a little icon. Are we just was very helpful. And I feel like they did a great job ensuring our meal was safe.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Our waitress was extremely helpful and the chef was very accommodating to all of my requests as I am GF and have other food sensitivities as well (garlic/onion). I had the shrimp skewers with coconut basmati rice and the flourless chocolate torte. Everything was delicious and I had no reaction! If I could give more than 5 stars I would.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Great steaks and seafood. Also had the flourless chocolate torte that was rich but very good. Server was knowledgeable.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Bartender was incredibly rude but once we got seated the waitress we had was very nice and accommodating. They completely understand celiac disease and how serious it is. She even said “we are just trying to make things easier for those who are celiac”. So maybe skip the bar & order drinks once you’re seated :)

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Very good. Highly knowledge staff. Fresh seafood.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

They had several GF options marked on the menu and the staff were very helpful. I really enjoyed the scallops with coconut rice. I was disappointed they did not have a bread or dessert option, but I had a nice meal.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Great service, lovely menu. The food was tasty, fresh and they were able to accommodate gluten free and dairy free issues.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Everything was so delicious! I had a Grouper special that was Maybe the best food I ever had. Yum! It was pecan encrusted with maple, oh my!

Food was very good. They have a lot of choice on the menu. We all recommend this place! Good ambiance as well!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Ate at the bar and had a great time. King crab dinner is amazing and I split it, glad I did, very rich meal but so fresh. Feeling great today.

Decent food and they were willing to make the margarita without using the pre-made mix. Great flourless cake at the end.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I had really nice meal here. There's no GF bread and I don't think they have a dedicated fryer but options were marked GF. I had scallops for main on rice which was delicious. There were no dessert options. I can't say its the best for GF but if you pick a safe option and aren't fussed about dessert it's a really nice place. They have valet parking, we hadn't booked so had to wait for a table but we sat at the bar and had drinks with live music. It was Wednesday and they have all their bottles of wine half price, I couldn't drink it all so they seal it in a bag for you to take home.

Seemed like a newer waiter who wasn't so sure of what gluten was or how to avoid... recommended some gluten items instead of gluten free items for us to order, otherwise this would be a five star review. Five stars for the kitchen because they must understand cross contamination and gluten very very well because three course meal and I was not sick afterwards. Yay!

ate here 3 times within our week vacation. lots of gluten free choices, staff seemed knowledgeable, but quality of service and quality of food varied each time.

Never a disappointment. Very knowledgable staff and great chefs. Family is all Celiac and none of us ever get sick!

Service was good for a busy Saturday night. Food was amazing! Staff very knowledgeable of Celiac needs. I had the tuna appetizer and the Alaskan King crab dinner. Both were yummy. Will be added to my rotation of safe local restaurants to dine! Went back already April 2017... service even better this time (thanks Jenne)! Amazing celiac knowledge, she was warning me about every possible cross contamination concern... I felt as safe ordering from their menu as I do cooking in my own kitchen. Anyone with celiac knows that's a security you rarely find out!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

We loved this place so much, we had dinner here twice during our vacation. The food was amazing and the staff was well aware of what it means to eat gluten free. We were impressed! We'll be back again next year.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Fantastic gluten free menu - lots of great choices! Food was fresh, nicely seasoned and perfectly cooked. The service was excellent and very knowledgeable about gluten. We will definitely be back!

I've eaten here each time I visit the area and am never disappointed. The staff provides excellent service and the food is always good. They do have many entrees on the menu marked gf and the servers always seem to know what to do. The Caesar salad dressing is yummy and gf. Definitely with a visit.

We have now vacationed in Redington Beach 3 times & every time have eaten at MGG. There are 5 to 7 of us each time & we all have very much enjoyed our food. I am not Celiac, but extremely gluten sensitive & have even ended up in the hospital a few times when I have ingested gluten. I have had no problems eating at MGG. We will definitely be eating here again.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

They have a GF menu. My waitress was Jenee and she follows a GF diet so she was very helpful. I had the grilled sea bass, risotto, and asparagus and it was delicious. They offered 3 desserts however I was stuffed. I have had them in the past and they were great. I also had a delicious GF soup and loved it. I'm celiac.

They have a gluten free menu with a large selection. I had the gluten free Pasta and it was great.

Celiac friendly?

Yes