RED O Taste of Mexico

They used to claim that nearly everything on their menu was GF except for things that were explicitly marked. I don't know if they decided it wasn't worth the expense or if they got caught lying. But the last time I went in, the server told me the only thing I could have was a plain salad or a grilled steak. They intentionally cross-contaminate EVERYTHING!

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

— Not at all

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

Great food and lots of GF options. GF clearly marked and staff informed. Expensive.

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

I called in advance and they said they could do gf for an allergy just fine and then when I got there most of menu was marked gf. But then when trying to order they backed out of everything saying it wasn’t actually gluten free despite being labeled as such. I honestly have no idea if they even know what it is. Said a baking soda they used was a concern. I don’t even know. The night turned in to a mess.

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/None

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

— Average

Served corn tortillas and then later told they were cross contaminated. Only options for "gluten safe" was the salad (despite being told otherwise by phone).

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

— Not at all

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?

— Below Average

Update: we went back and our server told us that most of the menu is not GF and recommended I get a salad. Very frustrating. Will NOT be back

I went to Red O last night and it’s my new favorite restaurant in San Diego! The majority of the menu is gluten free, everything was SO good, service was great and their tequila is listed as GF and organic (I think tequila is always GF but still… makes me feel happy to see that) and this morning I feel great (even despite the margaritas I enjoyed!) I can’t wait to go back!!!!!!!

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?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Offers outdoor seating

Delicious and safe gluten free Mexican fare! Heads up: the free corn tortilla chips are fried in a shared fryer and are not safe for those with gluten allergies.

Most entrees, however, can be made gluten free and are incredibly tasty. The best tacos I have had in years, hands down!

Very unique ambiance. High ceilings, intimate lighting, and sleek architecture. There is a large tree planted in the center of the restaurant adorned with hanging tea lights.

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

Don’t order though Door Dash. They don’t have the gluten free information on their menu so I went to the website menu before ordering on the Door Dash menu and put in special requests that I have celiac. When the driver arrived they said there was a small chance of cross contamination. The hostess did not go into great detail about what that meant when I called to follow up but just said they take the proper procedures but they “grab their chips from the same place” and that there’s a small chance their rice might be contaminated but it’s not a huge concern because they take the proper procedures. I feel like they really should have called to tell me this before preparing the order. They also left an entire entree out of my order. I’m feeling sick afterward and the food was just okay. Pretty disappointing.

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?

— Average

This place was fabulous. The waitress totally understood celiac and was very helpful. They have a lot of items that are GF, but they don’t have a dedicated fryer. The waitress recommended I avoid the rice and beans as well as the chips and the fried plantains, but offered me veggies for the guacamole. I had the sea bass and it was amazing. We shared the shrimp ceviche and it also was amazing. The other ceviche has soy sauce so we didn’t order that one. The atmosphere is wonderful as well.

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

— Very

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

• Offers outdoor seating

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

80 percent of the menu is gluten free already. My wife has severe celiac and she was able to order almost everything on the menu without alterations. She did not have any reactions. Food is fantastic and service is just as good. Most Celiac friendly place I have eaten besides a dedicate gluten free establishment. Eat here!!! It’s safe. The staff is very knowledgeable. Trust me. This place is safe and you do not have to think twice. New favorite place in San Diego!!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I love this place for their happy hour or appetizers. Everything is super delicious and they are very friendly towards the gluten free.

We've eaten here three times now. Our initial experience was fantastic, as the server went out of the way to make sure everything was gluten free. Note: the chips are NOT gluten free, and are prepared in a shared fryer. Our server instead thoughtfully brought us a tray of veggies. During our next two visits, we had servers who were not as well-trained on gluten free food prep and serving protocols. However, our super sensitive daughter never had a reaction after eating here. The food itself is salty and expensive, but they do make good drinks!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Items that ARE NOT gluten free are marked, so most of the menu is gf. Been here twice, and love it! Staff is WONDERFUL. Did not get sick. Drinks are awesome.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Most things on the menu are GF. Staff understands cross contamination. Food was delicious and I didn't get sick. Ask about the fryers. They have more than one and sometimes the chips are safe, other times not.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Went here for happy hour. The HH menu items that contained gluten had ** next to them. And that was only one: the quesadilla! The empanadas were delicious, and we also ordered tacos. Tuna tartare looked good too. I confirmed that they use a fryer for the chips that is only GF. Swanky place, great menu. I'll be back!