Pa’l Carajo Arepa Lounge

First time at this restaurant, so going with some trepidation. I was told that only 2 items on menu were NOT gluten free. However, I suspect there are 3 as the tres leches is not GF. There is a dedicated fryer. Also, not overly familiar with this type of food.

Food was EXCELLENT! The service was too. People were friendly and willing, and patiently, willing to answer questions. My husband and I got different arepas, cod and shredded beef. I thought the cod was better than the beef, which was good. We both had the shredded beef pabello; they, too were good.

This restaurant is on our list of regulars now!

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Dedicated gluten-free fryer

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

Ridiculously good food, and 90% of the menu is GF. Staff is wonderful, atmosphere is quaint but cultural and festive. And a lot of food for the money. This will be a regular spot for me.

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

I go here all the time and have never been sick (and I am a very very sensitive celiac)!

The food is delicious and the staff is so kind. Cannot recommend highly enough!

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

Absolutely amazing! Very safe! Wasn’t sick at all! We ordered beef and cheese empanadas, chicken empanadas, two different kinds of arepas! Way too much food but we wanted to try everything!

We were here on Friday morning and came back Sunday morning on our return home.

There are only 2 items on the entire menu that are not gluten free.

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

Went here twice on a visit to Norfolk, so delicious! Had no issues, and one night was part of a large group.

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

Lots of gf options. They were very kind and the food was delicious.

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

100% recommended. Hands down one of my favorites in VB!!! I’ve been there twice and can’t wait to go back. The food was beyond outstanding both times. The Venezuelan-style arepas are stupidly delicious. I’ve tried them both fried and grilled. I love both styles, but the grilled is superior. The fried empanadas are also fantastic. And everything fried (including fries and yuca) that’s gluten free is made in a designated fryer. My favorite meal to get is a grilled Arepa de Pernil (pork arepa) and an empanada de carne molida (ground beef empanada). It’s way too much food but completely worth feeling stuffed afterwards! It’s not for my taste, but others in my party are obsessed with the Arepa de Reina Pepiada (chicken avacado salad arepa). Do yourself a favor and try them out!

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• 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

Amazing food!! We came an hour before closing and they had no problem servicing us. We got the sampler of the empanadas and the yuca fries which were great. Definitely recommend checking it out!

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

Amazing food. Barely any gluten in the building. No wrong answers.

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

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 breakfast/brunch
• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers delivery
• Offers online ordering

Menu well marked! Knowable staff! The most amazing food! Don’t know what you want? Go in and ask! They will help! Likely my new favorite lunch spot!

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

As a Celiac this is a great find! The Arepas sample platter was amazing and French fries from a dedicated fryer! Yum! Only reaction I had was I was stuffed! Definitely will be a regular here!

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

Delicious! The employees were very helpful

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

— Somewhat

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 are from out of town and found this wonderful restaurant thanks to the App! The server was sweet and patiently answered ALL my questions explaining the menu and what I could eat. I have both celiac and a dairy intolerance. It was all SO delicious! I haven’t had fried food in forever and I ate until I was too full to eat anymore (when does that happen for people with Celiac?!) we had both samplers and an empanada! OMGOSH!

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• 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 dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for takeout

Very knowledgeable and helpful with my gluten free questions. Dedicated fryer, (the French fries were delicious) and clearly labeled menu. The meal was fantastic. We’ll be 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?

— Most/All

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

— Excellent

Lots of options. Designated fryer.

Get the Empanadas!

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

I love this place so much. It’s really hard to find fried foods that are gluten-free and I feel so comfortable eating here because almost everything on the menu is gluten-free. Honestly I’m not even sure if there is anything that contains gluten. I did ask at ordering just to be extra confident but they always assure me that it’s GF. I usually get the empanadas and yucca fries. Empanadas are so crispy and delicious. The dough almost has a sweetness to 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

Other Characteristics

• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers outdoor seating

Cannot say enough. In the middle of six week business loop. Mostly eat in my room. Saw reviews and they did not disappoint. Appear to be a younger couple running the place. Called first and explained celiac. He was aware and knowledgeable. Arrived and was unfamiliar with the cuisine. Basically let them order for me. Great taste. No surprises next day. Wholeheartedly recommend!

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

Absolutely delicious and knowledgeable about gluten free menu options. No cross contamination issues for our sensitive family members.

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

Other Characteristics

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

Food is delicious. If you have celiac. ONLY EAT AREPAS. the owner told me now they share the fryers when they get busy and it was so disappointing. Super nice people and great food just be careful.

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

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

— Excellent

I have multiple food allergies and celiacs and they were able to accomodate me and I didnt get sick. The entire menu is gluten free except 1 or 2 items. That is why they dont have a gluten free menu. Just ask and they will let you know. Everything was delicious. I especially love the yuca fries and the flan (also gluten free!)

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

Holy moly! This place is amazing! Everyone was friendly and the food is jaw dropping good! Everything was perfect. If I could eat this everyday I would. The staff was super helpful in explaining everything and most everything is gluten free. They serve heaven for your tastebuds. If I could give more than 5 stars I would rate this place 100

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

Absolutely delicious food! Felt very safe because 95% of menu is gf. Try the rice pudding drink for dessert... yum!

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

Very friendly and knowledgable about GF! Separate fryer and VERY tasty!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

They are very conscious of gluten allergies. Fryer is safe.

Edited for COVID update: I’ve eaten here for months, very very safe for Celiacs! Love this restaurant! The staff is wonderful, food is authentic, servings are generous! Their whole menu is almost 100% gluten free. They have carry out and delivery during COVID. Staff is get knowledgeable.

This place is fantastic. I can finally eat empanadas and tostones again. Recommend to anyone celiac. Almost their entire menu is safe!!

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 lady at the front was very helpful and knowledgeable.

The food was authentic and amazing! They were aware of my celiac and took precautions and made sure I only ordered GF food.

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

Delicious gluten free arepas (corn flour sandwiches) with great marinated meat. Truly good. Currently only open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday though.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

We love this place! Staff is super knowledgeable, and I’ve never gotten sick. AND it’s delicious!

Wow! Food was amazing! Staff was friendly and helpful. Wish this was close to home, but so glad to find it in our travels. Awesome experience

Celiac friendly?

Yes

So glad we found this place! The food is AMAZING and the staff is so friendly. The menu mentions flour empanadas but when I asked about it the guy behind the counter said the menu was old and they no longer use flour for anything - only corn. He explained that the entire restaurant is GF!! We will definitely be back multiple times. :)

Celiac friendly?

Yes

The food was exceptional. The majority of the food is gluten free. The owner says he does not buy or have any flour in his kitchen. I ate a variety of foods including fried and am not sick. The food is incredibly fresh. All is freshly made. Homemade empanadas and arepas all made with corn.

Celiac friendly?

Yes