Gluten Free OKI/Southport Dining Options

Last May, my son who was 3 at the time was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disease that causes the body to mistakenly attack gluten. The only treatment for this is to begin eating a strict gluten-free diet immediately. Lincoln took the diet changes like an absolute champ, but boy oh boy those first few months were so overwhelming for me. I spent hours reading labels in the grocery store looking for safe alternatives to our favorite foods, and eating out, well that seemed like an impossible feat, UNTIL I found these amazing restaurants who not only carry gluten-free menu items but also understand the risks of cross-contamination. If you’re in the Oak Island or Southport areas and need some gluten-free eatery options I highly suggest checking out these places: 

1. Fixin’s OKI- Located at 8300 E. Oak Island Drive Fixin’s is home of the absolute BEST gluten-free biscuits and gravy. They also serve gluten-free waffles, homemade hamburger buns and bread, as well as a collection of gluten-free bakery items for sale at the checkout. The chef is intimately familiar with Celiac disease and the bakery items are delivered fresh weekly by Leoni’s Gluten Free Goodies, a local gluten-free baker.
2. Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Grill- Located at 5028 Southport Crossing Way. Alpaca is new to Southport but they have become a quick favorite stop for our family. With a relaxed vibe, where you order at the counter and head straight to the table with your meal in hand, it's a toddler mom's dream. No getting antsy waiting on our meal! And the best part, their french fries are not fried with any wheat-containing products, so they are safe for my french fry-loving kiddo, something that has been incredibly hard to find! Almost all their menu items are safe for those on the gluten-free diet, which makes it a fabulous choice for a dinner out.
3. Cafe Koa- Cafe Koa Is located in the heart of downtown Southport at 302 N. Howe Street. They are known for their Thursday cake days, and boy are they good! Each Thursday you can find a vegan and gluten-free option cake available for purchase by the slice. This week's gluten-free option was a Maple cake with Brown Sugar, Italian Meringue & Salted Caramel. Yum!