The Problem: Websites vs. Reality
Like many parents of children with severe food allergies, we would carefully research restaurants before taking our toddler out. We'd check allergen menus online, see items marked "Milk-Free" or "Egg-Free," and head out excited for a normal family dinner.
But too often, we'd arrive only to hear: "Actually, we can't serve that safely," or "Oh, the buns do have egg in them after all."
"Our child has severe, life-threatening allergies to egg and milk. This isn't a preference or sensitivity—it's about survival. We can't rely on 'maybe' or outdated information."
Often, we just bring our own food knowing this disconnect exists. It shouldn't have to be this way.
The Surprise: Hidden Gems
Interestingly, we've also experienced the opposite. We've walked into restaurants where the online menu looked impossible—nothing seemed safe. But when we asked anyway, we discovered incredibly accommodating servers and kitchen staff who:
- Triple-checked ingredients
- Used clean cookware and preparation areas
- Changed gloves and took cross-contamination seriously
- Made our child feel welcome and safe
These places rarely advertise how great they are with allergies. Their kindness and diligence are hidden treasures that deserve recognition.
We wanted to shine a light on these safe havens—and hold others accountable.
Our Mission
-
Build a Reliable "Go-To" List Track restaurants where the allergy community can truly feel at ease, knowing they've been verified by the allergy community in real situations.
-
Hold Restaurants Accountable If a website says one thing and the kitchen says another, our community deserves to know. Transparency saves lives.
-
Question Unnecessary Ingredients Why is there milk in french fries? Why egg in a "plain" bun? Many allergens are avoidable, and raising awareness helps everyone—not just those with allergies.
-
Share with Our Community We're not keeping this to ourselves. Every safe spot we find, we share. Every close call, we document. Together, we make dining out safer for everyone.
Why This Matters
Food allergies can be life-threatening. When restaurants don't take them seriously—or when their online information is inaccurate—they're not just disappointing customers. They're putting lives at risk.
This directory isn't just about finding a place to eat. It's about:
✓ Safety First: Knowing where you can trust the kitchen to take allergies seriously
✓ Peace of Mind: Going out without the constant anxiety of "what if?"
✓ Building Community: Allergy community members helping others navigate this challenging landscape
✓ Driving Change: Encouraging restaurants to improve their practices and communication
This isn't just a directory.
It's a tool for transparency, accountability, and community. Help us build it.
Find a Safe Spot