Best of Kent 2019

Winner: GRAZERS

Looking for a fresh, healthy, gluten-free restaurant? Look no further than GRAZERS in downtown Kent.

For Carl Bauer and Stacey Lasher, the owners of GRAZERS, offering gluten-free options is very important because of Bauer’s daughter’s gluten intolerance.

“We know what it’s like to go to a restaurant and have someone say it’s gluten-free and then to suffer afterward,” Lasher said. “So we have specific procedures in place for people who come and say they are either Celiac or have a gluten allergy.”

With the eatery’s on and off-campus locations, customers have easier access to gluten-free options. To avoid cross-contamination, Lasher said all ingredients are stored and cooked in different areas.

Second: Laziza

This Mediterranean restaurant located in downtown Kent remains a favorite among students and residents. “Laziza is the place where Mediterranean cuisine is refined,” the website says.

The restaurant offers kabobs, shwarma, falafel and other Mediterranean options. If certain menu items aren’t displayed as gluten-free, Laziza gives the option of “gluten-free upon request.”

Third: Prentice Cafe and Taco Tantos (TIE)

Prentice is the first Gluten Intolerance Group (GIC) Certified dining location on a college campus in the United States.

The Prentice Cafe is located in Prentice Hall and is one of Kent’s three all-you-can-eat dining halls.

“If you are an advocate of healthy living, gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian you will enjoy our gluten-free and wellness zone,” according to its website.

The cafe offers a changing menu for students.

“Prentice has done an awesome job making gluten-free without sacrificing taste,” one voter said.

Taco Tontos is a locally owned restaurant in downtown Kent that offers fresh, handmade Mexican cuisine.

The small, quirky restaurant offers a wide variety of items that are prepared to order and can easily be made gluten-free.

Tacos can be made in a jumbo gluten-free shell and burritos can be made a burrito bowl.

“(Taco Tontos) has plenty of options and delicious food,” one voter said.

Taco Tontos also has a taco window connected to Zephyr Pub, which allows customers to walk up and order their favorite tacos.