Does Dames Chicken and Waffles Have Gluten-Free Options?

December 15, 2025 •

4 min read

For those managing celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, the search for safe dining can be challenging, especially for comfort food, and at Dame's Chicken and Waffles, the classic fried dish is not gluten-free. While their signature pairing contains gluten, the popular eatery provides several alternatives that cater to gluten-free diners, offering a way to still enjoy the experience.

Quick Summary

The classic fried chicken and waffles at Dame's are not gluten-free, but the restaurant does offer safe alternatives. Options include gluten-free side dishes, grilled chicken, and ordering modifications to accommodate diners.

Key Points

Not a Dedicated Facility: The classic fried chicken and waffles at Dame's are not gluten-free, and the kitchen is not dedicated gluten-free, posing a risk of cross-contamination.
Safe Sides Available: Many side dishes like grits, collard greens, and fresh fruit are naturally gluten-free and are safe to order.
Grilled Chicken Option: A grilled chicken cutlet may be available as a gluten-free protein alternative, but it is essential to confirm its availability and safe preparation with your server.
Modify Your Order: The 'Hold The Waffle' option allows diners to build a custom plate with a protein and gluten-free sides, bypassing the classic waffle entirely.
Communicate With Staff: Always inform the restaurant staff about your gluten sensitivity or allergy to ensure proper precautions are taken during food preparation.

Navigating the Dame's Menu for a Gluten-Free Meal

For a delicious Southern-inspired meal, Dame's Chicken and Waffles is a popular destination, but for gluten-free diners, a careful approach is necessary. The signature dish, featuring a battered and fried chicken cutlet alongside a flour-based waffle, is not suitable for those avoiding gluten. However, with a few key modifications and careful ordering, it is possible to build a satisfying, safe meal from their menu.

Gluten-Free Options Beyond the Classic Combo

Fortunately, Dame's offers a variety of menu items that can be ordered gluten-free, allowing diners to enjoy the restaurant's flavors without risk. The key is to understand what can be safely ordered and to communicate clearly with the staff.

Safe and Delicious Gluten-Free Sides

Several of Dame's daily sides are naturally gluten-free and present an opportunity to build a flavorful plate. As confirmed by official online menu materials and delivery service listings, these options are available across many locations:

Smooth Southern Grits: A classic Southern staple, available plain or with cheese, offering a warm and comforting base.
Mean Collard Greens: Seasoned collards that are spicy and flavorful, confirmed as gluten-free.
Fresh Cut Fruit: A simple and refreshing side.
Sautéed Squash and Onions: A savory vegetable side that is also a vegan option.
Eggs: Cooked to order, a versatile and safe protein option.
Mimi's Sassy Shrimp & Grits: This dish, featuring sautéed shrimp and chicken sausage over grits, is explicitly marked as gluten-free on some menus.

Finding a Gluten-Free Protein

While the fried chicken is off-limits, there are other protein sources. Some third-party menu descriptions and Instagram posts have listed grilled chicken or grilled cutlets as an option. It is crucial to verify with your server that this option is still available and that proper cross-contamination procedures will be followed. Other options include salmon and shrimp, which can be paired with the gluten-free sides.

How to Order Your Gluten-Free Meal

The simplest way to navigate the menu is to build your own meal. Instead of ordering a standard 'Inspiration,' you can request a main protein with two gluten-free sides. The Hold The Waffle option, listed on online menus, explicitly offers chicken with two daily sides, making it an ideal choice for gluten-free diners. This allows you to choose from the gluten-free protein and side list and still enjoy the core flavors of Dame's.

Understanding the Risk of Cross-Contamination

For those with celiac disease, understanding the restaurant's food preparation practices is vital. Dame's is not a dedicated gluten-free facility, which means all food is prepared in a shared kitchen, increasing the risk of cross-contamination. This is particularly relevant for the grilled chicken, which could come into contact with gluten-containing items on shared surfaces or grills. To mitigate this risk, it is best to:

Communicate clearly: Inform your server about your dietary needs and the severity of your gluten sensitivity or allergy.
Request separate preparation: Ask for the protein to be cooked on a fresh, clean surface or with fresh utensils to minimize contact with gluten.
Confirm ingredients: Double-check with the staff to ensure that any sauces, schmears, or other additions are gluten-free, as recipes can change.

Comparison Table: Classic vs. Gluten-Free Friendly


Item	Classic Preparation	Gluten-Free Friendly Option	Consideration for GF Diners
Waffles	Standard flour-based batter	Not available	Do not order waffles. Opt for the "Hold The Waffle" meal.
Fried Chicken	Breaded with wheat flour	Grilled chicken cutlet	High Cross-Contamination Risk. Confirm prep methods with staff.
Grits	Traditional preparation	Southern Grits (Plain or Cheesy)	Safe. No modifications needed.
Collard Greens	Braised with meat	Mean Collard Greens	Safe. Confirm no flour-based thickeners used.
Shrimp & Grits	Sautéed shrimp over grits	Mimi's Sassy Shrimp & Grits	Generally Safe. Listed as GF on some menus. Confirm latest menu details.
Salmon	Cooked to order	Blackened Salmon (listed on some menus)	Generally Safe. Confirm prep method to avoid cross-contamination.

Conclusion: Enjoying Dame's With Confidence

While the classic chicken and waffles at Dame's are not an option for gluten-free individuals, a delicious and safe meal is still within reach. By focusing on naturally gluten-free sides like grits and collard greens, exploring protein alternatives like grilled chicken or shrimp, and requesting the “Hold The Waffle” option, you can craft a delightful meal. Always prioritize communicating your needs with the restaurant staff to ensure proper cross-contamination procedures are followed, allowing you to enjoy your dining experience with confidence. For the most up-to-date menu and location-specific details, it is always recommended to check the official restaurant website: https://dameschickenwaffles.com/.

This article is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available menu information. Please always confirm your specific dietary needs with restaurant staff directly before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Dame's does not offer gluten-free waffles. All of their classic waffle varieties are made with a standard, flour-based batter and contain gluten.

No, the classic fried chicken is not gluten-free. It is prepared with a breading that contains wheat flour.

The safest gluten-free side options are those naturally without gluten, including grits, collard greens, fresh cut fruit, and sautéed squash and onions.

Some online menu sources and past information mention a grilled chicken cutlet option. You should confirm with your server that this is still available and prepared to avoid cross-contamination.

Dame's operates as a standard restaurant and not a dedicated gluten-free facility. While they offer gluten-free options, there is always a risk of cross-contamination for individuals with celiac disease due to shared kitchen surfaces and equipment.

The most effective way is to order a protein (like the grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon) and two of the verified gluten-free sides, possibly by asking for the 'Hold The Waffle' meal.

While some may not contain flour, it is best to assume they contain gluten or are at risk of cross-contamination unless explicitly confirmed by the staff. To be safe, avoid these or ask for plain maple syrup, confirming its safety.