Gluten-Free at Applebee's

I checked the allergens menu before I went and I realized I could really only have a side of fries, the bone-in wings, or chips and salsa. But, I went and ended up getting the Classic Dip Trio appetizer and it was pretty good!

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

I’d give it 3 1/2 stars. The menu has GS to mark gluten sensitive (I’ll attach photos), but the menu also mentions shared oil in the fine print, so those marks are misleading if you’re celiac. They have fries and stuff with tortilla chips marked as gluten sensitive even though they’re fried in the same fryer as everything else, so I opted to stay away from anything fried just in case. The waiter did say nothing was guaranteed, but the chefs are very careful and change their gloves. I got the grilled chicken breast which comes with garlic mashed potatoes and green beans. It was pretty good, although maybe the most boring thing on the menu. Haha. The mashed potatoes were very good, but there was a “skin” on the potatoes like the purée had sat for a while and dried out a little. I didn’t get sick—just a little indigestion after, but no big reaction. Overall, I’d come here again if a family event was there, but I wouldn’t choose it myself because of the fairly limited options and misleading Gluten Sensitive marks.

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

— 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?

— Not Much

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

— Good

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

— 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?

— Not Much

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

— Good

I'm newly diagnosed. I called today because I wanted French fries and unfortunately they did not have a dedicated fryer.

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

Not gluten friendly and though I was assured it was safe within an hour of eating I was violently sick

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?

— None

I ordered a Southwest bowl that was marked gluten free on the menu. I told the server I was gluten intolerant and wanted to double check it was in fact gluten free. She was very nice and not only double checked with the manager but also brought me a copy of the restaurant's printout that shows all the food they serve with every ingredient and the allergens they contain. She assured me she did not want me to get sick and wanted to double check as well. My meal was delicious and 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?

— 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

Other Characteristics

• Good for kids
• Good for lunch

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

— Somewhat

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 Characteristics

• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Offers delivery
• Offers online ordering

Nov 22, 2021. Ate lunch at this restaurant. Their menu items are marked as "Gluten Sensitive". I had a grilled chicken salad and did NOT get sick.

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?

— Excellent

Good food no cross contamination server understood GF.

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

So little available gluten free and no certainty that they understood enough to be careful.

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?

— Below Average

Had not been to an Applebee’s for several years because of lack of awareness of staff. But they now have several options on the menu - many of them are fried so I didn’t consider them. But I got the grilled chicken and thought it was excellent. I would try it again.

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

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?

— 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?

— Excellent

My favorite meal is the Fiesta lime chicken. However, if you have celiac, order this WITHOUT the tortilla strips. While they are naturally gluten free, they fry them themselves with other foods (such as the breaded chicken). I have been told by the staff many times that the tortilla strips are safe for me to eat, only to have the answer change when I ask if they're fried with anything else. This item is listed as gluten free without an changes needed, so beware - this may be the same with other "gluten free" options on the menu.

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

— Not very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

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?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers online ordering

The menu is “gluten sensitive” and is not suitable for anyone who has celiac and a severe reaction to gluten.

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

— 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?

— Some

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

— Good

I have celiac. There are a few god options. I have the ribeye once and the sirloin another time. Don’t risk the fries, they are in a shared fryer. But the mashed potatoes and veggies are good.

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

— 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?

— Some

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

— Excellent

Items on the menu that include gluten are indicated with a gluten sensitive (gs) logo. Additionally, when the waiter found out I was gluten sensitive she spoke to the manager and the manager came out with the allergy binder so that I could appropriately make a decision. Very pleased with the service and professionalism.

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

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

— Good

Brought my daughter's burger with bun on it. Cross contaminated my food. Very gross food.

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

— Not 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?

— Not Much

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

— Poor

Staff is nice but there’s nothing gluten free at Applebee’s.

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?

— None

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

— Average

Not Celiac Friendly, cross contamination possible.

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?

— Average

I called the restaurant before we went and asked for a manager. I told her I saw on-line that the nachos are gluten free. She agreed they are. I asked if the chips came from the same fryer as other items like breaded chicken. She said, “yes they are”. I said, oh so then they are cross contaminated? She corrected then and said, “well we are gluten sensitive, not gluten free.” That was enough to make me not trust eating there.

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?

— Poor

They have a gluten free menu and you can always ask the managers if something is gluten free and they know or will find out! I like the baby back ribs, grilled chicken, and chips and salsa.

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

— 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?

— Some

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

— Excellent

When I asked for a gluten-free menu they brought me what looked like a manual for the cooks. Which was fine because it was comprehensive. It listed every allergy in every food that they serve. So it was easy to find out what had gluten in it. I was able to order barbecued ribs, with a baked potato and broccoli. I had no bad reaction it was pretty good food.

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?

— Good

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

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options

Was told the ceasar salad was gluten free. The waitress was very nice but uninformed and brought it out with bread and croutons. I explained and she brought me another one. It wasnt gluten free. Two hours later I'm hurting and stomach bloating. ☹

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

— Not 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?

— Not Much

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

— Average

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

Other Characteristics

• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers delivery
• Offers online ordering

I have been going to this Applebee's for a few years now. They even have fried the tortillas in a separate pan of oil for me. Well tonight my opinion changed about how safe this place is for celiacs. I asked for the allergen menu and made it very clear I could not have gluten. My waitress seemed knowledgeable as she said the GS marked items would need to be verified in the allergen book. I told her I was very familiar with the book etc. I selected the strawberry salad and was happy to see no gluten in the allergen book. Well when my salad arrived it had a bread stick on the plate, ugh!!! It was brought out by the manager and he was like "what is the problem?" I told him it was supposed to be gluten free because if my allergy. He said he would have them make a new one. It appeared they did make a new one because I checked the plate for any crumbs but my stomach told me otherwise. I am not even upset about feeling sick after but more about the way it was handled. No apology at all from manager or waitress. They also messed up other parts of my mom's order but that's not related to gluten. Very disappointed and I won't be ordering from this Applebee's again. It used to be one of my safe go to's but now that they offer GS options on their regular menu they seem to be less concerned about us who truly need gluten free.

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

— 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?

— Not Much

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

— Average

Other Characteristics

• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers delivery
• Offers online ordering

Terrible experience. I was told the nachos were gluten free, yet was feeling extremely sick later that evening. Would not go there again

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

— 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?

— Not Much

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

— Average

Good sized menu, chain restaurant.

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?

— Most

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

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers delivery

No knowledge whatsoever of gluten free, several gf items listed on website were not offered

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
• Offers online ordering

I ordered wings and a Rice bowl both were marked as gluten sensitive on the menu. I informed the server that I can not have gluten. She said all items on the menu were gluten free( not true). My wings arrived at the table and I had to send them back. They gave me the boneless wings(breaded) they replaced them with bone in wings. After eating most of my food I was feeling very ill. I am not sure what happened but I ate gluten.

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

— 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?

— Some

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

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for kids
• Good for takeout
• Offers delivery
• Offers online ordering

Last time I had went, the staff was not entirely sure what I could have, she had given me the allergen binder which was good, but from what I saw and read all I could have there was the steamed broccoli and applesauce. Maybe they have more items now, but there was not much of a variety.

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

— Not at all

Safety Feature Ratings

• 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?

— None

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

— Below Average

Other Characteristics

• Good for takeout

The menu has “GS” (gluten sensitive) next to the items that don’t have any gluten ingredients in them. When I asked my server if there were dedicated fryers or spaces for preparing gluten free foods she said no. I had the corn chips and queso which was good and then the riblets for my meal. Fries that came with meal were not in dedicated fryer, so I asked for just the riblets and was still charged for the fries. Probably won’t be back here as it was too risky as someone with celiac.

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

— 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?

— Some

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

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for takeout

Manager was knowledgeable, but also gluten sensitive herself. (I called ahead). Staff was not knowledgeable but did mark that I had a gluten allergy on the menu. Limited food options but there were still some decent choices.

I'm an hour in and no rumbles. I will edit later if I did get hit.

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

— 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?

— Not Much

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

— Average

Other Characteristics

• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout

My wife just found out she has Celiac so it’s been an adjustment to find places we all like that give her good options. I found Applebee’s menu online and you can select different allergens and it will show you what’s available for you to choose from. She had a steak, broccoli and baked potato and loved it. The kid menu was fun, they get to pick the main course a side and their drink. It was good for our family.

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 Characteristics

• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout

Advertising gluten sensitivity menu items, but when I went to order, was told they take NO precautions for allergy issues due to liability concerns. Won’t be back. I didn’t choose to have food allergies. It’s not hard to make a bit of an effort to protect me.

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

— 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?

— Not Much

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

— Average

We took my celiac son in because they were said to have a GF menu. They told us they got rid of their separate fryer. They also couldn’t say if the meat was safe, even without buns. They seemed to have no idea about dealing with food allergies and the manager seemed annoyed that we were asking.

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

Pros: If there is a scene that caters to gluten-free needs in Pikeville, KY it is hiding well. Chain established "gluten-sensitive" items. Staff seems to care about not wanting you to get sick.

Cons: Staff not at all knowledgeable about gluten items/options. The service was not great.

We were greeted by a very unfriendly hostess who acted as if she'd prefer we just walked out the door. Mind you we went at 12:30 on a Saturday and they weren't even busy. All parties seemed confused when I asked about allergens/gluten. Then a manager brought me the allergen list and explain that they can't guarantee any cross-contamination (which is fair and well know). Every time I'd ask the server a question she'd get a manager to come over. All the managers just wanted to make me a very plain meal without seasoning or sauce, despite gluten-sensitive options that are already informed gluten sensitive so if they were taking the same precautions as they were with the plain meal it should have been fine. Our server, bless her was sweet, but not very with it and didn't check on us after taking or order until our food arrive (which was almost an hour later!). We ordered an appetizer that never came, two salads and an entree. The salads we'd hope would come out before the food came out with the meal. My Ceaser salad was drenched in so much dressing it was sickening. You could probably fill up two dipping containers with it. The food was just okay, but we ate it because by the time it came we were super hungry. We were actually getting ready to leave and tell them to cancel the order when the food finally came. I got a little sick but I am not sure if it was from gluten or just the overall greasy quality of the food and overload of dressing when I didn't even eat the whole salad. I wish I could give an alternate gluten-free suggestion for those that are traveling in Pikeville, but unfortunately I was only there for one day and this was my experience.

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

— 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?

— Not Much

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

— Below Average

Other Characteristics

• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers outdoor seating

I am not Celiac but am extremely allergic to gluten. I called ahead to see if they had a gluten free menu and was told yes. When we arrived they didn't have a gluten free menu just "Gluten Friendly" options. The options includes fries, wings, nachos, and some BBQ meats. They were not confident they could provide me anything safe to eat and I was confident in the items they listed as Gluten Friendly. We left and didn't order anything.

Speak to a manager about your allergy otherwise I’m not confident in their ability to prevent cross contamination

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?

— Not Much

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

— Average

Limited GF menu, but I've eaten here multiple times without any problems

Asked for a salad no croutons and no cheese and told them allergy... they brought it out with croutons. I explained to them, and they tried to pick off the croutons and cheese and bring it back to me. They don't understand allergies

Celiac friendly?

No

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

— Not very

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

I have not been this sick in a long time. I ordered a steak with potatoes and broccoli which are all listed gluten sensitive which I know doesn't mean gluten free but those items being gluten free generally anyway I figured I should be safe. My steak was overcooked then I was sick all night, it's now 4 PM the next day and I still am. When I told the waitress to let the kitchen know that I'm gluten free, she said what's that. I said what do you mean and she said educate me I've never heard of that before. I should have left right then

Celiac friendly?

No

They are not knowledgeable. They don't even understand that u can't use the same fryer. Would never recommend it

Celiac friendly?

No

The staff was not knowledgeable about gluten at all, our waitress didn’t even know what it was. I’ve eaten at other locations and have been able to eat the fries and chips. But at this location they told us their oil had gluten in it. I ordered a lettuce wrapped burger and had mashed potatoes as my side. The lettuce was not good so I had to just eat the meat patty and toppings with a fork. I ended up getting very sick after eating at this location.

Celiac friendly?

No

Not gluten friendly. Even items marked gluten safe are cross contaminated on fryer and grill.

It has gluten sensitive items marked, great service

Have gone in twice. The first time was great, manager came and talked to me about my order and was great with making sure the staff took precautions with my meal. The second time however, ordering something that should be super simple to keep gluten free, I got glutened. Obviously depends on who is working on how much they care about dietary restrictions and allergens. I won’t chance it again.

Celiac friendly?

No

3 stars because online the menu and food options are very customizable I could order steak and brocolli without butter. The steak was tough mostly because i ordered it well done

They had a some tasty options. Service was a little slow, but I would eat there again.

Celiac friendly?

Yes