Top 6 gluten-free dining spots in Marion, IL

August 17th, 2021 by

Whether you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, finding suitable dining options so you can enjoy a meal out is important. If you’re looking for restaurants that offer some options, here are the top six gluten-free dining spots in Marion, Illinois.

The Vault on the Square

Located inside a 100-year-old historic building, the Vault on the Square offers up a delicious menu, including some gluten-free options. The restaurant is on the first floor, which used to be a bank. As you might expect from the name, the vault is still there. If you are lucky, you and three of your friends can snag the table for four inside the vault. It’s first-come, first-serve, no reservations for that prized table. 

The Vault on the Square is not a dedicated gluten-free restaurant, but they are willing to accommodate, so you can still enjoy a meal without worry. 

McAlister’s Deli

What started as a small diner in Oxford, Mississippi, has grown into a booming business across multiple states. McAlister’s Deli is known for its delicious sandwiches, spuds, salads, and famous sweet tea. Finding gluten-free options here is a breeze as the menu denotes which ones are gluten sensitive. Some tantalizing options to try include: 

  • Savannah Chopped Salad: Grilled chicken, dried cranberries, Gorgonzola, honey-roasted almonds, tomato, and cucumber on mixed greens
  • Chipotle Chicken and Bacon Spud: Grilled chicken, bacon, cheddar-jack, chipotle ranch, and green onion
  • Spud Max: Ham, turkey, bacon, cheddar-jack, green onion, black olives, and sour cream 
  • Justaspud: Potato with sour cream on the side 
  • Veggie Spud: Spinach, broccoli, red onion, house-roasted multicolored peppers, and Rotel cheese sauce
  • Nacho Basket: Rotel cheese sauce, jalapenos, and tortilla chips

17th Street Barbecue

You may recognize this incredible barbecue from the various television features, including shows on the Travel Channel and Food Network. 17th Street Barbecue has two locations—Marion and Murphysboro. 

Manning the pits here is champion pitmaster Mike Mills, known as “The Legend.” He has a number of accolades for his barbecue, including four-time World Champion and three-time Grand World Champion at Memphis in May. He also won the 1992 Grand Champion of Jack Daniel’s World Invitational Barbecue Cooking Contest. Mike Mills was also inducted into the Barbecue Hall of Fame in 2010. Mike’s daughter, Amy, also works for 17th Street Barbecue when she’s not visiting barbecue destinations across the country. 

17th Street Barbecue’s sauce and Magic Dust are gluten-free. However, he does have a disclaimer on the website that the sauce contains distilled apple cider vinegar. There is debate on whether there is any gluten in it or not. The University of Chicago Medicine Celiac Disease Center says that apple cider vinegar is safe for people living with celiac disease. 

One of the most popular things on the menu is the baby back ribs. These ribs were featured in Bon Appetit and Vogue Magazines, and this is the dish that earned him the three Grand World Champion wins at Memphis in May. The ribs get a nice sprinkle of Magic Dust, then slowly cook with cherry and apple words. The pink or rosy color on the meat is only achieved by using wood and slow cooking the meat. 

Mary’s Restaurant

If you’re looking for a gourmet night out, Mary’s Restaurant is one of the best spots in town. They offer a unique menu that changes very often, sometimes daily, based on available ingredients. Everything is made fresh daily. They present the menu verbally, which means you’ll need to contact them that day if you want to know what the gluten-free options are. You’ll typically find six to ten different appetizers and a wide variety of fresh seafood, flown in fresh. If you prefer meat, Mary’s usually has chicken, USDA prime beef, veal, lamb, duck, pork, ostrich, and more. 

Mary’s Restaurant is located inside one of the stunning historic Victorian homes in Herrin. The home dates back to 1896. Mary Licos purchased it in 1979, converting the first floor into the first dining restaurant in Herrin while residing upstairs. She sold it to the present owners, Carla and David Hays, in 1992. Later, they purchased the home next door, opening a bed and breakfast. Both homes were constructed by the same person, William Stotlar.  To make it a truly unforgettable evening, book a room at Mary’s bed and breakfast. 

Jeremiah’s Kitchen

Jeremiah’s Kitchen is one of the best gluten-free options in Marion. Having family members with celiac disease, the owners understand how hard it is to find gluten-free options, especially in a quick-service environment. They hope to fill a void for other people with celiac disease to find delicious dining options in Marion. 

The menu at Jeremiah’s Kitchen includes wraps, salads, sandwiches, hot dogs and sausages, chicken fingers, and more. You can substitute sandwiches and hot dogs with gluten-free bread too. In fact, everything on the menu can be made gluten-free. Jeremiah’s Kitchen can also accommodate other food allergies. However, it would help if you let them know what your allergies are prior to ordering.  

Fans of Jeremiah’s Kitchen love how delicious their gluten-free bread is. Even some gluten-eating customers enjoy ordering it. One of the most popular items on the menu is the gyros. Made with a gluten-free pita, you get a massive portion of meat. Customers rave about the pita, saying it is much better than other gluten-free ones you’ll find. Chicken and fish fingers can also be made with gluten-free breading, allowing gluten-free eaters to enjoy options they usually can’t order at other restaurants. 

Thai D

Love Thai food? Thai D can make a number of menu items gluten-free. They have a wide selection of popular Thai appetizers, soups and salads, and entrees. Contact Thai D to find out which items can be made gluten-free. 

There you have our list of favorite gluten-free dining options in Marion. Did we miss any of your favorites? If so, contact us at VW of Marion and let us know what other gluten-free options you recommend. We would love to add them to our list! 

Posted in Exploring Marion