Hands down the best breakfast sandwhich I’ve ever had. Was seriously questioning if the focaccia bread was gluten free that’s how good it tasted, bread was light and airy. felt safe and the staff was helpful and understanding - made sure to tell me it was GF when they delivered.
Whenever I am here, I am clear about my very sensitive Celiac Disease and they do have precautions that they use. I have eaten here several times and not gotten sick. (I do order carefully ) They also do a lot of social justice work and treat their employees well. It’s the kind of place that people of good conscience want to patronize. And I think the food is pretty good! They have vegetarian and vegan options and many items are available gluten-free that are not actually marked as such on the menu and so you do need to ask.
Loved all the GF and vegan options! Marked as allergy when delivered.
Based on the other reviews, maybe I got the B team. Shoulda known when they dropped my potatoes and I double checked that they were safe for a gluten allergy and the manager was like "oh yeah they're even fried in vegan butter!"
One potato wedge in my partner noticed the telltale face flushing and my brain fog set in a minute later.
We approached the front desk to ask about whether they were cooked on a shared flat top or fryer. Manager assured us they got a separate, clean pan. Then we overheard the kitchen staff tell him they fry them in a fryer and then pan fry afterward. Manager never came back to our table to apologize or make things right. I feel lucky my partner noticed the signs so quickly, as if I had kept eating, I woulda been very sick. I also didn't get any allergy stickers on my plates as past reviews mentioned.
The gluten free corn bread was really good, but yeah, maybe trust your gut on whether the staff that day actually know what they're doing.
Smack Dab is by far one of my FAVORITE gluten free establishments in Chicago. The food is extremely delicious and well made. I have never had a negative experience or reaction. The staff is very well-versed in food allergies and intolerances. If you have a gluten allergy, they will mark your food accordingly with a “gluten free” and “allergy” sticker and necessary precautions are taken to avoid cross-contamination. They also take in consideration nut, dairy, egg , shellfish, etc. allergies. I highly recommend the gluten free & vegan chocolate pepita bread, cheesy cornbread, and bacon jam!
WAS INVITED TO A PIZZA PARTY IN ROGERS PARK ON FRIDAY NIGHT. THE HOSTS ORDERED A GLUTEN-FREE PIZZA FOR ME, AS I HAVE CELIAC DISEASE. WITHIN 45 MINUTES OF EATING THE PIZZA DIRECTLY OUT OF THE BOX (AND NOTHING ELSE THE HOSTS WERE SERVING), I KNEW I HAD BEEN "GLUTENED!" IT WAS ONE OF THE MOST SEVERE REACTIONS I HAVE EVER HAD. THEY DO NOT KNOW HOW TO HANDLE GLUTEN-FREE FOODS PROPERLY. DO NOT COUNT ON IT.