family dining

Review: SouthHouse (Philadelphia, PA)

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A Gluten-Free Friendly Stop in South Philly

⭐ Rating: 3 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

After picking my daughter up from the airport, we made a much-needed dinner stop at SouthHouse in Philadelphia, and I’m really glad we did.

SouthHouse describes itself as a neighborhood dive-style sports bar, and that vibe comes through right away: casual, welcoming, and perfect for comfort food after a long day. What stood out to me most, though, was how thoughtfully they accommodate gluten-free diners.

Gluten-Free Options That Matter

We ordered cheesesteaks and burgers, and I truly appreciated that SouthHouse offers:

  • Gluten-free buns for their smashburgers
  • Gluten-free hoagie rolls for cheesesteaks
  • A dedicated fryer, which is huge if you’re gluten-free

Knowing that cross-contamination was taken seriously made the experience much more relaxed and enjoyable.

The Real Standout: Fries & Tater Tots

While the sandwiches were solid and filling, the real stars of the night were the fries and tater tots. Perfectly cooked, well-seasoned, and fried in that dedicated fryer – they absolutely delivered. Portions were generous, too; we all ended up taking leftovers home.

If I’m being completely honest, I’d go back just for their app menu. Those fries and tots alone are worth the visit.

Service & Food Notes

Although the restaurant was not very crowded, the service was slow. We did take some time deciding what to order since we had so many gluten-free choices available – something that doesn’t happen often, but even factoring that in, the wait felt longer than expected.

The cheesesteak was a bit dry and definitely needed more Cheese Whiz. In hindsight, I should have asked for extra Whiz, as the portion provided wasn’t quite enough to balance the meat and roll.

Final Thoughts

SouthHouse earns 3 stars from me. While the sandwiches didn’t fully stand out and the service lagged, the gluten-free options, dedicated fryer, and standout fries and tater tots make this a place I’d still return to, especially for appetizers. For anyone eating gluten-free in South Philly, it remains a solid option, just not a must-visit.

SouthHouse
2535 S. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19148
📞 267-314-5937
📧 southhousephilly@gmail.com

🔗 Learn more: https://southhousephilly.com/

Review: Jersey Mike’s – Newark, Delaware

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As someone with a gluten allergy (and with children who are also gluten-free), finding a sandwich shop that truly understands cross-contamination precautions can be a challenge. Normally, we skip sandwich places altogether since gluten-free rolls are rarely an option, but at Jersey Mike’s, things were different.

I recently took my sons to Jersey Mike’s to try out their subs on Udi’s Gluten-Free Bread, and we were genuinely impressed. The guys behind the counter went above and beyond to make sure our order was safe. They were friendly, accommodating, and clearly knowledgeable about the steps needed to avoid cross-contamination. It immediately put us at ease and made us feel welcome, something that’s not always the case when dining out gluten-free.

At Jersey Mike’s, you can choose from two gluten-free bread sizes: Regular and Giant. We went with the Regular size this time since each of us ordered separate sandwiches. However, if we end up getting the same sandwich next time, the Giant size would be a better deal financially. It’s large enough to split in half and share, saving money without compromising flavor.

The meat and cheeses were freshly sliced right in front of us, which added to the quality and freshness of our sandwiches. The bread held up nicely (which isn’t always the case), had a good texture, and the fillings were fresh. While mine was a bit on the dry side and could’ve used a little more mayo, that was an easy fix with an extra mayo packet. Overall, it was a satisfying meal and a positive experience from start to finish.

Jersey Mike’s uses Udi’s pre-packaged gluten-free rolls, baked off-site to minimize risk, and they follow clear protocols to prevent cross-contamination. While a shared kitchen always carries some level of risk, from what I saw, they took every precaution seriously.

For anyone living gluten-free who misses a good deli-style sandwich, Jersey Mike’s is definitely worth a visit. We’ll absolutely be going back.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Here’s why:

  • +1 star for excellent gluten-free awareness and precautions
  • +1 star for friendly, accommodating service
  • +1 star for freshness (meats and cheeses sliced in front of you)
  • +1 star for availability of gluten-free bread in both sizes
  • –1 star for the sandwich being a bit dry and needing more mayo

Location Visited:
Jersey Mike’s Subs
1107 S. College Ave
Newark, DE 19713
📞 (302) 454-7100
🕙 Open 7 Days a Week: 10 AM – 9 PM

Review: Ninethai Kitchen 2 – Pennsville, NJ

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Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆

For over a year, my kids and I have been on a mission to find authentic gluten-free Pad Thai on the East Coast. We tried multiple restaurants in Newark, Delaware, and while some were good, none captured the flavors we remembered from living in Lake Tahoe, California. Gluten-free options often compromise taste, and we weren’t willing to settle for “just good enough.”

In June, we officially moved to Maryland, but we had already spent time at our new house in October and February before getting everything settled in June. We discovered Ninethai Kitchen 2 in Pennsville, NJ, just last week, and happy we stumbled across it. From the moment we walked in, it was clear this was a small, family-run operation. At the time of our visit, the restaurant was being run entirely by one person—hosting, serving, and cooking all at once. While this meant that getting attention could be a little slow, it also made the experience feel personal and authentic. You could see how much care and effort went into every dish.

We ordered the Pad Thai and the Tom Kha soup, both gluten-free. We requested spice level 3 out of 5 for the Pad Thai, and it was perfectly balanced with just the right amount of heat without overwhelming the flavors. The Pad Thai itself was rich, fresh, and perfectly balanced, with the sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors we had been longing for. The Tom Kha soup was equally delicious, creamy with just the right touch of lemongrass, coconut, and lime, which is a comforting and flavorful start to the meal.

Although service was limited due to the solo operation, the quality of the food more than made up for it. The cozy atmosphere and the dedication of the chef made the experience feel unique and authentic, and it was clear that every dish was prepared with love and expertise. Sharing this meal with my kids was a joy, and we all savored each bite and appreciated the flavors that reminded us of our Lake Tahoe days.

Overall, I would give Ninethai Kitchen 2 four stars. The food is outstanding, and the flavors are truly authentic, especially for gluten-free options. The only reason I didn’t give a full five stars is that service can be limited when one person is running the entire operation. However, the Pad Thai, with its perfect heat, and the Tom Kha soup were so delicious that they more than made up for any wait.

If you’re in Pennsville, NJ, craving authentic Thai food with gluten-free options, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. It’s a small, cozy spot with incredible flavors, and we are already planning our next trip. Whether you’re a family, a Thai food lover, or gluten-free, Ninethai Kitchen 2 delivers an authentic experience you won’t want to miss.

📍 Location:
Ninethai Kitchen 2 (previously sang tong thai – Located in: Cranberry Plaza)
233 S Broadway • Pennsville, NJ 08070
📞 (856) 726-2803

You can also order online at: orderninethaikitchen.com

Review: P.F. Chang’s – Christiana Mall, Newark, DE

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Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My daughter and I had a full day of errands and found ourselves near the Christiana Mall. Back when we lived in Tahoe, we had several favorite restaurants — one in particular made an amazing Gluten Free Pad Thai that became our go-to dish. Since moving to the East Coast, though, finding good gluten free Asian food has been a real challenge.

We tried a restaurant back in February that left us unimpressed — the Pad Thai was just “meh.” So the search continued… until now.

I recently discovered that P.F. Chang’s offers a dedicated gluten free menu, and to my surprise, Pad Thai was on it. That alone was enough to convince us to give it a try. From the moment we sat down, the staff was patient, kind, and knowledgeable about gluten free dining. They made sure to answer all of our questions and took great care of us throughout the meal.

The Pad Thai itself was absolutely delicious — perfectly balanced flavors and just the right texture. It was everything I’ve been searching for since leaving Tahoe. While I had originally hoped to find a small, local spot that could satisfy my craving, I’m perfectly happy knowing I can count on P.F. Chang’s whenever the craving strikes.

Menu Description:
A classic approach to rice noodles wok-tossed with egg, tofu, green onion, peanuts, cilantro, and bean sprouts. Protein options include Vegetable, Chicken, Beef, Shrimp, or Combo.

📍 Location:
P.F. Chang’s
331 Christiana Mall
Newark, DE 19702

Review: Oishii Sushi & Ramen (Newark, DE)

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My kids and I had the pleasure of visiting Oishii Sushi & Ramen in Newark, DE, and it turned out to be a delightful experience from start to finish. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was inviting, clean, and comfortable, making it a perfect spot for a casual family meal.

I decided to try the ramen, and I was genuinely impressed. The broth was mild yet packed with flavor, and the gluten-free rice noodles had a fantastic texture that made each bite satisfying. The portion size was generous, leaving me feeling full and content without being overwhelmed. Every component of the dish felt thoughtfully prepared, and the balance of flavors was excellent — the kind of meal that keeps you savoring every bite long after you’ve finished.

Meanwhile, my teenagers decided to try the sushi, and they were absolutely thrilled. They couldn’t stop talking about the wide variety of options available, from classic favorites to more creative rolls. Each piece they tried was fresh and bursting with flavor, and they remarked several times on how delicious everything was. Watching them enjoy their meal so much really added to the overall experience for me as a parent.

What I especially appreciated about Oishii Sushi & Ramen is how well they cater to different tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting bowl of ramen or want to explore the art of sushi, there’s something for everyone. The quality of the food, the generous portions, and the inviting atmosphere all come together to create a dining experience that’s both satisfying and memorable.

Overall, our visit to Oishii Sushi & Ramen was a true pleasure. Between the hearty ramen and the fresh, flavorful sushi, it’s clear that this restaurant takes pride in its food and in providing a great experience for its guests. If you find yourself in Newark, DE, looking for a place that delivers both quality and variety, I highly recommend stopping by. You won’t leave hungry or disappointed.

Oishii Sushi & Ramen
129 E Main St, Newark, DE 19711
Website: https://www.oishiisushiramende.com
Phone: (302) 366-8882