Santiago's Cuban Cuisine

their fryer is NOT gluten free no matter what they tell you. anything that is fried on the menu is NOT GLUTEN FREE (chicharrones, tri charitas, maduros, tostones). the gluten-containing empanadas and croquetas are fried in the same fryer, but there’s been no in-house allergy training for the remaining employees.

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?

— Not Much/None

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

— Poor

I went to Santiago’s last night and was super excited because of the two reviews that were on here already, especially about the gluten free fryer. Well, the fryer is NOT always gluten free. My waitress was super attentive and went and checked with them and said the fryer was contaminated, either from an event earlier that day or bc of an item that was marked on the menu as GF. I was really confused as to how an item marked GF could contaminate the fryer, and never got a straight answer. Maybe it is one of those things where it’s “GF enough” for most people but has contamination somewhere up the line? But I avoided everything fried and had a great meal. Just a little disappointed because I really wanted the fried plantains. I had the ceviche (with no plantains) and my husband and I split the pork and the shredded beef dishes. Our waitress was super helpful and knowledgeable; however my ceviche came out with the plantains on the side and i had to ask again if the plantains were safe and she said that wasn’t how it was supposed to come out of the kitchen. We got another one on the house. I would go back but will be super careful and double and triple check everything.

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?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good vegetarian options

We had a wonderful experience here for my partner's birthday dinner. I can't wait to go back and try more off the menu. They have a gluten-free fryer and there are only a few items on the menu that AREN'T gluten free. I was overwhelmed with what to choose! I went with the roasted pork with tostones and maduros and it was excellent. We ended the meal with flan that was perfect. The atmosphere, service, and menu options made for a wonderful overall experience.

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 takeout
• Offers online ordering