They have their own gluten free menu and are very conscious of what is made with or around gluten and they use a separate stove to cook their non gluten items in so that celiacs and people sensitive to gluten don't have to worry about cross contamination.
Yes
Downgrading my review. They no longer follow strict protocol as they used to. The last few times we went they only had one single GF tortilla left. This was early evening. They no longer have the same person with clean gloves make the entire meal from start to finish. Feeling that they're very lax about GF, wish they'd be more careful. My daughter loves this spot but I won't go back anytime soon.
No
From their allergen list: We have worked diligently to remove wheat gluten from all our sauces, dressings, and proteins. Natural glutens remain only in our flour and wheat tortillas and in two desserts--tres leches and key lime pie. This means that we offer "oceans of gluten-free options" in our menu. All of these items are gluten-free: all enchiladas, all tacos, all salads (without the flour or wheat tortilla), all nachos, and our chicken tortilla so up...which uses corn strips.
There is a risk of cross-contamination even though the menu states gluten-free. When they use the tongs to get the meat out of the containers and place it on a wheat tortilla, that action cross contaminates all items on their menu
No
Everything is gluten free except for the flour tortillas and the desserts. The staff is very knowledgeable and they immediately change their gloves when I ask for corn tortillas. The food is great, and I really appreciate that they have a standard procedure for gluten free meals.
Yes
Love these guys! We go all the time, and I have yet to be glutened.
Yes
almost the whole menu is gluten free. I did not get glutened! 5 stars
This location is very well educated on GF practices. They were very careful not to cross contaminate on both cooking surfaces and utensils. All of their options are great! It was refreshing to walk into a restaurant and not have them give you a blank look when you ask about gf practices.
Yes
This location needs more training about cross contamination. Yes, she changed her gloves when I asked for a gluten free meal, but then she came back to the line and put her gloved hand down on the flour tortillas!
— Not at all
— Some
— Good
My husband and I will drive the extra few minutes to specifically cone to this location over another one slightly closer to our home. The staff here are kind and professional and the level of service has never been lacking. The food is delicious and we've never gotten sick or had a bad experience here.
For those with Celiac or who are highly sensitive to gluten, I do not recommend the corn tortillas as, while they do not contain any gluten themselves, they are cooked on the same surface as the wheat-flour tortillas. I personally always opt for the baja bowl and haven't had any issues at this location.
On Costa Vida's website, their Nutrition Calculator page also has an allergen filter (and an itemized Allergen Info section below it) that can filter for the following allergens and dietary preferences:
· Dairy
· Eggs
· Gluten
· Nuts
· Preservatives
· Soy
· Sugar
· Vegan
· Vegetarian
Additionally, they note that their "hot items are prepared with low sodium".
— Somewhat
— Most/All
— Excellent
Told them I had an allergy to gluten, they washed hands and changed gloves. They did a good job. The only issue I had is when they were refilling the lettuce on the line, they used their potentially contaminated gloves to do so…
— Somewhat
— Most/All
— Excellent
I saw that they had good ratings and wanted to try a new place for dinner last night. It was a decision I regretted. When I asked about gluten free options the staff somewhat knew what was gluten free, but then would second guess their answers. The food was not good at all. I got the chicken tacos with the corn tortilla and extra side of rice. The chicken was dry and burnt. The rice was cold and didn’t taste good. Lastly, the corn tortilla was semi okay. The only good thing was the key lime pie. That tasted more like a cheesecake than key lime. After eating the food I felt sick and threw up. I do not recommend this place even though you see good reviews.
— Not very
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Not Much/None
— Poor
Very knowledgeable with gluten free questions. And food was delicious.