A Gluten-Friendly Feast at Destination Grille, Grimes, IA

If you live with celiac disease (or try to follow a strict gluten-free diet), finding a place that understands food and delivers excellent flavor can feel like hitting gold. On my recent visit to Destination Grille in Grimes, Iowa, discovered just that. Between their menu offerings, the care around gluten, and a few standout dishes, it makes for a spot I’ll be returning to — and recommending.

Why Destination Grille Stands Out
- Extensively gluten-free friendly. Destination Grille advertises one of the largest gluten-free menus in the Grimes area, and that’s backed up by plenty of options.
- Dedicated fryers (which helps a lot!) — that means less risk of cross-contamination when you order fries or other fried sides.
- Staff and service seem informed: they label menu items with gluten-free or gluten-friendly tags where possible. Always a relief.

So, with all that goodwill in mind, I ordered three things that caught my eye — and they all delivered.

What I Ate
Here’s a breakdown of my picks: Candied Bacon Cheeseburger, Truffle Fries, and Cheese Curds (I mean, why not go big).

Candied Bacon Cheeseburger

This is a half-pound patty, with candied bacon, Grande Mozzarella cheese, served on a toasted brioche bun. The flavors were rich, indulgent: sweet and salty from the bacon, melty cheese, the juicy beef.

Now, as someone with celiac disease, I know brioche bun is not gluten-free. I asked if there was a gluten-free bun or if they could make the burger “bun-less” (letting the toppings shine without risking gluten), and they were accommodating. The burger itself, patty and toppings, were safe — just needed to skip or modify the bun. That’s often the easiest tradeoff. I chose the gluten free bun, and it came packaged completely separate, so I knew it was safe.

Truffle Fries

These were a side, but oh, what a side. Crisp on the outside, tender inside, with that unmistakable aroma of truffle oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan with a truffle mayo. The elevated the whole meal, making each bite feel fancy. The good news: because Destination Grille has dedicated gluten-free frying practices, the risk of cross-contamination here is much lower than in many places.

Cheese Curds

Crispy, golden, gooey cheese curds are a favorite indulgence — and theirs did not disappoint. The breading was just the right texture: crunchy but not overwhelming, letting the cheese be the star. Since they’re labeled on the menu without a “can’t be made gluten-free” warning, these were another safe fried option. The breading was gluten free, and you couldn’t even tell! Always double-check with staff, but I felt good about this part of the meal.

The Whole Experience: What Worked Well, What to Be Mindful of

What worked well:
- The ambiance is comfortable, modern, upscale casual. Great for date nights, dinners out, or when you want something a little nicer.
- Friendly service, especially when discussing allergies / dietary restrictions. They seem used to it.
- Variety: even beyond what I ordered, there are steaks, seafood, pizzas (with gluten-free crust option), pastas (that can be substituted with naturally gluten free gnocchi), plenty of starters. So even if my go-to burger isn’t available, there are other paths.



What to double-check:
- Buns & breaded items: many handhelds, burgers, etc., come with buns that are not gluten‐free. You’ll need to ask for substitutions or skip certain components.
- Breaded / fried things (like cheese curds, fries) — even with dedicated fryers, there’s always a risk; asking how they handle cross-contact is worthwhile.
- Sauces, dressings, breading — always check in. Sometimes items “look” okay but have hidden gluten (in Worcestershire sauce, some batters, etc.). Destination Grille seems very transparent, but you have to ask.

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My Verdict
Destination Grille in Grimes is a great find for someone with celiac disease who still wants to enjoy rich, comforting, and indulgent food. The Candied Bacon Cheeseburger (modified), Truffle Fries, and Cheese Curds were all wins. If you’re willing to ask questions and make small adjustments (bun-less, checking sauces), you can have a top-tier meal without constant worry.

If I were to give it a rating, I’d say it earns high marks for flavor, atmosphere, and gluten-safe options. It’s not perfect (few places are), but it really goes above many in being inclusive for gluten-free diners.