Nitty Gritty

They will do a naked or lettuce-wrapped burger on request. Choices include local grass-fed beef, and sometimes bison. Optional toppings include bacon, egg, and guacamole. Other sandwiches can be made gluten-free also. Steamed veggies available as a side. Most salads ok with omissions. Known as “the birthday bar.”


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223 N. Frances Street, Madison
608-251-2521

1021 N. Gammon Road, Middleton
608-833-6489

315 E. Linnerud Drive, Sun Prairie
608-837-4999

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Red Robin

This was one of the first places to actually offer lettuce-wrapped burgers right on the menu, and they do it well – using a cut stack of iceberg on each side so it’s easy to pick up and eat. (They also offer a gluten free bun choice.) Otherwise, not much to attract paleo customers unless you have wiggle room on gluten, which most do not. They do offer sweet potato fries, but they’re cooked in a shared fryer. Watch out for possible gluten in the grill seasoning. Salads would be another option.


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2440 East Springs Drive, Madison
608-301-0435

6522 Monona Drive, Monona
(608) 223-1390

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Chili’s

Chain offers full menu of appetizers, entrees, salads, burgers, sandwiches , etc. and full bar. Some dishes can be tweaked to paleo or close. For example, try a steak or grilled salmon and replace rice/potatoes with garden salad. Available sides and extras include steamed broccoli, seared shrimp, avocado slices, and bacon. Salads and bunless burgers too.


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4344 E. Towne Blvd, Madison
(608) 242-9300

7301 Mineral Point Road, Madison
(608) 833-8851

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Applebee’s

Best paleo options are the simple steaks.  I usually get the New York Strip with double broccoli instead of the usual sides.  Some other dishes are possibilities with minor adjustments.  This is, however, one of those places that can’t/won’t offer any assurances about gluten.  If not concerned about dairy or trace gluten, there are a number of interesting primal-friendly dishes with minimal junk in them.  Preparation of food is generally better than you’d expect.


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660 S. Whitney Way, Madison

(608) 271-5450

4710 E Towne Blvd
(608) 244-1470

 

That BBQ Joint

You choose how much (if any) sauce you want on your meat. Excellent collard greens. They do have sweet potato fries and fried okra, but I’m pretty sure they’re fried in oil that’s shared with gluten products. Both kinds of cole slaw. Unsweet tea available.


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901 Williamson Street, Madison

(608) 709-1300

Panera

Although best known for bread and sandwiches, Panera has a “secret menu” of meat & vegetable bowls that are paleo or nearly so.


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2627 E Springs Dr, Madison
(608) 441-7666

656 W Washington Ave, Madison
(608) 354-0525

3416 University Ave, Madison
(608) 442-9994

6637 Mineral Point Rd, Madison
(608) 821-0001

601 Providence Common, Madison
(608) 826-0808

2960 Cahill Main, Fitchburg
(608) 441-8883

 

Willy Street Co-op Deli

All locations have grass-fed roast beef and pastured ham among the sliced deli meat options, and the Middleton store even has grass-fed hamburgers. Any sandwich can be customized, and lettuce-wrapped on request. Produce is often local and/or organic when possible. Great salad bar & hot bar. Check web site for daily specials: The grain-free chicken curry is excellent, as is the grain-free jambalaya. The seasoned meats on Taco Tuesday are good on lettuce, but even better on the roasted sweet potatoes. Breakfast is served in the morning, featuring local pastured meats and eggs. House-made bone broth from the meat case is occasionally found in the hot soup well. Paleo Mama desserts are available. Full service juice and coffee bar stocks house-made almond milk. As long as you’re there, check out the 90% organic produce dept, mostly local meat dept, and good selection of paleo staples. Indoor and outdoor seating.  Paleo catering available.


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1221 Williamson Street, Madison

(608) 251-6776

6825 University Ave, Middleton

(608) 284-7800

2817 N Sherman Ave.

(608) 709-5445

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Norske Nook

I can’t call this a paleo friendly destination at this time. The place specializes in pies and lefse. Still, they advertise being gluten friendly, and there are potentially grain-free options on the menu. I tried the salmon dinner twice. Once I received overcooked sirloin steak instead. The other time I got dry, luke-warm salmon. Both times, I asked for extra vegetables instead of potatoes, and got a small serving of seemingly canned carrots or peas/carrots, again only luke warm. The side salad was edible with the croutons omitted. I also tried the gluten-free desert option they claim to always have. The first time it was pretty good, if a little chalky. The second time they were out. I’m really hoping they accept my offer to coach them with a few simple tweaks, as it’s a block from my house and could be a great place with a little work.


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Corner of Main and Holum, DeForest

608-842-3378

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