Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville

We got there about 3pm, but still waited for a table for 8 people. Our server was nice. Gluten free items were marked on the menu, but there weren't many choices besides salad and burgers. I got the volcano nachos and a side of fries because they had a separate fryer. I asked if the chili on the nachos was gluten free, and the server said it was. The nachos were tasty, but huge, and the fries were perfect. Nothing was marked from the kitchen, so I had to confirm with the food runner that my fries were gluten free. Made me nervous, but I didn't have any reactions.

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

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer

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?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch

We ate here during our day exploring Key West. My daughter with Celiac’s disease got the kids cheeseburger in paradise with fries. The server was very knowledgeable about food allergies. When our meal was brought out there was a ticket with my daughter’s meal to show that they had prepared the meal gluten free. This was a first for us and we appreciate the attention to detail. She enjoyed her meal and did not get sick.

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

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

Excellent. Waitress Marie was very knowledgeable. She stopped the server from giving me a salad with fried tortillas (flour based) on it. Very fast re-do on that salad. GF options clearly marked on menu.

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 was so excited to eat here! I did not get sick! We enjoyed the nachos for an appetizer, and I had a cheeseburger in paradise and fries since they gluten free ones aren’t safe to eat there!

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

— Very

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

Dedicated fryer for the fries IF you let them know. They will fry them separately if you tell them that you are celiac. We had the Cheeseburger In Paradise on a gluten-free bun. Be sure to specify celiac.

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

— Very

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

I had no reaction to my cheeseburger in paradise with fries and gluten free bun! A manager came out unsolicited to discuss the dedicated fryer and cooking areas.

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

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer

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?

— Good

I got the nachos numerous times while i was down here and didn’t get sick!! so yummy and i 10/10 recommend! the staff is very informative and if a server doesn’t know much, they will have a manager or chef come out to talk about how they prepare food and what’s recommended for gf. no dedicated kitchen though.

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

— Somewhat

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

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

— Excellent

Not a lot of options, but enough. I ordered a Southwest Chicken Salad and a Perfect Margarita. That margarita was perfect. It was a really delicious drink. The salad was ok--the chicken was really dry... Really, really dry. Some pieces were hard to cut.

Husband (not gf) ordered a Cheeseburger in Paradise with a turkey burger and sweet potato fries. He said his burger was good, but the fries were terrible. They were soggy and they did actually look pretty sad.

Not sure what all the rave reviews are about. It's only so-so chain food, not amazing. If you're gf and you need a place to sit down and eat, sure. But there are better places in Key West.

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?

— 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?

— Average

Had the double burger on GF bun with fries, excellent. Server knew Celiac,GF and Cross contamination.

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 had a great experience here! I started with the nachos (massive mountain portion btw) and I got the garlic bacon burger with the sweet potato waffle fries, it was amazing! I had no reaction and I am celiac! I’m sure the fries were cross contaminated in the same frier but I’m not positive. Either way, it was delicious and I will absolutely be back!

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?

— 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 Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for lunch

Cheeseburger in paradise - with French fries! They have GF buns and FF and the burger was great! I went a few times while on vacation.

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

— Very

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

Amazing drinks! Just got the cheeseburger in paradise and it was great! No reaction, highly recommend!

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

— Very

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

They have a gluten free menu, there are no sides listed on the menu. I was pleased about the gluten free buns though! I’m glad I got to have a cheeseburger in paradise. I had zero reactions after having the burger. I’d say steer clear of the sides, they aren’t on the gluten free menu.

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?

— Excellent

Beware the fries… they claim it to be dedicated but there was almost certainly some cross contamination that I felt quickly after eating them. The burgers should be safe.

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

— Not at all

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?

— Good

I was very excited to order fries since they are said to have a dedicated fryer, however the server said that he would absolutely not trust the dedicated fryer, so I ordered the double cheeseburger with a side salad. The food came quick, but brought out the burger on a regular bun.

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

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

— Average

My waiter was very knowledgeable about GF precautions. There is a dedicated frier!

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer

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?

— Good

Had the Rancho burger and Fries! YES the fries are in a dedicated fryer!!!!! Also had the “Perfect Margarita”. It was all perfect! The bun for the burger did explode on me and I was as messy as a toddler but it didn’t taste dry, so I didn’t care. Great service too, our server was knowledgeable and friendly.

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

— Very

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 Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for takeout

Had the turkey burger on gluten free bun, it was great!

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?

— Good

Fun and clean atmosphere. All indoor dining. Good service. Menu is clearly marked with what is GF and it’s a good variety. No upcharge for the GF bun….which fell apart when eating it, but still tasted great. Plan to go back for happy hour. :)

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

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer

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

My daughter & I had the burger with the gluten free bun & fries. It was amazing! We both said it was the best gluten free bun we ever had. It was soft & delicious!- not dry and crumbly like your typical gf bun. We will definitely be back!

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 kids
• Good for lunch

I got a turkey burger with no bun although they do offer a GF bun. The waiter was very knowledgeable about what items were safe. The burger and fries were excellent!

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 Characteristics

• Good for lunch
• Good with other allergies

A good number of clearly-marked GF items on the menu. I really enjoyed the GF burger and fries! It was a pleasant surprise!

Had the ultimate Burger with fries. It was very delicious and I didn’t get sick! :)

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Excellent meal; best I've had for the entire week we've been in Key West! The service was great. The hostess, when I asked for a gluten free menu, asked if it was for an allergy. I told her yes and she immediately said she would have the chef come and speak with me. Not only did he come straight over to the table, but he has a wife with severe food allergies, so he's very knowledgable and answered all of my questions. He personally took my order and delivered my food! What a treat! I will definitely eat here again and feel comfortable doing so.

I did not feel confident eating here. We went to Margaritaville after a great experience at the Las Vegas restaurant. The server had a severe lack of knowledge - she could only confirm that the bun and burger were actually gluten free. No knowledge of allergens in terms of sides, salads etc. Never fed back when I asked to confirm if the fries were cooked separately. I didn’t get sick but it was not a good experience.

They have a GF bun that looks so good I wasn’t sure it was! Did not get sick and my burger was amazing. So many options and listed right on the menu. Very impressed and love that they have bread, finding burgers and sandwiches are difficult!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

So disappointed. Our teenage son loves Margaritaville and we've been to several all around the country and Canada and have always had a good meal and a good time.

This time, it was like pulling hens teeth to get someone to discuss gluten free. The hostess looked at us like we had two head when we asked and she went to the bar to ask. In the meantime another server came up to seat us and when I asked she said Yeah it's on the menu. (Ok).... She was curt and rather rude.

My son was so nice to her and she was apparently done for the day as they were changing shifts as we found out after we ordered and ended up with a different server. Our original server was taking off soon but had 35 minutes to stand around and make small talk with a table next to us while completely ignoring us.

Our new server was too busy talking to the hostess with her back to us to waste her time answering any questions or getting a refill for a drink for a really dried out sandwich.

Was definitely NOT expecting this level of "service". We were in there when the place was slow. Maybe they need more incentive to move but just kind of ruined my son's first experience in Key West and he assumed everyone was rude going forward. He was tired, hungry and treated poorly so kind of ruined his mood (and mine since he was so disappointed).

Yes I get it we all have people who could be nicer at times, but these people are used to first time visitors so if you don't want to get yourself in a mindset to be happy and take care of them then maybe you should move on?

We are always polite and thankful for those restaurants who care about gluten free and so appreciate their efforts but rude servers isn't something anyone should tolerate.

Celiac friendly?

No

The worst dining experience I have ever had! The restaurant was dirty and run down. The hallway to the bathrooms had vomit and according to my husband, the men’s room was covered in vomit. (No vomit in women’s room but it was dirty and smelly.) 3 of our plates came out wrong so we sent them back—1 had a regular bun and 2 had cheese (my kids have dairy allergy too). Then one still came out wrong the 3rd time! The waitress said the kitchen was full of Haitians that don’t speak English so that did not make me feel safe. Then the manager came out to ask (in an accusing way) why we were sending food back instead of apologizing to us. Then when the bill came, all those extra meals were listed with a lump some subtracted at the bottom which was very confusing. I still think we were overcharged, but we were about to miss the sunset, so we paid it. I cannot believe Jimmy Buffett would allow his name on this dump! They don’t even deserve 1 star!

Celiac friendly?

No

The staff and chef were so helpful. They even made me special gluten free French fries!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

They have an updated menu with gluten free items clearly marked. 4 of us eating are all celiacs and we ate Cheeseburgers on Gluten Free buns with French fries and had no issues. Waitress was very knowledgeable and answered any questions we had!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

The food was decent. The waiter was incompetent and just plain obnoxious. Two of us got the same dish. I asked the waiter to let the chef know that I had celiac and to take extra care not to cross-contaminate. But when the plates arrived, he couldn't tell me which one was mine. And advice from the gluten question, he constantly questioned my judgment. And it took me patiently explaining twice what our whole table's orders were. Was he stoned? Or just no good at his job? I wouldn't go again. I'll know if he screwed up the gluten thing in two days, that's how long it takes to show symptoms.

Celiac friendly?

No

I have eaten here three different times. Did great

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Ate here several times this week while on vacation. They were MUCH improved over my last visit a couple of years ago. Restaurant was recently renovated and has a new menu which very clearly calls out GF options. GF buns available and a dedicated fryer for fries! Chef visited our table on each visit to explain how the food would be prepared to avoid cross contamination. Very impressed with their focus and diligence. Highly recommend.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

They didn't have a gluten free menu available, but the waitress was able to tell me what was gluten free, including drinks. I had the Volcano Nachos and they were super tasty. And I didn't get sick so that's a bonus! I was told their fries are gluten free too as they have a separate fryer.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Saw online that they have a gluten free menu, which was the reason my family decided to come here. Got to the restaurant and found out that they do not have a printed out version. Spent 20 minutes on my phone to pull up the menu online only to find out that I originally saw the menu for the NASHVILLE location. They have different menus for each restaurant. We payed for our drinks and left. Felt like a bait and switch. Probably could have eaten but I don't like giving my money to a restaurant that makes me feel like I've been tricked. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone. gluten free or not. (only gave one star because I had to)

Celiac friendly?

No

Nothing spectacular here. Same old, same Old fast food fare and gift shops. Not really much to eat. Burgers without buns and potato chips. Don't eat their nachos. They are not celiac friendly.

Celiac friendly?

No

no gluten free menu even thoug the app and website claims it has one.

Celiac friendly?

No

Wouldn't recommend coming here if you are looking for a lot of options. They offer gluten free buns but you can only have a plain cheeseburger because the rest include sauces that contain gluten. The service was horrible. When I asked to see the gluten free menu that they advertised the waitress wouldn't give it to me and rudely replied "All we have is gluten free buns and kettle chips." Also was given kettle chips with my meal instead of fries without being asked. I'm not celiac so I don't worry about cross contamination. Service was horrible, for was mediocre

Servers were great and understanding, I went for drinks and apps and she went and asked bar which margaritas were safe. Just two. I got the loaded nachos which were really good though were made from kettle cooked potato chips instead of tortilla, which worked fine for me.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Hamburger was good. Gluten free bun. Waitress was aware of celiac. The two main options were a nacho app. Or a hamburger variety .

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Asked the waiter for gluten free options was told the volcano nachos were. Was never informed that the nachos would be made with lays potato chips. The nacho was horrible! The potato chips were not an adequate substitution and were rather nauseating in the meal. Have been to several margaritavilles and had an amazing experience and more options. Would give this one the lowest rating of them all.

Service was okay, they were busy. My husband did not get sick, and he has celiac. So that's good with me:)

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Awesome place and atmosphere! Very knowledgable about gluten free, buns are the best gluten free ones I've had!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Great burger, good gluten free bun. Wish they had gluten free fries instead of just having to eat chips! Read more: http://glutenfreecarolinagirl.com/2014/08/11/eating-gluten-free-in-key-west/

No gluten free menu but very helpful and willing to check ingredients! I would highly recommend eating here. I had a delicious grilled chicken sandwich on a GF nun and a side salad with creamy Italian dressing.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Had the cheese burger and Volcano Nachos, both made gluten free. GF bun was surprisingly good and not hard like some you might buy at the store. Nachos used kettle chips instead of the tortilla chips. Overall, a solid GF option in Key West.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

They DO NOT understand the concept of gluten free here. I ordered a grilled chicken sandwich on a gf bun. The waitress brought out a chicken breast topped with BBQ sauce (not gf) and onion straws (also not gf). When I brought it to her attention she came back with a new sandwich on the same bun soaked in BBQ sauce.

Celiac friendly?

No

We only went in for nachos and margaritas but they had a decent gf menu and the food was good! No bad reactions so that's always a win.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

The food here is really good. Dedicated fryer for the fries. The Cheeseburger in Paradise works with the gluten free bun, BUT the bun is really crumbly.

We returned for a second visit and were informed by the waiter that the menu was not correct. It under-identified items that were gluten-free. Among the additions the nachos (with chicken instead of chili; several salads, the grilled chicken sandwich; and, the brownie sundae). It was an amazing experience.

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer

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

BEWARE! I got glutened and I asked the server to communicate my need and ordered a labeled item. Bun was GF but either that or the fries was not okay. Had symptoms before I got home.

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

— Not at all

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer

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

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

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free

Very fun environment at Pigeon Forge location. Our server was knowledgeable about gluten and we felt very comfortable. Gluten free items marked on menu. Fair variety but seemed like more burgers, fries, salads type place. We usually avoid appetizers because not many options at places, but they had huge table size GF nacho appetizer. My GF daughter loved it! We couldn’t even finish them all! Separate fryer and really liked the fries. Would go back if had the option.

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer

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

Good food. Items are marked. Waitress was not knowledgeable on procedures for preparing food and food was not marked coming out. It makes me nervous as a celiac patient but we were on vacation and this a good stop.

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

— Not at all

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?

— Good

Had a bunless burger (they do have GF buns but I just prefer it without) Waitress informed me the fries were gluten free and have a dedicated fryer. I did have a reaction to something. The fries did have seasoning on them. All plates came out the same and at the same time making me nervous from the start.

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

— Not very

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?

— Good