Gluten-free enchiladas at Across the Street

Located on the Atlanta Beltline is a restaurant called Across the Street, which offers Mexican cuisine in a laid-back setting full of colorful art and personalities. It seems deceptively small at first glance, but takes on a different persona when you take a trip down the hallway to find a bar and enclosed heated patio that is perfect for sipping something cool and crunching on chips.

Mexican cuisine, as it is served in the states, is full of gluten and short cuts that use gluten. No wheat tortillas, but the corn are a good substitute depending on how they are warmed (separately or together with wheat). The red sauce is usually off limits because it contains flour, the chips are questionable depending on how they are fried (dedicated or shared fryer), and many of the meats are pre-marinated  and unsafe. I have been to a Mexican restaurant where the rice and beans are kept warming in chicken stock that contains gluten.

The owners of Across the Street, Ali and Lana, have created an environment that is focused on providing not only a unique dining experience, but a comfortable place to slow down and enjoy a meal with family and friends. I was excited to learn they are very sensitive to those who follow vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets, which is why the chip fryer isn’t used for any meats or gluten, the vegetables aren’t braised in meat-based stock, the rice is made with vegetarian stock, and the beans are free of animal fat.

Since it was my first time visiting, I ordered one of the most popular items on the menu the goat cheese enchiladas. I enjoyed the freshly prepared chips and roasted vegetable salsa while waiting for my enchiladas. The chips are light, not greasy, and had a clean flavor that comes from using fresh oil that isn’t weighted down with leftover ingredients. I love roasted vegetable salsa because the flavors are bold, there is a hint of smoke, and the salsa isn’t thick or vinegary.

The enchiladas are stuffed with goat cheese, topped with mango salsa, and I had them topped with brisket. When they arrived at the table (three in an order), I was impressed by the beautiful colors of the mango salsa and all of the different textures on the plate. The bold flavor of the creamy goat cheese pairs nicely with the unexpected crunch of the tortilla and the sweet salsa. The brisket was moist and flavorful and paired nicely with the goat cheese. I had a hard time eating two and enjoyed the black beans and fresh salad on my plate.

I thoroughly enjoyed my meal and will definitely be back for brunch to get some migas and a libation from their full bar. Every Tuesday features $2 tacos, which is a great opportunity to try out all of the tacos (except oyster and crawfish). The restaurant doesn’t have a gluten-free menu, but the staff is educated on the ingredients and preparations of their offerings.

I am thankful to have found, after many years of searching, a restaurant that gives me a safe place to indulge my love of Mexican cuisine.

Disclosure: Lunch was provided as a result of a media invitation. I received no compensation for this review. In no way did this influence my opinions and views, which are derived from my experience at Across the Street.