Like everyone else is saying, the arepas are no longer gluten free. I went here a few years ago and had no problems. This time, I noticed something was different - the arepas seemed chewier and were not crumbling like before. I didn't think the company would change them to wheat, but after I looked it up I see they have. It's extremely disappointing that they not only would change the recipe to something that's not even authentic (arepas are supposed to be all corn) but also that they would not make the change more obvious with better signage and labeling. You're making people sick here! What a disappointment :(
AREPAS ARE NOT GLUTEN FREE. The posted their allergen menu on their website, says the contain wheat.
WARNING! The arepas are NO LONGER GF!! They recently posted an allergen menu citing wheat in the arepas and shredded beef. This is concerning because people have typically been assured that this place is GF. Thus, I’m listing it as “unsafe” due to the conflicting information and poor communication. https://guasaca.com/allergens-chart/
My rating is based entirely off of being celiac friendly. Unfortunately it’s pretty apparent a lot of people that do not have celiac consider themselves to be.
The food was fine, staff was working hard. Basically an assembly line “Moe’s” type restaurant with arepas. If you have celiac you’re hyper aware of feed prep. Food utensils came into contact with food with gluten and back into the bin with the gluten free food.
My wife who has a sensitivity was more than fine here. I took the gamble and was not. This was the only location I ate at for days outside of food I made for myself.
I hate providing a 2 rating for a hard working restaurant but the reviews that are posted are inaccurate and it needs to balance out.
If you just have a sensitivity you’re probably more than good, if you have celiac and are sensitive, this place doesn’t work.
I've eaten here many times, some being fine and others not. After eating an arepa and also the chips, I was sick the next day. I then went to the new Hillsborough Street location the following trip and planned to only eat a bowl, but the manager there assured me there is no flour in their arepas. I was fine. Perhaps it was just the chips?
tasty and reliable. to play it 100% safe, get the bowls - which are delicious, esp. the veggie bowls that come with guascaca
So many options and completely delicious. Went with a fellow gluten free friend. I have a wheat allergy and my friend has celiac. Both of us walked out stuffed and very happy. No reaction for either of us. We've gone twice and will be back.
Great food and friendly staff. My son and I both eat gluten free: he has celiac I have non-celiac gluten sensitivity. It was my second time, his first. Clearly something he ate (plain arepa or chips) had gluten in it. He got sick within a couple of hours of eating there. I'm still fine. My advice- if you're gluten sensitive, it's probably fine. If you have celiac disease I would be very careful.
The arepas were delicious! Grateful for this find while in Raleigh!
Wow! Great flavors and atmosphere! Extra points for offering GF arepas (corn flat breads) filled with fresh avacados, plantains, caramelized onions and meats & cheeses. Sauces are flavorful and their guacamole mixture called Guasaca is friggin amazing! I will definitely be going back!!!
My daughter has celiac disease. We ate at Guasaca tonight, and she got sick two hours later. Whatever she had, it had gluten in it for sure.
This is probably my favorite restaurant in Raleigh!! I've eaten here many times. Each time I brought someone who was not gluten intolerant such as myself. They loved the food as well. The food is fresh & prepared on site.
My family and I ate here for the first time and I'm the only GF person in the group and EVERYBODY loved it....great options! Might be put on the FAV list!
Simple and fresh options all gluten and dairy free except sour cream & cheese toppings. Sauces are yummy. Guasaca is delicious! Budget friendly.
Love the food!! Everything is gluten free and delicious!!
We went to Guasaca for dinner today. The food was really tasty, and everything is gluten free except for the arepa wraps, which could possibly have cross contamination. They make everything from scratch daily. You can tell. :)
Amazing food, I spoke to the owner and he assured me that everything on the menu is gluten free. The only thing he said I should be cautious of are the arepas because although they are made from corn, the manufacturer didn't guarantee them being free of gluten. I love this place!