River Crab Blue Water Inn

This restaurant is owned by Landry’s—a national restaurant group. I looked at the menu online before making the hour drive to the restaurant and while there was no mention of gluten free anything, the menu looked promising for gluten free options. And, it’s a national restaurant group. I was sure it would be ok.

When we were seated I asked the server if they have a gluten free menu and was thrilled when she said, “Yes! We do!” I was much less thrilled when the menu arrived. It was the actual menu which someone had highlighted to indicate which items were gluten free. Only approximately a quarter of the menu was marked and it was only the most boring items—all the things I could make myself at home without spending $30-$45 for basic broiled fish or baked lobster tail. Additionally, many of the items which were NOT marked as gluten free made very little sense. Mussels steamed in white wine, garlic and butter? Not gluten free. Prime rib? Not gluten free. Scallops—you could have broiled or blackened but not sautéed… Either they don’t actually understand gluten or they’re adding gluten in places where it doesn’t need to be. I was incredibly disappointed with the lack of effort and/or creativity in offering gluten free choices. I settled on broiled scallops with steamed broccoli (the steamed broccoli I make in my microwave at home is better) and asked to substitute whipped potatoes for the coconut ginger rice. $37.

I don’t know if the server sensed my sadness/disappointment when I ordered, but shortly after she came back with some cucumber slices so I could at least enjoy the fish pate that had previously been delivered with the bread basket. That was at least very sweet.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free 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?

— Poor

Other Characteristics

• Offers outdoor seating
• Reservations recommended