Donny's Glidden Lodge

This came highly recommended so we decided to try it. The view is amazing and it’s great that the tables face towards the lake. Our server was very nice and helpful. She didn’t blink an eye at our gluten and dairy free questions. We both chose the tenderloin with fries and vegetables because we love steak. The house salad was just ok. Our meat was cooked very well, but all the food we ate was so bland! I’d give this restaurant 5 stars for their approach to food restrictions, but 2 stars for flavor. We appreciate the ease with which we could order, but we won’t be returning as there are tastier restaurants in DC.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

First of all, this restaurant is beautiful and right on the water. Our view was stunning. Our waitress was very knowledgeable and accommodating. She checked on every detail of the meal including salad dressing and spices. I got the grilled chicken, rice, and Hollandaise sauce. It was fantastic. It also came with a small salad and warmed gluten free rolls. They have a chocolate flourless cake as a desert option but I did not try it. My kids are also gluten free (intolerance, not celiac) and they got a bun less hotdog and fries (shared fryer) and shrimp cocktail and were happy. Great experience, did not get sick at all.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for kids
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good with other allergies

One of the best restaurants I've been to in every respect.

1. Knowledgeable staff: understood CC, celiac, knew the menu, double checked anything I was nervous about, explained preparation, very friendly and helpful

2. Food: SO good. Best steak I've ever had. And they dressed up an udi's roll with garlic butter so that it was amazing!

3. Options: Most of the menu can be made GF

4. Atmosphere: beautiful views on the water, historic building, great supper club feel

5. Cocktails: Delicious!

6. Cost: No upcharges on my food; prices reasonable for the area.

7. Safety: I have Celiac and didn't have a hint of a reaction.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Staff change gloves, use newly cleaned cookware, and bring out GF order separate from rest of the order. If unsure, hostess and wait staff ask chef regarding gluten safety and protocols.

Most of the menu items can be prepared gluten free. The kids menu hot dog and applesauce are GF celiac safe. The fries are not safe (not a dedicated fryer). They offer GF dinner rolls (they look like Udi’s).

They did a great job with COVID precautions- mask required when not eating or drinking, tables 6 feet apart or plexus glass dividers between all tables. All staff wearing properly fitted masks (covering nose and mouth).

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

We told the waitress we were gluten free and turns out she was too. Was able to provide us with a wonderful evening. There were a few things we couldn’t eat but sauces and dressings were homemade and GF. They offered us GF buns fresh out of the oven topped with butter and garlic - delicious. Meal was great but what about dessert? She had a flourless chocolate cake, just made, that was amazing. We will go back as soon as we can.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Staff was excellent and very knowledgeable. Most of the menu was easily adaptable to be gluten-free if not naturally gluten-free. They said that they keep the kitchen fairly separate. Steakhouse with meat/fish, potato, vegetable. Celiac friendly.

Celiac friendly?

Yes