Bar Nico

39 ratings
$$ • Mexican Restaurant
dedicated gluten-free badge Reported to be dedicated gluten-free
Reported GF menu options: Tacos
428 E Locust St
Des Moines, IA 50309
Collections
In 6 Public Collections

Most Recent Reviews


Overall Rating

Review


Food was good and safe

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Updated 1 week ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Had a wonderful dinner! So many great options. Really like the piquillo stuffed pepper appetizer.

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Updated 2 weeks ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Love this place!

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Updated 2 weeks ago read full review

Reported to be dedicated gluten-free and celiac friendly. However, since menus and staff can change, please verify before visiting!

Gluten-Free Features

  • Tacos

Categories

  • Allergy Friendly
  • Brunch
  • Dinner
  • Healthy
  • Kid Friendly
  • Late Night
  • Lunch
  • Mexican
  • Online Ordering
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Restaurant
  • Takeout
  • Vegetarian Friendly

From the owner


At Bar Nico, our Mexican-inspired cuisine is focused around the medium of corn and masa i.e nixtamalized corn dough. In our efforts to be creative within the spectrum we found we could make a kitchen menu that is entirely gluten free with zero wheat/ wheat adjacent grains within our inventory. We also strive to locate and source products that are certified gluten free. Our drink menu does contain wheat beers as a component of its roster, however we do have gluten free alternatives and plenty of cocktails and libations that are celiac friendly.

Photos


Gluten-Free at Bar Nico
Gluten-Free at Bar Nico
Papas bravas
Dulce de leche basque cheesecake
Shrimp tacos
Gluten-Free at Bar Nico
Duck Carnitas
Menu 3/15/2023
Add a photo View all photos

More Reviews


Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I had been looking forward to visiting this 100% GF restaurant for 3 years. After reading the reviews there were several dishes that I was planning to order; however, I was disappointed to find that some of those items were no longer on the menu. One of the items was cheesecake which they did not have. I was planning to order steak fajitas but they were $35 and I thought that was outrageously expensive so I ordered the Chicken Tinga Tostadas instead. It was very good but something in them was awful spicy and my mouth was on fire after eating them. They serve warm water with no ice so that didn’t help extinguish the fire in my mouth. I did order the cinnamon churros for dessert which were good. To visit a restaurant that is 100% GF is a treat!

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Updated 1 month ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Great service and gluten free so didn’t have to worry. Food was great.

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Updated 2 months ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


GF except the beer. Totally safe and many delicious options. Best GF place weve found in Iowa!

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Updated 2 months ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


AMAZING! Completely GF kitchen. Delicious food!

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Updated 2 months ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Entirely gluten free food menu, and absolutely delicious. Really the only place like it in Des Moines.

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Updated 3 months ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Dedicated gf kitchen and the food was so good. We got the Campechano tacos, chips and salsa and the gulf-style rice.

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Updated 4 months ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Fantastic experience. I love this place. They are a dedicated gluten free restaurant, the only one in the area. All the food was fantastic. This is the place to go for GF Mexican food.

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Updated 4 months ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


This is one of my favorite restaurants in Des Moines. Everything I have ordered has been delicious. I love that I don’t have to worry about anything Celiac related when eating here - it makes it feel like a “normal” (prior to my diagnosis) dining experience. I make a point of stopping here whenever I’m in the East Village.

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for breakfast/brunch
  • Good for dinner
  • Good for takeout
  • Good selection of healthy options
  • Offers online ordering
  • Reservations recommended
Updated 5 months ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


If you’re ever in the Des Moines, IA area, you must stop in to Bar Nico. AMAZING food (and all gluten free)Sous Chef Matt is very creative and achieves outstanding flavors.

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for breakfast/brunch
  • Good for dinner
  • Good for lunch
  • Good selection of healthy options
  • Good vegetarian options
  • Offers outdoor seating
  • Reservations recommended
Updated 5 months ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Was so happy to Find this gem on our way through Des Moines. Food was excellent, margaritas were good too. DGF so no worries!

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Updated 6 months ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Amazing food and the margarita was the best I have had. Even my family member lives there dishes. Food was very fresh. So awesome dedicated gluten free. Didn't have to worry about cross contamination.

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Updated 6 months ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Casual atmosphere. Serious food. An all gluten free menu! We both enjoyed the variety and taste. And no problems.

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Updated 6 months ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Food is AMAZING and safe. Loved loved loved.

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Updated 7 months ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I had papas bravas, pork belly carnitas tacos, and the coconut rice pudding which were all amazing. I ordered over the phone and the person taking my order was super knowledgeable regarding dairy free options and modifications. I would highly recommend the coconut rice pudding if you need a dairy free dessert.

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for dairy-free
  • Good for takeout
Updated 8 months ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


The only dedicated gluten free restaurant I’m aware of in Des Moines. Been here about 5 times and the food is amazing and I have never gotten sick and I rarely eat out because I’m very sensitive. Love the tacos, carne asada, shrimp, and cauliflower. Love the guacamole, salsas, everything! The best part is my husband and I can share dishes like before my diagnosis. Not only is this place great for someone with celiacs their food is what you would get at a Michelin star restaurant!

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Updated 8 months ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


My kids have Celiac Disease, and while they didn’t have a kids menu, they listened carefully to what my boys wanted, and then made it at a reduced price. The food was amazing, and I couldn’t have been happier in a place knowing there was no gluten anywhere!

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for kids
Updated 8 months ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Happened upon Happy Hour - smaller menu but excellent choices still available and a great way to sample more of the menu. My sister and I split chips and salsa - 4 salsas were included and a favorite was the eggplant-chile one. We also tried the papas bravas and a few tacos. The shrimp and sweet potato ones were delicious.

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for dinner
  • Good vegetarian options
Updated 8 months ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Excellent (and celiac safe) on all levels!! I wish I had a spot like this where I live. Sooo good!

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Updated 8 months ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Celiac safe!!!! I was so excited when I learned this! I was diagnosed a few months ago and I haven’t been able to eat out since. I finally had a girls night and it was incredible! No anxiety around eating (iykyk) and everything was sooo delicious. Will definitely be going back!

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Updated 9 months ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


We came in at 4:30 and were able to enjoy happy hour prices on some things. Very unique and tasty. Best part…everything is gf!

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Good

Updated 9 months ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Fantastic experience. Fully GF kitchen. Amazing food and our server was so friendly.

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Updated 10 months ago read full review

Gluten Intolerant

Overall Rating

Review


SO nice being able to eat out and get anything on the menu - even dessert! Delicious food and great service!

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Updated 10 months ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Wow! This place is amazing. My wife and I stopped by for lunch. We started with homemade chips and salsa. Then we split two carne asada tacos. My wife said it was the best taco she’s ever had, and we live in Texas. We finished by splitting the cheesecake dessert . . . amazing!! Highly recommend this place for fellow celiacs as well as anyone else.

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Updated 11 months ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Went for lunch on a Friday. The food was wonderful. Almost everything is gluten free.

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Updated 11 months ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Incredible food and service. 100% GF menu

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Updated 11 months ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Absolutely safe and delicious. Do yourself a favor and try this place!

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Lunch on Saturday afternoon. Absolutely amazing, food was great and so relaxing the the entire establishment is GF! Des Moines is really fortunate to have this great restaurant and bar. The cocktails are not to be misssed as well!

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


All GF menu and not a bakery! ;-) Tried the chips and salsa(HUGE warm chips, not salty enough) with a flight of dips including an eggplant dip - nice! Tried flautas and pork belly carnitas and dulche le leche dessert. All great! A little pricey but I’d go back again.

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Good

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for dinner
  • Good for kids
  • Good for lunch
  • Good for takeout
  • Good selection of healthy options
  • Good vegetarian options
  • Good with other allergies
  • Offers online ordering
  • Offers outdoor seating
Updated 1 year ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Fantastic. Had the guacamole, pork belly tacos, and duck carnitas. Would definelty order all three again.

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Great Shrimp and Pork Tacos for take out!

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for takeout
Updated 1 year ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Cool place. Food was great and restaurant is 100% gluten free

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Good

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Totally gluten free and good options. Enjoyed the tacos!

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Good

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Reservations recommended
Updated 1 year ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Absolutely no gluten is used in the kitchen! I had the steak tacos and they were amazing, I will definitely be back!

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


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

— Excellent

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Amazing! Seasonal menu and EVERYTHING on the winter '22 menu is gluten free.

Safety


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

— Very

Quality & Quantity


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

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Gluten Intolerant

Overall Rating

Review


The entire menu is gluten-free! We had the shrimp tacos which are made in house daily with heirloom blue corn, delicious! Also had the empanadas with carnitas, equally delicious! For dessert we had their dulce de leche cheesecake and it was amazing! Great new restaurant! Highly recommended!

Safety


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

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free 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

Updated 1 year ago read full review

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