The Salty Dog Cafe

On vacation on Hilton Head Island and we decided to visit The Salty Dog based on the entire page on their website that details their allergy protocols.

We asked our server for a GF menu and were told that they don’t have one at the moment, and there was no offer to pan-fry any menu items or similar, just told that fries were GF and my son could have a burger with no bun.

Throw in that the food was mediocre at best and I wouldn’t recommend this place, GF or not!

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

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer

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

They no longer have a gf menu. The whole reason we came here was because, according to their website, they take allergies very seriously. Not anymore unfortunately. They do have a dedicated gf fryer for fries.

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

— Not at all

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

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

— Poor

We visited on a weeknight last week for dinner. I ordered the Jake’s Lowcountry Boil from their “Hold the Gltuen” menu. The server asked if it was an allergy or a preference and took note of it. Their allergy protocol online said they’d have a manager come out to speak with me then the manner and head chef would confirm the safety, but that part didn’t happen. My plate did come out separately from the gluten-containing plates and the server mentioned it was the gluten free Lowcountry boil. It was decent—a bit underseasoned but everything was cooked appropriately. Our server was outstanding, and the bartender was even able to make our table a round of off-menu drinks to celebrate a birthday at our table. I didn’t have a reaction afterward, so we’d definitely come back, though I’d probably try something else on the good-sized GF menu.

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

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free 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?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Offers outdoor seating

Great allergy/celiac precautions and the manager brought my meal out separately. Not a ton of options but always relieved to find a safe spot.

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

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

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

— Good

Amazing waitress

Had the salty salad (shrimp pecans feta etc)… gf balsamic dressing… Yum! Also had pee and eat shrimp chilled w gf cocktail sauce (labeled on peel back lid)

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

— Very

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

Food was ok, nothing amazing and very expensive. If you like shrimp there were quite a few items, but not much other than that.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free 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

GF menu made it easy. Most options were chilled seafood, salads or sandwiches without a bun. Server was very attentive, inquiring whether it was an allergy or other concern. My son said the grilled chicken and fruit was a great lunch and we brought half home for another day.

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

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free 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

• Good for dinner
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers outdoor seating

Dedicated gluten-free menu but there is nothing special added that make it that way. It is simply the regular menu items that are naturally gluten-free on a separate menu. Manager did bring out my food, and celiac protocols seemed to be followed well. I loved salty dog prior to my celiac diagnosis (great atmosphere and a must visit when in HHI- especially during the summer time), but with so little options for me now it has lost its luster.

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

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

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

— Average

There is a small selection of gluten free options. I got the chicken sandwich without the bun and fries. The manager brought it out and it was marked allergy. I had either mild gluten symptoms or an IBS flare up due to anxiety that night. I can’t say that I’m 100% sure that the food is or is not what made me sick but I would still be careful going here.

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

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free 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?

— Average

Separate gf menu. Waiter was very sure to add a note to file and be very cautious. Gf food brought out separately. Delicious blackened shrimp and swordfish. My daughter was also able to have fries thanks to a separate fryer. Service was excellent.

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

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free 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

Gluten free menu. Manager comes out to bring your food. They can cook everything separately and have a separate fryer. Knowledgeable and super helpful staff

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

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free 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

They had a gluten free menu but it was limited. The food was good but not great! Definitely felt rushed the entire time. This is definitely a tourist location. I would recommend passing on the restaurant and just visit the ice cream shop or gift store!

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

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

— Average

I have celiac. They had small GF menu but I got very sick an hour after eating.

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

— Not very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

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

— Poor

The food was so disappointing. While we did appreciate a gluten free menu, it had no kids' options on it and my daughter got French fries and grilled chicken. It was nothing exciting. The rest of us ordered off the regular menu and that wasn't very good either. The atmosphere is cool.

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

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Dedicated gluten-free fryer

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

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

— Below Average

Great gluten free menu

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free 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

They have a GF menu and the staff is very accommodating. The cook came out and reassured me they were taking care of my meal. I ordered the Jake Shake salad with shrimp. It was good although I couldn’t have their dressing because it had canola oil.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free 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

We ate at Salty Dog while on vacation with my family. I’m always nervous going to restaurants but salty dog made me feel at ease. They list their allergy protocol on the website! They have a separate menu with a few options on it. When our meal came they brought my plate out separately from the rest of the table. I felt comfortable eating here.

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

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free 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

Ate there twice. First time was a salad, a burger, no gf bun option, and fries. Meal was good. Second time was steak and fries. The steak is seasoned so asked the waiter what the seasoning was and if it was safe. His response was “gluten is carbs” *insert huge eyeroll*. Ordered the steak plain to be safe. Turns out the seasoning is on the table as well and is marked gf. Didn’t know that until after placing order. Definitely a busy place but we were told 1.5 hour wait and it was only 45 minutes.

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

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

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?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for kids
• Offers outdoor seating

Not the best but also not the worst. They had a gluten free menu with limited options. I had a burger with no bun and fries (dedicated fryer), which was not too shabby. Also, this place gets super crowded. We got told our wait time was going to be around an hour and 45 minutes but then it ended up being over 2 hours! Every seat was full constantly and the servers were always busy. Overall, I would recommend coming here but definitely prepare yourself beforehand(LOL).

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• 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

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free 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?

— Average

They had a separate fryer so I had fries and an appetizer. It was good!

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

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free 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

Ate at shipwreck and waiter had good knowledge. Ordered the grilled shrimp and the fresh cut potato chips. They have a GF fryer. All was good and no reaction.

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

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

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

— Good

There’s not a lot of GF options. But the fries are GF. Very limited menu for those who eat GF. Wish there were more options such as tacos with corn tortillas. Or at least offer a GF bun for the burger.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

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

— Average

On the website it states that the chef himself will come out to your table and explain why it is gluten free and the precautions they took, but my meal arrived the same as everyone else’s in my party. I ordered a gluten free burger and I expected it to come with a gluten free bun like it said in the menu, but it came as a disassembled burger without a bun.

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

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

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

— Average

Other Characteristics

• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers outdoor seating

Our waitress was very knowledgeable and was also training someone. She stated the GF options marked on the menu are prepared so no CC and things may be GF but may not have been prepared with the CC precautions. Pizza there would not be safe for celiacs.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Have a separate gluten free menu with a good amount of options especially if you like seafood. I had a burger with no bun and French fries. They said they do have a dedicated fryer and I did not get sick. I also had a Rum Runner that was great!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Ate there 11/17/19. I also had french fries as they do have a dedicated fryer and the staff seemed to be knowledgeable about food allergies. Both our server and the hostess commented that the restaurant takes food allergies very seriously. I am allergic to soy, dairy, shell fish, chicken, turkey, beef, and pork so for me their menu was very limited, but I did enjoy the fries. They came in a basket and it was a good size portion way larger than I could eat on my own.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Went there today and both my son and I got sick. We suspect it was the fries. They said they had a dedicated fryer and fries are included on the gf menu but something made us both sick

They had a dedicated fryer for fries! And they were delicious! They don’t have Gf buns but a hamburger with fries was fine. They seemed very familiar and unphased at my gf and df needs!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Separate gluten free menu which is nice and dedicated fryer for fries. Not a huge selection though. Bunless burger/chicken, salads, a few entrees. My burger came out with a bun and they were very nice about fixing and making a whole new one. Was good and didn’t get sick.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Great food! Separate gluten free menu. Lots of options. My husband who is not gluten free ordered from my menu too and said it was delicious. This is not a fast service place, so don't be in a hurry.

Food was very good but be careful! Just cause they have a dedicated fryer it's only for the fries, the batter they use for the fish is flour based! Please ask the wait staff questions. Overall, very accommodating and delicious. And yes the fries are yummy!

Bar staff is top notch!! Luke and Christina took good care of us even checking with the chef before placing our order. No GF bread to go with all the other great stuff but the food was fantastic

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Waiters were great. The wait was long but the food was worth the wait great experience and good environment. The gluten free food came out faster then the gluten food. Separate fryers.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Good food great seafood dedicated fryer and staff was very knowledgeable

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Waitress was very nice and very attentive to my needs since I have celiac! She brought me a gluten free menu and explained my options!! Definitely celiac friendly!! They brought my meal Out separate and made sure it was gluten free ! I had a delicious Caribbean shrimp dish that came with vegetables and rice. Highly recommend this restaurant for people with celiac! They had a decent amount of gluten options. Went there with low expectations however, I left very happy and will return next time we are in Hilton Head!! Nice to go out to eat and receive great service excellent food and not worry about getting sick from eating out!!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Had gf hamburger and fries, was really good! Service was great and took my dietary needs seriously! Was great to get fries as usually don’t have that opportunity.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

It was ok. Not spectacular and a bit pricey for what we got. GF fries from a dedicated fryer were nice, but there are better places to eat on the island for sure. Server was very nice. They had Omission Lager but I wasn’t paying $5.75 for one bottle.

Gluten free menu is small but there is a dedicated French fry fryer. Chef was willing to make modifications to items on the main menu as well. I had shrimp and grits and it was delicious. They made it GF by leaving the gravy out. A separate server brought my meal to the table and repeated to me that it was made gluten free. Definitely worth it!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Had the swordfish special. Tasted frozen then defrosted. Came with gf fries. Daughter had hot dog no bun. Over priced. We won't be back

Celiac friendly?

Yes

The staff was very knowledgeable about gluten, had a separate fryer, and a gluten free menu. I'm celiac but asymptomatic so I can't guarantee no cross contamination occurred, but it seemed like they knew a lot.

GF menu was fine; I was pleased with the options. I had crab legs, GF fries and steamed veg. The food was okay -- what's to be expected with a tourist trap. The ice cream stand also offers a few options (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and a few others).

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Ordered the margarita salmon, fries, and veggies off the menu. Fries were amazing! However my steamed veggies had a pasta noodle in it!!!! I sent it back and they prepared a new one. The server claimed it was a gluten free pasta noodle too!! I ended up getting terribly sick shortly after and on my bday too! My husband called and asked if they even had gluten free pasta and they said no they did not offer gluten free pasta so the server flat out lied to our faces!

Celiac friendly?

No

GF menu -- ask for it! Food was delicious, had catch of the day, blackened, with separately cooked fries - yummy !

Head chef came out and talked to me specifically about my Celiac's. Food was good, and it was really nice to have the head chef come talk to me and tell me what capabilities they had to be able to accommodate me.

Was told they didn't have a GF menu. Took my chances on a meal.

Manager came over to the table to discuss GF options. Had a tilapia fillet & fries for $25!

Very good

Celiac friendly?

Yes