Uptown Swinery

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

— Very

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

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for lunch

The wait staff at the Swinery were very accommodating. They offered suggestions of how they could make things different to be gluten free. We ate there twice during our visit to St. Augustine and no problems.

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

— Very

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?

— Excellent

I spoke to the waitress and told her that I had celiac and what I needed to avoid. She talked to the chef who recommended certain items. She spoke to the kitchen in advance of me ordering. This was key. The food was great and the dining atmosphere was awesome.

I got a Frittata (there is not crust on a frittata) I went for brunch, so there were enough meat or egg options there. Speaking to the waitress, and conveying that this is a medical need and not a diet preference is key. She spoke to the chef before I even ordered. I went with something the chef recommended.

Lots of brunch specials and drink specials. Have waiter ask chef about ingredients before ordering.

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

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

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?

— Excellent

Uptown Swinery serves fancy and delicious comfort food. I went for brunch with friends and family and they had amazing mimosas and brought different juices to the table for us to mix as we pleased. Unfortunately, I was blatantly glutened and was violently ill within a couple hours. After being assured of what I could eat (and frankly a little disappointed at my options as I’m definitely accustomed to pricier restaurants having ample GF options) I was served a meal that was smothered in a wheat flour rue-based sauce that I didn’t even realize I was eating until my husband noticed and told me I was almost certainly eating flour. When we asked the waitress she checked with the chef and came back to say it was a mistake and I was indeed served gluten. While they were kind, I don’t think they had a fraction of a clue what this means for person with celiac and I’ll definitely never go back. On the other hand, the people I was with were extremely happy with their meals and they did look delicious. Just be very cautious if you’re celiac!

Celiac friendly?

No