Gluten Free Options

Review: Jersey Mike’s – Newark, Delaware

/ stlmaryland / Leave a comment

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: CAVA – Newark, Delaware

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Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Walking into CAVA instantly gave me a Chipotle vibe, but with a Mediterranean twist. The setup is similar, but the flavors are all their own. I decided to build my own Grain Bowl to keep things gluten-free and started with Saffron Basmati Rice as my base. From there, I added their Tzatziki and signature Crazy Feta® dips, chose the Grilled Steak for protein, and topped it off with Fiery Broccoli, Pickled Onions, and Cherry Tomatoes. A drizzle of Garlic Dressing tied everything together beautifully. The flavors were aromatic, fresh, and perfectly balanced.

Most of CAVA’s menu items are naturally gluten-free (with the exception of the pita bread and falafel), and they offer plenty of gluten-free sauces, dressings, and toppings to choose from. You can even check their website or ask a team member for their gluten-free list.

Overall, the food was absolutely delicious, and the experience was easy, fast, and flavorful. I’ll definitely be back to try one of their salads and probably the lamb next time.

Review: Gluten Free Dining at Klondike Kate’s (Newark, Delaware)

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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.

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.

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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