Torchy's Tacos

I didn’t get sick but the food was not good at all. The queso was the only thing I enjoyed. The tacos were like a 13 year old made it.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

They have a "gluten conscious" menu. Be very careful about ordering from it, because some items are grilled on the GF menu are breaded on the regular menu, so if you don't specify, you will get breaded. For example, the shrimp in the Baja Shrimp taco, or the mushrooms in the Independent taco. And always ask for corn tortillas.

Aside from that, the tacos are great, as are the queso, guacamole, and the street corn.

Their online ordering app has a “gluten allergy” checkbox, which is great. But locations vary in their awareness. I’ve never had a problem at the South Lamar location, but I have at others.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Dog friendly
• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

As the chain does have gluten conscious menu, this location completely ignores it. When I placed my order, the cashier treated me as though I was a complete inconvenience. She then messed up my order on purpose and when I asked for it to be remade, she gave total sass. IF YOU FEEL LIKE TORCHY’S GO TO A DIFFERENT LOCATION.

Celiac friendly?

No

The first 2 times I went were great. I ordered 2 breakfast tacos the first time and the barbacoa and brisket tacos the 2nd time and had no issues. They were curteous and everything came out quickly.

The last time I went I stated gluten allergy and she put it on the order. I ordered the fresh avocado and the barbacoa to go. When I got back to work to eat them I noticed the fresh avocado was actually fried. I ate it anyway and oh boy was I hurting later. Normally just a little bit of gluten doesn't bother me so I don't know if there was more than just the avocados that were contaminated or what. They title their gluten free menu as gluten conscious so maybe that should have told me to double check. I will eat there again but will be a lot more cognizant as the food is really good and the staff is friendly.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Delicious tacos! Eaten here several times with other celiacs and no one’s gotten sick. They have a separate “gluten conscious” menu.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for takeout
• Good vegetarian options

We attended the soft opening (it officially opens in just a few days on May 15, 2024). They confirmed they have a dedicated gluten free fryer for the chips. We've had luck at other locations with their gluten sensitive menu (avoiding chips at locations that don't have a dedicated fryer) and this one was just the same. They did mention that the potatoes recently changed to hashbrown style and those are not fried in the dedicated fryer, so just be aware of that potential if they don't switch back to diced potatoes.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

The app has a lot more diet and allergen information and clear options than ordering in person. Even if you're eating there, you could review it ahead or grab a table and order on your phone, especially if you're avoiding dairy and soy. Those are much harder to identify on the in-store menu.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for soy-free
• Good for takeout
• Offers delivery

I got the airstream salad and it was good. There is a risk of cross contamination since it’s a shared kitchen but I didn’t get sick.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent