About Odd Duck
Odd Duck is one of Austin's most celebrated farm-to-table restaurants, known for its creative seasonal menu that changes frequently based on what's fresh and available from local farms. Founded by Chef Bryce Gilmore, the restaurant has earned national acclaim for its innovative approach to Texas cuisine.
What makes Odd Duck special for gluten-free diners is the kitchen's inherent focus on whole, unprocessed ingredients. Many dishes are naturally gluten-free, and the staff is exceptionally knowledgeable about accommodating dietary restrictions. The menu's emphasis on vegetables, proteins, and creative preparations means celiac diners have genuine optionsânot afterthoughts.
Gluten-Free Dining at Odd Duck
While Odd Duck is not a dedicated gluten-free restaurant, their farm-to-table philosophy naturally lends itself to GF-friendly dining:
- Knowledgeable Staff: Servers are well-trained to identify GF-safe dishes and communicate with the kitchen
- Menu Transparency: The team can explain every ingredient in each dish
- Naturally GF Focus: Many dishes feature vegetables, proteins, and GF grains
- Cross-Contamination Awareness: Kitchen takes allergy requests seriously
- Daily Menu Changes: Staff knows exactly what's in today's offerings
Important: Always inform your server about celiac disease when ordering. The menu changes daily, so GF options will vary.
Sample Gluten-Free Dishes
The menu changes seasonally, but based on their typical offerings, these types of dishes are often available gluten-free:
- Texas Pickles ($7): Seasonal vegetables with arbol chili brine and olivesânaturally GF
- Ceviche (varies): Fresh fish preparations that are typically gluten-free (confirm sauce)
- Grilled Squash Salad ($15): With spiced seeds, pecan, arugulaâconfirm dressing is GF
- Grilled Wagyu ($49): With steak sauce, tater tots, and grilled peppersâconfirm preparation
- Blackened Redfish ($35): With lemon yogurt, jalapeño, turnip, pecan
Note: Menu items and prices change frequently. Always confirm current GF options with your server.
What to Avoid
Some items at Odd Duck typically contain gluten:
- Beer-battered items: Such as beer-battered broccoli
- Cornbread: May contain wheat flour in addition to cornmeal
- Pizza dishes: The dough contains gluten
- Pasta dishes: Fettuccine and other pasta items
- Breaded/fried items: May use wheat-based breading
Happy Hour & Reservations
Odd Duck offers one of Austin's best happy hours:
- Happy Hour: SundayâThursday, 4:30â5:30 PM
- Happy Hour Deals: 25% off selected food items, $9 draft frescas, 25% off wines under $100
- Dinner Service: Begins at 4:30 PM daily
- Final Seating: 9:00 PM SunâWed, 9:30 PM ThuâSat
- Reservations: Available through Resy; recommended for weekends
Tip: The bar area often has walk-in availability when the dining room is booked.
The Odd Duck Experience
Located on South Lamar Boulevard, Odd Duck occupies a modern space with an open kitchen that lets you watch the culinary action. The atmosphere is upscale-casualâyou'll feel comfortable in jeans or a nice dress. The restaurant's commitment to local sourcing means you're eating ingredients that were often harvested that day from nearby farms.
Odd Duck is part of a family of restaurants including Barley Swine and Sour Duck Market, all sharing the same commitment to quality ingredients and creative cooking.
Community Reviews
"The staff was incredibly accommodating for my celiac disease. They walked me through the entire menu and identified several dishes that were naturally gluten-free. One of the best dining experiences I've had." â Sarah M., Austin
"I love that so many dishes here are vegetable-forward and naturally GF. The flavors are incredible and I never feel like I'm getting the 'celiac afterthought' treatment." â David R., Houston
Nearby Restaurants
- Uchi - South Lamar (Japanese)
- Bouldin Creek Cafe - South Austin
- Flower Child - South Lamar - South Lamar