Summer House Santa Monica

This used to be my go-to restaurant in ORD. I stopped there today and was told there are no gluten free options on the menu. Other recent reviews state that they do have a couple of options. Either way, the staff do not appear to be educated on gluten-free/ celiac.

I ate here while at Chicago O’Hare airport. The airport restaurant has a very limited menu with just two items completely gluten free: the tacos (choice of fish or chicken) and the chips and salsa. The tacos were expensive, but thankfully, they filled me up and I did not have a reaction. These tacos are not your ordinary tacos though.

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?

— Not Much/None

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 lunch
• Good for takeout

Tried to order the original egg sandwich on a corn tortilla and the server got very confused and told me that they couldn’t do that. Ordered a fish taco instead. Tasted great but not pleased with the service. Would still recommend as it seems they have many gluten free items on their 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

Server was great and very knowledgeable. I got a hamburger with no bun. Prior comments say the fries are not gf but my server said the fries are 100% gluten free. Would recommend!

**Update: I ate a few fries because I triple checked with the server about the fries and he walked me through how it was gf. I felt sick this morning and would not recommend eating the fries.

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

When I asked about gluten free items, I was told the only thing they had that was gluten free was tacos.

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

They can make the original egg sandwich on corn tortilla rather than wheat bun. Just ask for it.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the 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

Just placed our order on September 2, 2023. I’m ordering the grilled chicken tacos after speaking with the server. He seemed very knowledgeable and walked me through the menu. - Salads are pre-made so they come as listed - They use a shared frier, so I stayed away from fries - The burgers and sandwiches can be made without bread/buns (no gf bread) - tacos are a safe bet on corn tortillas

Stopped mid review because our food arrived! Tacos were great for airport food and pretty solid in non airport food. Husband also enjoyed his gluten filled chicken sandwich and fries. Would recommend!

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

Stopped here 05/10/23 for a quick bite in between flights- usually super anxious about eating at airports as safe food options are limited. My server was extremely knowledgeable and even suggested things on the menu for me. I had the burger no bun with a side salad.

Nothing listed as gluten free on the menu but there are options!

Friendly service & delicious food!

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?

— Some

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

— Excellent

Stopped here between flights on 5/8/23 with cautious/low expectations because of the previous mixed reviews. The February 2023 review is correct. They do NOT have GF marked on menu and they do not have GF bread/buns, but they do have salads and tacos (corn tortillas) that are GF if you speak with a server who is knowledgeable. Fries and chips are not GF due to cross contamination in the fryer. I got the tacos, they were ok/good for airport food, the guacamole was the best part.

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

There are NO gluten free bread/buns available as of 2/28/23. Server was knowledgeable and helpful. I ordered a salad but they also have corn tortillas that are gf.

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?

— Some

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

— Excellent

July 14, 2021 - I was just here. The manager said nothing is safe, everything has gluten. No gluten free options or menu. I’m not sure why this was so highly rated. I literally walked a mile from my gate to eat here due to the glowing reviews only to find they literally have nothing that is safe for gluten sensitivities or celiac. Maybe pre-Covid they had a better menu, but not now.

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

— Not at all

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

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

Ate here twice and was safe. I ordered off of the menu, not the brunch menu. Server knowledgeable and items on menu marked gf. In addition, server said that most of items on menu can be made gf. I explained that I am gluten free, have celiac disease, and am very sensitive to gluten. Server then said that having celiac further restricts items I can order from. I went on a weekend afternoon and they were very busy. I did not want to make any other special requests b/c busy, so I ordered items that were marked gf from menu. It is pricy , but really, my main concern is not getting sick. My suggestion is to tell your server that you have “celiac disease”, b/c they seem to take extra care if you use that term.

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

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• 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?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for lunch
• Offers outdoor seating

Tacos are good, knowledgeable staff, friendly.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

They forgot my order and I waited 40 minutes. Then they put toast on top. I was able to get a new order and it was fine.

Let them know you are gluten free and they will make you one of the Omelettes with no toast. I had the spinach and kale - just make sure to tell them because they put it all on one plate.