Sparks BBQ

I had this for both lunch and dinner and while it was incredibly tasty by the end of the night I was bloated and gassy and felt like I was going to throw up. I felt a bit weird after lunch but nothing serious and when I ate it again for dinner I knew that I had been for sure been glutened.

I had what I thought would be the least riskiest but I guess I was wrong. I ordered the pork platter with baked beans and coleslaw. I read the ingredients in their allergen book and there’s no gluten so there must just be a large amount of cross contamination.

I will add that I’m more sensitive then others I’ve met with celiacs. Those who don’t have celiacs can probably eat here with no problem

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

— Not very

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 ordered based on the reviews here and got the Sparks Nachos (told the server to specify gluten free). No issues at all.

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?

— Excellent

I’m very sensitive to gluten and have eaten here several times without issue. Everything is gluten free except for the obvious things, like the corn bread, buns, etc. There are lots of options, the bbq sauces were GF, and all the staff I’ve encountered have been super knowledgeable about their menu and accommodations. I’m a little confused by some of the negative reviews on here…they’re not a dedicated GF facility and as someone who has eaten out regularly for years, this is still consistently one of the easiest experiences I have.

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?

— 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

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for keto
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Paleo friendly

My dad has celiac. Took him here because generally BBQ is something that is easy to do GF and they had good reviews. The waiter told us everything other than the bread was GF. He told them about the allergy. He had a massive reaction instantly. Good food but should never be listed at GF or celiac friendly!!

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?

— Good

Our waitress was knowledgeable of what is gluten free and what isn’t. My husband (celiac) ate just fine here with zero reactions. Food was good!

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

We stop here often when visiting TC. The BBQ is delicious. Coleslaw, potato salad and baked beans are available as sides.

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?

— Excellent

My daughter and I are both celiac. We are dinner here. The meats were all gluten free. The wait staff had a folder with marked items. Not very knowledgable. The bbq pulled pork and ribs were delicious. There were only a few sides, neither of us ate those. It was good but not as easy as it could be. More limited options then I could wish for.

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free 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 lunch

GLUTEN-FREE YUMMINESS IN DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY...I will most definitely eat here again. Our server was patient and helpful with our party of 10, and she was knowledgable about gluten intolerances. Good news...basically everything on their menu is gluten free...all their meats and sauces and so many other things. And the flavors were so, so yummy!! Great food, great gluten-free options, and great service!

Had a wonderful experience this evening; I ordered the Southwest brisket salad without tortillas or ranch dressing and it was the best salad I’ve eaten in a long time (and I eat a LOT of salads.) The sweet and spicy corn and brisket combo was fantastic. The server worked with the manager to ensure I was safe with what I ordered as I’m Celiac and Severe Lactose Intolerant.

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

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?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good with other allergies

Spark’s is fantastic! Staff was very knowledgeable and understanding of allergies and restrictions. Definitely eating here again!

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
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

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

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good with other allergies

They’re careful about cross-contamination and making sure what you have is gluten-free

They literally have the best pool pork I have ever had in my life. Their coleslaw and baked beans were so delicious. Although the mac & cheese is not gluten-free my family who had it said it was one of the best they’ve ever had.

The regular mac & cheese was literally the best in the state of Michigan

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

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

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good with other allergies

They didn't have GF mac and cheese or GF bread or buns. Their tacos are not GF.

Good BBQ. All meats and sauces are GF as well as beans and slaw. 2 celiacs are here with zero negative reaction!!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

This place was amazing! Even though it didn’t advertise as GF almost the whole menu is gluten free. Our server was very aware of gluten. It was delicious.

Celiac friendly?

Yes