I don’t often visit places more than once, but Atlantic City has been a destination I’ve visited many a time over the past few summers. While I don’t like to gamble too much (I’ll play maybe $50-$100 total over a weekend) I love a good beach day and lounging evening/night full of people watching. I also love a good lunch of boardwalk food spread out on a beach blanket in the sand, and I don’t let being gluten free keep me from doing that. Over the past few years I’ve come to find several gluten free friendly places to dine or drink across the city. Many are located in or around the Tropicana Resort and Casino, as this happens to be my favorite place to stay and wander in Atlantic City:
Ri Ra’s- For the ‘real flavor of Ireland’ head on over to Ri Ra’s Irish Pub located in the Tropicana Resort and Casino. While there is no designated gluten free menu or items marked gluten free on their regular menu the staff is knowledgeable and aware of food allergen needs. We’ve gone a few times, and I typically stick with the whiskey salmon with potatoes and green beans which is packed full of flavor and comes with good portion sizes. There are also several hard ciders on the menu to quench your thirst.
Bo’s Bar- Located in the Playground Pier One Atlantic Ocean along with several other themed bars this ‘rock and roll’ bar features dueling pianos as it’s center piece. Bar goers can snag a cocktail or hard cider while putting in song requests for the pianists to play. There’s unfortunately no gluten free food on the menu, which is itself incredibly limited so you aren’t missing much. If you like a low key hang out that doesn’t revolve around gambling this is the place.
Mrs. Field’s- This small bakery located in the Tropicana Resort and Casino is open until the wee hours of the morning and offers separately packaged gluten free chocolate chip cookies. I found it perfect for a late night munch.
Harry’s Oyster Bar and Seafood- This restaurant is part of Bally’s Resort and Casino and is a great little hang out because it is removed from the hustle and bustle of the boardwalk but still outdoors. Their gluten free menu is extensive, offering varying options for the raw seafood lover and ‘traditional eater’ alike. In addition to salads and cooked seafood and meat dishes they have a full raw bar where you can order by the item or as platters. While dining there I helped myself to a variety of small dishes, including their caprese salad and a raw shrimp platter which were some of the freshest shrimp I’ve ever tasted. They are well worth the dining experience any time your in Atlantic City.
PF Chang’s- If you are looking for something a little more well known and established as a gluten free restaurant look no further than the PF Chang’s in the Tropicana. This location is massive, boasting two floors of tables and bar seating with the servers unfortunately needed to run up and down the stairs. The gluten free menu is standardized across locations and features such things as fried rice, egg drop soup, street noodles, beef and broccoli and more.
Casa’s Taco and Tequila Bar- This small spot in the Tropicana is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. We only snagged breakfast there before heading out because it had been too crowded the night before. Staff were well informed about the ingredients in their dishes and there seemed to be many gluten free items available on their various menus. I got the breakfast burrito, with a substitute of corn tortillas (rather than flour) which were heated up wrapped in a paper towel. The food was flavorful, the servings were huge, and everything was well priced. I’d suggest making a reservation and trying them out for dinner , which I am sure will be as delicious if not more so than breakfast.
I’ve had successful gluten free meals at Margaritaville in Resorts and Rain Forest Cafe as well. Also sea side cafe in the Trop has gluten free bread and a separate toaster. Thanks for this list I had no idea about Mrs Fields cookies!!
Thanks for sharing your experiences, I’m happy to hear about Seaside Cafe. A good gluten free bread at a restaurant out is always good.