The Friendly Toast

2 recent ratings
$$ • Restaurant
Reported NOT to have a gluten-free menu, but gluten-free options are available
Reported GF menu options: Bread/Buns, Pancakes, Sandwiches, Waffles
113 Congress St
Portsmouth, NH 03801

Most Recent Reviews


Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Had a really delicious breakfast here and it was overall a great experience. I had a (HUGE) blueberry pancake and some home fries. You could tell the pancake was GF but I thought the texture was really nice (crispy outside, fluffy inside). The server was knowledgeable and made sure to ask if I had an allergy. My food was brought out by a separate runner wearing gloves, and the plates came with one of those “allergy” toothpicks. I just wish they had a tiny more variety, but there’s picks for both sweet and savory options!

Safety


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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings
  • 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

Quality & Quantity


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


Other Characteristics
  • Good for kids
Updated 7 months ago read full review

Gluten Intolerant

Overall Rating

Review


Really good eggs and bacon and sausage. I'm not crazy about the GF options - the pancake was mealy and the flour super sweet. You can definitely tell it's GF and made of rice and tapioca flour. Also, the GF toast is not worth the caloric intake. That said, Sam's omelette rocks!

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the 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

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


We had a great breakfast at the Friendly Toast in Portsmouth the morning of the 4th of July. We did the online wait system (a must!) and only had to wait about 5 more minutes after checking in to the restaurant. Everyone’s food was great, and they were especially accommodating for my celiac (gluten free) daughter who enjoyed her chocolate chip pancakes and eggs made on a separate cooktop. We do wish they had real maple syrup and our waitress seemed a bit hasty however.

Safety


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

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen

Quality & Quantity


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

Updated 2 years ago read full review

This establishment is NOT a dedicated gluten-free facility and may not be safe for those with celiac disease. Please contact the establishment directly to inquire about safety precautions.

Gluten-Free Features

  • Bread/Buns
  • Pancakes
  • Sandwiches
  • Waffles

Categories

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  • Kid Friendly
  • Lunch
  • Restaurant

Photos


Chocolate chip pancakes--yummmm!
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More Reviews


Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Friendly Toast was my favorite breakfast spot before my Celiac diagnosis and remains my favorite now! So many great options and they always take the extra measures to prepare it safely.

Safety


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

— Very

Quality & Quantity


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

Updated 2 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I ordered gluten free blueberry pancakes and confirmed with the waitress about the allergy and I received normal pancakes. I got sick after because I ate them without realizing.

Celiac friendly?

No

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


It’s nice that they have options, but after I told the waitress I had celiac they brought out my eggs Benedict with normal bread as the base. This is an easy mistake but I was the one that noticed and the waitress told me she had to instruct the chef not to just switch out the bread which is what they had been planning to do. She made sure they made it over again from scratch. They don’t take allergies/celiac as seriously as I had hoped from reading the previous comments, but the waitress was awesome and very accommodating. They also use almond milk in their gf pancakes so due to a nut allergy I couldn’t have those either, just as an FYI

Celiac friendly?

No

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


This place was AMAZING! They specifically asked if I had an allergy and didn't make me feel guilty or uncomfortable at all. They changed the batter, cleaned the griddle, changed gloves and equipment, etc. I sat at the bar and could see into the kitchen - they did great! The bartender was awesome too. I ordered the French toast made with GF bread and carmelized bananas. It came out faster than I expected and it was delicious. No symptoms after. I'll be back for sure.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Gluten Sensitive

Overall Rating

Review


Such good service! Asked about allergy vs preference. We were so glad this was our first stop in Portsmouth!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


The pancakes were good, fluffy and large. I had gf avocado toast. They have the stick labels for gf food, and asked specifically if it was an allergy. I feel like they make a good effort, but hours later I find myself with a stomach ache. As a celiac, I would say be aware of a shared kitchen and shared surfaces. There is a chance it will effect those that are sensitive.

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I wanted to like this place. But it fell short in multiple ways. I’m generally forgiving of that if I have a safe meal. However, while the blueberry pancakes were delicious (with the exception of a couple of bites tasting like body odor, what?!?), I’m not sure they were entirely safe as I felt some sickness after eating.

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Never have I waited so long for breakfast . Was told 30-45 minute wait . We waited a little over an hour and then it literally took an hour and a half to get our food . 50 dollars a walk to the meter to put more money in and a cranky child later we left . Pancakes were good but if that is how the service always is I wont be going back.

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


So amazing! Have a ton of gf options and have a dedicated grill! I got eggs, toast, pancakes, bacon, and homefries and felt great! Love love love this cute place

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Food is fine but not safe for celiacs

Celiac friendly?

No

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


This was my spot when I was in college. Fast forward 15 years, I'm in town visiting, and now I can't eat gluten or most grains. Their gluten free pancakes are delicious and also free of corn flour/starch. I don't know about preparation, but they did make sure to bring my food out separately from my husband's. Glad I came back!

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Every time the staff was knowledgeable and took their time to provide a safe meal.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


My son ordered gf chocolate chip pancakes and he raved about them. Staff understand celiac and the need to not cross-contaminate. Great find!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


dedicated gluten free grill. GF pancakes that are yummy. they take it seriously.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Prices were high. Food was average. There was leftover vomit from the person before where my mom was sitting. Staff was knowledgable about celiac disease and the menu items containing gluten. Menu didn't openly list what had gluten or not so had to ask.

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I love the smoked salmon eggs Benedict!! They seemed knowledgeable when I discussed what was safe to eat. The gluten free bread was pretty good too.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Busy place and less than friendly staff. Food was okay, limited gluten free options. They were familiar with cross contamination, which is always a plus!

Updated 7 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Great place! I had the gluten free pancakes with bacon. There home fries are the best I've had and loved the atmosphere! Definitely go back!

Updated 7 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 7 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Not great communication. Home fries are not GF apparently, nor are their corn tortillas, which was not communicated to me. They will make substitutions without telling you. Could have made what was served to me as a substitution at home for a lot less trouble.

Updated 8 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


amazing! breakfast is always an issue for celiac and this menu was huge. from pancakes to omlets to eggs benedict to blood marys! staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. if my waistline could handle it is would eat here everyday. didn't have lunch but again a huge menu and I would be comfortable eating here.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 8 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Nice pancakes!! But we didn't like the rest so much. The restaurant seemed not that nice and clean, staff was ok, coffee was really bad.

Updated 8 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Celiac friendly?

No

Updated 8 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


The staff is well aware of Celiac Disease, they have pans designated for gluten free cooking, and they are conscious of cross contamination in the kitchen. The manager came over after we ordered and explained their kitchen procedure. They do have Udi's gluten free toast, though I stuck with eggs and home made corned beef hash.

Updated 8 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Fantastic meal! I had a New Hampshire's Finest scramble, which was eggs with goat cheese, asparagus, bacon, and scallions. It came with home fries and gluten free toast. (I don't eat toast, so I ordered it without) The chef came out and told me that he was using all new pans and had a non contaminated cooking area. The waitress was very attentive. Highly recommended!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 8 years ago read full review

Gluten Sensitive

Overall Rating

Updated 8 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


The wait staff is highly educated about Celiac. They have a separate grill for GF cooking. The wait staff gives your order to the manager who then gives it to the cooks! Fabulous system for safe eating.

Updated 9 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Super tasty food, knowledgeable staff, udi's bread, and an interesting atomsphere! Overall, one of my favorite restaurants. (There is also one in Cambridge, Ma)

Updated 9 years ago read full review

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