Fred's Mexican Cafe

Really wanted tacos tonight, but the Mexicali salad with shrimp was the best GF option and it was delicious and HUGE!

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

— Not very

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

Knowledgeable about gluten and celiacs but wouldn’t recommend due to lax of options. They recommended the tacos which from previous reviews that seem to be there go to for us celiacs. I ended up with 2 small corn tortillas with chicken and lettuce with a side of beans. I didn’t get sick so in the end was happy!

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

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free 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?

— Poor

We inquired at the hostess stand about GF and were told that tacos were the best option. Our first waitress said the same thing. Then another waiter was helping us and offered a GF menu. Indeed, the choice were tacos and a couple of salads. The food was good and we would return. A sign said they were short-staffed, so be sure that your needs are communicated!

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

— Somewhat

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?

— Good

Waitress was amazing with cross contamination and making sure my food was separate! Even on taco Tuesday night!

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

— Very

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

I have two kids with celiac and I am gluten intolerant. I called after reviewing the menu, to make sure they could modify for /accommodate us, and was told in 2 different calls that we could have almost anything modified. Sadly, after arriving at the restaurant, we found that it wasn’t so simple. My daughter likes Kalua pork, so ordered the taco plate (~$20) and was denied Mexican rice because they put flour(!) in it. Seriously, just why? The taco were small and the pork was sparse and dry and chunky, not like a true Kalua pork. I ended up having to order her two carne asada tacos ala cart at another $15 to fill her up. We ordered shrimp tacos for the other kid and myself, it ended up being a very expensive bland and worrisome meal. The server knew what was safe and not, but our choices dwindled down to a few things (small portions) and I felt no security that we wouldn’t be glutened. We doubled up on our GliadinX supplement and no got sick, so there’s that. The place is a Moose Mcgillycuddy’s establishment so don’t count on cleanliness, value, quality, nor family environment. It feels like a drunken beach bar but it wasn’t as fun. I wouldn’t return.

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?

— 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?

— Poor

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

— Somewhat

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?

— Average

Excellent sandwich (porkie) and good GF bread option! I told them I was sensitive and they apparently have a protocol. Not sick and definitely enjoyed the meal. They seem to have a never ending line but get food out to customers quickly. Planning to come back!

Ate here last year with good results. This year (2018) VERY disppointed. Received a GF menu but waitress couldn't care less. Received two fish corn tacos next to mexican rice (which gf menu says is not gf) and beans with a chip in them (no dedicated frier). After explaining the gf menu to the waitress she offered to just take the tacos off the plate. Ended up with two new tacos and some horrid beans.

There are four appetizers on their gf menu...all have asterisks because they contain something from the contaminated frier. They have corn tortillas but the rice is contaminated. Why pay full price for a partial meal ? Good fish tacos - go to Coconuts ,

Celiac friendly?

No

No dedicated fryer for chips! Was told by server that they had items on menu that was gluten free. Didn’t stay for meal without being able to eat chips.

had breakfast, Popeyes omelet was delicious!

went back for dinner, was pleased to find out they now have a dedicated fryer for tortilla chips! unfortunately dinner was only so-so, tried the guacamole, beef fajitas, and veggie fajitas, didn't have much flavor. I didn't get sick, server was knowledgeable and I felt safe with everything I got, so 5 stars for GF, but really only 3 for the actual food. salsa was great.

Celiac friendly?

No

I am pretty sure they gave me wheat tortillas.

Celiac friendly?

No

Great food, great service, great location. Wish they had just a few more options and a dedicated fryer.

Really not a fan of this place. I went here a couple of years ago so I hope that this place has changed since my last visit. Most of the people there didn't know what gluten free was, and had a serious attitude about it when asked. I felt very unwelcomed, and was there with my wedding party for a casual hangout spot. You would be better off at one of the many other spots in Maui that accommodate.

Please see more gluten free (and dairy free) options in the area by checking out my Maui restaurant reviews: http://voices.yahoo.com/eating-glutenfree-dairyfree-5746646.html

Celiac friendly?

No

Pretty good Mexican. Waitresses are very knowledgeable about gluten free menu items

Terrible food. My husband and children who do not have celiac said the food was tasteless. Will not be back.

OK but if you are looking for killer fish tacos on a GF menu, go a few miles up the streets to Coconuts for only a dollar more. Nice for a group o friends if you are only GF though.

Tacos were very good, although for my personal taste I found the beans a little too spicy! Overall the food was tasty though!

The person at the counter had no idea what I was talking about when I asked about gluten free.

The waitstaff knew nothing and the manager told us “we’ll discuss when you get seated” when I asked about gluten free options.

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

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

I had the Cajun shrimp and mahi mahi tacos, exceptional taste & no contamination. Chips, salsa and queso were also gf. Great margaritas and enjoyable experience.

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

— Somewhat

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?

— Good

I ordered enchiladas which say they are made with corn tortillas on the menu. Also verified with the waitress when ordering. The waitress was not knowledgeable about gluten allergies and I had to ask other staff members questions about what foods were “safe” to eat. I was extremely sick within 2 hours of eating there. Would not recommend going here if you’re intolerant, and especially if you’re celiac.

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

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the 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?

— Below Average

We asked about gluten free for my daughter who has Celiac. They were very responsive. Chips are fried separately. They checked on spices for us, which was Lawry’s seasoned salt. No issues with chips at all. She was happy and enjoyed chips, salsa and guacamole.

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Dedicated gluten-free fryer

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

Just went in and asked for any gluten-free options. The server said nothing was gluten free because it all came with tortillas. Didn't even bother to check the difference between corn or flour or offer any options. So disappointed

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the 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?

— Poor