The short answer is “yes”, you can. You can enjoy restaurant meals, you just need to be vigilant about both the food you order, and the way that food is prepared. Following are a few tips to ensure that you enjoy your meal, and that you don’t suffer for it afterwards:

1. Let your waiter know you have a food allergy. Sometimes, the chef will use ingredients that are not on the menu to prepare your food. By letting your waiter know, you can alert the kitchen staff early, and they will be better prepared to accommodate your needs.
2. Order foods that are traditionally gluten free: meats, potatoes, rice, un-sauced veggies, and salad are all naturally gluten free, so it is a good idea to start with a choice from one of these categories.
3. Avoid foods with “gluten” words: The following words usually signify gluten has been used in the preparation: breaded, fried(possibly), tempura, sautéed (can be made gluten free easily), cream soups, most vegetable or cheese based soups, casseroles, stews, most sauces, particularly white or light sauces, “parmigiana”(indicates breading), some stir frys, and virtually all pastas and breads.
4. Foods that need to be prepared when they are ordered, like steak and other meats, are better choices that pre-made foods like soup. Your order can be easily custom prepared if it is something they cook one at a time anyway.
5. Since you already have one restriction, don’t be as concerned about fat or calories, if you try to eat a gluten free meal that is also low cal and fat free, you are going to end up with a plate of plain lettuce.
6. Ask for recommendations: If you are in a fine dining establishment, ask for a recommendation. If there is a chef on hand, he or she may be able to easily come up with something wonderful for you and it will be easier for them to suggest something they have on hand and can easily modify than make an existing entrée to fit a gluten free diet.
7. Call ahead:  If you are making reservations, let the restaurant know that you have special dietary concerns. They may be able to come up with something for you in advance. Letting them know early makes it easier for them to accommodate your gluten free diet needs.

Most good restaurants are likely to accommodate your needs, after all, a happy customer is one who will return again and again. Usually, the higher quality the establishment, the more likely they are to be able to accommodate your gluten free diet, they will have better trained cooks, more ingredients on hand, and more of an eye towards customer service.

There are a few things you should know when you select a gluten free beer. Traditional beers do contain trace amounts of gluten, even if you don’t see a gluten containing ingredient on the label. When beer is made, brewers use a mixture of grains as a part of the brewing process-some beers contain wheat based grains, others use barley or rye.

Beer makers are divided on how much gluten actually appears in their finished products. Some brewers believe that the gluten in regular beer is negligible, but to be safe, it is best to choose a beer made using gluten free grains.

Boutique breweries offer a wide range of unique beer formulas made from gluten free grains like rice, sorghum, or millet. When you choose one of these beers, you should be aware that although the beer is made using gluten free ingredients, it may have been created and bottled using equipment used for regular, gluten based products. If you are very sensitive, buy only those beers labeled certified gluten free for best results.

Gluten free beers are becoming easier to find. In general, look for a seller that stocks a wide variety of small brewery beers, and ask for a recommendation. You can also search online for gluten free beer breweries, and gluten free formulations from “traditional” brewers.

If you can’t find a gluten free beer in your area, you have a few options. Many (though not all) stores will custom order from their supplier for you, particularly if you buy in bulk. You can also order online, but be prepared to spend more on shipping, beer is heavy!

You can also consider buying a home brewing kit, and making your own beer at home. If you use only gluten free ingredients, you can produce your own gluten free beer, one batch at a time.

Can’t find a microbrewery, and don’t want to make your own? Don’t give up hope! As more consumers are finding the need to switch to gluten free diets, large manufacturers are heeding the call. Several major breweries have gluten free offerings available, or are planning new releases soon, so check with your store or supplier often. A gluten free beer may be available soon at a store near you!