Jose Loco's Restaurant

We are visiting from St. Louis. Two in our party are super sensitive to gluten. I asked for a gluten free menu at the front door and they explained that everything on the regular menu is gluten free except the enchiladas sauce and flour tortillas. I asked about the chips and they said they are all gluten free as well. We enjoyed chips with salsa while we waited for our entrees. My son and I are the gluten free ones. He ordered beef taco with corn tortillas and he had pico de Gallo, refried beans and guacamole on the side. I ordered beef fajita with corn tortillas and my sides were refried beans, Mexican rice, pico de Gallo, sour cream, and guacamole. Neither of us got sick. My Dad also got the al pastor tacos which was gluten free, same sides as my son. We all really enjoyed the flavor of our foods, the atmosphere and the helpful staff. It was so nice to go somewhere where we could order almost anything.

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

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the 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 kids
• Good for lunch

I had a great experience with no issues! The waitress was new but went and checked to make sure the fryer was safe for the chips. She said it was.

I ordered the special, which was Pollo Loco. It’s got mushrooms, pineapple, chicken and a cheese sauce. I also ate guacamole and chips. I did not have a bad reaction to anything and eating gluten makes me very sick.

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

I called ahead before coming in, as I was dining with a group. I was told that everything but the red enchilada sauce and flour tortillas are gluten free. I asked if the tortilla chips are prepared in a shared fryer and was told that the fryer for them is not shared. I avoided the menu items that were that obviously contained gluten (like fried shrimp tacos). I was very nervous, so I only ordered ceviche and guacamole, I just ate these with chips. Tortilla chips that are fried in CC oil usually have a certain smell to them. These smelled like nothing (which is a good sign!). I didn’t have a reaction, but again, I only stuck with ceviche and guacamole. Both of which were delicious. I’ll come back soon & see if there is an entree that is actually safe, but I’m nervous hearing that others had a reaction.

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?

— No gluten-free information on the 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

Staff seemed vaguely knowledgeable and I was told the chips were not GF as they do not use a dedicated fryer and corn tortillas are cross-contaminated. So I ordered just the fajitas with no tortillas and specifically asked they withhold any seasonings that weren't gluten free, but then I had a terrible reaction. I believe it was the rice actually, which I was told was gluten free.

Celiac friendly?

No

I tried to eat here but they don't have a gluten free menu, and the staff did not know about gluten.

Celiac friendly?

No

This is one of my favorite lunch spots. Their chips are fried in a dedicated frier and most of their food is GF. They made me the most delicious quesadilla with a corn tortilla! Also - their taco Tuesday is fantastic! Just tell them you are eating gluten free and they will happily prepare an amazing meal for you!

Celiac friendly?

Yes