Welcome to another blog post from St Helens Bar & Burgers – your home for the best handmade burgers by the beach in Coolangatta.
At St Helens, we take our gluten free burgers and coeliac-friendly options very seriously. We understand that visiting any dining establishment can be a testing time for anyone who suffers from coeliac disease or is managing a gluten intolerance, which is why we’ve made sure our kitchen is set up to serve you properly – not just as an afterthought.
Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s available, how the kitchen handles it and what to watch out for before you order.
A Dedicated Gluten Free Fryer
The centrepiece of our gluten free setup is a dedicated gluten free fryer. Cross-contamination is one of the most common concerns for coeliac diners and a shared fryer is one of the most common sources of it. Ours is kept completely separate.
Because our burgers are made in-house by trained chefs, we’re in control of all aspects of production. Our team is constantly honing our food menu to keep preparation simple and avoid cross-contaminating our menu items. That control matters and it’s what allows us to confidently call St Helens a coeliac-friendly restaurant.
Our fries are also cooked in a separate fryer, so you can feel safe having a full gluten free meal at St Helens – burger, fries and sides included. This is a deliberate part of how the kitchen is set up – to serve YOU!
Gluten Free Burger Options
Six of our handmade burgers are available as gluten free options. The current GF-compatible options include:
- Grilled Chicken
- Southern Fried Chicken
- Cowboy Steak
- Moreton Bay Bug
- Surf and Turf
- Vegan and Tofu
When ordering, simply ask for a gluten free bun and the kitchen will handle the rest.
Important note for beef burger orders: Our handmade beef patties contain a small amount of panko breadcrumb which means they are not suitable for anyone with coeliac disease or a strict gluten intolerance. If you’re unsure about any item, our staff are happy to help before you order.
Wings, Sauces and Sides
All five flavours of wings at St Helens are gluten free, along with every dipping sauce on the menu. Combined with fries from the dedicated fryer, there’s more than enough to build a satisfying full meal without compromise.
Other Menu Items – GF and GFO
Several additional items on the menu are marked with either GF (gluten free) or GFO (gluten free option available). These include Crispy Calamari and all salad options. The GFO label means a modification is required – ask staff what that involves for each item before ordering.
The Kids’ Menu
We didn’t forget the kids either. Our Chicken Nugget meal is gluten free and served with a side of fries, also cooked in the dedicated fryer. It’s a straightforward option that doesn’t require substitutions or special requests beyond flagging the dietary need when you order.
How Our Team Handles It
Kitchen protocols only go so far if front-of-house staff aren’t across the details. At St Helens, our wait staff are trained to identify gluten free items and announce them clearly when delivering food to the table. The intent is to avoid mix-ups in a busy service environment – particularly relevant if you’re dining with others who have ordered non-GF items. If you or someone in your group has a severe intolerance or coeliac disease, let the team know when you arrive so the kitchen can take care from the start.
Come Visit Us
St Helens Bar & Burgers is located at 2/78 Musgrave Street, Coolangatta – close to the beach and a short walk from Kirra. We hope this puts your heart at rest and gives you assurance that St Helens is the best coeliac-friendly restaurant for a gluten free meal by the beach.
View the full menu, make a booking, place an order or come in and speak to the team directly.
