Every time my family and I go out to eat, our first option is The Thirsty Turtle in Florham Park, New Jersey.
Since we first discovered this restaurant a long time ago, it was appealing to us because of its friendly atmosphere, delicious food, and most importantly its ability to always provide versatile and safe options for people with allergies.

I have Celiac Disease, which means I can’t eat any gluten (wheat, barley and rye) and have to completely avoid cross-contamination.
Every time I eat at the Thirsty Turtle, I am served with a delicious and safe gluten-free meal, which is why I was so excited to write a review on this restaurant.

I met with Chef Jim Beers at The Thirsty Turtle to ask him about how the restaurant is able to handle allergies so well. I learned that at The Thirsty Turtle, foods made for customers with allergies are separated from the rest of the food in the kitchen to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. The Thirsty Turtle has a separate gluten-free menu, and Chef Beers is accommodating to many different allergies as well.

French fries are fried in vegetable oil, so as long as products containing your allergen are not fried in the same fryer, french fries and other fried foods are safe for many people with allergies at The Thirsty Turtle. Also, the Thirsty Turtle has a separate gluten-free fryer where french fries, tortilla chips, and buffalo wings are fried. Most restaurants do not have gluten-free fryers, which is another reason why I love The Thirsty Turtle, and it’s such a great restaurant for people with allergies (especially gluten/wheat).
The Thirsty Turtle also provides substitutes for certain products, which include milk substitutes and gluten-free buns.

If you are going to the Thirsty Turtle for the first time, Chef Beers recommends that you call ahead and ask about specific allergies in advance, as it may be more difficult for the staff to check certain products on a crowded day.
However, if you are ever struggling to find a safe item on the menu, the Thirsty Turtle will always have simple options that are safe for you, including chicken cooked on tinfoil so that it doesn’t touch the grill and risk cross contamination.

Every time I have gone to the Thirsty Turtle, I have had a great experience and have been able to eat safely. I am always so happy to be able to have a full meal with gluten-free chips and guacamole, a cheeseburger with a gluten-free bun, and french fries, and I’m sure the results would be similar for anyone with an allergy.
The staff at The Thirsty Turtle is extremely accommodating and friendly, and I never have to worry about my food not being safe. I highly recommend this restaurant for its delicious food and ability to accommodate so many allergens.