Smack Dab

Whenever I am here, I am clear about my very sensitive Celiac Disease and they do have precautions that they use. I have eaten here several times and not gotten sick. (I do order carefully ) They also do a lot of social justice work and treat their employees well. It’s the kind of place that people of good conscience want to patronize. And I think the food is pretty good! They have vegetarian and vegan options and many items are available gluten-free that are not actually marked as such on the menu and so you do need to ask.

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
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

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

• Dog friendly
• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dairy-free
• Good for keto
• Good for kids
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good vegetarian options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

Amazing. Haven’t had gluten-free bread like this in years. The focaccia was light and fluffy. The Hash bowl was season to perfection. Staff was knowledgeable and friendly. Definitely recommend 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

They have items marked as gluten free and the person taking order asked if it was celiac so they are well informed. Brunch was delicious and I got the double chocolate pepita bread to go and it was amazing! Next time I will grab a couple!

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

Loved all the GF and vegan options! Marked as allergy when delivered.

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

Offers gluten free bread for breakfast sandwiches and some gluten free baked goods. Dairy free/vegan options too! The chocolate pepita bread is the best. The gf focaccia crumbles but tastes good

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

— Somewhat

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 food! We got 2 of the the best seller on gf corn bread, a latte, and a chai all great. Easy to order gf and spot to note celiac in the comments.

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?

— Not Much

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

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

Based on the other reviews, maybe I got the B team. Shoulda known when they dropped my potatoes and I double checked that they were safe for a gluten allergy and the manager was like "oh yeah they're even fried in vegan butter!"

One potato wedge in my partner noticed the telltale face flushing and my brain fog set in a minute later.

We approached the front desk to ask about whether they were cooked on a shared flat top or fryer. Manager assured us they got a separate, clean pan. Then we overheard the kitchen staff tell him they fry them in a fryer and then pan fry afterward. Manager never came back to our table to apologize or make things right. I feel lucky my partner noticed the signs so quickly, as if I had kept eating, I woulda been very sick. I also didn't get any allergy stickers on my plates as past reviews mentioned.

The gluten free corn bread was really good, but yeah, maybe trust your gut on whether the staff that day actually know what they're doing.

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

— Not 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?

— Good

Got an amazing egg sandwich on gf cornbread! It came out labeled with "gluten free" stickers. Definitely going back!

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

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dairy-free
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers delivery
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

Smack Dab is by far one of my FAVORITE gluten free establishments in Chicago. The food is extremely delicious and well made. I have never had a negative experience or reaction. The staff is very well-versed in food allergies and intolerances. If you have a gluten allergy, they will mark your food accordingly with a “gluten free” and “allergy” sticker and necessary precautions are taken to avoid cross-contamination. They also take in consideration nut, dairy, egg , shellfish, etc. allergies. I highly recommend the gluten free & vegan chocolate pepita bread, cheesy cornbread, and bacon jam!

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• 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

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 breakfast/brunch
• Good for dairy-free
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers delivery
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

I’m not super sensitive, but they have cornbread egg sandwiches that are GF for no extra cost and I’ve never had a reaction

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

WAS INVITED TO A PIZZA PARTY IN ROGERS PARK ON FRIDAY NIGHT. THE HOSTS ORDERED A GLUTEN-FREE PIZZA FOR ME, AS I HAVE CELIAC DISEASE. WITHIN 45 MINUTES OF EATING THE PIZZA DIRECTLY OUT OF THE BOX (AND NOTHING ELSE THE HOSTS WERE SERVING), I KNEW I HAD BEEN "GLUTENED!" IT WAS ONE OF THE MOST SEVERE REACTIONS I HAVE EVER HAD. THEY DO NOT KNOW HOW TO HANDLE GLUTEN-FREE FOODS PROPERLY. DO NOT COUNT ON IT.

Celiac friendly?

No

Yum! Great coffee and doughnuts (not GF).

amazing food and they're always so friendly!