Last year, the gluten-free market grossed over 14.3 billion U.S. dollars. In 2023, 6% of Americans identified as having some form of gluten intolerance. Whether you suffer from celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or an auto-immune disease doesn't mean you should miss out on all the delicious food Cortland County has to offer. No more settling for just the salad. We've put together a tried and true list of some of our favorite gluten-free goodies in Cortland County.
*Remember, always be sure to tell the staff about any dietary restrictions to ensure they can properly accommodate your needs.
BAGEL SANDWICH
Bru 64
64 Main Street, Cortland
It's early. You've had a long night filled with adventures and a big day ahead. Nothing hits the spot quite like a perfectly roasted cup of iced coffee and a bagel sammie. No worries, my gluten-free comrades, Bru 64, has got you covered. Whether you rise and grind at breakfast, brunch or lunch, there is a scrumptious sammie with your name on it. For breakfast the classic sausage egg and cheese is hard to beat- unless that is, you upgrade your basic cheese for a little veggie cream cheese spread! The avocado BLT with siracha aioli is perfect for brunch. But it is their all-white meat fresh chicken salad that keeps me dropping in on the regular.
If you've been gluten-free for more than a day, you've probably come to realize that, oddly, most chicken salads are made with wheat! What it's doing in there and what purpose it serves, I can't be sure. What I can be sure of is that Bru 64's chicken salad sammie is 100% gluten-free and 100% yummy. I like to pair mine with the smoked gouda roasted red pepper soup or their homemade rice crispy treats.
BURGER
Trax Pub & Grill
2000 State Route 392, Cortland
Elk In Rut Burger. This hyper-local burger is made with grass-fed elk raised on Mariha Elk Farm, located less than 6 miles from Trax Pub & Grill. Seared to order, the quarter-pound elk patty is smothered in smoked cheddar, covered with housemade hot pepper relish, topped with fried onions and sandwiched between a butter-toasted gluten-free bun. Served alongside a heaping pile of classic cut fries, this burger is anything but ordinary.
The Elk in Rut is a real umami bomb. The elk meat is so tender, not gamey in the slightest, and the melted smoked cheddar and spicy relish kick this burger into overdrive. I’ve never tasted a burger quite like this and find myself ordering time and time again. Pair it with a dry cider and grab a table by the fire to really maximize the experience. In the summer, Trax offers a brunch burger. Don't sleep on this. Nothing beats a burger smothered in drippy egg yoke, enjoyed with an iced coffee while sitting under the mountain in the sun.
PIZZA
Brix Pubaria
60 Main St, Cortland
To say the gluten-free brick oven-cooked pizza at Brix is life-changing might be an overstatement, but just barely. This pizza is so good; every time I order it, I experience a moment of panic at the first bite. Surely, they got my order wrong. This can not be gluten-free! Say goodbye to cardboard cracker pizza crust. This bad boy is chewy, yeasty, crusty and bubbly. And as a gal who hails from Detroit, I know my way around a pizza.
While every flavor is undeniably delicious, it's the everything bagle pizza that keeps me coming back. Roasted garlic smothered in mozzarella and everything bagle seasoning, dotted with soft cream cheese and sprinkled with chive, this thing is a culinary masterpiece. Take it to the next level with some ham or a fried egg. Insider tip: ask nicely for a side of hot honey. You won't regret it. It wouldn't be brunch without a mimosa. I recommend the Tequila Sunrise Mimosa, made with Espolon Tequila, Champagne, orange juice, and grenadine.
NOODLES
Yori House
114 Elm St, Cortland
Last year, Yori swung open its door to the gluten-free diners of Cortland County with three delectable options: gluten-free Pad Thai,
gluten-free fried rice, and gluten-free pan-fried noodles. What this means is that when it comes to Yori's incredible Korean-inspired menu, the world is your oyster! Using these as your base, the possibilities are endless. From seafood paella to BiBim Bop, you, too, can now indulge in flavor-filled foods again!
I recommend the shrimp pad-thai. A bed of rice noodles smothered in zippy peanut sauce, topped with perfectly golden shrimp and crunch bean sprouts and sprinkled with crushed peanuts will warm you up from the inside out. I recommend rounding out the meal with a side of steamed, salted edamame and a cold iced tea.
WRAPS
New York Bagel Cafe & Deli
33 Main Street, Cortland
Generally, wraps in the world of gluten-free dining are disappointing, to say the least; they tend to be flavorless, chalky and fall apart in your hand. Not at New York Bagel! Not only does their signature bagel dough make its way up from the Big Apple, but so do their incredible gluten-free wraps. I don't know what magic they weave into these huge, tender tortillas of goodness, but they are the best I've ever had. And anything on N.Y. Bagle's ginormous sandwich menu can be stuffed, wrapped and rolled in them!
My personal favorite is the buffalo chicken wrap. Since this chicken is grilled and not deep fried, it is entirely gluten-free friendly. Nestled in a wrap with lettuce, tomato, blue cheese, and hot sauce, it's got just enough kick to make you pay attention. Enjoy with a bag of certified gluten-free Dirty brand potato chips for some serious crunch factor. I recommend the funky fusion chips and an Artic Lemonade smoothie for the perfect pairing.
DESSERT
The Exchange Bakery
21 Main Street, Homer
Each time I step foot into The Exchange Bakery, a choir of angels begins to sing. There before me stands an entire pastry case brimming with gluten-free delights! From cupcakes to cookies, pies, tarts and everything in between- it's a gluten-free foodies paradise. While everything, and I mean everything I've tried there, has been outstanding, there are three things I have always wrapped up in that cute little pink pastry box. First, the lemon tart. It sings with a bright citrus curd stuffed in a buttery, flaky shell. The second is a scone. Moist, crumbly, perfection dunked in a cup of coffee, the raspberry is my favorite. And last but certainly not least, any fruit crumb bar, but especially the apple. Deeply flavored with cinnamon and brown sugar, the crunchy top is flawlessly juxtaposed with the tender fruit filling. It will leave you humming with every bite.
Well, what are you waiting for? Jump in your car and start your gluten-free Cortland County culinary adventure today! These are just the tip of the iceberg. Cortland has so many wonderful gluten-free goodies just waiting to be discovered. Do you have a favorite? Email them to me at info@experiencecortland.com. And remember, always be sure to tell the staff about any dietary restrictions to ensure they can properly accommodate your needs.
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