Ocala Downtown Diner

3 recent ratings
$$ • Diner
Reported to have a gluten-free menu
Reported GF menu options: Bread/Buns, Burgers, Dessert, Pancakes
Safety Rating
3 ratings

As rated by the community

816 SE Magnolia Exd
Ocala, FL 34471

Most Recent Reviews


Overall Rating

Review


Best gf bun I’ve ever had out sweet potato fries are to die for

Safety


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

— Somewhat

Quality & Quantity


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

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


I love Ocala Downtown Diner, I have read the reviews on this site and must correct. The food Served at Ocala downtown diner is for gluten Sensitivity obviously if a restaurant prepares anything with gluten in it there is cross contamination. I can't think of any fully gluten free restaurant in all of Ocala or anywhere else for that matter. The options that are served here are amazing the gluten free chicken and waffle is like dessert for breakfast! There's even a gluten free vegan bun ! That's a really hard find! So if you're in town and you're gluten sensitive should definitely stop in and try! Nina

Safety


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.)
  • 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

Quality & Quantity


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


Other Characteristics
  • Dog friendly
  • Good for breakfast/brunch
  • Good for dairy-free
  • Good for dinner
  • Good for keto
  • Good for kids
  • Good for lunch
  • Good for takeout
  • Good selection of healthy options
  • Good vegan options
  • Good vegetarian options
  • Good with other allergies
  • Offers online ordering
  • Offers outdoor seating
  • Reservations recommended
Updated 1 year ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I have gotten glutened the few times I’ve been here and my Nima has not only tested cross contamination on same items but FULL gluten. Would not recommend at all!!

Safety


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

— Not at all

Quality & Quantity


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/None

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

— Poor

Updated 1 year ago read full review

This establishment is NOT a dedicated gluten-free facility and may not be safe for those with celiac disease. Please contact the establishment directly to inquire about safety precautions.

Gluten-Free Features

  • Bread/Buns
  • Burgers
  • Dessert
  • Gluten-Free Menu
  • Pancakes

Categories

  • Allergy Friendly
  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Dairy-Free Friendly
  • Diner
  • Dinner
  • Dog Friendly
  • Healthy
  • Keto Friendly
  • Kid Friendly
  • Lunch
  • Online Ordering
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Takeout
  • Vegan Friendly

Photos


Gluten-Free at Ocala Downtown Diner
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More Reviews


Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Not a dedicated cook space, staff very unaware of cross contamination or what gluten is. Not a safe option for celiac's!

Celiac friendly?

No

Updated 3 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


My husband was excited to take me here as he read that they have gluten free items. I was prepared to get gluten free chicken and waffles right up to the point our server told us there is only one waffle maker in the kitchen and only one fryer. I ordered a poached egg on grits which were good but nothing special. Very disappointed.

Safety


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

— Not very

Quality & Quantity


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

Updated 3 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I'm definitely skeptical of this restaurant, and it's compliance with food laws. So much so that I decided to get my food to go and threw it in the trash. I don't trust a restaurant that labels an item GF on the menu when it's thrown in the same fryer as everything else. It was only after I had clarification from the manager (the foodserver didn't know) that there is only one fryer for everything. She said that if I had Celiacs that I shouldn't eat anything fried. ...Can I hear a loud groan from my Gluten sensitive cousins?

In addition, if you are concerned at all about catching Covid19 do not come to this restaurant. They are not doing any sort of social distancing or wearing of masks. The tables are crowded together, and they act as though there is no pandemic. I was just passing through on a family vacation, and I was not familiar with the local laws. When I asked the food server about it she that it it was their form of protest. I didn't bother to ask what exactly they were protesting. As far as I'm concerned, they can protest on their own time. I would like to stay Covid free.

I spoke to the manager, and she insisted that mask wearing was not mandated in Ocala. After a quick Google search it's clear that masks and social distancing are required for businesses in Ocala. ...It makes me wonder what other health codes they are not compliant with. I will definitely not be returning to this restaurant.

There was a broad selection of GF options on the menu. If you dare.

Safety


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

— Not very

Quality & Quantity


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

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for breakfast/brunch
  • Offers delivery
Updated 3 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Fantastic GF waffles and Chicken. Carina , our waitress was Great!

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Wow. Waffles, pancakes and French toast. It is all great!! I had the chicken waffles... Best fried chicken I've had since going gluten free. I took a bite and stopped to verify with the waitress that it was all safe. Amazing.

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


A favorite for us. Never had an issue here! They get it!

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


GF waffles were AMAZING! We stopped by on our way down to AMI and will definitely come back next time we are in the area! Friendly staff as well!

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Absolutely love Ocala Downtown Diner!! They can accommodate for all allergies! Our Son is allergic to Dairy, Nuts & Shellfish! My Husband has celiac and we love the GF pancakes, waffles & french toast!!! They also have a great Vegan selection!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Had the best GF pancake of and GF French toast!! When i say best i mean Best ever!! We will definitely be back!!

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Gluten Intolerant

Overall Rating

Review


Amazing food with a plethera of GF choices, and friendly knowledgeable servers! Will stop any time we are in Ocala.

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Comes with a gluten free section in menu which includes a little bit of breakfast & lunch, as well as gluten-free cake.

Updated 6 years ago read full review

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