Imagine this: you and your group have just finished a fun hike through one of Corvallis’ many forest trails, and someone pipes up that next, everyone should go for pizza! Which is your first thought? Yay - pizza is incredible! Or, Ugh, with my dietary restrictions, will I be able to join in? Fortunately, Corvallis has delicious options for everyone - vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free.
“Remember, there’s a difference between having food sensitivities and generally eating gluten-free and having celiac or serious food allergies,” states Fawn Dietz, the expert behind Gluten Free Vault and a former owner of a gluten-free food truck here in Corvallis and Eugene. In those cases, she suggests telling the waiter that you are “allergic” even if you are dealing with something else- because the wait staff can plug that term into their computer system.
While most places have gluten and non-gluten foods in the same area, Dietz says a super-duper place is Eats N Treats in Philomath for celiac-safe meals. She says the owners own a gluten-free flour mill. While they may have pizza as a special, their smoked meats are so good that your cravings will be well satisfied!
American Dream Pizza is a popular parlor that first opened in Corvallis in 1989 and has two locations. One is near campus at 2525 NW Monroe Avenue, and the other is downtown at 214 SW 2nd Street. The variety of options means your party can enjoy gluten-free (“All food is prepared in a wheat-flour environment”) and vegan. Why not try their “Vegan Love” or a make-your-own with a gluten-free crust, pesto sauce base, chicken, and vegan cheese topping?
🍕 Fun fact: Each spot has a bar in the back, and in the good weather, the downtown location offers The Crow’s Nest - a rooftop bar!
Woodstock’s Pizza Parlour, a five-minute drive from downtown at 1045 NW Kings Blvd, has been making pizza for over 40 years. Listening to the community’s wants, they added gluten-free crust, cauliflower crust and increased their vegan options - including a vegan red sauce and meat options. Their bar, Suds & Suds, offers over 30 beers on tap and access to a laundromat.
🍕 Fun fact: In the summer they offer “Pints & Paws,” where diners can bring their pups to a fenced-in outdoor area to play while patrons have pizza and drinks.
If you are coming from the north, driving down 99W, or after a walk through Jackson-Frazier Wetland, check out Cirello’s Pizza at 919F NW Circle Blvd. The owners have been making New York-style pizza since 1981. Want gluten-free crust? It is available in the 8” pie only. Locals suggest the Hawaiian, Pineapple Express, and Dirt Bag’s BBQ pizzas. Two large screen TVs make it a great place to hang out with the gang.
🍕 Fun fact: Since Cirello’s makes their dough fresh daily, they recommend you call to confirm gluten-free pizza dough is available (they do run out).
If you are coming from the south, driving up 99W after a hike through the William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge, stop by Papa’s Pizza at 1030 SW 3rd Street. Fawn Dietz says it’s the safest pizza place she’s found. They keep their dough separate, put on fresh aprons, prep in a particular area, and have a special oven for cooking so that your pizza never touches wheat.
🍕 Fun fact: They started over 35 years ago and now have five locations, including Eugene and Springfield.
No matter how you or your group devour pizza, Corvallis has options to help you enjoy it with your friends and family. Don’t forget to snap a pic of everyone having a bite, and when you share on social media, make sure to tag #VisitCorvallis. We may just share it too!
Article by Stacey Newman Weldon. Featured Photo, Vegan Love Pizza, is courtesy American Dream Pizza. Keep up with Corvallis news, events and happenings by signing up for our email newsletter.
