Join Thousands who Save $40+ a Month in the Treasure Valley.

The Treasure Valley is quickly becoming a top destination for families in search of safe and delicious gluten-free dining options. As awareness of dietary restrictions grows, many local restaurants are rising to the occasion, offering gluten-free menus that cater to both kids and adults. Among the top family-friendly spots, Smoky Mountain Pizza, Boise Fry Co., Uncle Bob's Pizza in Meridian, Alavita (an Italian eatery), and Chandler's (an American restaurant) stand out for their dedication to gluten-free dining, offering everything from tasty pizzas and pastas to American favorites, all in a welcoming atmosphere.

In this blog, we’ll highlight these restaurants, showcase their kid-friendly features, and offer helpful tips for stress-free family meals. Whether you’re a local or visiting, let’s explore the gluten-free dining scene in the Treasure Valley!

Why Gluten-Free Dining is Essential in the Treasure Valley

The dining scene in the Treasure Valley has adapted to the growing needs of its diverse community, with around 1% of people affected by celiac disease and many others managing gluten intolerance. Families with gluten-free children often face challenges such as hidden gluten in sauces, cross-contamination risks, and a lack of kid-friendly options. Thankfully, restaurants like Smoky Mountain Pizza, Boise Fry Co., Uncle Bob's Pizza, Alavita, and Chandler's are stepping up, offering dedicated gluten-free menus and staff trained to prevent cross-contamination. While many restaurants claim to be both "family-friendly" and "gluten-free," it's important to note that not all claims are consistent, with some reviews suggesting variability in execution. However, these restaurants are a great starting point for families seeking safe and enjoyable dining experiences in a region known for its tight-knit community and love of outdoor living.

Spotlight: Uncle Bob's Pizza 🕊️

Overview: Situated at 1728 E McMillan Rd #110 in Meridian, Uncle Bob's Pizza is a family-friendly pizzeria with a game room, diverse menu, and plenty of TVs for sports. It’s a popular choice for families and offers hours from 11 AM-9 PM on Sundays and 11 AM-10 PM Monday-Saturday.

Gluten-Free Offerings: Uncle Bob's is known for having some of the best gluten-free pizza in Meridian, with a thick, homemade crust. While not a dedicated gluten-free facility, they take precautions, such as changing gloves and using paper to avoid cross-contamination, though celiac safety should be verified.

Kid-Friendly Features: A game room with arcade games keeps kids entertained, and the casual, sports-bar atmosphere has outdoor seating options. The menu includes kid-friendly items beyond pizza, such as wings and pretzels, with daily specials that add extra value.

Visitor Insights: Families rave about the gluten-free pizza, calling it "the best GF homemade pizza with real thick crust!" The game room is a hit, but some caution about cross-contamination risks. It’s best to speak with staff for safety measures.

Tips for Families: Call ahead to confirm gluten-free pizza availability and discuss cross-contamination protocols. Visit between 2-4 PM to enjoy the game room with minimal wait. Don’t forget to bring coins for arcade games.

* EXCLUSIVE COO DEALS AVAILABLE AT THIS LOCATION

Spotlight: Alavita (Italian Restaurant)

Overview: Located at 1001 W Main St in Boise, Alavita is an upscale Italian restaurant open daily with lunch and dinner service, known for its authentic cuisine and vibrant atmosphere. It’s family-friendly, offering quality dining with a focus on fresh ingredients.

Gluten-Free Offerings: Alavita offers a dedicated gluten-free menu, including pasta dishes such as gluten-free spaghetti or rigatoni, served with marinara or pesto sauces. They take extra care to prevent cross-contamination, although a fully gluten-free kitchen is not guaranteed.

Kid-Friendly Features: The restaurant provides high chairs and booster seats, with an open layout that appeals to kids. A kids' menu offers gluten-free options like mini pasta bowls and pizzas. During meals, staff often provide gluten-free breadsticks for little ones to enjoy. Outdoor patio seating adds a bonus for families when the weather is nice.

Visitor Insights: Families value the knowledgeable staff, with one parent sharing, "The server explained gluten-free prep and my celiac son loved the pasta." Though some find the upscale atmosphere a bit more formal, reservations can ease wait times, which can be up to 30-40 minutes during peak hours.

Tips for Families: Make a reservation or call ahead to confirm gluten-free options. Aim to arrive early (11 AM-1 PM) to avoid the crowd. Bring quiet activities for kids, as the dining pace can be slow during peak times.

Spotlight: Chandler's (American Restaurant)

Overview: Chandler's, located at 981 W Grove St in Boise, is a fine-dining American steakhouse open for dinner Monday-Saturday and brunch on Sundays. Known for its excellent steaks and elegant atmosphere, Chandler's provides a family-friendly dining experience with accommodations for younger diners.

Gluten-Free Offerings: Chandler's features a comprehensive gluten-free menu, offering steaks, salads, and sides such as mashed potatoes or grilled vegetables, all prepared with attention to cross-contamination. They use separate prep areas and fresh utensils, although the shared kitchen means that complete celiac safety is not guaranteed.

Kid-Friendly Features: Chandler's provides high chairs and booster seats, and its spacious dining room and outdoor patio make it a comfortable spot for families. The Sunday brunch menu includes gluten-free options such as mini waffles and scrambled eggs, ensuring that kids can enjoy a variety of dishes.

Visitor Insights: Families love the gluten-free brunch, with one reviewer commenting, "My daughter with celiac enjoyed the waffles, and the staff were thorough." While the upscale setting can be pricier and noisy during peak times, early or midweek visits tend to be more relaxed.

Tips for Families: For Sunday brunch, reserve a table to ensure gluten-free options are available. Arrive by 10 AM to avoid the crowds, and be sure to ask about cross-contamination protocols. Bring a small game or book to keep kids entertained while waiting.

Spotlight: Boise Fry Co.

Overview: Located at 1119 W Main St in Boise, Boise Fry Co. is a fry-centric eatery open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM. Known for customizable burgers and a variety of fries, its relaxed, industrial-chic atmosphere makes it a fun spot for families.

Gluten-Free Offerings: Boise Fry Co. provides gluten-free buns for burgers (beef, turkey, or veggie patties) and uses a dedicated gluten-free fryer for fries, ensuring safety for those with celiac disease. Toppings like lettuce wraps and sauces are clearly labeled for gluten content. Additionally, naturally gluten-free sides like sweet potato and garlic fries are available.

Kid-Friendly Features: Kids can build their own burgers or fries with a variety of toppings, making meals more interactive. The restaurant offers high chairs, outdoor seating by the Boise Greenbelt, a small play area with coloring sheets, and family combo meals at a discount.

Visitor Insights: Parents appreciate the dedicated fryer, with one noting, "My son with celiac ate fries without issues—staff were meticulous with gloves and fresh oil." While some note that the noise level can increase during peak hours, visiting between 11 AM and 1 PM can provide a quieter experience.

Tips for Families: Arrive during off-peak hours to ensure the staff can focus on gluten-free prep. Ask for a manager to confirm fryer protocols. After your meal, take a walk along the Greenbelt to burn off some energy.

Tips for a Stress-Free Gluten-Free Family Outing

Timing: Try visiting during off-peak hours (e.g., 2-4 PM or early weekends) to avoid crowds and ensure the staff has time to focus on gluten-free orders. With spring weather (50-60°F) perfect for patio dining, it's a great time to enjoy outdoor meals—just check the forecast ahead of time.
Communication: Always inform the staff about gluten allergies or celiac disease as soon as you arrive. Ask for fresh gloves, clean utensils, and confirmation on how the food is prepared to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
Preparation: Pack gluten-free snacks or wipes for your kids in case of delays or concerns about cross-contamination. Consider downloading the restaurant's menu online in advance to streamline your selection process.
Engagement: Bring small activities (coloring books, tablets) to keep kids entertained, or take advantage of game rooms at places like Uncle Bob's to distract them during waits.
Cost: Expect to spend around $10-$20 per gluten-free meal per person. Be on the lookout for combo deals, happy hour specials, or brunch offers that can help save money—just be sure to call ahead to confirm any discounts.

Pair your meal with a fun outing around the Treasure Valley, like visiting a park or taking a stroll along the Greenbelt, to turn it into a memorable family day.

Plan Your Family Gluten-Free Adventure

Family-friendly gluten-free restaurants like Smoky Mountain Pizza, Boise Fry Co., Uncle Bob's Pizza, Alavita, and Chandler's make dining in the Treasure Valley a welcoming experience for families. Whether you’re building a pizza, customizing a burger, savoring pasta, or enjoying brunch, these spots provide confidence and fun with a little planning. Be sure to confirm hours (Smoky Mountain: 11 AM-9 PM; Boise Fry Co.: 11 AM-9 PM; Uncle Bob's: hours vary; Alavita: 11 AM-9 PM; Chandler's: 5-9 PM Mon-Sat, 10 AM-2 PM Sun) and call ahead to ensure gluten-free options are available.

What’s your favorite family-friendly gluten-free spot in the Treasure Valley? Share your tips or experiences below—I’d love to hear how you make dining work for your family! Note: Always confirm gluten-free protocols with staff before ordering.