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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5 stars for:

• Food Quality: Excellent overall, with standout dishes like the Sweet Bourbon Salmon and the Margherita Pizza. Minor notes (slightly salty bisque, slightly overcooked broccoli) don’t detract from the overall experience.
• Gluten Free Awareness: Outstanding – Jaime McCardell, the GM, ensures the kitchen takes every precaution for gluten free diners.
• Service: Attentive, knowledgeable, and welcoming from start to finish.
• Atmosphere & Value: Generous portions, inviting environment, and fair pricing.

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Yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit Klondike Kate’s, a Newark landmark located right on Main Street in Downtown Newark, Delaware. I was invited to review their gluten-free offerings, so I brought Alex and Evan along to join me for lunch. We were excited to see what this iconic spot had to offer – and we weren’t disappointed.

From the moment we arrived, we were greeted warmly by Alli, our server, and Jaime McCardell, the general manager. They were both attentive, knowledgeable, and went out of their way to make sure our experience was smooth, especially when it came to gluten-free dining. That extra care immediately set the tone for the afternoon.

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Crab Bisque

Cream-based, minced vegetables & fresh lump crabmeat, dusted with Old Bay

We started with the Crab Bisque, and it was a pleasant surprise. So often, cream-based soups are thickened with wheat flour, making them off-limits for gluten-free guests, but not here. The presentation was lovely, with a gentle dusting of Old Bay on top. The flavor had definite hints of Old Bay, and while it leaned a little salty, the overall taste was very enjoyable—rich, creamy, and not overly “fishy.” It felt indulgent and comforting without being heavy.

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Sweet Bourbon Salmon

Roasted salmon topped with a sweet bourbon brown sugar and butter glaze, served with broccoli and cilantro & lime rice

This was a standout dish at our table. The salmon was topped with a sticky-sweet glaze that balanced butter, brown sugar, and bourbon beautifully. The flavor was bold yet not overpowering. The broccoli, while tasty, was a little overdone for our preference. But the real star was the cilantro and lime rice. It had a subtle sweetness, and the citrusy-herbal notes elevated it. This dish was so good that everyone at the table wanted more.

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Sunny Side Burger

Crispy bacon, hash browns, American cheese, & sunny side up egg, on a gluten-free bun

Ordering burgers gluten-free can be tricky because the bun makes all the difference. Here, Klondike Kate’s really delivered. Their gluten-free bun was toasted, giving it a springy texture and a sturdiness that held up beautifully against the toppings. The combination of bacon, cheese, and egg worked perfectly, making this a satisfying, hearty choice.

Gluten Free Note: The burger typically comes with hash browns, but those should be omitted if you’re gluten-free, as there is a risk of cross-contamination. French fries are also not safe here since there isn’t a dedicated gluten-free fryer. I recommend pairing your burger with a fresh side salad instead.

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Margherita Pizza

San Marzano tomato sauce, mozzarella, fresh basil

Finally, we tried the Margherita Flatbread on a gluten-free crust. Pizza can often be hit or miss for gluten-free diners, with crusts turning out too dry, chewy, or worse – burnt. But here, the crust was baked to perfection. The edges were crisp, the center held its structure, and the flavors of tomato, mozzarella, and basil paired together exactly as you’d hope. A simple, classic pizza done right.

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Service & Atmosphere

The food was delicious, but what made the experience even better was the outstanding service. Alli was friendly, knowledgeable, and made sure to communicate clearly about gluten-free modifications.

We also had the chance to meet Jaime McCardell, the general manager, who happens to be celiac herself. Knowing that someone with firsthand experience of living gluten-free is leading the team gave us even more confidence in the kitchen’s attention to detail. Jaime’s awareness and care set the bar high for how a restaurant can create a safe, enjoyable dining experience for gluten-free guests.

The portions at Klondike Kate’s are also generous. You’ll definitely want to come hungry since you’ll leave full and satisfied.

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Final Thoughts

Dining out gluten-free can be stressful, but Klondike Kate’s did an excellent job of making us feel comfortable and cared for. Their menu offers solid gluten-free options, and while you’ll want to be cautious about items like hash browns and fries, there are plenty of flavorful, satisfying choices to enjoy safely.

We also learned that Klondike Kate’s offers catering, which could be a fantastic option for parties or events where you need inclusive dining.

If you’re in Downtown Newark and looking for a spot that combines great food, attentive service, and gluten-free awareness, Klondike Kate’s is worth the visit.

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