Cool Cat Cafe

15 recent ratings
$$ • Restaurant
Reported to have a gluten-free menu
Reported GF menu options: Bread/Buns, Burgers, Fries
Safety Rating
13 ratings

As rated by the community

198 Pomeroy Ave
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Collections
In 3 Public Collections

Most Recent Reviews


Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


This is a cute little 50s diner. I spoke with the waitress about gluten-free options. She told me what I can eat and that they have a dedicated fryer and that the fries were absolutely safe. I had two fish tacos and a side of fries. It was delicious. I am extremely symptomatic and I had no problem eating here!

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 month ago read full review

Hashimoto's

Overall Rating

Review


This is a 50s themed restaurant that’s located right on the main street about two blocks from the ocean. There are multiple gluten-free items noted on the menu, and the waitress was well informed, including letting us know that the fries were for sure gluten-free. Great burgers!!

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?

— Most/All

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

— Excellent

Updated 3 months ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I went to Cool Cat Cafe in Pismo Beach, CA and had a great experience! Apparently, the owner’s wife has Celiac Disease. The manager stated that they don’t have a gluten-free kitchen so they cannot make guarantees but they take precautions. She said new staff are trained about gluten, there’s a dedicated fryer for french fries, and the cooks use parchment paper when preparing food and change their gloves. The staff were great. There’s also a location in San Luis Obispo.

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?

— Most/All

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

— Excellent

Updated 6 months 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

  • Reported to have a dedicated fryer
  • Bread/Buns
  • Burgers
  • Fries
  • Gluten-Free Menu

Categories

  • Allergy Friendly
  • Dairy-Free Friendly
  • Dinner
  • Healthy
  • Kid Friendly
  • Lunch
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Restaurant
  • Takeout
  • Vegan Friendly

Photos


Fish tacos
Gluten-Free at Cool Cat Cafe
Add a photo View all photos

More Reviews


Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


We have eaten here several times in the past year. I got the Hula chicken sandwich and fries. You can get any burger or sandwich on a gluten-free bun. I have never gotten sick and I am a sensitive Celiac. I think Cool Cat Cafe has the best gluten-free food around the area.

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?

— Some

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

— Excellent

Updated 7 months ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


I was going to eat here because of all the good reviews but ended up not feeling comfortable. We were ordering in person at the window outside and I was told “the fries are cooked separately in a gluten free fryer and we can offer a gluten free bun but that’s the extent of it.” She seemed a bit rude about it. They did NOT seem knowledgeable about celiac or gluten allergy and I wasn’t comfortable eating here. My husband ate here though and food is decent.

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?

— Not Much/None

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

— Good

Updated 8 months ago read full review

Gluten Sensitive

Overall Rating

Review


One of the best gf restaurant there is with plenty of options. Love the fish tacos, and fries are separately fried. I also love the virgin lava flow drink which was made dairy free for us. Enjoy!

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?

— Most/All

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

— Excellent

Updated 9 months ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


No GF menu!

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

Updated 9 months ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Wow! I found my new Pismo Beach Favorite! This place went above and beyond to ensure my safety. I explained how I have a gluten allergy and Celiac Disease and I also have a gluten detector to let me know if there is gluten in my food. They have a separate fryer for their fries. Hands down the BEST Sweet Potato Fries ever! They tested gluten free, and they were sweet, soft, and crunchy. So yummy! I also ordered the TBA sandwich with GF bread. Turkey, Bacon, Avocado. It also tested gluten free! The manager came out and was very interested in my gluten detector. The waiter was awesome and knew how serious my gluten issues were. It was so fun to see all of the reactions from the workers when the gluten free signal was given!!!! They were all cheering! Even the cooks came out to see. Way to go Cool Cats! We will most definitely be back!

Safety


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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Dedicated gluten-free fryer
  • 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

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?

— Most/All

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

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for dinner
  • Good for kids
  • Good for lunch
  • Good for takeout
  • Good with other allergies
Updated 10 months ago read full review

Gluten Intolerant

Overall Rating

Review


Gluten free bun and fries were amazing. Waitress saw the burger did not come with a stick (like normal) and she immediately went to go check without me asking. Would definitely eat again and recommend.

Safety


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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
  • Dedicated gluten-free fryer
  • 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

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?

— Most/All

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 dinner
  • Good for kids
  • Good for lunch
  • Good for takeout
  • Good vegan options
  • Good with other allergies
  • Offers outdoor seating
Updated 1 year ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Like other reviews have said, staff is well trained and knowledgeable, and there’s a dedicated frier. Also, GF buns used for burgers and sandwiches are amazing, seriously one of the best GF buns I’ve had! And the fries are some of the best I’ve had as well. Highly recommend!

Safety


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

— Somewhat

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?

— 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

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Great service and knowledgeable staff. Gf bun with burger and dedicated fryer for fries. V good food and local gf cider. Gf food came with a gf flag in to show it was ok.

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

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Not dedicated gluten free but staff is well trained and knowledgeable. Separate frier for fries (so good). I had the fish tacos. Delicious. Will go again.

Safety


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

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Dedicated gluten-free fryer
  • Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
  • Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

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?

— 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

Overall Rating

Review


Amazing meal with friendly and knowledgeable server! The burgers and GF buns were very tasty. The veggie burger was great too! They don’t have fries listed as GF on their menu but our server was very knowledgeable about celiac and super helpful with safe options. They do have a designated fryer so our kids enjoyed their fries and nobody got sick. The sweet potato fries were outstanding! Our daughter also lovvvvved her custom milkshake. Highly recommend for great burgers, celiac safe options, and a relaxed friendly beach vibe. We ate in Pismo Beach but the MaiTai’s were as good as in Maui.

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?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for dinner
  • Good for kids
  • Good for lunch
  • Good for takeout
  • Offers outdoor seating
Updated 1 year ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Ate here and had an amazing experience. Our waitress could not have been more helpful. We have multiple different allergies and she went back and forth bringing lists of ingredients and packaging for us. Super accommodating of all allergies!

Food was amazing, the kids actually ate their whole meals. Hula chicken was the bomb!

Safety


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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Dedicated gluten-free fryer
  • 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

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?

— Most/All

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

Overall Rating

Review


Great gluten free hamburgers!! Plus gluten free fries!! Great place!

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?

— Excellent

Updated 2 years ago read full review

Gluten Sensitive

Overall Rating

Review


Burgers are amazing here! Also the ice cream

Safety


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

— Somewhat

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?

— Most/All

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

— Excellent

Updated 2 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Dedicated fryers, clearly marked GF and GFO on menu.

Safety


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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
  • Dedicated gluten-free fryer
  • Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

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

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for breakfast/brunch
  • Good for dairy-free
  • Good for kids
  • Good for lunch
  • Good for takeout
  • Offers delivery
  • Offers online ordering
  • Offers outdoor seating
Updated 3 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Excellent. Menu is clearly labeled and the GF bun was the best I've ever had.

Updated 3 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

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

Updated 3 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Staff was knowledgeable and I appreciated that he said the kitchen isn’t dedicated gluten free but that the fries do use their own fryer. Lots of GF options including GF bun. They have their own BBQ sauce that also is GF free so I got the Jack Lalanne veggie burger with no onion ring! Their own veggie burgers are also gluten free, soy free, etc.

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Food was good, lots of gf options. Knowledgeable waitstaff.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Manager said fryer was not dedicated. Offered salad or pineapple as a side instead. Menu labeled with gluten free symbols. Manger personally handled the allergy food.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Gluten Intolerant

Overall Rating

Review


They have a dedicated fryer for their fries so no cross contamination! This made my birthday dinner so much more special. So many gluten free options, labeled “gfo” on the menu. I am not diagnosed celiac but always have issues with even the slightest cross contamination. I had no issues with my meal (writing this 16 hours after eating there).

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Gluten Sensitive

Overall Rating

Review


Gf buns and really tasty big GF veggie burgers (Original Life). Sad about the fries but the burgers were so filling we didn't miss them. Our server was a little confused about gf but he was very nice and made sure it was all good. Also, awesome shakes including adult shakes with alcohol which were divine

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Great options clearly marked on the menu which was nice. Everything was tasty. A little disappointed by the fries not being gluten free.

Updated 7 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


The menu has gluten free items marked with a "gf" and gluten free options available marked as "gfo." They have gluten free buns for the burgers and sandwiches available for an extra $2 and they were really good! They also have salads and other gfree choices like ribs and fish. The fries were not gluten free, which was disappointing. We were very happy tho to have such an extensive gfree burger/chicken sandwich menu available. I didn't inquire about the kitchen and possible cross contamination so I'm not sure if it's celiac-friendly.

Updated 8 years ago read full review

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