Gluten-Free at Pappasito's Cantina

Fantastic experience all around. There’s a gluten free menu, and staff are trained to grab a manager to speak with you as soon as you mention any food allergy. The managers are extremely knowledgeable about ingredients and safety, and can accommodate multiple allergies and restrictions. Great Tex-Mex, and giant margaritas!

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

— 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

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good with other allergies
• Offers delivery

Great service they asked if it was gluten free or celiac. Checked with is on sides. The food was delicious and our son with celiac did not get sick!

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

— 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

Manager and waiter were fantastic. Very knowledgeable. Got the baked chips which my son loves. They even accommodated us on Fajita Wednesday (a chicken and steak combo), but were happy to serve the meats on separate skillets to avoid cross contamination so I could eat steak and my celiac son could enjoy the chicken. Definitely coming back here again.

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

— 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

We just had dinner here. Luis and his sister who's name I didn't get could not have been more helpful. They informed the kitchen, brought separate gluten free chips for my husband, just in case of cross contamination they have sealed bags of gluten free chips. Checked twice with the kitchen to make sure everything was gluten free. The food was excellent, they were very knowledgable and fun to talk to. I can't say enough good things about this restaurant!

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

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most

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

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

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

Great food and great service.

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

— 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

They have a GF menu. My husband got the enchiladas and he liked them. The waiter was helpful and accommodating.

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

The gluten free chips were stale and had no salt. The taco salad was lettuce with Italian seasoning and ground beef. Very disappointing. I won’t be returning.

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

— 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?

— Poor

I just ordered the salad with grilled chicken off of the GF menu. I explained I’m Celiac. It arrived with fried corn chips in the middle. (I explained how anything fried in oil is not GF. They said they made a fresh new salad for me. My stomach started rolling with pain right after eating it the fresh new salad. I now lay in bed with heating pad on my stomach. Never again will I visit this restaurant.

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

— Not at all

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

Had to wait 10 minutes for them to find the gluten free menu. They swore all the GF items were all pre-made and they were safe. Food tasted very bland and I was instantly sick afterwards and had a terrible reaction. Not the most ideal experience when flying cross country.

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

— Not at all

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

Layover in Houston caused me to stop here, and it was fantastic! Cashier was super knowledgeable and provided me with info about cross contamination without me asking. She told manager and got cook staff to change gloves. Food was great.

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

— 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

Overall great experience. Waiter returned to my tabke after ordering asking if I was also allergic to tomatoes or cheese. So I'd say they are knowledgeable. Great stop.

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

— 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

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

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most

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

— Excellent

Many menu items can be gluten free upon request. They were very knowledgeable about cross contamination and took care to make sure I had a truly GF meal. Staff made me feel confident. It was so good that I would not have believed it if they hadn’t had been so diligent. The manager did come to ask if it was a preference or allergy for documentation purposes for future ordering of produce, but it was not awkward or intrusive. I feel that staff made a huge effort to accommodate me.

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

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most

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

— Excellent

Zach the manager made sure to meet each of the 5 people with celiac in our group upon arriving. They had a gluten free menu and chips that were baked to avoid the oil cross contamination. After ordering Zach came back out to confirm what each of the 5 had ordered to double check the information the server had told him and to oversee the process in the kitchen. The experience was so great that we returned the next night as well. And our experience was almost exactly the same the second visit with a new server. Both servers were top notch and took care to communicate with management and each of our diners. Although I am sure there is turn over, if you let the server know if you have cross contamination issues, if the manager comes over to talk with you then I think you will happily eat there with no trouble. Big kudos to Pappasitos at this location. I am impressed and felt so safe.

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• 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?

— Most

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

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

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

I had the cheese enchiladas and they were just fantastic. The gluten free chips... not so much. I don't believe the queso is gluten free, and the guacamole wasn't the best... so I'd just pass on the chips. But the enchiladas? Those were really dang good.

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

My 8 yo is a newly diagnosed celiacs. Her older sister chose this location for a birthday dinner. We were pleasantly surprised to find they had a GF menu (with quite a few options). They even made the GF menu item into a kids size (there was something similar on the kids menu) and charged the kid’s meal rate. Before they even began cooking our meal the manager came over to talk to is about the allergy and confirmed any special requests.

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

— 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

I was excited when they had a GF menu and brought out baked chips!! Unfortunately, the fajitas had a butter sauce or spice I should have skipped. Got sick afterwards.

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

— Not at all

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

If you are looking for a safe meal, choose a salad without tortilla strips with chicken (beef is not gf). Overall a fine restaurant but with very limited gf options.

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?

— Average

We have been coming to this restaurant for years because their food is delicious. Since the celiac diagnosis, we've been pleased to find out they also have a separate gluten free menu with a lot of options. The server was very thoughtful and accommodating. They have gluten free corn chips, but had run out the last time we went. My fish tacos also came out wrapped in foil so they wouldn't touch the grill. All in all, a great experience!

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

— 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?

— 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 kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Offers outdoor seating

Baked chips…manager came out to explain menu options and safety precautions. Great overall experience.

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

Couldn’t seat us when we got there for our reservations. Once seated the waiter was almost non existent. Took forever to get his attention to order. Then forever to get the food. I have celiac & was given corn tortillas wrapped in a flour covered cloth napkin. I asked for different tortillas but was still very sick after eating here. Will NOT be returning. Food was ok tasting, nothing spectacular.

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

— Not at all

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?

— Average

They have baked Tortilla chips and a gluten free menu!! DO NOT EAT the chips they place at the table. You have to ask for the baked ones!

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• 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

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 dairy-free
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Offers delivery
• Offers outdoor seating

i went here because of all the good reviews and the separate gluten free menu. BE CAREFUL!!!! the menu says corn tortillas come with the taco platter, but mine came with flour and i didn’t realize it was flour until i was almost done. very upset i got flour when it clearly says corn tortillas.

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

I was excited to try this after reading reviews, but they have zero options that are gluten and dairy free. Their steak contains gluten and their chicken is sautéed in butter. Their chips are also cross contaminated in the fryer. I couldn’t eat anything here.

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

— Not very

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?

— Average

Other Characteristics

• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options

I wanted to try this place out as I had read a few good reviews. This was a bad idea and ended up leaving after my boyfriend finished his cocktail and paid. The menu states they have a separate gluten free menu. When I asked our server she advised that the manager would come out and go over it as they didn’t have one. After about five minutes our sever came out and had a very lose description of what was safe, but said the red sauce was safe. After her lack of confidence I asked for the manager so I could understand better. Turns out the red sauce has gluten and only the cheese sauce is safe for enchiladas per the manager. I asked if the chips were safe and they advised no, but they had gluten free chips. I don’t advise getting the chips they were about as stale as a wheat thin and tasted about 4 years old. All in all this was a poor experience and waste of time. It might be great if your allowed to eat gluten, but celiacs stay clear.

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

— Not very

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?

— Poor

I was so happy to see that a restaurant at the airport had gf options!!!! The chicken fajitas were fantastic, as were the margaritas. I joked to my bf that I might need to fly to Dallas again soon! Loved it, and felt great afterwards : )

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

— 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

Other Characteristics

• Good for lunch

Delicious chicken fajitas- their GF tortillas are some of the best!

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

— Very

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 lunch
• Good for takeout

Waiter was very knowledgeable. Food was great.

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

— 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?

— Excellent

They do have a GF menu, and they are educated on GF items. You just have to be mindful of mistakes of bringing you non GF tortillas and chips by mistake. Otherwise, it was a really good place and the food was delicious.

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

— 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

So happy to have found a safe place to eat in an airport! I am usually stuck eating the snacks I pack while my family gets to eat real food. The staff took my requests very seriously, and the kitchen manager came out to speak to me about their precautions. He knew about this app and said they work very hard to keep their good reviews. The food was delicious and I felt very confident.

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

— 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
• 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

I let them know I had allergies, so the manager came out to discuss what they were doing to accommodate my meat, shellfish, and gluten issues, which foods they were substituting like american cheese and refried beans etc.. amazing and kind and super caring!! I never review but these guys were so great

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

— 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 got curbside pickup and had to call in my order. The young lady taking my order was very nice and knowledgeable about what was gluten free. The food tasted great! I did not get sick at all.

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

— 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

The chicken fajitas were amazing! Prepared fresh with corn tortillas and did not get sick. I am very sensitive to cross contamination, so that was a big deal. This was a family favorite of mine before diagnosis, so I’m glad I can still eat there. Not as good as it was with gluten, but that’s kind of the case with everything. 4 stars because the baked chips were not as good as the normal ones used to be, but better than nothing and I appreciate that they had an option.

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

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most

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

— Good

The practices of each Pappasito’s location vary based on their kitchen space, so check with the cashier. Mine was VERY knowledgeable and helpful. Here is what she told me (Hobby airport location):

1) grilled chicken is good. you can do tacos, or fajitas but sub for corn tortillas (default is flour). That is what I did! 2) enchilada sauce has gluten and tortillas are dipped in flour... yikes 2) steak marinade is also NOT gf 4) rice and beans are fine 5) she claimed they don’t cross-contaminate the chips “any more” - I was reluctant to trust this so I passed on chips 6) they CAN flag it as an allergy for the kitchen, so ask them to do that. When I picked up the order the cook also confirmed it for me!

Oh and it’s Delicious!! Best airport food!

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

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

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 server apologized that the food took longer (which it really didn't) because they wanted to make sure it was gluten free. They took my need to be gluten free seriously. It was nice to feel safe eating while traveling though DFW.

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

— Very

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?

— Some

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

— Excellent

My husband and I dine here once a month or so, and upon every visit, the manager comes out and explains the measures the kitchen takes to ensure my food is gluten-free. Tonight, our waitress, Vanessa, went above and beyond to ensure there weren’t any issues with my food. She was by far one of the best servers I’ve had.

This restaurant will bring baked chips since the main ones are fried in the same grease as meat. The shrimp tacos are GF, and they can make items with corn tortillas instead of flour.

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

— 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
• 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

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

— Excellent

I ordered chicken enchiladas based on other reviews and they were excellent! Though you can’t eat the chips and salsa, the enchiladas with rice and beans were perfect. Other options were chicken fajitas and salads.

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

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

Our waiter ensured the grill would be decontaminated and the kitchen staff would change their gloves. The manager came and spoke to me about their protocols to reduce cross-contamination. They also have a separate gluten free menu.

I used my Nima sensor to test the food (fish tacos) for gluten and it all came back negative!

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

— Very

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?

— 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

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

— 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 server was very knowledgeable about the GF options and was able to tell me what would be cross contaminated and what would not be. Yummy food!

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

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most

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

— Excellent

Asked for a gluten free menu and they didn't have one. The manager came out and said he can make just about anything gluten free for me. It was amazing.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

A big hot plate of enchiladas rice and beans that came out with a GF toothpick marking the plate...in an airport?!? Yes please. Hope this chain can grow. Yes, you can’t eat the chips but don’t skip it for that reason. Get the enchiladas!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Great handling of gluten-free food — they had a dedicated menu with plenty of options. Massive Sangrias.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

After reading the other reviews, I was a little nervous and ordered cautiously, and had the salmon mango salad. The waiter had the manager talk to me and my son (who can eat gluten but not dairy) and we had a great experience. Those who are dairy free should know that the flour tortillas contain dairy.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Has a gluten free menu. Chips were not gluten free. Only taco shell option was soft corn, not hard shells. Server was not knowledgeable but went back to get the answers to my questions.

Staff was very accommodating and checked several ingredients to make sure I was safe. Ground beef and shredded chicken are both gluten free and dairy free. Rice and beans were safe. Corn tortillas are heated in the microwave so no cross contamination. Tell them it’s an allergy so they change their gloves. Steak is marinated in soy sauce so it’s not safe!

Had a great experience at Pappasito’s last week. I told my waiter that I am gluten free and he brought me the gluten free menu and gluten free tortilla chips. The manager came over and let me know that she would make sure no marinade would be on my chicken and communicated very well with me during my time there. The food there was amazing and I didn’t have a flare up!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Not a great selection, especially for a Tex-Mex restaurant there are usually many options. Ordered a salad and didn’t get sick, but I’m not rushing to go back anytime soon.

I’ll modify this when they get new chips. Harris and Pete Pappas should be ashamed of the baked gluten free corn chips. They taste like cardboard and the staff acknowledges this.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Staff very friendly and helpful

Celiac friendly?

Yes