I had heard from several users of this site that El
Pinto had a gluten-free menu. However, I
predetermined that the restaurant served too many
customers to do an effective job of preventing cross
contamination. Then I started receiving regular
e-mails from users telling me that El Pinto should
among the restaurants on this site. Obviously, I
needed to listen to their advice.
I arranged to meet a group of friends at El Pinto on a
warm summer evening. I called the restaurant just
prior to my visit and was unable to speak with
anyone who could answer my questions about cross
contamination but I did find the gluten-free menu
online. I was immediately surprised by how many
items were on it.
When we were seated on the patio, I asked the
hostess for a gluten-free menu. A couple minutes
later a different person from the restaurant staff
delivered the menu and asked me if I had any
questions. She explained in detail their procedures for
preventing cross contamination and then added that
they even have a gluten-free fryer that is used for
some of the entrees.
I ordered the Carne Adovada Plate, and it was
wonderful. The plate included the carne adovada ,
rice and beans. It also comes with corn tortillas, but I
was way too full to eat them.
Over the last several years I had really missed going
to El Pinto. Now, I can enjoy their great food on their
incredible patio once again. I'm happy to recommend
El Pinto to everyone eating gluten free!