Ah, Boulder. Nested away in the foothills of the Rockies, Boulder possesses all we cherish in a town: excellent coffee and tea, incredible hiking routes merely outside the city boundaries (in this circumstance, inside the city boundaries), and, needless to say, extraordinary gluten free dining. Numerous dedicated gluten free eateries exist in Boulder itself, and if willing to venture roughly thirty minutes outside the city boundaries to the encircling suburbs, you`ll discover even more bakeries, breweries, and restaurants. If heading to Boulder, you`ll be pleased to learn that consuming gluten free in Boulder proves simple.
In this guide, information is provided about the best locations to find gluten free dining, baking, and beverage options near Boulder, Colorado. Specific spots are highlighted for restaurants, bakeries, as well as a dedicated gluten free brewery. Also mentioned are top sites for coffee, an exceptional teahouse, three places known for excellent cider, and the best grocery stores to stock up on gluten free products.
Pssst! Heading to Denver too?
If you’re traveling to Boulder, you might also be going to Denver, which is nearby down the road. Don’t overlook my guide to gluten free Denver, which highlights the best gluten free eateries in Colorado’s capital city.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I earn a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, I would never recommend something to you that I don’t stand fully behind.
A Complete Guide to Eating Gluten Free in Boulder, Colorado
Below, you’ll find the completely gluten free establishments in Boulder, then the safely gluten free options in Boulder (not dedicated gluten free), and lastly, the gluten free restaurants near Boulder in places like Lafayette, Longmont, and Golden.
As always, be sure to double check my recommendations. One rule for gluten free travel that I follow strictly is to never unconditionally accept the word of an online stranger. This includes my guidance. Menus at restaurants can change over time, and while I aim to keep my guides up-to-date as far as I know, I am unable to constantly verify each location.
Double check that things are still safe for your particular needs in advance by emailing, DM`ing on Instagram (I’ve had surprising success with this) or calling the restaurant.
If any part of this (or similar) guide requires adjustment, please send me an email at [email protected] and I will promptly verify and update the information.
With that somewhat lengthy disclaimer, I will move onto mentioning the other two gluten free options in Boulder that I would advise.
Dedicated Gluten Free Restaurants In Boulder, Colorado
Here are some establishments that focus only on gluten free options that you can find in Boulder, Colorado. Personally, I aim to dine at places dedicated to gluten free cuisine when eating out, both to minimize risks of cross-contamination and to support restaurants working to meet the needs of the gluten free community.
Fresh Thymes Eatery
This was our most favorite discovery in Boulder. Fresh Thymes is a fully gluten free restaurant, delivery, and catering company located on Pearl Street. It’s situated less than a mile from the central point of action at the western end of Pearl. They have a complete lunch and dinner menu (including PIZZA) and an assortment of pre-prepared meat and salad combinations to choose from to construct a plate. That part is reminiscent of the Big Fig, one of our favorite gluten free restaurants in Queenstown and Wanaka in New Zealand.
We sampled dishes from the menu, trying the verde pizza along with a golden beet salad, brussels sprout slaw, and succulent slow roasted pork. Knowing we`d enjoy more, we got some desserts to take along like the tasty orange cashew cheesecake. Our server recommended the Magic Bar, a layered treat of caramel, chocolate, cookie and coconut that really stood out. It`s no surprise this layered delight is so popular.
We were hopeful about trying the falafel burger after seeing one brought to a neighboring table.
This is a great 100% gluten free lunch or dinner option in Boulder. Expect to pay $15-20 per person – but it is worth it for safe, fresh, and delicious gluten free food made with high quality ingredients.
They have another place nearby called “the Market” that is part grocery store, part bakery. You can find pre-prepared salads and meals that you can reheat, along with a selection of local gluten free goods.
Quiero Arepas
Quiero Arepas is one of my favorite gluten free eateries in Denver, and I was thrilled to find out that they are opening a location in Boulder on Pearl Street at Avanti Food & Beverage Boulder. It’s completely gluten free, and they have incredible arepas. The queso arepa, stuffed full of fresh mozzarella, fried sweet plantains, and avocado, is a must-order, along with the plantain side smothered in melted cheese and a delicious green sauce.
The food court it’s situated in – Avanti Boulder – is an interesting spot for a dinner meeting with friends or relatives because it offers a wide selection of different food kiosks and a couple of bars, so everyone can find an area that they enjoy. Quiero Arepas also has a stall at the Avanti location in Denver.
Kim & Jakes Gluten Free
Important note upfront: Kim & Jakes was unable to confirm whether they utilize purity protocol oats but noted certification as gluten free by GFCO. Personally, I avoid oats not verified as purity protocol out of an abundance of precaution. Therefore, because all products employ oat flour as the base, I did not actually partake at Kim & Jakes or sample their items. But I acknowledge preferences may differ, so included them here to allow an informed choice for yourself.
Kim and Jakes is a gluten free Bakery in Boulder that crafts all sorts of breads and sweet treats. I actually discovered them years ago at a family wedding in Boulder. Really, at two family weddings in Boulder. Usually, I suppose all desserts at weddings are a no-go, so I skipped the cake at the first one even though someone told me it was gluten free. Then, after the wedding, someone told me that Kim & Jakes, a dedicated gluten free bakery in Boulder, made the cake and I Googled it and was sad that I’d missed it.
Fast forward a few months, another family wedding led to ANOTHER cake made by Kim & Jake being enjoyed. I experimented more with that one, and it was delicious. This was before realizing the situation with whole oats. Oh well.
Fast forward several years to the present, where you’ll find their gluten free baked goods at their bakery located in Boulder, Colorado, and also at nearly every grocery store in Colorado like Whole Foods and Alfalfas in Boulder.
Outrageous Baking Co.
Outrageous Baking Co is another gluten free bakery located in Boulder that can be found at the Saturday Farmers Market similar to Kim and Jakes, as well as in a variety of grocery stores throughout the broader Denver region such as Alfalfas and Whole Foods.
The highlight here are the loaves – we tasted pumpkin chocolate, orange cranberry, cherry, and traditional and enjoyed every last morsel of all of them. If compelled to select, it’s the orange cranberry, though. They also offer other products, but that’s what I had seen on social media and that’s what I decided to purchase.
Their items can be found at their outlet at the Boulder farmers market (Saturdays 8 am-3 pm) or at Whole Foods.
NOTE: Whole Foods obtains the entire loaf and then cuts it in-house, which means it is exposed to allergens in the Whole Foods kitchen. If purchasing from Whole Foods, be sure to obtain the whole sealed loaf to avoid cross-contamination with other baked goods.
Shine Potion Bar
We didn’t actually dine at Shine because we arrived for lunch only to realize they’re only open for supper, which is completely my fault. They’re also 100% gluten free, with choices of main dishes, elixirs, juices, smoothies, and more. It’s in a shopping center pretty much in the center of Boulder, just off of Pearl Street.
Even More Gluten Free Restaurants In Boulder, Colorado
These establishments do not explicitly offer dedicated gluten free options, but I conferred directly with each location either by electronic mail or face-to-face to validate that they exercise the necessary precautions to avoid cross-contamination which are crucial if one has Celiac Disease like myself. Remember to double check yourself – practices in kitchens can modify over time and may differ from my most recent visit.
The Buff
If you’re looking for brunch in Boulder, this is the place. They’re very knowledgeable about cross-contamination, which is not usually the case at breakfast locations where they are juggling toasts and pancakes all over. They have separate surfaces and utensils for gluten free meals, and dedicated gluten free cookers.
Yellowbelly Chicken
I would say that Yellowbelly is a must-visit location for Celiacs in Boulder. It’s situated in the same shopping center as the Buff and Shine establishment, merely a few blocks away from Pearl Street, the main drag.
The reason? GLUTEN-FREE FRIED CHICKEN. That is, all of it is gluten-free, so there’s no risk of cross-contamination in the fryer. The hush puppies were also fantastic, served with a creamy honey butter that I would consume with a spoon if offered the chance. Sauces are gluten-free too – loved the barbecue and green buttermilk ranch.
The sole gluten products are buns for sandwiches and macaroni and cheese, and staff readily explained how these are kept separate and gloves changed when handling my food. The menu clearly indicates which items are safe and which aren`t, so double check ordering selections and inquire with staff if any queries arise.
They have roasted chicken too, but I don’t know why you’d bother ordering that when there is GLUTEN FREE FRIED CHICKEN on the menu.
Gluten Free Restaurants Around Boulder
Not only are there many gluten free dining destinations in Boulder itself, but the region surrounding Boulder is also filled with Celiac-safe food options. Here are our favorites.
Gluten Free Restaurants in Lafayette, Colorado
Lafayette, Colorado, is a charming suburb of Boulder with a inviting downtown strip and an unexpected number of gluten free options. We in fact resided in Lafayette for part of our time in Colorado and enjoyed every moment of it. It’s a perfect location to stay if you want a calmer and relaxed experience while still being within 15-20 minutes of the action in Boulder.
Additionally, there is some superb gluten free cuisine available in Lafayette.
Teocali Cocina (100% Gluten Free)
I enjoyed Teocali, and it’s undoubtedly is a new favorite after we showed up for happy hour and devoured a huge range of chips, salsas, and tacos. It’s a 100% gluten free Mexican restaurant along the cute downtown Lafayette strip with patio seating and a lovely light-filled ambiance.
It’s approximately 20 minutes from downtown Boulder, and definitely worth the drive. Especially for happy hour, when you’ll get deals on chips & salsa, guacamole, and tacos and margaritas (3-6pm weekdays).
The salsa trio with crisps is a must-order. Specifically the macha salsa, which is a peanut and date-based salsa that I hadn`t seen beforehand. If you had been seated beside us, you likely would`ve been amused at me eating it with a spoon after we had completed the crisps #nosalsaleftbehind. The orange habanero salsa was also a star.
The serving of guacamole was enormous too, which makes it a steal during happy hour, when it was $5. As were the house margaritas.
Let’s talk tacos.
Our favorites were the fried fish taco, which is difficult to find gluten free and cooked separately, and the braised beef taco – Tijuna style – which is loaded with melted Oaxaca cheese and avocado sauce.
We were full after all that happy hour food, so we never actually made it to entrees. But if we had, the cochinita pibil would have been our first stop. It`s a slowly roasted pork marinated in achiote and traditionally cooked underground, and it`s one of our favorite Mexican staples.
Be sure not to miss out on the 100% gluten free churros available for dessert!
Acreage by Stem Ciders
We have a deep affection for Stem Cider, and we cherish Acreage, which is their restaurant positioned on a hill in Lafayette, Colorado. It’s elevated on a hilltop facing Westward over the Rocky Mountains, which creates a perfect location to drink cider, eat donuts, and view the sunset.
Given our enjoyment of both cider and donuts, it was high priority for us this time too.
They have a dedicated gluten free fryer, kitchen space, and the menu is clearly marked with items THAT CONTAIN gluten. Most items can be modified to be gluten free, but we stuck with the naturally gluten free options on the small plates menu.
Most of the primary dishes contain gluten, and I generally avoid ordering things that might require modification and cause confusion and stick to the naturally gluten free options.
The highlights:
- The Basque Fries – fries (in a gluten free fryer) dusted with a bright vinaigrette and manchego cheese.
- The Grilled Greens + Burrata – burrata alone is appealing, but the incredible sauce took enjoyment to another level as not a drop was left behind.
- The Apple Cider Donuts – undoubtedly the highlight item, made better still being served warm.
The menu has altered since our last visit (RIP that cast iron cornbread), but it remains one of our favorite gluten free spots in the Denver region.
Reelfish Fish & Chips
Gluten free fish and chips prepared in a dedicated gluten free fryer? I`m interested! And by dedicated gluten free fryer, I mean that all fish and chips at Reelfish are gluten free, so there’s no concern of combining fryers or accidental cross-contamination! It’s not just fish either, they have all sorts of fried selections to choose from, all gluten free.
The only thing containing gluten is the bread for sandwiches, which is made in a separate area of the kitchen from where the fish and chips are made.
They offer Holidaily beer and Stem Cider, ideal pairings for your fish and chips.
Aime’s Love: A Dedicated Gluten Free Bakery in Longmont, Colorado
We made an impromptu stop at , a gluten free bakery in Longmont, on our way from Yellowstone to the Boulder area, and it was one of the biggest surprises of the trip. They don`t have a strong web presence, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect.
Upon entering, I was instantly drawn to the extensive collection of cakes outlined on the wall that can be pre-ordered for unique events (sign me up for the Dirty Chai Cake), but Alysha highlighted that we PROBABLY didn’t necessitate an entire cake between us both, so I moved on to the breakfast menu and the baked goods.
The pastry case had every sweet you`ve ever imagined and more, from eclairs (a must-order) to cupcakes, cookies, and brownies, and basically everything else in between. Both sweet and savory flavors.
The dining menu, which included quiche, breakfast sandwiches, and crepes for breakfast and paninis and chicken pot pies for lunch, was our next stop. We ordered the pesto breakfast sandwich and the curry crepe, and were amazed by the sandwich especially. Everyone knows that one key aspect for a good breakfast sandwich is plenty of butter or oil to make the bread nice and crispy, and they achieved that part exceedingly well.
We ended up with basically the equivalent of an entire cake between the cupcakes and éclair that we ordered, and the highlights of the desserts was, by far, the éclair. Alysha is convinced that she’d never have known the difference if you hadn’t told her it was gluten free.
Stopping here is recommended if your travels take you north towards either Fort Collins or Rocky Mountain National Park.
Holidaily: A Dedicated Gluten Free Brewery in Golden, Colorado
If you enjoy beer but require a gluten-free diet, I have some great news for you. Holidaily Brewing Company in nearby Golden, Colorado, satisfies your wishes. It resides in basically an office complex, an odd location for a brewery, but don`t let the placement discourage you. The brews are incredible, and the back patio provides a nice spot to savor a beer on one of the 300+ sunny days yearly in the Denver area.
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If you`ve followed me for a while, you know that I love discovering new gluten-free breweries. And I mean those that are 100% gluten-free – made entirely with gluten-free ingredients – not those described as gluten-reduced (please don`t take legal action)..
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Holidaily is one of my three top gluten free breweries in the United States that I`ve visited multiple times. During my most recent trip there, I got to witness how far they`ve progressed over the past few years. Previously, I was familiar with their Blonde ale and Fat Randy`s IPA – my two favourite flagship beers of theirs.
Presently, they feature all sorts of trial and small batch beers on tap – pumpkin ale, coffee stout, and a fresh hop IPA among others. Potentially they stocked similar selections previously without my notice, but I was thoroughly impressed during this visit. The finest may have been the pumpkin spice latte, blending their pumpkin ale and coffee stout.
You can order a flight if you want to sample a few, and you can get cans of the flagship beers or growlers/crowlers of the more experimental beers to take with you. I suggest bringing an extra suitcase to fill it with beer for the flight home, but that’s just me.
Our favorites were the Globetrotter Gose and the guava blonde ale, which we obtained a crowler of that we later drank as we witnessed bugling elk during the breeding season in our itinerary for Rocky Mountain National Park.
Most days, a meals truck is onsite that is completely gluten free (fittingly named “ Dedicated Bistro”), so you can satisfy beer cravings with beer-friendly snacks like fish and chips.
Where to Find Gluten Free Groceries in Boulder
If preparing your own meals or desiring to avoid dining out for every meal while traveling, here are some best places to find gluten free groceries near Boulder. One location in Denver is included – Leevers Locavore – as it was a favorite grocery in Colorado.
- Alfalfa`s – High end local chain providing quality goods, including Outrageous Baking and Kim & Jakes which were accessible when we visited.
- Whole Foods Market – A well-known store. They offer both Kim & Jakes and Outrageous Baking in the bakery area, but remember my above note regarding both.
- Natural Grocers – More expensive than Whole Foods with a somewhat better selection.
- Leevers Locavore – My most preferred grocery store in the locale, but it’s 30 minutes away in Denver.
Boulder’s Best Coffee and Tea
On the off chance that you’re searching for the best espresso in Boulder, I’ve got three choices for you.
- Ozo Coffee: Considered by some to be one of the pioneers of specialty coffee in Boulder, Ozo has around seventy two locations spread throughout the city and surrounding area. Whether wanting a flavored latte or a freshly brewed single origin pour over, Ozo provides various options. They have TWO spots on Pearl Street, along with three additional locations elsewhere in Boulder county.
- Boxcar Coffee: Another excellent choice for coffee at the eastern end of Pearl Street, Boxcar offers high-quality coffee in Boulder. A highlight here is the Boilermaker, which employs a method similar to cowboy coffee but yields better results thanks to the lower boiling point at higher elevations.
- Ampersand Coffee: I arrived here exactly at 7am on a Saturday and was the sole customer. Mostly because the Airbnb we stayed in was just up the road in Gunbarrel, north of Boulder. This coffee shop left the strongest impression on me, as the friendly barista shared their story, which is truly fascinating (more details later), brewed me a cup of pour over, and even offered me a shot of espresso on the house so I could compare the same coffee as a pour over versus espresso. In brief, they partner with an organization assisting them in purchasing coffee from women farmers primarily in Latin America, who research shows are more likely to reinvest profits back into their farms and local communities compared to male counterparts. An extremely cool initiative.
If you’ve been accompanying us for a while, then you recognize that while I gulp coffee like it’s the elixir of life, Alysha actually never consumes coffee. Ever.
But she adores tea! And if you’re in Boulder and you’re in the same situation as her, you should undoubtedly head to the Dushanbe Tea House, which has an incredible selection of loose leaf tea, along with delicious chai. We purchased a carton of it to bring home with us, and it lasted a month in the hot Utah desert heat before we enjoyed it back home in California with no issues.
Final Thoughts
Boulder is a wonderful town to explore before even considering gluten free dining choices. But when you combine the outdoor activities, the proximity to Denver and the Rocky Mountains, and the abundance of excellent gluten free restaurants, bakeries, and breweries, it’s difficult to find a better gluten free travel destination than Boulder.
Heading to Colorado? Don’t miss my other Colorado Travel Guides:
- This article maps out the perfect itinerary for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park
- The 29 Best gluten-free dining locations within Denver
- A thorough guide for planning the ideal weekend trip to Denver
- The best places to rest your head on a visit to Denver
Like this gluten free travel guide? There’s PLENTY more where that came from.
- Gluten Free FAQs: How we Choose Gluten Free Restaurants
- A complete guide for gluten-free visitors exploring Montreal
- A Thorough Guide for Celiacs to Gluten Free Options in Philadelphia
- Locations in Boston that are Safe for Those with Celiac Disease
- Gluten Free London: A Complete Guide for Celiac Foodies
- Dining Options in Madrid for Individuals with Celiac Disease
- A Complete Guide to Gluten Free Options in Barcelona
- A thorough guide to gluten free dining options in Rome for individuals with Celiac disease
