There is no gluten free menu but a few options, including burgers and sandwiches on a lettuce wrap. I had the Dolphin Sandwich with lettuce wrap and a side salad. It was delicious and I had no issues! The waitress was great and double checked gluten free dressing options. I avoid eating out places that do not have a dedicated gf kitchen as I have had many issues with cross contamination. Traveling is very difficult but have found Key West to have several safe places for me to eat. I will definitely visit Caroline’s Cafe again in future travels to Key West! I highly recommend to anyone with celiac.
— Somewhat
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Some
— Excellent
The staff was very knowledgeable about what was gluten free and once the order was taken the manger came out to assure me it would be safe and then informed me what I could and couldn’t have off of my husbands plate. I would go back again and again with how comfortable and safe they made me feel!
— Very
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Some
— Excellent
Came here on a recommendation from another celiac visitor in Key West and she did well on recommending this. I ordered the pork bowl minus plantains (the plantains have gluten) and my family placed their orders. The manager, Robert, personally came out to talk to me and let me know he would personally take care of me. When the food came out he made sure I knew NOT to nibble on my husband’s food (not gf) but my kiddo’s order was safe to have a bite. I would do this again.
The menu is not labeled what is gluten free, you have to talk to the waitstaff. Also the fryer is not a dedicated fryer, so no fries.
— Very
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Some
— Excellent
The server was very informed. My daughter ordered plain rice with a side of vegetables. The vegetables had a noodle mixed in the plate. They were very apologetic.
Server reviewed the menu of what I can have. I got the Big Joe burger. They lettuce wrapped it with bag of lays potato chips. Burger was 3/4 lb and was wonderful.
— Somewhat
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Some
— Excellent
The waitress was knowledgeable about what could be made.gluten free or what was already gluten free. She made sure to note.it so my stuff was cooked with a new pan and separate to avoid cross contamination. They also have 1 gluten free dessert.
— Very
— Most/All
— Excellent
I had the spicy Cajun jambalaya. Nothing on the menu states gluten free but the waitstaff were very knowledgeable. And after stating I was gluten free, the cook/maybe owner came out when handing me food and promised I could eat without fear. It was very good!
— Very
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Some
— Excellent
We picked this place based on the reviews. I called ahead and talked to the manager on duty who explained to me that they are familiar with Celiac and have a separate prep area to prepare the food. He did indicate that none of the fried food would be safe. Upon arriving we talked to the owner who immediately jumped to help us and accommodate our needs. He explained the Manu and what can be done for our celiac son. He said he was very familiar with celiac because he has a daughter and granddaughter with celiac. He talked to the server and kitchen staff to make sure the food was handled properly. He checked with us multiple times to ensure everything is ok. Our son wanted a fish which was Mahi Mahi. His food was served on a different plate that we had. The food was a little bland but I guess only way to ensure it was safe. Our son didn't get sick and we had a very pleasant experience! Very refreshing to see the efforts of the staff and understanding of the issue.
— No gluten-free information on the menu
Server was easily able to tell me what items were gluten free, although they’re not marked on the menu. I had the jambalaya and it was delicious.
— Somewhat
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Some
— Excellent
I had mixed experiences eating here twice. The first time the manager/owner came out unsolicited to discuss my gluten free options. Also had special plantains made for me. I felt very comfortable and no reactions to delicious food. The second trip the server was less knowledgeable and rather annoyed with my questions. I ordered and then my food was brought with the others that were not gluten free. I asked for a manager and further discussed and decided to eat it but I noticed in the edge of my salad a fried crumb likely from some of my party’s non gluten food so I avoided that end of my plate and did not get sick. I think they usually take extreme precautions and the manager/owner has celiac children and grandchildren and gets it… just think I did not have a great server the second time.
— Somewhat
— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
— Some
— Excellent
fantastic food and service
— Very
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Most/All
— Excellent
Had a fantastic dinner experience here. No GF menu but told the server I was gluten free (allergy) and he asked if it was celiac. I said yes and he walked me through my safe options and options that could be modified with different sauces. Then the owner/manager came over and said he heard someone with celiac was at the table and he assured me they take allergies very seriously and his daughter and 2 granddaughters are celiac. The cook came out and served my meal (the jambalaya) and reassured me (without me asking) that he is very familiar with celiac and he wants me to eat with confidence. It’s very few and far between to have an experience like that so I was very impressed! Food was great, portions were large.
— Very
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Excellent
Brook the manager came over and spoke to me about gluten and celiac. She was very knowledgeable and made me feel very comfortable as she has serious allergies herself. I had the 20 oz. burger on a lettuce wrap which was great. Our server was very friendly and took my disease seriously as well. But let me tell you. The GF Peanut butter pie was to DIE for. Must get!!! I recommend and felt safe here!
— Most/All
— Excellent
I came to Caroline’s Cafe, optimistic about options for gluten free food based on reviews here. Sadly, there was no gluten free menu and they said only the jambalaya was gluten free. It was okay. I did not care for it and I’m not a picky eater. I ate some due to needing to eat. Plus, it was $24.00. We are here for our 25 th wedding anniversary and on a tight budget due to moving. I’m trying to make every meal count and was really disappointed.
— No gluten-free information on the menu
It was great. I had the jambalaya. The minute I told the serve I had celiac she went and got the manager. He was very kind and asked me if I had any questions about their cooking procedures and were very helpful. 10/10 recommend
— Very
— Some
— Excellent
The food was very good, I got rice and pulled pork. I felt fine after eating there. The waiters were knowledgeable about celiac and the manager came out and helped us. The peanut butter pie was very good!
— Very
— Some
— Good
Very knowledgeable about celiac and gluten sensitivities. They immediately told me they would take care of me and make sure I was happy. They let me know all the gluten free options they had. I ordered the chicken lettuce wraps and they were fantastic.
— Very
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Some
— Excellent
Very good experience! I felt safe and comfortable eating here as a celiac.
— Very
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Some
— Good
Perfect place for lunch!! Celiac friendly… great salad with grilled shrimp… not to mention the margaritas!! Highly recommend!
— Very
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Some
— Excellent
Had the jambalaya, careful if you don’t like spicy. Server, Wil, was fantastic. Wil had fun with us to be sure there wasn’t any cross contamination by us at the table.
— Very
— Most/All
— Excellent
I loved this place and so did my non-celiac family! The staff was able to tell me exactly what was gf and were super friendly! I got the jambalaya and it was amazing! The owner/manager personally brought mine out to me! I would definitely recommend this place, although keep in mind the menu is not that big which means less options for gf.
— Somewhat
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Some
— Excellent
The manager at the bar went out of his way to assure me the kitchen would take care of my needs. I had the ahi tuna salad and he made sure the fish hadn’t been marinated in soy sauce, he even brought the bare steak out to show me! He knew which salad dressings we’re safe or not. All of the staff were super friendly and the salad was delicious! Fun ambiance as well outside on Duval street.
— No gluten-free information on the menu
Asked for a gluten free menu and they don't have one but the waiter quickly pointed out GF items on the menu. I had the Spicy Cajun Jambalaya which was very good.
— Somewhat
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Some
— Excellent
Technically my meal was celiac safe gluten free, but the waiter was visibly annoyed with my questions about ingredients, my husband got the wrong meal, our table was super wobbly and the bill was incorrect. So — while I did have a fine-enough GF salad, I wouldn’t really recommend Caroline’s.
— Somewhat
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Some
— Average
Even though they don’t have a gluten free menu , the manager personally told us he “had our back” and walked us through the menu choices. Food was excellent! Highly recommend!
— Very
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Some
— Excellent
Fantastic experience. First time dining out with toddler with celiac. Waiter brought manager over right away. She told us exactly what we could have from menu (sandwiches without bread, salads, rice dishes, etc.) She was fantastic about going back to the kitchen to check about specific ingredients (dressings, sausages, etc.). She even went to their sister restaurant across the street for gluten free bbq sauce. Will definitely come back.
— Somewhat
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Some
— Average
Ordered the chef's salad with blue cheese dressing which was recommended by my server as a gluten free selection. Unfortunately, I had a terrible reaction.
— Not at all
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Not Much/None
— Good
Waiter was very knowledgeable about gluten free items. The owner brought my meal out and knew what celiac was (I usually just have to tell people it’s a gluten allergy)! He explained the fries are not gluten free and offered me chips or a salad instead. I felt very safe eating here and my meal was delicious!
— Very
— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
— Most/All
— Excellent
This place was great owner came out and spoke to us and said he would watch my order to make sure it was safe. Great good went back another day.
— Very
— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
— Some
— Good
Fantastic GF experience. Jimmy the server and Natasha the manager REALLY went above and beyond to take care of my meal. I got sick from another restaurant in Key West recently (not associated with Carolines) so I went in a little weary. But they put my concerns to rest and really went above and beyond. Great food, great options, great service. Will absolutely be returning.
— Very
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Most/All
— Excellent
Had the peel and eat shrimp, catch of the day, and jambalaya. Jambalaya was the best dish of all. Manager came over to talk about how everything gluten free is prepped separately - a must do for celiacs in town.
— Very
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Some
— Good
They definitely take GF seriously. All I did was ask the server about GF options for celiac and he immediately said he would bring the manager over. Manager advised what items they could make and said they cook it separately. I got the jambalaya and it was very tasty!!
— Very
— Some
— Good
Had an absolutely fabulous experience while having lunch with our large group. I have Celiac and had the most amazing experience dealing with the menu, server and manager. Exceptional. Safe. Delicious. Thank you to everyone at Caroline’s for understanding Celiac throughly and being so incredibly friendly. Plus the food was awesome!!
— Very
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Some
— Excellent
We had a new server who knew little about gluten-free, but asking to speak to the manager is the way to go - she was super knowledgeable and helpful and even prepared an alternative to one of my dishes fresh just for me. No bread substitutes renders the entire sandwiches section off-limits, but appetizers and fresh catch work well - no problems. Dessert was a super yummy slice of gluten-free pie.
— Very
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Not Much
— Good
I said I needed to be GF and she said is it like celiac. I said and she ran down everything on the menu o can eat. The owners wife is celiac so the wait staff are really knowledgeable on gluten,dairy, and peanut allergies and can adapt where possible. They also understand the issues with cross-contamination and shared fryer and were able to advise us on options. Highly recommend.
— Very
— Some
— Good
We got to speak directly to the owner who directed us to what we could safely eat. She customized our dishes for us and assured us of the measures they take to avoid cross contamination
— Very
— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
— Some
— Excellent
One of the best salads I have ever had! I got a chicken ceaser salad without croutons and it was amazing. Our waitress was so kind and asked the kitchen for me if the dressing was GF. Totally recommend!!
— Very
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Some
— Excellent
I came because of the reviews…but left and wished I had just canceled my order. The staff was kind, so no fault there. BUT, no GF menu. I got the mahi but no sauce could be provided bc they used flour which the told me as they brought my dish. No fries due to cross contamination. So I was given dry, bland fish. Such a disappointment bc I was so hyped from the reviews. I left and went straight to Amigos down the street.
— Very
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Not Much
— Below Average
My son and I ordered to amazing lunches. I had shrimp with butter lettuce with curry rice noodles and my son had the Cajun chicken. Both were great. The waitress took our Celiac seriously and then the manager came to address our orders and how they would take care of us. They said they would make sure our food was made safely and separate.
— Very
— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
— Some
— Excellent
Menu not marked, but server was very knowledgeable about GF options and was able to suggest substitutions for fried items. Had many options and GF pie for dessert!
— Very
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Most/All
— Excellent
Server knowledgeable. Manager also came over to reassure us. We ordered the jambalaya and it was delicious. Also the chocolate peanut butter pie was great! So nice to get dessert when you’re gluten free!
— Very
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Some
— Excellent
No GF menu but our waitress was so helpful in knowing each seas safe and what wasn’t. Had the jambalaya and peanut butter pie. Both excellent!!
— Some
— Excellent
Awesome service. The server put my order in and the manager came out right after to reassure me that my meal was gluten free and I could eat without worry. Great server at the bar Rachel, also took good care of me.
— Very
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Some
— Average
Amazing!! My wife is a celiac. They knew all about allergies, and the server said she would ring it up as an allergy. Even more impressive was that the GM made a point to come over and let us know not to worry at all, that she could eat in complete confidence. Amazing!!
— Very
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Some
— Excellent
I didn't seem to have the same experience as others recently. They were good about checking things with me and asking questions, but the previous suggestion people made here of the chicken pasta made with rice instead was no longer an option. They said the sauce has flour in it. I ended up having to just get rice, grilled chicken, a broccoli , rather than an actual dish of any interest. I was disappointed but didn't feel like trying to find another place to go.
— Somewhat
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Not Much
— Average
Fantastic experience, menu does not show items that are gluten free however staff were very knowledgeable and explained how they could prepare a safe meal. Had the jambalaya which hit the spot. They even let me know they have a gluten free pie if I wanted dessert. Manager and wait staff checked in several times to make sure everything met my needs.
— Very
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Not Much
— Good
I am gluten free and dairy free. I follow an AIP protocol. The manager came over and helped create an entree that was exactly what I needed and delicious! In a touristy area, this exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Some
— Excellent
After looking at previous reviews I ordered the Chicken Broccolini with rice under instead of pasta. The manager came out to clarify what he was making for me and assumed myself and my dairy free mom that we should “eat with confidence”. I certainly did! 100% ask for the chocolate peanut butter pie for an amazing dessert finish.
— Very
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Some
— Excellent
It’s not widely advertised but the staff at Caroline’s is AMAZING when it comes to GF. The menu wasn’t really marked with much I could eat but the manager came right over once hearing of allergies and walked me through some options. I ended up with the Chicken Broccolini over white rice instead of pasta and it was delicious! He hand delivered the meal to me with gloves and said they take many precautions…I did not get sick either that night or when eating leftovers so I’m confident this is true.
— Very
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Some
— Excellent
They do not have a gluten free menu. Waitress was very knowledgeable but very few options other than salad. My chicken was bland and under cooked. I sent it back to be blackened and it was better but the salad was bland.
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Not Much/None
Went here for some food after my small wedding. I ordered a salad, and the manager came over to speak to me and ensured that my meal’s ingredients would be gathered from the back area and made sure to be kept separate. The salad was phenomenal and the ranch was amazing. Thank you, Caroline’s! Not many restaurants where I’m from cater to dietary needs like this, so I really appreciate it!
— Very
— No gluten-free information on the menu
— Some
— Excellent