Gluten-Free Nashville: Epic Eats, Hot Chicken & Hidden Gems You Can’t Miss!

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Nashville might be known for hot chicken, biscuits, and beer, but don’t let that scare you away! Music City has embraced the gluten-free movement with Southern hospitality and creative flair. After spending a week exploring Nashville’s neighborhoods, I’ve discovered everything from dedicated gluten-free bakeries to celiac-safe hot chicken (yes, really!). Plus, I’ll share some incredible hidden experiences that make Nashville truly special beyond the typical tourist spots.

Why Nashville Surprises Gluten-Free Travelers

When planning my Nashville trip, I worried my husband would be stuck watching friends enjoy flaky biscuits and crispy hot chicken while he could only eat salads. But Nashville completely surprised me! The city’s innovative food scene has embraced dietary restrictions with impressive Southern hospitality, offering creative gluten-free options that don’t feel like compromises.

What makes Nashville special for gluten-free travelers is the combination of genuine hospitality (staff who truly want to help you eat safely) and culinary creativity (chefs who see gluten-free cooking as an opportunity, not a limitation). The result is a city where celiacs can enjoy local specialties and leave with full bellies and happy taste buds.

Best 100% Gluten-Free Restaurants in Nashville

Let’s begin with the ultimate haven for celiacs: fully gluten-free restaurants where you can dine worry-free, without the risk of cross-contamination.

The Sunflower Bakehouse

Location: East Nashville
What to Order: Cinnamon rolls, cupcakes, and their legendary chocolate chip cookies

This 100% gluten-free and vegan bakery creates pastries that will make you forget you’re eating anything “alternative.” Their cinnamon rolls are perfectly gooey, and their chocolate chip cookies have that ideal chewy-crisp texture that’s so hard to achieve in gluten-free baking. They also serve savory lunch options like sandwiches on house-made bread.

Butter Milk Ranch

Location: East Nashville
What to Order: Gluten-free fried chicken, biscuits, and their incredible mac and cheese

This dedicated gluten-free Southern comfort food restaurant is a celiac’s dream come true. Yes, you can safely enjoy gluten-free fried chicken, biscuits, and all the Southern classics without worry! Their dedicated fryers and careful protocols ensure a completely safe experience. The mac and cheese is particularly outstanding, creamy, rich, and topped with crispy breadcrumbs.

Vui’s Kitchen

Location: Multiple locations (Berry Hill, Germantown, Sylvan Park)
What to Order: Pho, rice noodle bowls, and their fresh spring rolls

While not advertised as exclusively gluten-free, Vui’s Kitchen has confirmed that their entire menu is gluten-free except for their hoisin sauce (which is kept separate). This Vietnamese restaurant offers fresh, healthy options when you need a break from heavier Southern fare. Their pho broth is rich and flavorful, and their rice noodle bowls are perfect for customizing to your taste.

Celiac-Friendly Restaurants with Excellent Gluten-Free Options

While dedicated facilities offer peace of mind, these restaurants have proven their ability to safely accommodate celiac diners with separate preparation areas and knowledgeable staff.

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

Location: Multiple locations
What to Order: Gluten-free hot chicken (grilled, not fried), Southern sides

Nashville’s famous hot chicken is typically dredged in flour before frying, but Hattie B’s offers a gluten-free option: grilled chicken with their signature hot spice blend. Many of their sides are naturally gluten-free, including the pimento mac and cheese and collard greens (always verify current ingredients). Call ahead to discuss your needs with the manager.

Bartaco

Location: 12 South
What to Order: Street tacos on corn tortillas, rice bowls, and their roasted corn

This trendy taco spot takes gluten-free dining seriously, with most of their menu being naturally gluten-free. Their corn tortillas are made in-house and they have dedicated fryers for their chips. The staff is well-trained on cross-contamination issues and can guide you through safe options. Their roasted corn with lime, cotija cheese, and spices is a must-try side dish.

Five Daughters Bakery

Location: Multiple locations (12 South, East Nashville, Franklin)
What to Order: Gluten-free donuts (made in a separate facility)

While not a dedicated gluten-free establishment, Five Daughters offers gluten-free donuts that are made in a separate gluten-free facility and delivered daily. These aren’t your typical dense, disappointing gluten-free donuts—they’re light, flavorful, and come in creative flavors like maple glaze and chocolate sea salt.

Frothy Monkey

Location: Multiple locations
What to Order: Breakfast bowls, salads, and sandwiches on gluten-free bread

This popular coffee shop and restaurant offers numerous gluten-free options, including excellent gluten-free bread for sandwiches. They’re very accommodating to dietary restrictions and have good protocols for avoiding cross-contamination. Their breakfast bowls make a perfect start to a day of Nashville exploration.

Etch

Location: Downtown
What to Order: Seasonal menu with clearly marked gluten-free options

For a special night out, Etch offers upscale dining with an impressive understanding of gluten-free needs. Chef Deb Paquette creates globally inspired dishes with many gluten-free options clearly marked on the menu. The staff is well-trained and can guide you through safe choices. Their roasted cauliflower with truffled pea pesto is legendary and naturally gluten-free.

Neighborhood Guide to Gluten-Free Nashville

East Nashville

This hip, creative neighborhood across the Cumberland River from downtown is a gluten-free goldmine, home to The Sunflower Bakehouse, Butter Milk Ranch, and a location of Vui’s Kitchen. After enjoying safely gluten-free meals, explore the neighborhood’s vintage shops, independent boutiques, and colorful street art.

12 South

This walkable neighborhood south of downtown offers several excellent gluten-free options, including Bartaco and Five Daughters Bakery. The area is known for its Instagram-worthy murals (including the famous “I Believe in Nashville” wall), boutique shopping, and charming residential streets.

Downtown/The Gulch

Nashville’s downtown area and adjacent Gulch neighborhood offer upscale gluten-free options like Etch, plus proximity to major attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Broadway’s famous honky-tonks. Many downtown restaurants can accommodate gluten-free diners—always call ahead to discuss your needs.

Germantown

This historic neighborhood north of downtown is one of Nashville’s oldest suburbs and now a food lover’s destination. Vui’s Kitchen has a location here, and many of the area’s upscale restaurants can accommodate gluten-free diners with advance notice.

Hidden Gems & Unique Experiences

Nashville offers more than just amazing gluten-free food and country music. Here are some unforgettable experiences that fly under the tourist radar:

Nashville’s Hidden Gems E-bike Tour

Explore Nashville’s lesser-known neighborhoods and scenic spots on an electric bike tour that takes you beyond the typical tourist areas. See local favorites, historic sites, and beautiful parks while your guide shares insider stories about Music City.

Nashville’s Hidden Gems E-bike Tour takes you through charming neighborhoods like Lockeland Springs and to scenic spots like Shelby Park.

Nashville Speakeasy Secrets Tour

Discover Nashville’s prohibition-era history and visit modern speakeasies on this unique tour that combines history, cocktails, and hidden venues most tourists never find.

Nashville’s Speakeasy Secrets: Murder and True Crime Bar Crawl explores the city’s darker history while visiting unique drinking establishments.

Nashville Walking Food Tour

Explore Nashville’s food scene beyond hot chicken and biscuits with a guided tour that can accommodate gluten-free participants (with advance notice).

Nashville Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours offers different routes through East Nashville or 12South with classic Southern flavors.

Nashville’s Dark Secrets Walking Tour

Discover the spooky side of Music City with a walking tour that explores ghost stories, murders, and dark history in downtown Nashville.

Nashville’s Dark Secrets: Murder & True Crime Walking Ghost Tour provides a unique perspective on the city’s history.

Gluten-Free Grocery Shopping in Nashville

Need to stock your Airbnb or grab snacks for day trips? These markets have excellent gluten-free selections:

Turnip Truck

Locations: East Nashville, The Gulch
Highlights: Local natural foods store with extensive gluten-free selection and prepared foods

This locally owned natural foods market offers an impressive selection of gluten-free products, including many from local producers. Their prepared foods section has several clearly labeled gluten-free options, making it easy to grab a quick meal.

Whole Foods Market

Locations: Green Hills, Downtown
Highlights: Standardized allergen labeling, dedicated gluten-free section

The Whole Foods in Green Hills is particularly large with an excellent selection of gluten-free products. Their prepared foods section clearly labels allergens, making it easy to grab a quick meal or picnic supplies.

Nashville Farmers’ Market

Location: Downtown (near the State Capitol)
Highlights: Fresh local produce, artisanal products, and food hall with gluten-free options

This year-round market features local farmers, artisans, and a food hall with several vendors offering gluten-free options. It’s a great place to sample local flavors and pick up fresh ingredients for cooking at your accommodation.

Day Trips from Nashville (With Gluten-Free Options!)

Franklin

This charming historic town just 20 miles south of Nashville offers beautiful architecture, Civil War history, and several excellent gluten-free options. Merridee’s Breadbasket offers gluten-free baked goods (though not from a dedicated facility), and 55 South has a knowledgeable staff and many naturally gluten-free options.

Take a short drive or rideshare from Nashville to explore this picturesque town.

Jack Daniel’s Distillery (Lynchburg)

About 90 minutes from Nashville, the Jack Daniel’s Distillery offers fascinating tours of America’s oldest registered distillery. While whiskey is naturally gluten-free, always verify that no additives or flavorings contain gluten. The small town of Lynchburg has limited dining options, so consider packing a picnic lunch.

Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tour includes transportation from Nashville and a guided tour of the historic facility.

Natchez Trace Parkway

This scenic 444-mile drive begins just southwest of Nashville and offers beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and hiking opportunities. Pack a gluten-free picnic from Turnip Truck or Whole Foods to enjoy at one of the many scenic overlooks.

Rent a car to explore this historic parkway at your own pace.

Practical Tips for Gluten-Free Nashville

Transportation Tips

Nashville’s downtown area is walkable, but you’ll need transportation to explore beyond it. Rideshare services are plentiful and affordable. The city also offers scooter rentals for short trips. For day trips outside the city, you’ll want to rent a car or book a tour with transportation included.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the most pleasant weather and fewer crowds than summer. Summer brings numerous festivals but also heat and humidity. Winter is mild compared to northern cities but can be rainy. Major events like CMA Fest and the Country Music Marathon can make accommodations more expensive, so plan accordingly.

Where to Stay

East Nashville puts you close to several dedicated gluten-free establishments, while staying downtown provides convenient access to major attractions. 12 South offers a more residential feel with good gluten-free options nearby. For a quieter experience, consider the upscale Green Hills area.

Navigating Nashville’s Food Scene with Celiac Disease

Hot Chicken

Nashville’s signature dish is typically dredged in flour before frying, but places like Hattie B’s offer grilled versions with their signature spice blend. Always verify preparation methods and cross-contamination protocols.

Biscuits

Traditional Southern biscuits are definitely off-limits, but Butter Milk Ranch offers safe gluten-free versions that satisfy the craving. Several other restaurants offer gluten-free biscuits as well—always verify preparation methods.

Meat-and-Three

This Nashville tradition (a meat entrée with three side dishes) can often be made gluten-free by choosing naturally gluten-free sides like collard greens, mashed potatoes, and corn. Arnold’s Country Kitchen can sometimes accommodate gluten-free diners—call ahead to discuss options.

Conclusion: Embracing Gluten-Free Nashville

Nashville has embraced the gluten-free movement with true Southern hospitality, offering safe and delicious options that allow celiac travelers to experience local flavors without compromising their health. From dedicated gluten-free Southern comfort food at Butter Milk Ranch to celiac-safe hot chicken at Hattie B’s, Music City welcomes gluten-free visitors with open arms and full plates.

Whether you’re exploring the city’s music history, discovering hidden speakeasies, or sampling gluten-free versions of Southern classics, Nashville offers a warm, welcoming experience that goes far beyond what most celiac travelers expect from a Southern destination.

Have you visited Nashville with celiac disease or gluten intolerance? Share your favorite spots in the comments below!

FAQs for Gluten-Free Nashville: A Music City Guide for Celiac Travelers

Planning a gluten-free adventure beyond Nashville? Check out The Ultimate Guide to Gluten-Free Travel in the USA for top celiac-friendly destinations, must-visit restaurants, and essential travel tips across the country!