Denver Botanic Gardens visitors seeking gluten-free dining options have several choices nearby. The on-site Offshoots Café and Hive Garden Bistro offer clearly marked gluten-free items, while nearby restaurants like Saucy Bombay provide customizable gluten-free meals. This guide explores these options, detailing menu items, prices, and accessibility to help gluten-sensitive diners make informed choices when visiting the Denver Botanic Gardens area.
What Are the Best Gluten-Free Options Inside Denver Botanic Gardens?
Offshoots Café
Located within the Denver Botanic Gardens, Offshoots Café offers a variety of gluten-free options for visitors:
- Breakfast Items:
- Gluten-free pastries
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Customizable breakfast burritos (request corn tortillas)
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Lunch Options:
- Salads with gluten-free dressings
- Sandwiches on gluten-free bread (upon request)
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Wraps using gluten-free tortillas
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Price Range: $10-$20
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Hours: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily (kitchen closes at 2:30 p.m.)
Hive Garden Bistro
Another on-site option, Hive Garden Bistro, provides seasonal fare with gluten-free choices:
- Menu Highlights:
- Burgers with gluten-free buns
- Wood-fired pizzas (gluten-free crust available)
- Sweet potato fries (gluten-free)
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Seasonal salads
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Price Range: $13-$18
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Hours: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. daily (weather permitting)
Both venues offer 100% compostable dining materials and feature produce from the gardens, enhancing the eco-friendly dining experience.
Where Can I Find Gluten-Free Restaurants Near Denver Botanic Gardens?
Saucy Bombay
Located just a short distance from the Denver Botanic Gardens, Saucy Bombay offers customizable gluten-free options:
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Location: 2616 E. Colfax Ave., Denver (5 minutes by car, 17 minutes walking)
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Menu Options:
- Build-your-own wraps (gluten-free tortillas available)
- Gluten-free bowls
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Entree platters with gluten-free sides
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Protein Choices: Chicken, lamb, paneer, chickpeas
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Price Range: Starting at $13
Shells and Sauce
While not exclusively gluten-free, Shells and Sauce offers some adaptable options:
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Location: 2600 E. 12th Ave., Denver (9 minutes walking)
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Gluten-Free Considerations:
- Happy hour small plates can be adapted
- Main menu items like stuffed shells and lasagna are not gluten-free
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Always inquire about specific gluten-free options
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Price Range:
- Happy hour small plates: $9.95
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Dinner items: Around $17.95
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Hours: Opens at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday; closed Sundays and Mondays
How Do These Restaurants Ensure Gluten-Free Safety?
Cross-Contamination Practices
- Offshoots Café and Hive Garden Bistro:
- Staff trained to change gloves upon request
- Clearly marked gluten-free options on the menu
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Separate preparation areas for gluten-free items
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Saucy Bombay:
- Build-your-own concept allows for easy gluten-free customization
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Staff knowledgeable about gluten-free requirements
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Shells and Sauce:
- Limited gluten-free options
- Always confirm with staff about preparation methods
Dietary Certifications
- Offshoots Café and Hive Garden Bistro: Clearly marked gluten-free options
- Saucy Bombay: Caters to various dietary needs including gluten-free
- Shells and Sauce: No specific gluten-free certification
What Are the Accessibility Details for These Gluten-Free Restaurants?
Restaurant | Parking | Public Transport | Challenges |
---|---|---|---|
Offshoots Café & Hive Garden Bistro | Available within Denver Botanic Gardens | Accessible, popular stop | None significant for gluten-free diners |
Saucy Bombay | Limited street parking | Accessible | Parking can be challenging |
Shells and Sauce | Limited in Congress Park area | Accessible | Limited gluten-free options, closed Sun-Mon |
Are Reservations Required at These Gluten-Free Restaurants?
- Offshoots Café and Hive Garden Bistro:
- No reservations accepted
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First-come, first-served basis
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Saucy Bombay:
- No reservation system mentioned
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Walk-ins welcome
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Shells and Sauce:
- No reservations mentioned
- Online waitlist available for weekend brunch
What Special Events or Timings Should I Be Aware Of?
Offshoots Café and Hive Garden Bistro
- Extended hours during Blossoms of Light events
- Themed food and beverages during special garden events
- Hive Garden Bistro closes for the season starting December 23
Saucy Bombay
- No specific events mentioned
- Regular lunch and dinner service
Shells and Sauce
- Happy hour from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday
- Closed on Sundays and Mondays
By understanding these gluten-free dining options near Denver Botanic Gardens, visitors can plan their meals confidently, ensuring a safe and enjoyable culinary experience alongside their botanical adventure.
References:
1. https://diningout.com/where-to-eat-when-visiting-the-denver-botanic-gardens/
2. https://www.findmeglutenfree.com/biz/hive-garden-bistro/6108723019382784
3. https://www.botanicgardens.org/york-street/dining