The Speckled Trout Restaurant and Bottle Shop

I'm late writing my review. We visited in October. Great restaurant. I informed the server I had celiac and asked what was safe for celiacs. He knew to tell me about things that are technically gluten free on their menu but that are prepared in a shared fryer so celiacs can't have things like the French fries. My family loved them though. I had the crusted trout, sweet potatoes, and greens. My youngest had their chili which is GF, and she loved that. I appreciated that the server would check with the kitchen if there was any question about how much cross contamination the food might have. I'm not a fish person, but I really look forward to going back.

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

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 dinner
• Good for lunch

Amazing experience as someone who had celiac’s disease, dairy free and a shellfish allergy. Our server Alex was very knowledgeable and wasn’t afraid to ask the chef questions for me.

The food was delicious and that atmosphere was great. Highly recommend!

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

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 lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good with other allergies
• Offers outdoor seating
• Reservations recommended

Excellent awareness of celiac/gluten

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

Seemed great for celiac. Server taking the order said specifically that they change gloves and are really careful with allergies. When a different server brought out the food, he said that they left off the little garnish to avoid cross contact. They seemed very knowledgeable, and the menu is all labeled for 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
• 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?

— Some

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

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for lunch
• Offers outdoor seating

A great menu with plenty of GF options, as well as GF buns to make burgers safe too. No dedicated GF frier, but waitress was quick to mention that and direct us to other options. My son got the Waygu burger with the GF bun and said it was the best burger he had ever had. We also had shared the Hikers Platter as an appetizer that was “GF Optional” on the menu — It was awesome too and came with a few varieties of GF crackers.

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?

— 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

Ate there today with my hubby- It was delicious and they are very gluten aware so definitely safe. They have gf buns for the burgers, etc (which I dont think they say on the menu, but the server confirmed it) I opted for almond flour crusted trout with goat cheese beets and a creamy jalapeño corn- oh man, it was wonderful!

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

This was one of the most delicious meals I’ve ever eaten. The trout is phenomenal. There are many, many gluten-free options on the menu and clearly labeled.

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

Great food, the server is very knowledgeable of safe GF items on the menu. Loved the GF roll/bun for sandwiches. Not too thick, moist, not crumbly. The fryer is not dedicated, so fries are not safe, nachos are not safe. The GF cheesecake dessert was delicious!

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 food! Long wait but excellent meal! The trout was delicious, the Gouda grits were bomb, and the Gf cheesecake was unreal! Definitely would recommend!

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?

— 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

Our server, Grace, was fabulous. I identified myself as having celiac and she THANKED me for letting her know, as well as double checking items with the chef if needed. She understands the seriousness of it, as she has a close family member with celiac. That knowledge right there and her manner told me that we'd made a good decision. My SO and I shared the almond and cornmeal trout with two sides. We loved the trout but were less impressed with the mushrooms and tomatoes side. I found the gouda grits to be too grainy for my liking on their own, but eaten with the trout, I liked them well enough. Portions are smaller, like in higher end fine dining, so be prepared for that. They also have a gluten free cheesecake which is to die for. Hands down the best cheesecake I've had in a LONG time. I had a glass of their sweet tea (housebled variety) that left me wanting the blend packaged up to take home and make myself. He ordered a hard ginger beer called Ginger's Revenge, which was also GF, that I liked quite a bit. This would definitely be my go to restaurant if we were locals!

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

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 dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good selection of healthy options
• Offers outdoor seating

Great atmosphere and plenty of gluten-free options! The trout is awesome and the trout sandwich can be served on a gluten-free bun that doesn’t fall apart. Loved everything about 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?

— Most/All

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

— Excellent

The almond crusted trout was fantastic. Highly recommend.

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

A must go to. For someone who doesnt order beef burgers, their burger on Gf bun was Amazing!!! Throw in a side of gouda grits( labeled GF) since fries are not GF and that's a winning combo. Several fish choices can be GF, knowledgeable staff and great location to all downtown shops in quant Blowing Rock,, NC. Caution they are closiing 3-5p daily to support kitchen turn-over- place very busy for our Linner at 2pm on a Sunday.

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 kids
• Good for lunch
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers outdoor seating

So many options, everything is incredibly fresh and delicious. This is one of my favorite restaurants in NC.

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

We gave Speckled Trout a try because it had such great reviews, and it did not disappoint! Taylor, at the bar, knew everything about celiac. Another worker is a nursing student, so she was extremely knowledgeable. Taylor ran a knife, cutting board and glasses through the dishwasher just for me, and then set up my own margarita “kit” with a lime, knife, cutting board glasses, etc. She made absolutely certain there was no cross-contamination and it was a delicious margarita, welllll, 2 margaritas! I ordered the (backpackers platter) I think it’s called as an app and it came with gf crackers, then I had the s/p trout with Gouda grits. It was all delicious. Super friendly staff. So smart too. AND this was a busy Friday night— which usually really concerns me. But this restaurant has it down! I’ll definitely be 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?

— Most/All

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

— Excellent

I’ve eaten there twice. Both times I got the salt and pepper trout which was excellent. The first time I had the Hoppin John for the side, the second time I had smoked Gouda grits, both were great. They are quite a few designated gluten-free options. I will say this, the crispy brussel sprouts are noted as gluten-free on the menu but the waitress knew that they weren’t fried in a separate dedicated fryer so I took a pass. Always, always good to ask those questions! I took off a star on the rating because of the issue with the Brussels sprouts

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 kids
• Good for lunch
• Good selection of healthy options
• Offers outdoor seating

The server was knowledgeable about Celiac and marked our order for the kitchen staff. The manager checked in with us to let us know what precautions were being taken. Sandwiches and burgers have gluten free bun options; they are also visually different to prevent mistaking which is which. Fries are not gluten safe, but there are other side options. My daughter and husband had the grits and scrapped the bowls clean.

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

One of my favorite restaurants!!! Son has celiac! Enjoyed his meal and will visit again!

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

— 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

Other Characteristics

• Good for kids
• Offers outdoor seating

We had not even checked ahead but were very impressed. The server was very familiar with GF and asked us if it was celiac before recommending anything. Love when they say celiac before you do! Fries were safe and excellent. So was fish and many sides. Great choice for the area!

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?

— Some

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

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for kids
• Good selection of healthy options
• Offers outdoor seating

This restaurant has recently been renovated and come under new management. Food is sourced locally. Our server, Alex, was very knowledgeable and helpful. He consulted with the chef about the gluten free options and assured me that kitchen staff would change their gloves, etc. Don't have a dedicated gluten free menu, but staff was happy to work with me to make modifications. I had the coffee rubbed steak wth brussel sprouts & roasted sweet potatoes. Food was delicious and I did not get sick. Had a cider on draft and gluten free beer available. Great service, great food, and a local favorite!

Celiac friendly?

Yes