Tag: South

Evexia Cafe & Bakery

Aurora

I recently visited Evexia. While they have an extensive menu I only tried baked goods to go which I enjoyed.

The general manager confirmed that almost everything was gluten free or could be made gluten free. The exception when I was there was the cinnamon roll. They did have a GF cinnamon bar which was delicious.

The manager confirmed that care was taken to prevent cross contact including having a separate press to use for the paninis.

There is indoor and outdoor seating.

It is a good spot to try coffee and a treat or a full meal.

I look forward to returning and trying new items.

Honeygrow

Mentor, Avon, Strongsville, Akron, Canton

Honeygrow features fresh, made-to-order stir-fry, salads, and honeybars.

This fast casual chain has recently expanded into the Cleveland area. There are now locations in Mentor, Avon, Strongsville, Akron and Canton.

The Red Coconut Curry, Loaded Greek salad and OG Cobb salad are gluten free as is.

The menu is fully customizable and GF ingredients are clearly indicated. So there are a lot of choices.

I was advised at the restaurant to alert personnel of “allergy” prior to placing the order on the store kiosk or to call the restaurant before placing an order in the app.

I was told my order might take a few extra minutes to prepare as the wok used to prepare the stir fry would be sanitized as part of their allergy protocol.

The food was served quickly. I enjoyed the Red Coconut Curry and had customized my order by substituting vegetables.

I also tried a Create Your Own Honeybar. The GF treat I chose was yogurt with fruit topping, chocolate chips and shredded coconut. There was also a drizzle of honey.

I’ll return to try a different combination of ingredients.

Naf Naf

Independence

https://nafnafgrill.com/

Independence
6714 Rockside Road
Independence, OH 44131
216-415-8102

Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill is a fast-casual restaurant with friendly helpful staff.

I ate at the Independence location. When I asked about gluten free options I was shown the Allergy Guide. Staff changed gloves. Note that most of the menu items are gluten free. Exceptions include the pita and couscous and baklava. The chicken shwarma and amba sauce are noted to be processed in a facility where trace elements of the allergen are present. And the listing has an expected caveat that no guarantees are made and cross contact may occur.

I enjoyed a tasty bowl with hummus, falafel and all the salads and garnishes. Both the tahini and garlic sauces were terrific, though I was happy with my bowl sauceless.

I was told the Naf Fries are prepared in a dedicated fryer. Might try them on my next visit.

Boss ChickNBeer

Berea, Bay Village, Seven Hills, Cuyahoga Falls

www.bosschicknbeer.com

This is a nice, simple restaurant with a menu limited primarily to chicken (wings or very meaty tenders/strips) and go-withs for the chicken. Sauces are served on the side and almost all of them are gluten-free. Staff is very knowledgeable re gluten-free, too. Sides include things like potato fries, cauliflower and cheese (the gluten-free version of ‘macaroni and cheese’) and garlic Brussels sprouts. Portions were ample and we took some home, too. Food is ordered at the front, you then find a seat yourself, a server takes

your drink orders. Then you are called to pick up your food from the bar when it is ready. Suggest you arrive hungry and enjoy!

2/2026 Note: The food menu is now entirely gluten free. Though they still serve regular beer besides gluten free.

City Barbeque

Beachwood, Fairlawn

City Barbeque AKA City BBQ
https://www.citybbq.com/

A new location of City BBQ opened recently in the Pavilion Shopping Center on Chagrin Road in Beachwood.

I love the idea of BBQ.  Naturally gluten free meats, choice of sides.  Just stay away from the bread.

However, City BBQ has the staff who carves the meat also handling the bread for sandwiches.  All platters also come with a slice of bread.

After discussion with management, the safest gluten free choice was their seasonal specialty, Brisket Chili. I could have also tried other side dishes.

The Brisket Chili was meaty and tasty. Perfect for mid-winter in Cleveland.

The restaurant has an Allergen List which notes gluten containing items. If you go, take care and watch for a high cross-contamination risk.