Review of The Northwoods Nook

EDIT: Recently revisited and had a completely different experience. Below is the more recent experience. We called ahead to place an order as we were driving through and didn’t want to wait 20-30 minutes for our food when we got there. I tried to place an order for the Reuben on a GF bun. Last visit, my partner ordered it on suggestion from the owner and said it was delicious. This time when I ordered, the employee seemed confused when I asked for a gluten free bun, so I clarified that it was an allergy not a preference. I said we had no issues last time but if they couldn’t do it I would order something else. She told me ordering GF wasn’t safe for an allergy, as they prep everything on the same surface and with shared utensils.

I was surprised to hear that after our initial visits, and she then put me on hold to ask the cook if it could be made safe. The owner then came on to tell me they could put a GF bun on it but that the pork is soaked in beer so not GF. Which the first employee did not tell me.

We decided to order the ribs instead, and the owner confirmed multiple times that all fries are gluten free, so we got fries as the side. When we got our food, however, the fries appeared to be breaded and tasted as such. We’d already left so I called back to confirm and they told me that the fries are just “how they get them” but that they are gluten free.

Unfortunately, I should’ve trusted my gut because they were definitely NOT gluten free and we both got very sick shortly after eating. Overall, this experience completely turned me off from this restaurant. It was a huge hassle to get information from them, and when I did it wasn’t accurately. They do offer GF buns and pizza crust, but unless you’re eating here as a preference I wouldn’t risk it.

Original review: The food was so good!!

New owners, and they’re doing a great job. Plenty of gf options (fries, pizza, burgers) and their BBQ sauce is safe! Cook is also gluten free, so wasn’t concerned about cross contamination issues.

We had a gluten free pizza and the BBQ fries. Both were delicious, but would HIGHLY recommend the bbq sweet potato fry platter (just remove fried onions). Amazing and totally fills you up!!

Our non-gf family also really enjoyed their food. Staff was friendly and answered questions/modified dishes to fit our needs. Will definitely be back!

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

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main 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?

— Below Average

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for lunch