Ava Rakowski 
I was diagnosed with severe food allergies around the age of five, when I ate a peanut butter cookie at a school dance and subsequently had an allergic reaction akin to a horror movie. I soon learned that not only was I allergic to peanuts, but I had a healthy list of allergens that coincided with the Top 9 most common allergens in the United States. Since food allergies have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, I know what I am looking for in terms of food safety in restaurants. My family has been trained to always ask servers questions about menu items, and my mom lovingly reminds me to read, “Every label, Every time” when grocery shopping.
Dining out with food allergies can be a daunting task, whether it’s yourself or someone else you’re thinking about. Constantly having to check and double-check the ingredients of a dish, ask questions, and advocate for yourself can sometimes take away from the joys of dining out. It is always refreshing and reassuring to find different establishments that are willing to lift a small part of this burden off the consumers’ shoulders. Here’s a list of some of my favorite Bergen County restaurants that make it easy for food allergy sufferers to dine out safely and enjoy a special meal or treat. Read on for these Bergen County restaurants that accommodate food allergy sufferers with aplomb.
Butterflake | 448 Cedar Lane, Teaneck
A nut-free and sesame-free bakery is hard to come by, and we’re happy to report that this spot in Teaneck has it covered. Butterflake in Teaneck, a completely Kosher location, has all things cookies, cakes, breads, and challah. The team also handles custom orders, catering, and wholesale for any-sized party with dietary restrictions.
Read More: 10 Gluten-Free Dishes You Need to Try in Bergen County
D’Ercole Donuts and Dogs | 489 Tappan Road, Northvale
This adorable doughnut shop, located in Northvale, has always been a peanut and tree-nut-free location. Whether you’re looking for a traditional doughnut, a new flavor, coffee, or other kinds of pastries, this place has it. D’Ercole Donuts and Dogs also offers online ordering, custom orders for special occasions, and a variety of savory options to offset the sweets. Hot dogs and doughnuts? Say less. Be aware that this is not a gluten-free location, and the doughnuts contain both eggs and milk.
Everything Bagel | 483 NJ-17 S, Paramus
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Every Jersey Girl loves a bagel, and a gluten allergy should never stand in the way of carb contentment. Everything Bagel in Paramus is the place to go for both gluten-filled and gluten-free bagels, salads, and baked goods. The menu and website provide clear labeling for users, making it easy to understand which menu items are gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free. They also provide information about other top allergens in the US, so be sure to check the website or speak with someone in person to find the best options for you. The kitchen adheres to strict methods to prevent cross-contamination and ensure the safety of its patrons.
Kimchi Smoke | 2 Godwin Avenue, Ridgewood + 57 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood
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Nothing makes a person with allergies feel better than someone from a restaurant saying, “Don’t worry. Me too.” The owner’s son manages nut allergies, meaning this tasty barbecue spot is communicative about allergens. It has “Gluten Friendly” options on its menu, discloses the potential of cross-contamination on its website and menu, lists what oils are used in the fryer, and encourages guests to inquire with any additional questions. It is so refreshing to see a restaurant not only understand what questions are typically asked by individuals with food allergens, but also provide the answer outright. Be sure to ask about your specific dietary restrictions, but know that these folks have your best interest at heart. Check out the Westwood location or the smaller Ridgewood BBQ Shack for this delicious combination of Korean and Texas barbecue.
La Cucina | 461 Cedar Lane, Teaneck
A cozy Italian restaurant is part of every quintessential Jersey Girl’s dining lineup, and being an allergy sufferer doesn’t need to slow you down. La Cucina in Teaneck has a gluten-free menu upon request, and all of the information is available online. Which means you can take part in one of the underrated parts of dining out: looking at the menu and deciding what to eat before you go. For allergy sufferers, this pre-meal exercise is often necessary to research what menu options – or challenges – lie ahead. La Cucina also offers takeout and catering.
Sweet Avenue Bake Shop | 153 Park Avenue, Rutherford
The Bergen Girl cannot recommend this place enough. This one-stop shop is the perfect place for vegans and the food allergy community to find a delicious sweet treat. This facility is 100% vegan, gluten-friendly, and thoroughly informed on the other top nine allergens. One of the most impressive things about this location is its understanding of and transparency about cross-contamination. Knowing about ingredients being made in a facility with the potential of cross-contamination is so important for many consumers, and Sweet Avenue’s ability to communicate these facts truly sets them apart as a business. In addition to the shop, the team also takes custom orders, which is worth noting for any upcoming celebrations.
Willow & Whisk | 319 Franklin Avenue, Wyckoff
This adorable brunch/lunch spot deserves an A+ for its menu labeling skills. Patrons can expect an easy-peasy dining experience here thanks to the tiny menu symbols to indicate whether items are gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, or contain nuts. Staff at this popular spot can answer any remaining questions patrons may have about menu items. BG recommends making reservations for a visit here.
One more small aside from the author of this article, who manages these pesky food allergies every day: This can be hard! It’s ok to be frustrated with the lack of options out there, but it’s not ok to make yourself smaller because of these allergies. Never be afraid to ask questions. Never be afraid to advocate for yourself and your dietary needs. Never stop seeking good food and good times because of your allergens. You got this!
See More: 6 Allergy-Friendly Bakeries at the Jersey Shore
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