Mother's Cantina

Guaranteed excellent gluten-free did from scratch! We visit here a few times a year and never get sick.

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

Spoke to manager and server prior to ordering. Plentiful list of gluten free options. I had queso and chips then a cheese enchilada. Loved the queso and the others in my party enjoyed their meals. Did not get sick at all. Definitely will go back and try the fajitas or tacos next.

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

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

Since my husband and I are very sensitive to gluten we decided to give this place a try on our vacation to Ocean City based on the excellent reviews on this site. I had the crab soup and chorizo nachos. They were both excellent! My husband had enchiladas made with corn tortillas and he said they were delicious. We were so grateful to have found this place!

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

Excellent tacos. Beans. Everything on the menu is gluten-free except for the flour tortillas and one other item.

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked
• Dedicated gluten-free fryer

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers delivery
• Offers online ordering

I’ve been here a couple of times and never got sick! Go for Happy Hour, they have awesome margaritas and the best tacos I’ve ever had! They have both hard and soft corn tacos, and everyone there seems really knowledgeable about food allergies and cross contamination. My non-celiac family also loves this place as well!

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• 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

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 vegan options
• Good with other allergies
• Reservations recommended

I stopped due to all the great reviews. I ordered tacos and when I got them noticed the shells looked like flour, even after telling them I had an allergy and confirming it with the waitress. I was able to get it fixed by another staff member and the waitress admitted it was her fault and she forgot to put it in. The food was good but hard to look past that.

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

— Not very

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?

— Below Average

What a delicious meal! We went for happy hour where the tacos are $3 or $4 and the margaritas were $5. There were hard or soft corn tortillas.

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?

— Some

Have been twice and never been sick. Steak fajitas are gluten free when order the corn tortillas and the chips are gluten free too. Everything is separate and will come back.

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

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 alerted sever of celiac disease. She said no problem. Whole table ordered corn tortillas for entrees. Food was delivered and I said these are all corn correct? They said yes. My enchiladas came and I knew they were flour. Cook came out and sure enough they were flour. Luckily my celiac husband didn’t take a bite. Server apologized. Did not send manager over. He happened to stop over and I told him what happened. He apologized. No adjustment to bill. Second trip here. Food is great but lost faith now and won’t be back. Too many other great places in OC to choose from.

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

— Not at all

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

So yummy, so safe. Waiter knew off the top of her head what they can do gluten free. We got the nachos, tacos and enchiladas and no one got sick. We are very sensitive and wished we came here again.

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

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
• Offers online ordering

Dedicated Gluten Free fryer used for corn chips only. Almost everything can be made on hard of soft corn tortillas. Very helpful waitstaff.

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

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good vegan options

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

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer

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

The food was so good! My waiter was knowledgeable on what was safe to eat. Tacos were amazing along with their chips, salsa, and queso.

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

— Very

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

I could not wait to order from here due to all the amazing reviews. When I called to place my take out order the girls answering the phone had no answers to my questions about fryers etc. They tried to help but when I asked to speak to someone who knew how the corn tortillas were prepared they were not available to speak to me. That should have been my sign to leave but with so many positive experiences I was still hopeful. My celiac child had chicken tacos on corn tortillas, she didn’t even have any chips as the fryer answer was unknown and she got very sick afterwards. So disappointing.

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?

— Good

I got the three tacos meal with a corn tortilla. Their chips are safe to eat and are fried in a dedicated fryer.

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?

— Good

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 outdoor seating

The food was great. We got chips and Guac, fajitas, chowder. Would definitely return.

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?

— Excellent

Really enjoyed dinner. Multiple options on the menu of interest to our family. My celiac kiddo had tacos and guacamole. I tried the crab and corn chowder which was gluten free and was sad I only ordered a cup! Very tasty. We are hoping to go back again during this long weekend trip.

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

I’ve ordered chips and guacamole, comes with salsa, chicken hard shell tacos (fried in the same fryer as the tortilla chips separate from everything else), and once even got the crab chowder which was amazing! I’m very sensitive to cross-contamination and haven’t gotten sick in my two visits. I’d suggest calling in your pick up order, as there isn’t a spot to specify GF in the online system.

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?

— 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 lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers online ordering

Had one of the best cream of crab soups I've ever had here, as well as a salad that was tasty. They have a separate area for pick-up, which was very convenient.

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 lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers online ordering

We were a little nervous after some of the reviews but the server made us feel extra safe about serving our daughters with Celiac. Corn tacos, guacamole and (best of all) the QUESO were delicious and very safe. Will come here everytime we visit OC.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Told the waitress I needed GF and got the corn tacos and margarita and didn't get sick

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I have celiac disease and my body reacts to dairy just as bad. This is my go to place in Ocean City, I come here at least 10 times a year and have never had a bad experience. If there's a wait, it's worth it!

Food was amazing tasted really great.... but I got sick afterwards. Getting sick on vacation was not my idea of fun

Celiac friendly?

No

Excellent crab chowder! Everything we had was fantastic. Appetizers and sides all marked if GF. Main dishes are GF with corn shells/tortillas. Recommended!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Great food and fabulous owner/chef. They have a dedicated fryer for corn tortillas. Most dishes can be made GF!! I had their chips, salsa and two hard tacos... delish!!! The best part, I did not get sick. Just a heads up, the restaurant is a little run down and could use a good cleaning. However, a great experience! Highly recommend!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I went during happy hour and got corn tortilla tacos with dairy-free cheese (which is tapioca-based grated style). The corn tortillas were not stuffed and then fried, like many Mexican restaurants I’ve been to do, but I suppose that helps the restaurant ensure GF, just not as tasty. The people I was dining with did not like the chicken (which was shredded and on the spicy side) as much as the beef. Margaritas and salsa were good. I really appreciated the vegan cheese option.

Great food and service! Stuffed ourselves silly on nachos and tacos! Also- the crab chowder is ridiculously amazing! Even bought t-shirts, that’s how much we loved it.

Always go here anytime we visit OC. Food is excellent and have never had a reaction. Staff is knowledgeable about allergies. Popular and therefore sometimes crowded but it is worth the wait!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

My husband and kids all have celiac so we chose this restaurant because of the reviews. We were assured of a separate fryer and that precautions are taken to make gluten free food. Unfortunately all three of my children ended up sick after eating there. My 7 year old said can we please never go to this restaurant again.

Celiac friendly?

No

Menu is labeled with gluten free options and instructions to talk with wait staff about GF choices. The cook even came out to speak with us about how they prepared the food. Really wonderful place!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Super friendly waitress and very careful to make sure everything was GF. The waitress made sure that the chips that are brought to every table were made in a separate GF fryer. ALMOST everything on the menu can be made GF.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

This place was fine, but I was surprised (given all of the great reviews about how careful they are with frying) that their French fries were cooked in a shared fryer and not truly gluten free, as explained by our waiter. A disappointment to my gluten-free 5-year-old.

Make sure to ask for corn tortillas.

Cannot say enough about this place! The corn tortillas are so good and the staff was so friendly and patient with questions. They use a separate fryer! I will eat here every time I’m in OC. Had the nachos and fajitas! Out of this world!!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

This place is amazing! All corn products are separate from gluten, including fryers, so tortilla chips are safe. One person mentioned that none of the entrees are labeled gluten free but that’s only because flour tortillas are the default. However most entrees can be made gluten free simply by requesting a corn tortilla (enchiladas, fajitas etc). Beans, rice, veggies, meat etc are all gluten free. The chef has even come to our table to answer any questions and even brought out the food himself! Can’t say enough good things about this place. They understand celiac better than any other restaurant in OC.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Amazing! Wings, queso, fries oh my!! Great options for food, we talked with the server and confirmed wings, and fries were in a safe fryer. So tasty, also open later also have a take out location.

I was actually disappointed with this restaurant. They had their gluten free options listed on the menu...but there was barely any entrees..at all that were listed gluten free. I tried talking to the server but the place was crazy busy and I just felt it was too risky to try to get them to make something or fix something that isn’t usually gluten free..gluten free. So I ended up getting the Portabella mushroom nacho platter that was AMAZING! But did to their lack of options for celiacs I probably won’t be back.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Amazing Food!!! Friendly Staff and great atmosphere. If you love and miss Authentic Mexican food this is the place for you. Did not get sick AT ALL. Highly recommend the wings and guac. Don’t forget to add a marg or 3 :)

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Cannot say enough good things about this place. GF items are listed on the menu but they claim to be able to make just about anything GF. Best part is that I had a completely GF meal without anyone in the place knowing that had food allergies. Anything marked GF is safe to order without mentioning anything to the server. I am extremely sensitive and did not feel 1% sick. Had the wings, chips and guac, chips and salsa, beef tacos, chorizo tacos (both hard shell), and the black beans and rice as a side. Also a few margaritas! Everything was delicious.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Love Mother's! If you're in the mood for Mexican and have celiac this is the place to go. Servers and all staff friendly and knowledgeable. Corn tacos are very yummy & the best part they Fry the corn chips in a separate fryer so the chips are safe. Definitely recommend the chicken nachos and corn tacos!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Wow!!! Homemade everything. Daughter is Celiac and had a homemade corn tortillas! Very polite. Very accommodating!!! Concerned for allergies!!! Loved it and recommend it.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Lots of gf options. Their corn tortillas are homemade and the chips/hard corn tortillas are fried in a separate frier! Had tacos & chips/queso and did not get sick!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Celiac review: I have eaten here 5 times and never had any issues. I think their food is great, especially the chips. We usually get queso to go with it. Most of their menu can be made gf which is why I go each year. I got the enchiladas most recently. The chicken enchiladas are awesome. If you like spicy, get the beef enchiladas. The beef was too spicy for me personally as it has a lot of jalapeno but it was still good.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

This place is great. I hade the sautéed fish taco served on corn tortillas. They were awesome. They have quite a few choices and will accommodate for GF choices.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

It looks like a local neighborhood watering hole, and it probably is. But the food was great and they able to tweak items on the menu to be GF. We had the wings, nachos, tacos, and the spicy crab soup and didn't get sick.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

We went here after reading all the great reviews. I had the chicken tacos and they amazing. I was not sick at all and Homemake the corn tortillas which were the best I have had.

Great food for both GF and not! Wait staff was knowledgeable, highly recommend the guacamole and chips. Spoke with the owner and the tortillas are all hand made, so you know for sure it's GF! No labeled options on kids menu as GF except fries, but got my celiac daughter a crispy corn taco, rice and beans, all GF. Highly suggest this restaurant, although wait was 2 hours for dinner so suggest coming early or for lunch!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Great tacos. Many options for GF. Menu is marked as such. Very beachy atmosphere. Tons of tequila options too!