What gluten-free options does Red Robin have?

January 14, 2026 •

5 min read

According to Red Robin's own website, their famous seasoning salt is all-natural and gluten-free, a pleasant surprise for many guests. This attention to detail extends across their menu, leaving many wondering: what gluten-free options does Red Robin have?

Quick Summary

Red Robin offers extensive gluten-free options, including dedicated fryers for fries, gluten-free buns for customizable burgers, salads, and more. A comprehensive online allergen menu helps diners navigate selections and necessary modifications for their specific dietary needs.

Key Points

Gluten-Free Buns: Red Robin offers customizable burgers with individually-wrapped, gluten-free buns from Rotellas Bakery, allowing for a traditional burger experience.
Dedicated Fryer for Fries: The restaurant utilizes a separate fryer for bottomless steak fries, sweet potato fries, and Yukon chips, reducing the risk of gluten cross-contact.
Online Allergen Customizer: An interactive tool on their website helps guests filter the menu based on specific allergens and see necessary modifications for their chosen items.
In-Store Safety Protocols: For allergy orders, the kitchen staff follows special protocols, and the final dish is marked with a purple pick to indicate careful preparation.
Clear Communication with Staff: Due to potential variations between locations, it is crucial to inform your server and/or a manager about your gluten allergy every time you order.
Alternative Options: Diners can also choose a "Wedgie Style" burger served in a lettuce wrap or opt for a Donato's Pizza with a gluten-free cauliflower crust.
Gluten-Free Seasoning and Sauces: The famous Red Robin seasoning salt is gluten-free, as are many of their sauces and dressings, but always verify ingredient lists.

Red Robin's Commitment to Gluten-Free Dining

For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, dining out can be a challenge due to the risk of cross-contact. Red Robin has made a concerted effort to address these concerns, implementing protocols and offering a variety of menu items to accommodate gluten-free diners. Their commitment is evidenced by their interactive online allergen menu and specialized in-store procedures, such as using a dedicated gluten-free fryer for certain items. However, it is crucial for customers to communicate their specific dietary needs to staff every time they order.

The All-Important Gluten-Free Bun

Perhaps the most significant development for gluten-free guests is Red Robin's gluten-free bun, sourced from Rotellas Bakery. This bun allows diners to enjoy nearly any burger on the menu by simply making a substitution. For those who prefer to skip the bun, Red Robin also offers a 'Wedgie Style' option, where the burger is served in a crisp lettuce wrap. When ordering, always specify that you need the gluten-free bun to ensure proper handling and toasting procedures are followed to prevent cross-contact. Some customers have even reported that certain locations will sell them individually-wrapped buns to take home.

Enjoying Bottomless Fries and Other Sides

One of Red Robin's most famous offerings, the bottomless steak fries, is available to gluten-free diners. According to the company, these fries have no gluten ingredients and are prepared in a dedicated gluten-free fryer. However, it is always wise to confirm this procedure with your server at your specific location, as cross-contamination risks can exist. In addition to the classic steak fries, other gluten-free side options include:

Bottomless Sweet Potato Fries
Bottomless Yukon Chips
Bottomless Steamed Broccoli
Coleslaw
Side Salad (specify no croutons)

Navigating the Customizable Burger Menu

With a gluten-free bun or lettuce wrap, most burgers can be modified to be safe. It is important to note that certain toppings and sauces may contain gluten and must be omitted. Always use Red Robin's online allergen customizer or speak with a manager to verify your choices.

Common burger modifications:

Royal Red Robin Burger: Request a gluten-free bun and remove the fried egg.
Whiskey River BBQ Burger: Swap the bun, and remove the Whiskey River BBQ sauce and onion straws.
Burnin' Love Burger: Order with a gluten-free bun and remove any fried jalapeño coins.

The Donato's Pizza Option

Some Red Robin locations feature Donato's Pizza, which offers a gluten-free cauliflower crust. This is an excellent alternative for those craving pizza. Popular options available on the gluten-free crust include the Founders Favorite, Serious Cheese, and the Very Vegy Pizza. As with all specialty orders, ensure you explicitly state your need for the gluten-free version to the staff.

Sauces and Dressings

Red Robin offers a wide variety of sauces and dressings, many of which are naturally gluten-free. Some safe options include their Ranch, Honey Mustard Poppyseed, Smoke 'n Pepper Ketchup, and the House Made Salsa. It is always best to double-check with the latest allergen guide, as ingredients can change. Be aware that the popular Campfire Sauce is not gluten-free.

Potential for Cross-Contact

While Red Robin has robust protocols in place, it is vital for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities to be vigilant. Cross-contact can occur in shared kitchen spaces, and the level of adherence to protocols can vary by location. Some former employees and diners have reported inconsistencies, emphasizing the need for clear communication. It is a recommended practice to speak with a manager when ordering to confirm that all allergen safety procedures are being followed. A food item for a diner with a gluten allergy should arrive with a purple pick indicating it was prepared with special care. If it does not have this marker, confirm with your server before eating.

Comparison of Gluten-Free Burger Options


Feature	Red Robin	Lettuce Wrap (Wedgie Style)
Carb Source	Gluten-free bun	Fresh lettuce leaves
Taste/Texture	Soft, bread-like texture, slightly dry	Crisp, refreshing, lighter
Convenience	Easy to hold and eat like a traditional burger	Can be messy and difficult to hold
Calorie Count	Adds additional calories	Negligible calories
Experience	Closest to a classic burger experience	A lighter, low-carb alternative

Conclusion: A Pleasing Experience with Caution

Red Robin has positioned itself as a generally safe and enjoyable dining option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease by offering a good range of options, including customizable burgers on gluten-free buns, dedicated fryers for fries, and several other side choices. Their publicly stated allergen protocols and online customizer tool are excellent resources for customers. However, the key to a successful, gluten-free meal at Red Robin lies in proactive communication. Always inform your server and, ideally, a manager, about your allergy to ensure all safety measures are taken. Checking for the purple food pick upon delivery of your meal is the final step to confident and safe dining. With proper precautions, enjoying a delicious, gluten-free burger and fries is definitely on the menu.

Visit Red Robin's Official Allergen Menu

Additional Considerations for Celiac Guests

To further minimize risk, some Celiac guests may choose to avoid the grill entirely due to potential cross-contact with gluten-containing items and opt for a salad with grilled chicken or another protein. It is also important to remember that policies can change, so always check the most current information before ordering, and confirm with your server and a manager.

Cross-Contact Awareness: While dedicated fryers are in use, shared surfaces and utensils in a busy kitchen always present a risk, especially during peak hours.
Sauce Verification: Confirm with staff that sauces like the teriyaki used on some burgers are still gluten-free, as recipes can change.
Burger Preparation: Request that grilled items be cooked on a clean surface or separate area, and insist that staff use fresh, clean gloves to assemble your order.

Making the Most of Your Gluten-Free Meal

By being informed and communicating your needs clearly, you can enjoy a full meal at Red Robin without unnecessary worry. Whether you choose a classic burger on a gluten-free bun, a flavorful pizza on a cauliflower crust, or a fresh and satisfying salad, Red Robin offers enough variety to please most palates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Red Robin's steak fries, sweet potato fries, and Yukon chips are made from naturally gluten-free ingredients and are cooked in a dedicated gluten-free fryer. However, always inform your server of your dietary need to ensure proper procedure and minimize cross-contact risk.

Yes, Red Robin offers gluten-free buns that can be substituted for any regular bun on their burger menu. The buns are individually packaged to minimize cross-contact and are from a dedicated gluten-free bakery.

Red Robin has implemented specific protocols for food allergies, including dedicated fryers and trained staff. For severe allergies like celiac disease, it's essential to inform your server and manager, as cross-contact risk still exists in a shared kitchen. Look for the purple food pick indicating an allergy order.

If you have a gluten allergy, you must inform your server every time you order. Standard menu items and preparation methods are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Without notification, your order may be exposed to cross-contact in the shared cooking areas.

The beef, turkey, and ancient-grain quinoa veggie patties at Red Robin are considered gluten-free. However, it is crucial to ensure they are cooked on a clean, dedicated surface to avoid cross-contact with gluten from other menu items like regular buns or fried onions.

Yes, Red Robin's famous seasoning salt is officially gluten-free and labeled as such. It is safe for those with gluten sensitivities to use on their fries and other menu items.

Beyond customizable burgers and bottomless fries, you can find gluten-free salads (without croutons), steamed broccoli, coleslaw, and various sauces and dressings. Some locations also offer Donato's Pizza on a gluten-free cauliflower crust.