An interesting fact. I was born in Sacramento. However, since then the amount of time I have spent in Sacramento can be counted on one hand. We`re talking single digit hours. Until recently. When I went to search for “gluten free Sacramento restaurants” a couple of years ago, I wasn’t certain what I would discover. It turns out, I was about to stumble upon some of the highest quality 100% gluten free foods in California.
I’ve read favorable reviews about the Fairmont, and am aware that they can readily accommodate those needing to eat a completely gluten free diet.
There was a coffee company that I wanted to stop at called Temple (I’m a huge coffee enthusiast). And it turns out, there was a gluten free bakery around the corner. A win-win!
What is that referring to? There is a natural foods cooperative known for offering some of the best gluten free beer and cider in the area.
YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME.
Sacramento offers hidden gems for those seeking gluten free options.
Little did I know that two years later I would be organizing my birthday weekend in Sacramento because of that gluten free bakery.
Literally. “Hey, I want to explore Sacramento this year. And eat seven meals at that bakery. What was it called again?”
Called Pushkin`s. And it will transform your experience.
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Dedicated Gluten Free Restaurants in Sacramento
In reality, there aren’t actually THAT many restaurants devoted solely to gluten free foods in Sacramento. The quality of Pushkin’s essentially outweighs any issues about quantity for me.
Sacramento makes for a fantastic city for a long weekend of gluten free eating and cider drinking.
Pushkin’s Bakery: Sacramento’s Best 100% Gluten Free Bakery
By now, you might desire another helping of ice cream, and Mailbox Ice Creameryis present to fulfill that craving. Excellent flavors in an excellent building. You should absolutely try one of their alcoholic beverage shakes. A tequila shake? Very enjoyable!
Let me walk you through the timeline.
In 2017, Alysha and I stopped at Temple Coffee in Sacramento to fuel up for the drive up to Tahoe for the 4th of July.
I browsing over to Pushkin’s, a nearby gluten free bakery nearby, with little expectation. However, upon entering I understood my affection.
Breakfast sandwiches. Regular sandwiches. Cupcakes. Coffee cake. Scones. I’m fond of gluten free scones. They had it all. And it was all 100% gluten free.
A few months later, I attended a wedding outside of Sacramento and they served – get this – A GLUTEN FREE WEDDING CAKE. From Pushkin’s.
The legend of Pushkin’s persisted in developing. The next summer on the way to our annual camping trip we stopped again. Again, I was deeply impressed. So this year, I decided Sacramento would be the setting for my long weekend birthday excursion. Mainly to visit Pushkin’s. Repeatedly again.
Between the bakery and their sister brunch spot (more on that in a second), I ate at Pushkin’s three times in 24 hours. If you count the camping trip the very next weekend when we stopped twice more – once on our way up, and once on our way home – I ate at Pushkin’s five times over 10 days.
And I reside an hour and a half away by vehicle. And I do not own an automobile. If that is not affection, I do not know what is.
Definitely do not miss the doughnuts on Sunday morning! Get there when they open for an amazing selection of gluten free doughnuts in Sacramento that are crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Mind blown. Honestly the best gluten free doughnuts I’ve ever had.
I have a deep affection for Pushkin’s. If you’re seeking a bakery in Sacramento with gluten free options, Pushkin’s is the location.
Update October 2019: There is another dedicated gluten free bakery in Sacramento called West Sac Bread Co – they do not have a storefront, but you can pre-order and pick up at the location.
Pushkin’s Restaurant: 100% Gluten Free Brunch in Sacramento
But wait – there’s more!
Pushkin’s also has a 100% gluten free eatery in Sacramento that is equally remarkable.
It’s called Pushkin’s Kitchen.
They’re open from 8am until 3pm (closed on Mondays) making it the ideal spot for brunch. They have a cute outdoor area, a limited selection of their famous (that may be stretching it) baked goods, and gluten free beer from Glutenberg.
We dined here twice in 24 hours and were stunned both times.
The crispy chicken sandwich, the chicken salad sandwich, and the waffle were all exceptionally good. 10/10. I will return.
If you’re exploring gluten free options in Sacramento, Pushkin’s Kitchen needs to be on your list.
Cider House Sacramento: 100% Gluten Free Kitchen
While this establishment does offer a food menu, cider is truly the focus here.
The cuisine is 100% gluten free. They offer paninis (made with Udi’s bread) and stuffed with various delicious fillings. I got the caprese panini, which was basically a ball of mozzarella. Which, to clarify, is a good thing.
What’s truly unique about the Cider House is their 20 rotating taps serving ciders. They offer a blend of local California ciders alongside ciders from various regions internationally.
We missed it, but I was considering their gluten free brunch (11-3 on weekends), featuring a waffle made with hard cider.
Overall it serves as a solid selection for gluten-free eating in Sacramento, also noteworthy for their cider selection.
Farmer’s Kitchen Cafe (technically, in Davis)
While TECHNICALLY located in Davis, Farmer’s Kitchen Cafe remains worthwhile given its close proximity.
The entire establishment is gluten-free, and they feature a rotating menu of sandwiches, burgers, pastas, and smoothies. It’s partly store, partly cafe, so you’ll find some gluten-free groceries while you’re there.
Pies. Bagels. Breads. And more. All 100% gluten free.
Open 12-7:30pm, closed Sundays.
Other Celiac-Friendly Gluten Free Sacramento Restaurants
In-n-Out Burger: Gluten Free Burgers & Fries
If you haven’t been to In-n-Out, just go ahead and do so already.
It’s a burger joint that is super popular on the West Coast that makes three things, basically. Burgers. Fries. Milkshakes.
First of all, the fries and milkshakes are all 100% gluten free.
As a Celiac, there are a couple of things you need to watch out for.
- The buns: Request your burger “protein style with a gluten intolerance and sauce on the side” and ensure a manager oversees staff preparation on a separate cooking surface apart from other burgers. Yes, I understand Celiac Disease is not an allergy, though that is how they communicate it.
- The secret sauce: Technically, the sauce is gluten free. However, they utilize the same utensil for spreading it on the buns that is also employed for the container, so cross-contamination occurs. Fortunately for you, they offer packets separately. Hence, you can still enjoy it by asking for sauce packets aside. Or, opt for ketchup instead.
Mikuni Sushi
This is a local fish and seafood chain, and they have a separate menu without gluten and seriously consider allergies.
It was on my list, but I ate at Pushkin’s too frequently to fit it in my weekend in Sacramento.
Next time, I will make it to Mikuni.
Other places in Sacramento worth visiting
Temple Coffee & Chocolate Fish Coffee.
Two prominent purveyors of coffee beans in Sacramento both operate multiple storefronts across the city. Both carefully roast their own batches.
Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op
Right next to Temple and Pushkin’s Bakery, they have a great selection of gluten free groceries, including some awesome gluten free cider and beer.
Jeune Natural Wine Bar
Natural wine bar that we happened upon on R Street downtown-ish.
Two Rivers Cider
One of my favorite cider companies in California, and they have a tasting room and production facility in Sacramento!
I was pleasantly surprised at the variety of gluten free Sacramento options, and I think you will be too.
Please provide any Celiac-friendly gluten free restaurants in Sacramento you really enjoy. I aim to expand my knowledge in this space.
If searching for additional Celiac-friendly City Guides, consider these: Here are guides to San Francisco,Seattle, and Portland.
Traveling for individuals with gluten sensitivities in Europe? I’ve got you covered with guides to Paris,Rome,Amsterdam, and Berlin.
Seeking suggestions for easier 100% gluten-free travel? Here are some starting points
- Essential Equipment I Consistently Transport
- Favorite Sources for Traveling Without Gluten
- 10 Recommendations for Adventurous Individuals With Celiac Disease
- Top Gluten Free Nourishment for Travel
Until next time!
