Carlos O'Kelly's

5 ratings
$$ • Mexican Restaurant
Reported to have a gluten-free menu
Reported GF menu options: Tacos
Safety Rating
2 ratings

As rated by the community

1406 S Gilbert St
Iowa City, IA 52240

Most Recent Reviews


Overall Rating

Review


Combined gluten-free and vegetarian menu. Most items with corn tortillas can be made gluten-free. Some sauces are gluten-free. Tortilla chips are listed as gluten-free, but I didn't asked about a dedicated fryer.

Safety


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

— Somewhat

Quality & Quantity


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?

— Average

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for dinner
  • Good for kids
  • Good for lunch
  • Good for takeout
  • Good vegetarian options
Updated 11 months ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Good place for gf mexican food. Their margs aren't too bad either.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 8 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Staff was knowledgable and friendly. Got the enchiladas and they were great. Was also impressed with gluten-free chips and salsa!

Updated 9 years ago read full review

This establishment is NOT a dedicated gluten-free facility and may not be safe for those with celiac disease. Please contact the establishment directly to inquire about safety precautions.

Gluten-Free Features

  • Gluten-Free Menu
  • Tacos

Categories

  • Dinner
  • Kid Friendly
  • Lunch
  • Mexican
  • Restaurant
  • Takeout
  • Vegetarian Friendly

Photos


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More Reviews


Overall Rating

Review


This is the third Carlos O'Kelly's that we have been to, while traveling over the past two weeks. One of them, we went to twice. This particular one did not impress us....except in a negative way. The food did not taste the same and certainly wasn't as good. The chicken breast, that my husband got (and that he had gotten at another of their restaurants) seemed to be a processed chicken with that reconstituted taste and texture of a McDonald's chicken nugget (spongy texture, is a good way to describe it). After addressing our concerns to our pleasant server, regarding whether or not it was actually gluten free, the manager working that day, assured us that all O'Kelly's food was the same and obtained from the same source. My husband, who has Celiac disease, did not finish the chicken and after tasting it myself, I agreed with his assessment. The fajitas, that I ordered, also did not taste nearly as good as what I had eaten at their two other restaurants.... Nor did the salsa, chips or queso. We won't be back to this location....

Updated 10 years ago read full review

Asymptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


staff was knowledable. gluten free menu with lots of choices!!

Updated 12 years ago read full review

Reviews of this Chain

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Great service, separate GF menu. Server was aware- ordered the Cantina Chicken Salad. Salad was fresh, great greens mixture and tasty. Chios and salsa are GF

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?

— Not Much

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

— Excellent

Gluten Intolerant

Overall Rating

Review


Fantastic food with a gluten free menu! I got the 2 corn enchiladas with pork, fajita veggies and Mexican rice. They had plenty of gf dishes to pick from, I had a hard time picking what to eat 🥰 The staff was knowledgeable, friendly and courteous as well! I will happily eat there again!

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

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Came to this casual and nice sit-down restaurant with a group for dinner during our visit to see the Sandhill crane migration. Good basic Tex-Mex options with good GF availability. Our server was not that knowledgeable about celiac and GF but he immediately realized he was out of his depth and arranged for the expert to come help with our order. GF options are limited but well marked and delicious- we shared the enchiladas (we got one each of bean, chicken and beef - you can order one of each, you have to ask the server!) and the shrimp fajitas. We were initially told the chips are not GF so we avoided them, but the expert later told us they were GF, prepared in a dedicated fryer, so we had some at the end. Did not get sick at all, loved the food, happy to find a reliable GF place in Grand Island!

Safety


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

— Very

Quality & Quantity


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


Other Characteristics
  • Good for dairy-free
  • Good for dinner
  • Good for kids
  • Good for lunch
  • Good for takeout
  • Good selection of healthy options
  • Good vegetarian options
Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


My daughter who has celiac has eaten from the gluten free menu several times. So far, no problems.

Safety


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

— Not very

Quality & Quantity


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

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I am new to this Gluten free life style. They where very friendly. The menu did not have tons to choose from but a good selection. I ordered the Taco Salad with pulled chicken which was very good. I will definitely be going back.

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?

— Some

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

— Excellent

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