If you have an allergy, eating food you didn't make yourself can feel like too big of a risk. Thankfully, today most restaurants know the precautions to take to ensure that guests with allergies can avoid food that will give them a reaction. You can safely eat out as long as you follow these tips.

Do:

Look at the menu in advance.

If you're feeling rushed at the restaurant, you might make a mistake in ordering or forget to ask a question about the ingredients. Instead, take a look at the restaurant's menu online or call ahead. This way, you have a plan to avoid your allergen.

Let your server know.

Avoiding cross-contamination means cleaning prep areas, using fresh dishes, and keeping your food physically separate from other food being served. To get the process started, let the server know about your allergy. They're your messenger to the kitchen and will also check for allergens themselves.

Don't:

Choose the wrong restaurant

Some kitchens are simply too full of your allergen to be completely safe, even if you order a dish without that ingredient. If you have a shellfish allergy, a seafood restaurant is not an ideal choice, for example. Choose a site that doesn't use your allergen at all or at least one that doesn't focus on it and offers many other options.

Go when it's crowded.

The busier the establishment, the more orders they're juggling. They'll have an easier time catering to your needs when business is slower. Avoid the lunch and dinner rushes if you can, and aim for a slow time, such as 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

If you're looking for a restaurant where you can eat Mexican and American food without fear of setting off your allergies, choose Western Grill Steak House in Andrews, TX. Their committed staff will do everything they can to make your experience positive, whether you eat at the steakhouse or order catering service. Call (432) 523-3887 for any questions, or review their menu online.