Windmill Cafe

Best sandwich in Santa Cruz! And 100% celiac friendly 😊 Had the best Tuna Melt ever and the Mexican brownie was amazing 🤩

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

Cute Cafe. Vegan and gluten free options. Gluten free toast, waffles and French Toast available. Very good food.

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

— Very

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

Have been here at least 20 times, whenever we come to visit SC we eat here daily. Big fan of their food and overall vibe. Santa Cruz is a food dessert for good gf options, grateful to have the windmill!

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

Good waffles and French toast. Immediately asked if it needed a celiac note.

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

— Somewhat

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

Just had lunch. Sweet little place. Understood gf /celiac. Will go back because they offer gf French toast and many other missed dishes! Warning: They close after lunch.

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

LOVE LOVE LOVE IT HERE! They have such great gluten free waffles and sandwiches :) ! Plus there smoothies are so delicious! The atmosphere and the staff are the sweetest ever as well!! So many good things to say about this place. Definitely a must stop for breakfast if you’re ever in town.

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

— Very

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

I have tried several items on the menu: blueberry muffin, brownie, blondie, GF French toast, eggs with veg. I thought the GF french toast was the standout item. The bread has a texture/taste that is exactly like a whole grain wheat bread. It has a soft texture and earthy flavor. You wouldn't know it was GF unless told. I will def go back here.

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

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

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

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Dog friendly
• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dairy-free
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good vegetarian options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers outdoor seating

I had the gf French Toast with bacon and eggs for breakfast and just loved it! Also the bagel with lox and goat cheese, the blueberry and lavender muffin and especially the brownie I had for take-away were delicious.

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

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

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 Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for kids
• Good for takeout
• Offers outdoor seating

I got the gluten free waffle with scrambled eggs. The lady said they had gluten free bread, bagels, and waffles, but if we saw something different they would probably be able to improvise. I also got a lavender-blueberry muffin, that was good. The waffle was slightly cinnamony so if that is not your thing, I wouldn't go with that. It was very good though. They had french toast, and my family got the regular one and it was good, so I'm assuming the gluten free one is too. The service was great and I didn't even have to tell them I had celiac she just asked me. Beautiful scenery too! Cute cafe!

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

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 Characteristics

• Dog friendly
• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good vegan options
• Good vegetarian options
• Offers outdoor seating

This is not only a cute place, the food was excellent. They have several naturally GF options, but their entire menu can be made GF. Staff was very knowledgeable and friendly. Our children loved it too!

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

— Very

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

This is my very favorite eatery in Santa Cruz. It’s amazing what they do with just a tiny kitchen hot plate. They are very conscientious about gluten. They even have gf toaster bags to keep the gluten free bread safe from cross contamination. It is safe and I’ve never gotten sick here. I am extremely sensitive to gluten. I like supporting this local small business.

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

— Very

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

Cute little place with a good amount of outdoor seating. Got the French Toast with a side of scrambled eggs. Delicious and really scratched an itch of eating breakfast out and feeling safe!

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

— Very

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

Plenty of GF options, they had GF bread and bagels, as well as GF bakery items in the window near the entry. We ordered a GF bagel (choice of plain or everything) with lox and goat cheese. It was so good we had to order a second one 😂

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

Came here twice it was soo good. For breakfast i got the salmon and potatoes and bacon. The sauce on the salmon was incredible.

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

Most all the menu can be made gluten free (or already is). They have a variety of gluten free and gluten pastries in the window, and can substitute gf bagels for bagels and gf bread for croissants on the sandwiches. They are happy to change gloves and handle gluten and non separately, and bagged them all separately. We ate here three times while in Santa Cruz with 8 people (once with 12) and had most of the menu at some point, all delicious. Also excellent covid safety (no eating or ordering inside, masks required for restroom).

I do not know if they have separate toasters/grills but they do process gluten free items separately. No gf fryer because no fried food at all. Many vegan and vegetarian options but also actual bacon and such.

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

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• 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?

— 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 Characteristics

• Dog friendly
• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dairy-free
• Good for keto
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers outdoor seating

They were very reassuring about being celiac safe and preparing everything separately. They said they cater to people with celiac disease, but unfortunately I got glutened. Maybe they can get training from the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) and be a safe haven for people with celiac in the future. But for now, I’d stay away.

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

— Not at all

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?

— Below Average

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch

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

— Very

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

The staff was really knowledgeable and said that there’s celiacs that go there all the time and don’t have issues. They take precautions so there isn’t cross contamination. I got the French toast and breakfast potatoes. I nima tested the French toast and got a :) meaning no gluten was found. I didn’t get sick and will go back here when I’m in town again !

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

— Very

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

Wonderful food, knowledgeable staff. Gluten free waffle and bagel were quite tasty. Got some pastries for the road, too.

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

Food was wonderful! I ordered the gluten free waffle with sausage on the side. They are knowledgeable about celiac, one of the women who works there has it, and there are plentiful options from breakfast burritos and tacos to vegetable curries with salmon to all kinds of sandwiches, all of which can be made gluten free! Steps are taken to protect against cross contamination. I felt safe eating here and the environment was very lovely and charming, with lots of flowers and plants surrounding the front patio.

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

— Very

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

Got a sandwich on gf bread and a gluten free (and vegan) waffle - so good! Also affordable. 10/10.

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

— Very

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 Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dairy-free
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers outdoor seating

I had the gluten free French toast and some breakfast potatoes. It was delicious and everything was listed as GF on the main menu chalkboard. They’re doing a good job with covid precautions, too!

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 Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Offers outdoor seating

Everything can be made GF except the bagels. No reaction to the yummy French toast. Great coffee. Good social distancing protocol and outdoor seating was well distanced.

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

Staff very friendly. Cute, quaint restaurant. Limited parking. Food fresh. Had Gf waffle and daughter had Gf French toast both delicious. Very aware of Gf needs. Not sure if there is a dedicated prep space. Tiny open kitchen.

Great gf French toast, waffles, and muffins. They understand celiac safety as well.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Staff was knowledgeable and patient. They made all of my food in separate pans. They also had pastries that they assured me were baked separately from the others.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Tasteful, small portions for the price but understandable for what it is: real estate by the ocean in Santa Cruz. Still a lovely quaint spot accommodating to gluten free allergies with outside seating and cafe style self service with some table service when they bring the food out. Small place and always short staffed so don’t down vote it over long wait times and service, they’re not built to be very busy with orders. Overall very good, not confirming celiac safe yet tho in my voting

The owner is careful about celiac and various allergies as well. Her house-made gluten free bread is delicious. I loved the salmon and goat cheese sandwich. Going back tomorrow to try more.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

We very much enjoyed our breakfast and did not get sick. They were very knowledgeable about celiac and cross contamination. I’d definitely eat there again!

The place is great! Found it via the app. Lots of GF options for breakfast and lunch. I am celiac and I would highly recommend this place😊

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Staff is very helpful and almost everything on the menu can be made gluten free. The prices are great and the portions are normal sized so it won’t ruin your diet. It is my favorite breakfast hang out!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

What a find! This place is quaint and the food is amazing! The chef came out and picked the herbs fresh from the patio! The house-made gluten-free bread is full of nutritious seeds.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Friendly service and amazing food. The food was great and not heavy.

After waiting almost an hour for our food, the bacon tasted microwaved and the gf waffle was under done.

Had an amazing breakfast and when I asked about gluten free and said I had celiac the counter person said “don’t worry we will wash the pan before we cook your eggs” and told me no gluten has ever touched their waffle iron. Plus it was all delicious!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I really wanted to love this place... gave stars for the great vibes, service, decor, excellent Wild Women organic decaf latte, fruit smoothie, and delish bacon. AND we were so excited to find a cafe with GF waffles...but we were sadly disappointed. Their waffles and baked goods...oat bar, blueberry muffin, and coconut pineapple muffin...ALL had no flavor and were heavy in corn. Basically bland cornbread with some berries, chocolate, and coconut shavings thrown in. GF doesn't mean flavor-free. The waffle was heavy and soft because of the corn...no amount of butter and honey fixed it. I don't mind paying extra for GF but it should taste amazing. It's completely possible. We may be back for their coffee and bacon.

This place go’s the extra mile and cares about the quality of there food and there customers! The food is incredible !!! The owners are so nice ! The staff is so friendly. We have been regulars for 4 years. We have never had a negative reaction to there food.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

This place nails it! Huge selection of GF muffins/pastries (actually they had more GF options than they did non-GF) as well as waffles, French toast and specialty frittatas. I felt very safe eating here and it made me so happy to have such a great option while visiting from out of town. Not too hippy-dippy either so the hubby could enjoy normal food too.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Excellent place that felt like home. The gluten-free vegan waffles were delicious. My whole family has celiac and we all ate there very safely. I will definitely be coming back to this place. Oh and the gluten-free brownies and muffins were delicious.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

They really care! They are more than accommodating! I told them I have celiacs and Crohn's disease. They made sure to use clean pans and the food was great! The guy at the counter was super friendly and said it was his loves/partners birthday. She was in the kitchen making my meal. I felt the love in my Asian Stir fry with wild Salmon. I will go back to this place every time I am in town!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

French toast and waffles!!!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Good selection - good homemade Gf bread

I really like this place- expecially the gluten free waffles- no other place in town does this! Also great gf brownies and I love their gf tempeh fakin' bacon! It it's cheap but celiac friendly!

We were excited to try the gluten free french toast. It was very disappointing. Not good, flat and very little flavor. The syrup was good and so was the coffee. I was taken aback because they charged for a coffee refill. It wasn't much, a dollar, but still, really? My husband got a brownie which was gf and very good according to him. Not enough reason to go back.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I could cry I'm so happy.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Gluten free waffles and French toast. Almost everything on menu can be made gluten free.