Pocahontas Pancake House

Went here based on all the positive reviews, however, none of the gf items here are made in a safe way. Gf bread and bagels use a shared toaster, gf waffle uses a shared waffle iron, and the gf pancakes are made on a shared space. I ended up getting an omlette, it was good, but I was excited about the gf pancakes/waffles everybody raved about. I couldn't even get home fries bc they are made right next to the pancakes utilizing the same utensils to cook.

1 star because nothing seemed safe. I didn't get sick but I was nervous. The server was very honest and relayed my concerns to the cook, which I appreciated .

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

— Not at all

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

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?

— Average

The gluten free pancakes were phenomenal and had the waitress not pointed out that the GF pancakes were lighter in color than my fiancés regular pancakes, I would have second guessed that they actually had gluten! I had the pecan topped pancakes, gluten free, which were delicious!

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?

— Some

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

— Excellent

Great food! I had the pancakes and had to have my husband take a bite to confirm, no reaction and I’m fairly sensitive too. Really cheap too, the waitress even modified my order to make it cheaper.

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

Enjoyed a great breakfast there. They had lots of gluten free options (pancakes, waffles, bread and bagels) staff was polite and very careful.

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?

— Good

The food is solid, basic diner brunch. Nothing amazing but it was all pretty good! They do have a lot of gluten free options which I always appreciate. The waffle was good and came out marked with a toothpick. They also had gluten free pancakes, toast, and bagels. It is always crowded, being a brunch place in a vacation hub, but they move people through pretty fast. The theme is weird and seems like it’d be canceled on Twitter.

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?

— Most/All

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

— Excellent

They have gluten free waffle and pancake batter, but the pancakes are made on the same griddle as other pancakes. They used to have a dedicated gluten free waffle maker but this time around they said they do not. My waiter did say the gluten free toast was safe so I was able to get that with bacon and eggs.

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?

— Some

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

— Good

Other Characteristics

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

Delicious. My pancake looked so good that I confirmed for a third time it was gluten free as it looked fluffier than the regular one my daughter had. Great texture and flavor. Extremely sensitive and had no reaction (normally felt within 20-30 minutes).

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

If cross contamination is an issue for you, DON’T eat at Pocahontas. There are mixed reviews on if they have dedicated spaces to cook the GF pancakes and waffles, so I went to find out. I asked about both options. The waitress said they do have GF batter, but NOT a dedicated pan or waffle maker. When I asked if they can cook my pancake in a fresh pan, she said they cannot do that for me… I also asked if their bacon and sausage were gluten free. Her response: “If you knew what gluten was, you’d know it’s only in bread. Since there’s obviously not bread in bacon or sausage, then it’s gluten free.” We got up and left.

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?

— Not Much

Didn't feel confident about potential cross-contamination but still went for the GF pancake and eggs. I don't know what mix they used but it was the least appetizing GF pancake I've ever had -- too thick, pale, gritty and almost bready. Went to the Mapletree Pancake House the next day (down the streer) and had a much more delicious experience.

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?

— Poor

Not great for celiacs. Small Kitchen cannot accommodate cooking GF foods on the grill. Toaster not GF. I had poached eggs on uncooked bread with avocado and fruit salad. Staff was helpful true safe. GF not really available.

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?

— Not Much

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

— Average

The service was excellent, the food not so much. They have gluten free waffles, pancakes, bagels, and toast, though the waffle was hard and dry. They remade it, and it was still inedible. I have no reason to ever go back.

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

— Not very

Safety Feature Ratings

• 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?

— Not Much

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

— Poor

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch

Many GF options. French toast was dry but the toppings were delicious. staff was very knowledgeable.

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?

— Average

Other Characteristics

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

Ordered a platter, with gluten free waffle, pancake, eggs and bacon/sausage. Super busy but food came out quickly and neither my son or I got sick. Would definitely go back.

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

Am very sensitive and didn’t get sick — delicious waffle combo and gf toast is the biggest I’ve ever seen! Planning on going again.

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?

— Some

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

— Excellent

I ordered the GF waffle combo and it was the best breakfast I have ever had in my life and believe me I love breakfasts so I know! Beautiful restaurant, friendly staff and patrons, prices reasonable. Very popular but worth the wait!

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

There was a line to get in on a Thursday at 10:15am. Two out of the five of us needed gf food. One ordered the gf waffles and the other substituted gf toast in an egg dish. Food was served hot and fresh and their was no cross contamination. Drinks were refilled without us asking. Brooke was a fabulous server.

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?

— Good

Pancakes were tasteless and dry. Waffle was good and had no reactions.

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

I had the gluten free pancakes. The order was huge and I found the pancakes fairly tasteless.

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?

— Below Average

Other Characteristics

• Good for kids

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

A coworker recommended this place to me as he enjoyed it very much and saw gluten free items on the menu. However I called and asked did they simply use a batter labelled gluten free or did they take steps to avoid cross contamination. The person who answered the phone told me straight out they take not steps at all to avoid cross contamination. They use shared gluten-contaminated tools such as spatulas and cooking services. Kudos and one star for honesty but I suggest they extend that honesty to the menu by adding the word "batter" to their gluten free items, and stating they do not take any steps to avoid cross-contamination. I am very disappointed to see people rating this as celiac-friendly or saying that someone who is very sensitive ate there and 'had no problems." Gluten-intolerant people who are not careful to avoid gluten often do not have immediate obvious symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea after eating gluten. Often it manifests as a long-term, low-grade effect such as fatigue, headaches and depression.

Celiac friendly?

No

The waitress was VERY aware of gluten and told us that they do not avoid cross contamination at all. Gluten Free pancakes are cooked on the same surface, waffle makers are shared.

While the staff is celiac friendly, the food is not. As such, I can't really recommend this place to celiacs :(

Celiac friendly?

No

Gluten free pancakes were so good. omelette and home fries are also GF with DF option

Celiac friendly?

Yes

They don’t have separate GF prep or cooking areas, pancakes/waffles are made on same griddle as non-GF, no effort is made to clean the griddle in between, nor do they use different spatulas. The risk of cross contamination is high. The manager was very clear that since they are not required to change or clean of GF they don’t since they are so busy.

Eggs/meats/home fries are all cooked on a separate grill which has no gluten ingredients so should be safe.

In the end, the food wasn’t great and probably not a good place to go if you have celiacs, and we won’t be back.

Celiac friendly?

No

We went two days in a row it was so good! We are all celiac, one super-sensitive, and had zero issues with the GF pancakes. Everyone agreed that the food was delicious (GF pancakes and GF French toast).

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I have never had a problem eating here. food has always been great.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Absolutely amazing gluten free waffles!! They have pancakes too. A lot of choices for the gluten sensitive. Great service as well. Awesome experience

Not celiac friendly as they do not have an area to prepare food separate.

Celiac friendly?

No

Gf products, but only 1 common griddle Cross-contamination likely with toast, waffles & pancakes

Enjoyed a Gluten Free Waffle (on a griddle). Awesome!!!!! They have gluten free pancakes, bagel and toast. plan to try out a gluten free French toast soon. Didn't ask about separate griddle...so not sure about cross contamination, but I haven't had any reactions.

Friendly staff and very knowledge. Most everything could be made gf. It was great to be able to have a gf waffle!

I had a breakfast sandwich on a GF bagel and home fries, with a bit of my husband's grits. The fries and grits were great, and the sandwich good. I'll try the pancakes tomorrow! My only complaint would the staff didn't seem very happy. Our server was pleasant enough to us and her other customers, but they didn't seem too happy otherwise.

update 8/2016: Best GF pancakes I've ever had. Always VERY busy. I'd be cautious of cross contamination.

While they advertise gluten-free options, this establishment is not suitable for people who have Celiac or a gluten sensitivity to eat at. Before ordering, I asked the waitress if they cooked their gf pancakes separately or even wiped down the cooking area, hoping for at least the latter, but they informed me that everything was cooked on the same surface. They told me that they were too busy in the kitchen to wipe anything down and that they were sorry. After learning this, we got up to leave because I couldn't eat there and they told us that we still had to pay for our drinks (only 2 of which were actually drunken from). In my opinion, trying to make someone pay for drinks after they spent half an hour waiting to get into the restaurant, only to find out that the "gluten-free" items aren't gluten-free at all, and that they do not mention this to you at all unless you dig for the information, is a little ridiculous. According to the manager, Virginia law doesn't require them to actually prepare their "gluten-free" items gluten-free, yet they can still make the claim. That's fine for people who follow the fad diet, but what about the people with actual life-threatening diseases/allergies? The worst part is they didn't seem to see the problem with their false advertising nor did they seem to care.

Celiac friendly?

No

Our son was impressed with the gluten free pancakes and breakfast in general was good. I was concerned about cross contamination of cooking surfaces/pans but he didn't come away with any reaction. We will be going again.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Had an omelette after the waiter told me that they only had to maintain an certain temperature to have shared cooking surfaces for pancakes. He also didn't make me feel confident about them supposedly using a separate waffle iron for the GF. Eggs and home fries were good though.

Celiac friendly?

No

The restaurant says that "they have no pans, only a cook top." So they cannot make their gluten free pancakes in a frying pan on the cook top to separate them from the food with gluten. Additionally, they say that they don't have to have separate pans according to the health inspector.

Celiac friendly?

No

we ate breakfast herev twice. I had the blue crab omelet with a side of gf pancakes. I would hold the cheese next time on the omelet. the pancakes were good but had a sour flavor, maybe they used buttermilk. we mentioned it to the server but she said it was the way the gf tasted. the second day I got scrambled eggs and bacon. they have gf toast.

Great gluten free pancakes! The service was fast but we have to wait around 30 minutes to have our table. The breakfast was perfect!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Excellent gluten free pancakes and very fast service!

They are up front that they do not have a separate prep area so it's not celiac friendly. I appreciated the directness. I chanced it, had gluten free pancakes, bacon, and eggs and did not get sick. This place is constantly crowded. The food was "ok" in my opinion.

Celiac friendly?

No

Absolutely the best gluten free pancakes & waffles I've ever had! Super nice staff & got our food quick!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Yummy! I am a sensitive Celiac and never had an issue here.

They even have pure maple syrup to purchase. Bring your own pure maple syrup if you prefer.

I live close and never had a problem

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Not GF if you're a true Celiac you can not eat anything here. Shared cooktops, griddles, toasters, butter dishes, etc. this restaurant is great for the people on the fad diet but for someone who is truly allergic- you can not eat anything from here!!!

Celiac friendly?

No

Love this place! We come down to Virginia Beach once a year & always have breakfast here because their gluten free pancakes are to die for! I dream about them throughout the year. Also, their people are helpful & friendly.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

The GF waffle was decent but the service was very poor. Very rude hostesses and the seating was uncomfortable and we felt very rushed eating even though it took a long time to order our food.

The food was ok at best. I asked the waitress what something was in a picture on the menu and she told me both pictures were home fries. The items just look extremely different depending on which cook made them. There was also a significant wait time for a table and for our food.

I just called there before heading over and was told they don't have a separate cooking surface according to the health inspector they only need to maintain a certain temperature. Clearly they have no clue and neither does the health inspector.

Celiac friendly?

No

yummy gluten free pancakes. I like that you can get real milk for coffee, real butter and pure maple syrup for pancakes. They even had gluten free bread and bagels. Prices seemed high and no military discount. Worth the trip.

Best GF pancakes! The portions are huge, & several other GF options are available.