My goal is to discover gluten-free food in the District to make your gluten-free diet easier.

Multiple locations

What I got: Fresh tomatoes and mozzarella on a gluten-free crust. All gluten-free pizzas are 12 inches.

Tomato and mozzarella on a gluten-free crust

Gluten-free friendliness: With a menu subtitled “You’re no longer a second-class citizen,” it is clear that Mellow Mushroom knows how to treat their customers. The crust, which is made from ancient grains, is also vegan. Pizza options range from a classic white pizza to one called Kosmic Karma featuring a pesto swirl. You can also add your own choice of toppings if you’re feeling creative.

Overall vibe: There seemed to be a certain something missing from the place to make it a home-run experience. Perhaps I was turned off by the fact that Mellow Mushroom is a chain. (I’m becoming a bit of a local food snob with all these local spots in DC.) Or maybe it was the large clown painted on the wall that was staring at me…It is rare to find a somewhere that will satisfy everyone regardless of dietary restrictions, which makes Mellow Mushroom is the place to go for pizza when juggling a variety of dietary needs.

Mellow Mushroom, 18th Street NW

Gluten-free gut reaction: Would go back