The Hollow Bar + Kitchen

Gluten-free dining in Albany, NY. Explore the gluten‑free menu, safety notes, and map.

79 North Pearl Street
Safety Overview

Celiac safety assessment and key features

40%
Poor

The Hollow Bar + Kitchen is an energetic downtown spot with plenty of menu items marked as gluten-free, but honestly, it’s a minefield for those of us with celiac disease. There’s no dedicated gluten-free kitchen or fryer, and several dishes labeled GF have been called out by diners as risky due to shared prep surfaces and inaccurate labeling—fries and even salmon have tripped people up. While the staff can be helpful if you flag your needs, the lack of clear cross-contamination protocols means you’re left playing 20 questions just to eat safely. You know what? The vibe might be fun, but the peace of mind just isn’t there for strict gluten-free diners.

Gluten-Free Options

GF Options Available

Dedicated Prep Area

Shared kitchen

Staff Training

Well-trained

Dining Experience

What to expect and popular dishes

Restaurant has a lively atmosphere with live music on weekends.
Customers should ask detailed questions about food preparation to mitigate risks.

Food Quality Rating

3.0/5.0
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What Diners Are Saying

Recent reviews and experiences

Community feedback indicates inconsistent labeling of gluten-free items, with some reviews warning about inaccuracies.

The restaurant does not operate a dedicated gluten-free facility and lacks a separate fryer, raising cross-contamination concerns.

Staff are generally knowledgeable about gluten-free options, but safety depends heavily on customer questions and communication.

Multiple reviews highlight the importance of asking detailed questions about preparation methods to ensure safety for celiac diners.

Despite safety concerns, the restaurant offers a variety of gluten-free options, including salads, appetizers, and some main courses.

Restaurant has a lively atmosphere with live music on weekends.

Customers should ask detailed questions about food preparation to mitigate risks.

Service Quality Rating
4.0/5Staff are generally knowledgeable about gluten-free options but may not always communicate safety precautions effectively.
Safety Recommendations

Important considerations for celiac diners

Exercise Caution

Given the lack of a dedicated gluten-free facility and reports of inaccurate labeling and shared fryers, the restaurant is not suitable for highly sensitive individuals with celiac disease. Safety depends on extensive questioning and luck.

Questions to Ask
  • • Dedicated fryer for GF items?
  • • Cross-contamination protocols?
  • • Staff training on celiac disease?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Hollow Bar + Kitchen completely gluten-free?

No, but they offer gluten-free options with a 40% safety score.

How does the restaurant prevent cross-contamination?

Standard allergen safety protocols in place.

Is it safe for people with celiac disease?

Given the lack of a dedicated gluten-free facility and reports of inaccurate labeling and shared fryers, the restaurant is not suitable for highly sensitive individuals with celiac disease. Safety depends on extensive questioning and luck.

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