If you’re on Instagram and follow any of the major NYC food accounts (mine included), then you’ve absolutely seen pictures from El Rey. El Rey Coffee Bar & Luncheonette, located on the Lower East Side on Stanton Street, arrived in New York City late Summer 2014 and has been a huge hit ever since. Whether it’s because of the coffee shop’s chill atmosphere or simply their amazing food, El Rey has become one of the most popular breakfast/lunch spots in Downtown NYC, and after a few trips to the shop I now see why…
El Rey combines unique flavors to make delicious meals, and given the restaurant’s focus on vegetables and healthy cuisine, most of the menu is gluten free. The grains & crudite salad should be the reason why you’re reading this post. Although the grain in the salad — farro– is NOT gluten free, the salad can be made gluten free if you ask for it no farro. Baby greens, shaved raw vegetables, toasted pecans, and lemon vinaigrette comprise the salad, and I highly recommend adding a pickled egg and avocado to make your dish more filling. I also love the kale salad with almond slices and almond vinaigrette; and I always add avocado and a poached egg for some extra protein. The frittata at El Rey is also super popular; however, since there is bread mixed into the egg this dish is not gluten free. Given that there is no gluten free bread at El Rey, the avocado toast is also a no-go. For dinner, I highly recommend the plantain strips, papas bravas, and shaved cauliflower– all are gluten free and delicious!
In the summer, El Rey is the ideal LES spot to grab a quick lunch or meet a friend for coffee; the restaurant’s glass walls are open so you can enjoy your meal/drink while embracing the fresh air. The coffee shop is great at all times of the day, and it has become one of my absolute go-to meeting spots. Delicious food, INCREDIBLY nice staff, and plenty of nobread approved options, El Rey is a place worth checking out ASAP!