Review of Walldorff Brew Pub & Bistro

105 East State Street, Hastings, MI 49058

Overall Rating

Review


I live in town and have eaten here a few times a month for the last 2 years. There’s essentially your choice of subbing a GF bun or a GF pizza crust. They change up their menu a lot / run specials, and can do some entrees gluten-free, such as steak, fish, etc. One time I got Mahi-Mahi with mango salsa and white rice. It was awesome! It was a weekly special and I thought that it’d be easy for them to do, so I asked my server if they could check with the kitchen. Wish it was a regular entree. My point here is that it’s was not labeled GF or anything, you need to think and ask.

You need to think about what you are ordering and make sure that your server lets the kitchen know you have an allergy. You can sub a gluten free bun for any sandwich/burger but you need to think about what’s on it. The GF bun is decent, not the best but I like it. Watch out for anything cooked with beer/ale (beer cheese), braised meats, fried veggies, etc. Its unlikely your server will know without running back and forth to the kitchen. The kitchen will take CC precautions, but be careful what you actually order, because it might not be clear what’s safe for Celiacs. They are a busy joint.

I regularly get their burgers. Pub Burger or Longhorn. For your side, only the coleslaw is GF. Do NOT order chips or fries. I also get their grilled chicken sandwich, Reuben, and Dagwood often.

Their pizza is a bit pricey but it’s an alright thin crust. They have quality toppings and sauces that make up for it. I get the BBQ Chicken often. But you MUST order it baked Well Done. If you do not, the middle will be raw still. This is because the GF crust needs a different temperature and bakes unevenly. The extra time will burn the edges but it is much much better. HOWEVER. Be careful. I have gotten glutened after eating their pizza a few times. I always ask if they can use a separate spatula/cutter, pizza pan, gloves, sauce ladle, but I’m not sure this actually happens. It’s probably just not very realistic when they are busy. It’s not a great excuse but it’s reality and I am cautioning ordering their pizza. With that said, I’m probably 4/25 on getting sick from their pizza. Not the greatest probability. I really don’t order it much anymore. I’ve never gotten sick from a sandwich or burger.

Also, they have a great drink menu and great apps/food for your non-gf friends! Not any ciders on tap, and no GF beers. Bottled Mackenzies or Angry orchard. But great cocktails!

TL;DR - You need to be mindful about what you order, your server is not going to always know what you can safely eat. Tell your server if you have a serious allergy. Ask questions for the kitchen. Stick to a Pub/Longhorn Burger or Grilled Chicken Sandwich w/ side of coleslaw. You will be satisfied with your meal and be safe.

All in all, the options are a little limited but I appreciate them. I wouldn’t recommend specifically coming here for GF food but know that you do have safe options should you be in town.

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?

— Not Much

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

— Average

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for dinner
  • Good for lunch
  • Good for takeout
  • Offers outdoor seating
Updated 1 year ago

Celiac