Padaro Beach Grill

We love this place. Outdoor tables, sand box for kids, big menu, cocktails and a few options for celiacs. I usually get the grilled fish tacos. (No chips, not GF). But our last time there was really busy and they could not guarantee no cross contact. I had a margarita and enjoyed the sunshine. I still love this place.

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?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good vegetarian options
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

This place is absolutely amazing! Definitely the spot to go. We walked up and the line was to the door, but they got us our food in less than 10 minutes from ordering and it was absolutely amazing. Truly such a great place to go, great seating & lighting, and it’s right by the ocean. We were able to watch the sunset, right from where our table was. I am as well gluten-free, and they did the most amazing gluten-free burger on lettuce bun and it was absolutely amazing. Definitely recommend, 20 out of 10 experience.

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

— Somewhat

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?

— Excellent

Had the shrimp tacos and a burger. The person taking my order didn’t understand when I asked about gluten free so I asked to speak to someone who knew the menu better.

The other person, a manager I believe, fully understood and indicated to the person taking the order to mark it as a severe allergy (it’s not of course but...) and she indicated substitutions (no fries get salad). The food was good and I trusted the preparation. No reaction. We had two children with celiac with us.

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?

— Excellent

Best shrimp tacos ever!! Have eaten here multiple times and never got sick!! Chips and fries are NOT GF, due to being fried in same fryer. So I always substitute the side of chips for a side salad and ask for no croutons!

On vacation and ate there two nights in a row! Staff very knowledgeable. Had fish tacos with side salad. Did not get sick. Ambiance is so fun! A must stop if you are a celiac in the area 😄

Went there last night, asked for gluten free options or a gluten free menu and was told they didn’t have anything gluten free. NOTHING. So we left the restaurant. I wasn’t about to risk it.

Celiac friendly?

No

Be very specific and ask questions when ordering! Wanted the nachos, but it turns out that the chips are cross contaminated in preparation, AND they use FLOUR as an anti caking agent in their cheese. If you check their online menu, certain things are marked as "gluten free", but the same menu specifies that they are cooked in the same oil as wheat breaded items, so... Just be careful.

I will say however, that the staff was very friendly and careful to warn me of potential unsafe foods when I asked, which is great.

As for the food, I ordered shrimp tacos w/coleslaw, (gluten free) My husband ordered the chili nachos (not gf!) and we both felt the food was only mediocre. Atmosphere would be really fun with kids, as there is ample outdoor seating with a huge sand box.

I always get the grilled fish tacos and sub chips for a side salad with no croutons. They have Stella Cidré if you want an adult drink that’s gf. I also saw that they offer lettuce wrap for burgers and sandwiches now. We tell them I am celiac and need clean gloves, and they note it! I feel safe eating here.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Be very careful here to clarify things. The web site implies that the French fries and nacho chips are cooked in separate oil and the cashier even told me they are but thankfully I double checked with someone else and they said everything is cooked in the same oil so not safe for celiac. I did enjoy an grilled fish taco and side salad though.

You can't beat this place... Right on the ocean, yet super casual. There's a sandbox in the middle for the kids. Great salads and the offer lettuce wrapped sandwiches. I love the shrimp tacos.

Excellent food!! Beautiful beach setting and very accommodating staff-answered all of our menu questions. Definitely coming back when we are in the area!!!

We have eaten the shrimp tacos and potato fries here on two trips to Santa Barbara. The only digestive issue is that there is a LOT of raw cabbage in the tacos. Sadly, the sweet potato fries are NOT cooked in the GF fryer.Study their (2012) online menu, which contains info about what is GF and what isn't: http://www.padarobeachgrill.com/menu.html

Celiac friendly?

Yes