Thinking Cup

18 recent ratings
$ • Cafe
Reported to have a gluten-free menu
Reported GF menu options: Bread/Buns, Breakfast Sandwiches, Cookies, Dessert, Grilled Cheese, Sandwiches
Safety Rating
16 ratings

As rated by the community

165 Tremont St
Boston, MA 02111
Collections
In 5 Public Collections

Most Recent Reviews


Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Food was ok. But we were all a bit put off by the manager’s answers to our questions. He seemed more interested in not being held liable for anything than in explaining how they tried to avoid cross contamination. When we brought up the fact that our kid had celiac he seemed not to know what it was. “Is this life or death?” He asked. “Because we don’t have anything in place to prevent cross contamination and we keep the cocoa powder right next to the flour for example”.

Safety


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

— Not 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?

— Good

Updated 5 months ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Great GF breakfast sandwich!

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

Updated 7 months ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Nice and safe place for celiac people. Delicious GF food.

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?

— Most/All

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

— Excellent

Updated 8 months 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
  • Breakfast Sandwiches
  • Cookies
  • Dessert
  • Gluten-Free Menu
  • Grilled Cheese
  • Sandwiches

Categories

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Cafe
  • Dairy-Free Friendly
  • Lunch
  • Takeout

Photos


Gluten-Free at Thinking Cup
Gf tiramisu
Gf toast with lox!
Blueberry donut with lemon glaze and a cappuccino!
Happy belly
Add a photo View all photos

Tips


Celiac

The best coffee and sandwiches

2 years ago

More Reviews


Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Lots of GF options. The sandwich was just ok hut felt 100% safe.

Safety


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

— Very

Quality & Quantity


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

Updated 10 months ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


great sandwiches and many gluten free options

Safety


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

— Very

Quality & Quantity


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

Updated 10 months ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Amazing!! Tons of options and understating of cross contamination!

Safety


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

— Very

Quality & Quantity


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

Updated 10 months ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Good selection of sweet answers savoury gluten free items. I ate tiramisu which was lovely and bought a rice krispie slice to takeaway.

Safety


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

— Somewhat

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?

— Most/All

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

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for breakfast/brunch
  • Good for takeout
Updated 1 year ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Thinking Cup is my go-to for grilled cheese. If you are lucky, they will have special gluten free baked goods that are always yummy. The staff at all three locations are knowledgeable and understand precautions needed to avoid cross-contamination. There was only one time that an order was not made with gluten free bread. I noticed the mistake immediately when the order came out. The staff were very apologetic and quickly made a new order on gluten free bread.

Safety


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

— Somewhat

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 1 year ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


This is a favorite of mine. They have bakery items and sandwiches. The menu is clearly marked.

Safety


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

— Very

Quality & Quantity


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

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Gluten Sensitive

Overall Rating

Review


They have gluten free bread for breakfast sandwiches. Was easy to order and the staff asked if it was an allergy or preference likely to use a separate toaster. I don’t have a serious cross contamination issue so no problem for me! Great coffee too.

Safety


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

— Somewhat

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?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for breakfast/brunch
Updated 1 year ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


I went for breakfast ordered a vegan snickerdoodle that was suppose to be gluten and dairy free. I also had a turkey sandwich with gluten free bread. I told them I had an allergy and it didn't seem like they cared too much. I ended up sick and had to return to my hotel room. The bread was soft and good, but not worth the pain and discomfort I'm in. The snickerdoodle wasnt that good and tasted like a ball of sugary bread dough. The cold brew was really good and safe so if you have allergies and can't handle cross contamination then pass up the food and just get something to drink.

Safety


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

— Not very

Quality & Quantity


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


Other Characteristics
  • Good for breakfast/brunch
  • Good for lunch
Updated 1 year ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


All sandwiches can be made gf, they grill it using separate equipment. Had gf sweets as well

Safety


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

— Very

Quality & Quantity


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?

— Below Average

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


All their sandwiches can be made on gluten free bread and I was confident they take measures to prevent cross-contamination. The cashier was proactive and asked if my gluten free bread request was for "an allergy" so they wouldn't toast my bread. It was really delicious and the bread was so soft! I'd go back and try a pastry next time!

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 1 year ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Love this cute little place!

Safety


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

— Very

Quality & Quantity


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

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for breakfast/brunch
Updated 2 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


so delicious! cookies are a great size and also love the vibe.

Quality & Quantity


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

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for breakfast/brunch
  • Good for dairy-free
  • Good for lunch
Updated 2 years ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Good amount of gluten free options between the gf pastries and gf bread that can be subbed for most sandwiches! The staff seemed pretty aware and I didn’t get sick from the toast- just make sure to let them know it’s an allergy!

Safety


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

— Somewhat

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?

— Most/All

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

— Good

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for dairy-free
  • Good for takeout
Updated 2 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Handy little shop that does ok. Lots of charm and a dedicated toaster for gf bread. Prices are fair!

Safety


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

— Somewhat

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?

— Good

Updated 2 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Best coffee and sandwiches

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
  • 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

Updated 2 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Ordered a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich on gluten free bread. Sandwich was very good and hot. Staff was uncertain if tea blends were gluten free so I skipped it. The only problem was the block it was located, across from the Commons, had a lot of ruckus, panhandlers, a couple of guys talking to themselves, yelling at no one and some swearing. My daughter was uncomfortable and we probably wouldn’t go back for that reason. It’s a shame, very nice place inside and really good sandwich.

Safety


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

— Very

Quality & Quantity


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

Updated 2 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Delicious breakfast sandwich with many more options for lunch and dessert. When I placed my order and asked for gluten free bread they immediately asked if it was a choice or allergy. I would come back every morning

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?

— Most/All

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

— Good

Updated 2 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


All sandwiches can be made gf and if you inform them that it is an allergy they take extra precautions. Everything was delicious!

Safety


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

— Very

Quality & Quantity


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

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for breakfast/brunch
  • Good for lunch
  • Good for takeout
Updated 2 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


GF options especially the Blueberry Donut was amazing, thank you!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Love this place...loved it before celiac diagnosis and never been disappointed with their gf offerings. Try the chocolate chip cookie.

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


They had a gluten free key lime pie that really hit the spot when I stopped in on a hot day, and I didn't have a reaction or any problems. Very happy with the coffee and the service too.

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Had the sausage egg and cheese breakfast sandwich and it was warm and delicious ! They asked if I had an allergy or preference so they prepare it differently with an allergy. Also got the lemon blueberry donut and it was really good !

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Separate gluten free menu. Gluten free bread and wraps available. Waitress asked if I had an allergy or not. Recommended.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Sooo good and so many gf options!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I asked questions about my grilled cheese and they assured me they take precautions to avoid cross contamination. My food took longer to make, so I was reassured that I’d be fine, but ended up VERY sick. It was definitely GF bread, but there must be cross contamination occurring in their kitchen.

Celiac friendly?

No

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Picked up GF tiramisu and neopolitan to go. Tasty desserts and no celiac issues (there were non GF items in the case on lower shelves).

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Egg bacon and cheese sandwich on gf toast was delish

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


They use the same toaster for their gluten free foods. We left without eating anything.

Celiac friendly?

No

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


It took longer to make my food because of the gluten issue- a good sign in my book. Sandwich was good and tested negative for gluten on my Nima.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I asked them about their cross contamination practices for grilled cheese. The sandwiches are prepared and cooked on the same surfaces. We didn't even stay

Celiac friendly?

No

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Gluten Intolerant

Overall Rating

Review


Great options, have GF bread along with lots of treats. Everything is labeled very well. Even GF and vegan options

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


You can eat every sandwich glutenfree. They also have glutenfree cake and many more sweets.

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Love the sandwiches here. They use gf bread and always ask if it’s an allergy or a preference. I have been there several times and have never had a problem.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


The first time I went to the thinking cup I got a gf sandwich and donut and had no issues. The second time, however, I had a REALLY bad reaction to the tiramisu, which I was assured was gluten free and was listed as gf on their menu. Not sure if it was cross contaminated during baking or during serving, or if it just straight up contains gluten, but I might as well have had a slice of white bread, for the reaction I had.

Celiac friendly?

No

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Best gluten free desserts! Have never gotten sick eating here and usually stop by multiple times a week!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Nice coffee shop with good dessert and sandwich options for GF diners. We had the cocoa pebbles donuts for breakfast as I didn’t see any other gf breakfast options, but the sandwiches looked delicious. Didn’t have any negative gluten issues in my experience.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Great gf options! Any sandwich on gf bread, various gf baked goods depending on the day! Chocolate chip cookie isn't bad, blueberry donut is great! Staff verifies if it is an allergy or preference to ensure safety!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Knowledgeable staff. All sandwiches could be made on GF bread

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Gluten Sensitive

Overall Rating

Review


Really good food and coffee. Stumptown coffee is delicious.

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Delicious blueberry donut and gf blt

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Good gluten free options for breakfast and dessert.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Excellent sandwiches and delicious chocolate chip cookie! Full of flavor.

Updated 7 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Yummy choc chip cookies and delicious grilled cheese and ham sandwich - read someone else's review and had to have too. Wish we'd found earlier in our Boston stay

Updated 7 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Uses the same toaster to toast regular bread and GF bread. The cashier didn't seem to think that would be an issue. Asked for the bread not toasted, and the guy preparing was preparing all regular sandwiches at the same time as GF.

Celiac friendly?

No

Updated 8 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Absolutely delicious!!! Gluten free white bread that you could probably do with any sandwich. Got a gluten free grilled cheese with white cheddar and maple honey ham... SO GOOD! Go if you can. Not an everyday thing because it's a little expensive but definitely will be coming back soon.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 8 years ago read full review

Reviews of this Chain

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Great lunch spot. Good quality tea in a pot. Delicious sandwich on gluten free bread but if you are worried about cross contamination it would be risky.

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?

— Excellent

Gluten Intolerant

Overall Rating

Review


We had delicious latte and flavored cold brew and gf grilled cheeses.

Safety


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

— Somewhat

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

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Edit: I’ve never gotten sick here but last time I was here I did notice that it’s a very small prep space and I’m not sure they have separate ingredients for gluten free orders which is problematic if they’re grabbing lettuce after touching bread.

The girl who took my order has celiac disease. She said they’d wrap the bread in aluminum foil to keep it safe. The sand which was delicious and I didn’t get sick.

Safety


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

— Not very

Quality & Quantity


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

Overall Rating

Review


Sandwiches definitely not safe for celiacs. Same prep area, cutting boards, knives, etc (even when I said celiac and explained about cross contamination). But they will put it on tinfoil before putting in panini press, so if that’s all you need then you’re all set.

Safety


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

— Not at all

Quality & Quantity


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?

— Poor

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Employee explained that everything could be (and probably was) cross-contaminated. I really appreciated the transparency. My non-celiac companions enjoyed their food there, but I chose to wait until we got to a GF restaurant not far away.

Safety


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

— Not at all

Quality & Quantity


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?

— Poor

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