If you’re searching for the holy grail of gluten-free dining in Ontario, look no further than the bright pink truck stationed on Burton Avenue. Reel ’em In Fish & Chips isn’t just a Barrie local favourite; it’s a destination for the Celiac Disease community all across Ontario, offering a gold standard for safety and flavour that is rarely matched by traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants.
A Barrie Legend with a Dedicated Mission
Owned and operated by Donna, Reel ’em In has built a reputation on two things: incredible hospitality and an unwavering commitment to gluten-free safety. Since 2018, the truck has offered a specialized gluten-free batter that has been “tweaked to crispy, golden perfection.” What sets this spot apart is their dedicated gluten free fryer. In a world where gluten friendly often means shared oil and high cross-contamination risks, Reel ’em In provides a safe haven where Celiac Disease can eat with total peace of mind.
The Gluten-Free Menu: A Deep-Fried Dream
While many places offer a single gluten-free fish option, Reel ’em In goes above and beyond with a menu that feels like a “greatest hits” of deep-fried comfort food.
- The Catch: Choose from premium Halibut, Haddock, or Cod. The batter is light, airy, and remarkably crunchy—many diners remark that you truly cannot tell the difference between the gluten free version and the regular batter.
- The Sides: Their fries are fresh-cut daily from local Ontario potatoes and are never cross-fried. For the ultimate indulgence, order the Gluten Free Poutine. Yes, the gravy is gluten-free, and it’s served over a generous portion of squeaky cheese curds.
- Unique Bites: Don’t miss the gluten-free deep-fried pickles, which are frequently cited by regulars as the best in the city. Other gluten free safe treasures include calamari, mushrooms, and even “Halibut Fritters” (halibut on a bun is also available!).
Why the Celiac Disease Community Loves It
The “pink truck” has become a pilgrimage site for those living with Celiac disease. Reviews from visitors, some traveling from as far as Newmarket or Toronto, consistently highlight the staff’s knowledge. The ladies behind the counter understand the severity of gluten allergies and implement strict protocols to ensure your meal is prepared with care.
The portion sizes are notoriously generous, often leaving enough for a second meal. While there is often a wait during peak times (sometimes 20–30 minutes on a sunny Friday or Saturday), the consensus among the Gluten Free Journey community is that it is “well worth the wait.”
Plan Your Visit: Pro-Tips for the Best Experience
Reel ’em In is a seasonal establishment, typically operating from May through November. Because every piece of fish is freshly cooked to order, they do not accept phone-in or pre-orders, you simply show up, soak in the friendly atmosphere, and wait for your fresh catch.
https://www.reeleminfishnchips.ca/
- Location: 171 Burton Ave, Barrie, ON.
- Payment: They typically accept Cash or Debit (it’s always good to have cash on hand for food trucks!).
- Seating: There are several large picnic tables available if you want to eat on-site, though many locals prefer to take their steaming hot boxes to a nearby park or enjoy them in the comfort of their car.
- Hours: They are generally open Thursday through Sunday during the season, but always check their official website or social media for the latest fall hours before making the trip.
Whether you’re a Barrie local or just passing through on your way up north, Reel ’em In Fish & Chips is a must-visit. It’s a rare gem where gluten free doesn’t mean compromise.
Our first time here: we drove up from Newmarket so I could have gluten free fish and chips, which I have not had since my diagnosis with celiac disease ( approx. 7 years). Honestly, you would not know this was GF. The flavour, texture, portion size, and presentation were perfect. I don’t know how they do this, but it is greatly appreciated. What a treat! They also make non-gluten free fish and chips for the non-celiacs/gluten sensitive/allergic.
Affordable with many choices. Line ups can be a little long but the food is worth the wait. I am gluten free and they have a whole menu to choose from that other places don’t offer. Just tried the fried mushrooms… delicious.
The best fish and chips and hubby can have gluten-free!!
So glad we were able to finally make it here! Delicious gluten free options. So good!
Fantastic fish & chips. The gluten free were also fantastic, and we felt good about their handling of the gluten free to prevent cross contamination. Bit of a wait (20-30 mins) because they are highly in demand!
YOU GUYS KNOW I COME FROM FISH AND CHIPS HOME OF EXCELLENCE IN THE UK – Whitby Scarborough Filey….
These would be popular there!!
Home made tartar sauce is creamy delicious and dairy free – bonus!
What a choice of condiments too!
There are outdoor tables but we ate in our car (plenty of parking right at the venue)
Area kept spick and span super tidy
Fair price for such great fish and chips! I had haddock but cod and halibut available too
GLUTEN FREE available with no added wait time or any fuss
This place is a go to must for every Celiac in the Barrie area!!!
Yes, they do have a dedicated fryer. Yes, they do use gluten free batter. Yes, they do understand and implement the necessary precautions to avoid cross contamination! It is just all yes around.
Unsure about something? Simply ask! They are very used to the gluten free questions and know they have a big gluten free fan base 🙂
Glad to have you back for 2023!!!!
Seriously, the BEST gluten free fish and chips truck in Ontario.
Fantastic gluten free fish and chips. Lovely ladies at the helm. Must try.
5 stars indeed! This is our go to place for the gluten free fish & chips.
They hit it out of the ball park every time
The new location is awesome. Hoping there will be some tables & umbrellas.
But amazing place!
Best Gluten-free fish in Barrie!!! Very busy Saturday but not a huge wait. The fish was crispy (haddock) . I just read the gravy is gluten free so will try next time. Definitely going back. I thought I would never have fish and chips again as I am now gluten and dairy free. Ladies were so nice too.
Best fish & chips spot in barrie hands down! Best coleslaw, Gluten free menu as well. Friendly service, definitely coming back 🙂
Friendly ladies, service was top notch! And the food was amazing, loved the fish and chips! Piping hot!
The staff treat everyone like a friend, always cheerful , the best fish & chips by far in the area, everyone who has never tried them your missing out! Try it once and you will be a regular!
The BEST deep fried pickles in the city. I have tried deep fried pickles from so many places and these were absolutely amazing. The service was incredible as well! The two ladies were so sweet, welcoming and talkative. We went for the first time because of the beautiful bright pink design that really “reeled” us in! They also had a very large menu for a truck and offered many options for large groups as well! Good prices.
Excellent fries and poutine. The portions are great. This was our second visit and we will be back.
Delicious food with amazing service!
I discovered this place through google and google reviews… We ordered mushroom, calamari and halibut and 1/2 fries and they were delicious. The servings are big and you could tell that they use great quality ingredients and sells it for a reasonable price. We are glad we discovered this place, perfect pit stop for a long drive. Friendly staff/owner. We will definitely come back!
Had the halibut dinner – fish was excellent. Coleslaw was very good. Fries tasted like they had been cooked, then reheated and when I ate them about 10 minutes after purchase they were hard.
Loved it but it will be a treat in future we found it very expensive
We finally tried this place and we have such good things to say. The portion sizes are excellent, the service is great and the food is awesome! You get what you pay for and this place was great!!!
Some of the best fish and chips I’ve had. Batter was the perfect thickness and very crispy. Halibut was tender and flavourful. It’s hard to be impressed by fish, chips, and slaw, but I actually said “wow” after the first few bites and my girlfriend had the same reaction.
I also got a side of poutine. Fries were great but not exceptional. Cheese curds were on the smaller side so they lacked chewiness. The gravy tasted great, but they should add an extra layer in between the fries as the fries at the bottom were dry. A very solid offering overall as the flavour itself was spot on wherever the gravy could reach.
The ladies are very friendly and orders were taken quickly, but the wait for the food itself was quite long on a Friday evening. There were plenty of annoyed expressions all around, but at least the food is worth the wait!
Wonderful experience with this food truck. Nice people and great food with enough quantity of overflow chips. Love this place
First time trying Reel em in fish and chips. I had the haddock and fries, my husband had the gluten free haddock and fries, both were great.
Highly recommend for anyone with celiac or gluten intolerance. They have several picnic tables to enjoy your meal.
What an incredible find! Was hungry on our way up North, and found this gem on the Gluten Free Journey. Very good fish and chips, not too greasy, and the homemade tartar sauce was fantastic. The service was so friendly. Don’t expect a sit down restaurant here though – you either eat in your car or on picnic benches (it’s a food truck vibe). Definitely want to be back soon!
Food and service is amazing been a couple of times now and will continue to go! Woman owned and ran and the ladies are absolutely fantastic! Bonus they have gluten free options they are definitely worth checking out!
Having two celiac children It is hard to eat when you are out and about. This place offers great safe food with many selections not widely available like matzo sticks and safe fries. The owners are also amazing and very friendly and knowledgeable
Amazing GF Menu! It’s probably best the hours of operation are what they are.
Hands down, the best GF fish & chip truck in the area!
This is a gem. Two wonderful ladies couldn’t have been nicer, the food was delicious. I will be back.
Honestly the best fish and chips I’ve had in years! So delicious and a generous amount. The lady running it was super sweet as well. Ill definitely be back!!
It’s Alida here . I was at your fine establishment earlier , my first time —- I asked about the fish fritters ! I will lost definitely be coming back ! Wow AMAZING ! Thank you for a wonderful dinner ! I would recommend 10000 times over
Grabbed dinner from here yesterday and cannot say enough good things about the food quality. The team is so personable and lovely to talk to. Highly recommend!!