• chicago •
A Celiac’s Work Trip to Chicago: Safe Eats & City Adventures
Architecture Tour!
Work trips can be tricky when you have celiac disease, but with some planning, Chicago turned out to be a great gluten-free experience! Since I was extra cautious on this trip, I kept things simple and stuck to tried-and-true safe options. I do want to preface that I know there are so many great gluten free places in Chicago I have yet to try (I will definitely come back!), but limited time and ability to explore left me missing some favorites. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive review, I know there are so many amazing celiac-fluencers that either live in Chicago or had some more time to try the highlights. But until next time, Chicago - With limited time, here’s how I made it work while still enjoying the city!
Gluten-Free Eats in Chicago
Since I didn’t want to risk getting sick during work, I played it safe with my food choices. Upon arrival, my first stop was Whole Foods, where I stocked up on essentials. I made sure to request a microwave and fridge for my hotel room—an absolute must for stress-free eating while traveling! For breakfast, I kept it simple with Go Macro bars and fruit.
For lunch, I did branch out and order from two standout spots:
Wheat’s End – Hands down, the BEST gluten-free chicken sandwich I’ve ever had. It was so good that I had to order it twice! This dedicated GF bakery and café is a must-visit for celiacs.
Bibibop – A fully gluten-free Korean-inspired bowl spot that’s both delicious and reliable. Fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and zero cross-contamination worries!
Exploring the City
Even though this was a work trip, I’m grateful they made sure to squeeze in some classic Chicago experiences in our itinerary:
🏛 Chicago Architecture Tour – Seeing the city from the water was an incredible way to take in the skyline and learn about the city's history. This is a MUST do!
⚾ White Sox Game – The energy at the stadium was electric, and it was such a fun way to experience Chicago’s sports culture.
🌉 Post-Activity City Walks – After each outing, we took time to explore the city, checking out different neighborhoods and soaking in the sights.
Final Thoughts
While I didn’t go all out with restaurant hopping this time, I felt great knowing I could eat safely while still enjoying my time in Chicago. If you’re celiac and traveling for work, my best tip is to request a fridge/microwave, do a Whole Foods haul, and find at least one trusted GF restaurant to treat yourself!
Interested in learning more about my Whole Foods travel haul? Let me know in the comments! 😊🌆
