There’s been a Flame Broiler near my house forever, but I never gave it a shot. They didn’t have any allergen information listed in-store, and as someone with food allergies, that’s usually a dealbreaker. One day, I decided to email them directly to ask about peanuts. To my surprise, they responded quickly and clearly saying that they have no peanuts anywhere on their menu or in their kitchen. That little bit of extra effort made all the difference, and I’m so glad I asked.

Since then, I’ve tried two of their bowls: The Steak Bulgogi Bowl with tender slices of beef with a sweet-savory Korean marinade, on top of rice with veggies. It had that perfect balance of smoky and slightly sweet flavors. The Korean Spicy Chicken Bowl packs a little heat and a lot of flavor. The chicken was juicy, and the sauce had just the right kick without being overwhelming.

One thing I love about Flame Broiler is how customizable everything is. For example, you can choose your base (rice, veggies, or both), add sauces on the side, and keep it simple if you need to. It feels like a place where you can eat healthy-ish but still enjoy a satisfying, comfort-food-style meal.

After avoiding this spot for years, I’ve now got a new go-to in the rotation.

Disclaimer: My suggestions are meant to serve as a starting point for researching safe places to eat. Menus and ingredients may change, so it's crucial for every reader to do their own research. Many of these places (if not all) have treenuts, dairy, gluten and other major allergens. Always call ahead, talk to the manager, verify, and double-check to ensure a safe dining experience.