I was genuinely excited to try Race Street Cafe, especially after seeing they offered a gluten-free menu. As someone with celiac disease, finding restaurants with safe and reliable gluten-free options is always a win. Unfortunately, my experience here highlighted a significant gap between offering a menu and truly understanding gluten-free practices.
Ordering takeout for myself and friends seemed straightforward enough. I specifically requested a gluten-free bun for my burger, placing a $50.50 order for four in total. Living just a short walk away, I picked up the food, trusting that my gluten-free request had been handled correctly, especially since I’d had a gluten-free sandwich there once before without issue.
However, upon arriving home and unpacking the burgers, disappointment set in. Every burger was assembled on the same standard bun – none were gluten-free. Mistakes happen, and while frustrating, I called the cafe to explain the error. The person on the phone apologized, calling it an oversight. I offered to walk back to pick up the correct order, reiterating my burger choice, and was assured a new, gluten-free burger would be ready.
Returning to Race Street Cafe with the incorrect burger in hand, I expected a replacement meal. Instead, I was simply handed a lone gluten-free bun in a box. No remade burger, no offer of a refund – just a bun to rectify their mistake myself. For someone with a mild gluten sensitivity, this might be a workable, albeit tacky, solution. But for many with celiac disease, cross-contamination is a serious concern. A bun swapped onto a burger that has already touched gluten is not a safe option.
While I’m fortunate enough to not be severely affected by minor cross-contamination, the principle of the situation was disheartening. By this point, it was late, and the thought of waiting for a completely remade burger, then walking home again, was unappealing. I opted to let it go, but as a result, my burger and fries were cold by the time I ate, and my dinner was far from enjoyable.
If you have celiac disease or a serious gluten intolerance and need a restaurant that prioritizes safe food handling, my experience at Race Street Cafe suggests it’s best to look elsewhere. While they may offer a gluten-free menu, their understanding and execution of safe gluten-free practices seem to be lacking, potentially posing a risk to those with celiac disease.
