One of the best things about Brooklyn is that you can count on a lot of its restaurants to have special-diet-friendly options – and Baba Cool is no exception. While most of the menu is naturally gluten-free (think creative veggie dishes like beet poke and beautiful plant-based bowls), they also offer gluten-free bread for their sandwiches and toasts. If you’re craving something fresh, healthy and also hearty, Baba Cool has lots of great options for a quick bite on-the-go or a sit-down lunch with friends in its intimate cafe setting…
Of course, I had to try the avocado toast. Baba Cool piles two Udi’s gluten-free buns high with smashed avocado and lemon juice – split it with your friends as an appetizer or order on its own for lunch. The bar snacks are great for sharing, too – if you’re a fan of roasted Brussels sprouts (and who isn’t?), try the roasted cauliflower. It has a crispy, buttery flavor thanks to the ghee it’s cooked in and is topped with goji berries for a bit of sweetness. In terms of main dishes, you can’t go wrong with one of their salads or veggie-packed bowls topped with your choice of protein. None of Baba Cool’s meats are marinated in anything gluten-containing, so you’re safe with any of the protein toppings. If you’d rather go the sandwich route, any of Baba Cool’s sandwiches be made with gluten-free bread for an extra $2. And if you’re paleo, vegetarian or vegan, you can find plenty of options without grains, meat or dairy.
To avoid cross-contamination, Baba Cool uses the top rack of the toaster oven for GF bread exclusively and the bottom for regular. Care is taken not to mix the two, and GF is handled first. The restaurant suggests that anyone with severe gluten allergies calls ahead first, and the owner will do her best to accommodate!
Overall, Baba Cool is definitely my type of place – they don’t skimp on avocado, they can make anything gluten-free, they serve eggs (and the rest of the menu) allll day long, and the menu is based on fresh, healthy ingredients that are still satisfying. This is definitely one to add to your regular lunch rotation, or to stop by when you’re looking for a casual dinner.