Pappasito's Cantina

My husband and I dine here once a month or so, and upon every visit, the manager comes out and explains the measures the kitchen takes to ensure my food is gluten-free. Tonight, our waitress, Vanessa, went above and beyond to ensure there weren’t any issues with my food. She was by far one of the best servers I’ve had.

This restaurant will bring baked chips since the main ones are fried in the same grease as meat. The shrimp tacos are GF, and they can make items with corn tortillas instead of flour.

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• 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?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most

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

— Excellent

The chicken fajitas were amazing! Prepared fresh with corn tortillas and did not get sick. I am very sensitive to cross contamination, so that was a big deal. This was a family favorite of mine before diagnosis, so I’m glad I can still eat there. Not as good as it was with gluten, but that’s kind of the case with everything. 4 stars because the baked chips were not as good as the normal ones used to be, but better than nothing and I appreciate that they had an option.

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

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most

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

— Good

The practices of each Pappasito’s location vary based on their kitchen space, so check with the cashier. Mine was VERY knowledgeable and helpful. Here is what she told me (Hobby airport location):

1) grilled chicken is good. you can do tacos, or fajitas but sub for corn tortillas (default is flour). That is what I did! 2) enchilada sauce has gluten and tortillas are dipped in flour... yikes 2) steak marinade is also NOT gf 4) rice and beans are fine 5) she claimed they don’t cross-contaminate the chips “any more” - I was reluctant to trust this so I passed on chips 6) they CAN flag it as an allergy for the kitchen, so ask them to do that. When I picked up the order the cook also confirmed it for me!

Oh and it’s Delicious!! Best airport food!

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

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

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

The server apologized that the food took longer (which it really didn't) because they wanted to make sure it was gluten free. They took my need to be gluten free seriously. It was nice to feel safe eating while traveling though DFW.

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

— Very

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?

— Some

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

— Excellent

I ordered chicken enchiladas based on other reviews and they were excellent! Though you can’t eat the chips and salsa, the enchiladas with rice and beans were perfect. Other options were chicken fajitas and salads.

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

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

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options

Our waiter ensured the grill would be decontaminated and the kitchen staff would change their gloves. The manager came and spoke to me about their protocols to reduce cross-contamination. They also have a separate gluten free menu.

I used my Nima sensor to test the food (fish tacos) for gluten and it all came back negative!

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

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