Everyone hears it on the news these days about new gluten free food options, brands and foods that are naturally gluten free in stores. Most people with a gluten allergy do not find the trouble of eating gluten free at home, but more at restaurants. Being a college student who is gluten intolerant, I was determined to find student budget places with gluten free options that taste awesome as well. Most college students love going out for pizza or burgers, and I, just wanting to be a part of the crowd, will go to these places as well. However, I am usually left ordering a salad. I have made a list below of the best gluten free places, without breaking the bank.

1. Noodles & Company

Yeah, I know what you are thinking. Really? Noodles? However, Noodles has great gluten free options. First off, you can order almost any dish on the menu made with their gluten free noodles. Personally, I do enjoy their gluten free noodles, but my favorite dish on the menu is the naturally gluten free, Pad Thai. If you tell the cooks that you are gluten free, they will wash everything that is being used to make your dish in order to make sure it is strictly gluten free.

2. Chipotle

Get a burrito bowl. Their rice, meat and of course all of the toppings are gluten free and come out to be a hearty meal with all of the main food groups. You get your carbs, protein and veggies, and this meal leaves you full and satisfied.

3. Water Street Brewery

Going out on a date with the boyfriend who loves everything gluten can be a change. But, this is one place that we agree on that makes us both happy during our date night. These have a special gluten free menu already made so there is no guessing on what can have gluten and what doesn’t. I can order a nice meal while my boyfriend can order his sandwich and we both don’t feel deprived of our meal.

4. Beans and Barley

This cute and hip eatery offers a variety of gluten free options. I love this place for a quiet weekend lunch and never feel like I have to search the menu for just one thing to eat.

5. Milwaukee Public Market

Here there are plenty of different gluten free options. This place is a combination of over 10 different food vendors, all with a variety of food options. One of my favorite places to go to include, Soup and Stock Market where they list all of the ingredients of every soup on the menu. There is also the West Allis Cheese and Sausage Shoppe where they can make any of their hearty sandwiches on gluten free bread. My all-time favorite is the Stallis Stack where you have about six inches of meat and cheese on delicious gluten free bread that is to die for.

6. Screaming Tuna Sushi & Asian Bistro

Sushi is one of my all-time favorites and when I found out that Kani Kama wasn’t gluten free, it felt like the world was going to end. But then I discovered other types of sushi that are just as awesome. They mark the gluten free options on the menu and also has gluten free soy sauce.

7. Vagabond

If you love tacos, you will love this place. Most of the tacos are naturally gluten free if it is corn tortillas. They are delicious, filling and cheap if you go on a two dollar taco Tuesday.

8. Transfer Pizzeria

If you are a pizza person and is yet to find the ultimate gluten free pizza that still tastes delicious, I have the place for you. Transfer Pizzeria offers the best gluten free crust around. This is my number one choice in gluten free pizza and still meets the college student’s budget for pizza.

9. Holey Moley

You may be saying to yourself, “while tacos and pizza sound great, where are the sweets?” I have the answer for you. Holey Moley doughnuts are some of the best gluten free sweets I have ever had. While one doughnut does cost about as much as a Starbucks tall latte, it is definitely worth it for that occasionally sweet craving.

10. BD’s Mongolian Grill

I love a good stir fry, but at some restaurants you have to worry about them mixing their stir fries in the same bowl as everyone else, which equals cross contamination and a horrible stomachache for people like you and I. This place has a special allergy area where you can take your stir fry creation over to be cooked in a safe environment.

11. Stack’d

This is by far my favorite gluten-free find. Not only do they have gluten free buns for burgers, but their French fries are in a dedicated gluten free fryer. You can also indulge on their chicken tenders because they are made with cornmeal, making them another gluten free delight. I usually get all three items and chow down on this glorious, all gluten free meal.

I encourage you to try one of these awesome places if you are sick of the go-to salad, and I hope you find your favorite gluten free hot spot, just like I did. Bon appetit.