Many people are going gluten-free out of necessity or by choice, and local restaurants and bakeries are taking note by providing patrons with gluten-free menus and options worthy of praise. From sandwiches and burgers to pizza and cupcakes, these eateries are favorites among the gluten conscious for providing food that not only meets their needs, but also tastes great. Too often, gluten-free substitutions seem like a careless afterthought on a menu, lack flavor or have an odd texture. Equally frustrating for gluten-free diners can be a staff's lack of knowledge on ingredients. It is all too rare to find gluten-free done right, but these businesses have adapted without cutting corners and constitute some of the best in gluten-free dining.

On the restaurant front, Friesenburgers stands out in a sea of sad, spongy gluten-free burgers with a lengthy menu of burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs and French fries cooked in separate areas and fryers to prevent cross contamination with glutinous items. Try their gluten-free Friesenburger ($10.19), a half-pound burger with fried egg, cheese and bacon for the ultimate burger experience. 308 E. 26th S.t, Tacoma, 253.203.6753

Newly re-opened Sammy's Pizza gets my vote for best gluten-free pizza. With a thin, crisp crust, their 12" gluten-free pizza ($12.99) beats out the competition of soggy-crusted and overpriced competitors. Choose from the full menu of pizza toppings, plus gluten-free baked goods like their brownie pizza ($9.99). 1306 N. "I" St., Tacoma, 253.627.4300

Pacific Grill's gluten-free lunch and dinner menus are not short on options. Standouts for lunch include a grilled Columbia River steelhead with fingerling potato hash ($18.95) and classic cobb salad ($15.95). Dinner items, including the "lobstergasm" with sautéed spinach and truffle butter (market price) or pork tenderloin with whole grain mustard sauce ($19.95) show no sign of sacrificing the best of fine dining. 1502 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.253.627.3535

The best gluten-free sandwich in town is an easy choice. Marlene's Market and Deli makes thick-cut homemade gluten-free bread that is fluffy and full of flavor. Load up your choice of natural meats, vegetables and condiments to build a sky-high deli sandwich, or call a day ahead to pick up a freshly baked gluten-free loaf ($7.99) to take home. 2951 S. 38th St., Tacoma, 253.472.4080

Breakfast and baked goods need not be off-limits for gluten-free folks. Bearded Lady Food Co. serves up an extensive brunch and dessert menu to please all palates. On the weekends, order a gluten-free hash sandwich with house-made corned beef, fried egg, potato latke and Brussels sprout slaw ($8) or gluten-free Dutch babies with lemon curd or blackberry jam ($6-$7). If desserts are more your style, try the gluten-free carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and date jam ($8.50) or gluten-free confetti or cinnamon brown sugar cupcakes ($4/large). 412 Franklin St. SE, Olympia, 360.943.6235

Julie's Gluten-free Bakery has the best gluten-free cupcakes in the area, hands down, with moist cake and rich buttercream. Choose from inventive cupcake flavors ($3.90) like pineapple upside-down cake, coconut vodka or pink hibiscus, or sample their equally delicious cinnamon rolls ($4.50/small, $6.50/large) and éclairs ($6.95). 16126 Meridian Ave. E., #101, Puyallup, 253.840.4080

Proof that gluten-free does not mean a compromise in quality or flavor, these eateries provide craveable menu items to feed all people, gluten-free or not.