Gluten Free Dining in Denver's Restaurants and Coffee Shops
January 31, 2013
Julie Bourne, our Gluten Free College Blogger, has returned from her semester studying in Rome and is now back at University of Denver. She shares with us her favorite spots for quick and inexpensive gluten free eats at restaurants and coffee shops around the University. She's reviewed all the places mentioned below in depth on GlutenFreeTravelSite. Simply click on the links below to be taken to her reviews.
As my Rome experience has come to its inevitable close, I find myself back in Denver for my return to speaking in English and clocking in some time in class! While it’s been hard for me to get back into the swing of things after such a fantastic time abroad, I’m happier than I can say to be back to my familiar territory. As a busy student, I spend a lot of time studying in coffee shops, grabbing meals to eat on the go, and going out for inexpensive lunches with friends. In the past couple of weeks back in town, I’ve compiled a few new places that I can recommend to my fellow Denver gluten-free diners.
As mentioned above, I spend almost an obscene amount of time
huddled in cozy coffee shops with my homework. In order to keep up my energy, I
choose to frequent the coffee shops that offer a variety of gluten free foods
alongside the free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. On Pearl Street, just off of
the Louisiana-Pearl light rail stop, is Stella’s Coffeehaus, a popular spot for
students and locals alike that has some seriously good gluten free sweet breads
(which are also served at Capitol Hill’s charming neighborhood hang-out,
Pablo’s Coffee). Not far from there is Wash Perk Coffee, which boasts sunlit
seating and gluten free cookies, scones (pictured here), and even burritos! There is definitely
no shortage of good coffee with accompanying gluten free treats here in Denver.
Finding a quick meal that is affordable, healthy, and gluten free can be a tall order. Luckily, there are a couple of options that I can recommend as being loved by both gluten free eaters and regular diners alike. Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill is an awesome option for any hummus fans out there. Think of a huge plate loaded with rice, tahini, hummus, and grilled-to-perfection chicken for less than $6. A great place for a hearty salad is Modmarket, where you can also get gluten free pizza made with farm-fresh ingredients.
When the parents come to visit, I love taking them out to a
good breakfast- it’s the most important meal of the day, after all! In the hip
neighborhood of Capitol Hill is City O’ City; is a quirky café offering the
best savory waffle you’ll ever have, topped with fresh vegetables and a fondue
sauce (just look at this photo!). Jelly Café has a new location near the University of Denver. Here you
can find gluten free donuts and pancakes while sitting in one of the tiny
café’s cozy booths.
Of course, my favorite part of being back in Denver is getting to see my friends again, but being able to try out some new restaurants and cafes is certainly a plus! Eating gluten free in Italy was so incredibly simple, making it a bit daunting to return to gluten free eating in the States. Fortunately, Denver has made me feel welcome again with a plethora of options for gluten free diners. It’s good to be back!
You can read ALL Julie's gluten free dining reviews on her page on GlutenFreeTravelSite. And if you haven't visited her own Blog, The Campus Celiac, it's another great source for advice, moral support, resources, and recipes for gluten free college student trying to navigate gluten free dining options on campus and off.