Ernie's Coffee Shop

I have a love/hate relationship with Ernie’s. Off the bat, I go here at least once a year because I love the seasonal menu, fresh local ingredients, contemporary dining experience, and generally very caring and knowledgeable staff.

However, I have been glutened here and have been served gluten-containing dishes more than once (twice total). Thankfully I double checked the second time before eating. In that circumstance the server forgot to modify the order for a gluten allergy. I had to order another dish because the chef refused to modify the dish… which I do understand, but was a shame because I really wanted that particular dish/ to try that seasonal ingredient.

The time I was glutened, I contacted them the day after. I was told it was probably a new mustard their supplier sent them. I was fairly disappointed that little remorse was communicated, and no attempt to rectify the situation was made. I am now told that mustard contains gluten when I go there (just switch to a gf mustard, ya? It boggles my mind). It has also been confirmed with several folks that the chef has little sympathy for food allergies, which sucks.

That being said, given fewer options for quality contemporary dining in the Soo, I’ve returned several times, with an increased attention to detail and cautioning to my server. Heart over head situation, fully will admit that. As former FOH in the industry myself, I have a LOVE for dining and hospitality that runs fairly deep, so I’m willing to take risks for a worthwhile experience. I do really love the Ernie’s concept!

Chances are you will be fine to eat here if you are communicative and careful to double check everything. But a word of warning is obviously worth mentioning.

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

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the 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
• Good vegetarian options
• Offers outdoor seating
• Reservations recommended

Cute little place with a small menu but awesome servers who knew exactly what I needed. Food was amazing as well !

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

— Somewhat

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