The Island Cow

They don't have a gluten free menu, but there is a decent amount that can be made gluten free through the GF buns and pasta. I asked about the burgers, because grills can be a major place of cross contamination, but they said the grill is only gluten free. I was a little leery of the grilled buns, but I haven't reacted.. So there's that. They did say no to anything fried, but could substitute out for a few other sides.

Overall food was good and service was solid. Prices are a bit high, but that's normal everywhere on the island.

Choices seem limited for gluten free. They do offer salads and some non gluten free options. I’d recommend the blueberry bisque.

No gf menu. Was told they have gf bread and pasta. I had the Nachos and the island cowtail drink and all seemed fine. Staff was quite forgetful though. Food was ok.

Was told they were “working on updating their gf menu.” The waitress guided me through what to take off/substitute and what to steer clear from. Had the cocktail shrimp appetizer with fruit- was very good! Ordered the grouper with BBQ sauce, applesauce and cheesy grits for meal. Plate still came with hush puppies.

It looks like they’re trying, but for celiac here- wasn’t up to what I would have hoped.

I went here and I thought it was going to be amazing. The atmosphere was nice and I thought they were going to have a good gluten free menu. Once I sat down my mind had changed. They have a gluten free menu, but it is very limited. If you want a burger you have to order it with no bun, pasta you order it with with no pasta, etc. last year I went here and got very sick after. I came back this year to find out their potato’s are not gluten free. When on the menu it is not listed to ask for them off. Last year the waiter decided not to inform me that they were not gluten free. I ended up getting very sick. This year I had a nice waitress who informed me they are coated in flour. As I asked for no bread and potatoes with my food there was a huge piece of bread with potatoes on the side. The waitress was very nice and watched them remake the food. The waitress was very nice and sympathetic because it was said that she and another waitress were gluten free. Once I ended up finally getting my food it was mediocre. It was nothing special. I talked to the manager and all he said was that they are always changing their recipes. He did not seem to really care. Overall I would not recommend going here. There are other places that are way better.

Celiac friendly?

No

Yes , they know their menu, no they didn’t kill me ! Of course the bar was yummy! I had the new watermelon drink! I did have a reaction after eating the ribs. There are no options !! They are not making items gluten free or offering gluten free products ! They are hitting the bare minimum!! They can work harder ! It’s no biggie to offer a gluten free bun for a burger !! It’s a call to Udis !! Come on Island Cow put your heart in it !!

Echoing the last comment. They do have a GF menu, but it says to leave off bread, rice, fries etc for entrees. With the prices being $15+ for each sandwich, this seems like a ripoff for those needing to eat gluten free i.e.: burger leave off bun and no fries yet you can pick another option on their sides which leaves pretty much a salad. There are better options on Sanibel and Captiva for GF dining.

Sure it has a gluten free menu. Its a menu that says that they don't offer gluten free bread, rice, sauces, flour substitutes, etc. im also lactose intolerant and all i could order was a literally a single burger patty for $15 or a handful of lettuce with vinaigrette for $12. Would not recommend at all.

Celiac friendly?

No

Love this place. It is our 4th or 5th time here and it gets better each time. No gluten free bread to substitute but GF options are awesome nonetheless. No x-contamination issues for us.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Dined here in the evening with my vacation mate. Our waitress said she wrote the GF menu, so she really knew her stuff. Plus, this place is about dairy/cows/real butter, so she said I didn't have to worry about soy oil or soy protein which is a separate issue for me. Phew!

had the Paella which was fabulous. The GF menu said something about the rice, but she said the rice had been changed, so it was fine. She said it normally comes with bread, but would leave that off. My dining partner said she'd take the bread, but the waitress said it wouldn't be separately plated (should but probably wouldn't be) so she suggested it just be left off. Yes, please do that!

Finished it off with a chocolate shake.

Lots on this regular menu and so much can be gluten and soy free.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Separate gf menu with wheat/gluten containing items crossed off. I had a chicken Cesar salad. Too much dressing and quality of lettuce not great. Would not recommend this place for celiac.

Celiac friendly?

No

No buns or bread or pasta. Good food but not as many choices

I absolutely would not recommend this place for gluten free. I went there with my family and ended up not even ordering anything because the lack of understanding was shocking. Their gluten free menu is pathetic.. You can order a sandwich.. but don't expect any bread. You will literally get lunch meat on a plate. No thank you.

Celiac friendly?

No

They have a separate GF menu which looks impressive at first glance. However, they had no GF bread options for sandwiches, no GF pasta for the pasta dishes and it even said you would have to order the red beans and rice with out rice... But my crab legs were tasty and the staff was knowledgable about their sauces and dressings.

Fly-infested dump with a staff that isn't helpful. Will never come again

Multipage gluten free menu, no reaction after the meal. Food was average but grateful to have a lot to choose from.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Knowledgeable staff, gluten free menu, fun atmosphere, no reaction.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

As soon as I mentioned that I'm gluten sensitive, the server brought me a multiple page gluten free menu. There were the usual limitations (pasta without noodles, sandwiches without bread, no fries or rice), but plenty of other options. I had as seafood combo with tuna, shrimp and scallops, served with mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables (green beans and carrots). Several other sides were also listed as gf. Food was tasty and the server seemed well informed about gluten sensitivities.

Large portions, no dedicated menu. Good prices. Our options were very limited.

Great food, no dedicated menu... But the staff was helpful.

We called ahead to find out about their GF menu and their response was "we have the largest gluten free menu on the island". Our experience was a complete disappointment. Their version of a gluten free menu is their entire lunch/dinner menu, but if your order a sandwich it will come without bread, pasta dishes are offered without noodles. Really??? You call that an extensive GF menu? Celiacs and all GF people out there this restaurant is not for us. After all the recommendations I ordered steak and eggs for breakfast... It came with the potatoes (I was told had gluten seasoning) and a slice of toast on top if everything. Makes you wonder how safe that kitchen is when preparing your GF meal. The waiter took it back and remade a bland steak and eggs meal. We will not return!

Celiac friendly?

No

They had a menu that stated gluten free menu but on the menu it stated that "tell your server you can't have rice, buns, etc" We were nervous about it but the server was very knowledgable. Fun atmosphere huge portions.

Three of us ate here on April 22nd. We went because we were told they have a gluten free menu.1. Long wait even for off season2. Menu is so large it is confusing.3. The gluten free menu is their actual menu but under the description it says tell your waiter you cannot have the bread or rice or pasta, etc. It is NOT a gluten free friendly restaurant. Why have a pasta section on your Gluten Free menu if it says tell your waiter you cannot have the pasta?4. Ordered my son grilled chicken, he has a gluten allergy. He was served a huge basket of potato chips and it took forever to locate our waiter to get his grilled chicken.I would love to give this restaurant 5 stars for their seafood, but their lack of a GF menu after stating they have one really upset me. I had their flounder with scampi sauce 5 stars. My mom had their shrimp taco, 5 stars.

Celiac friendly?

No