When traveling through the Virginia Peninsula last week, I knew that my mom and I would be passing through the city of Newport News around dinnertime so I did some research to see what would be out best bet for gluten-free eats. 


Second Street, an American bistro jumped out because they not only had good reviews on Find Me Gluten Free but had a separate gluten-free menu too. After a day of fighting heavy traffic, we both were looking forward to a good meal before hitting the road for the last few miles to our destination- Norfolk. 


The location I stopped by is one of two Second Street locations, the other being their original restaurant in Williamsburg just a few miles up the road. 

As I said, the fact that Second Street has a separate gluten-free menu went a long way in my decision to dine there. The gluten-free options are plentiful and varied, ranging from salads to sandwiches, ribs to seafood. Note that the fries are cooked in a shared fryer, so they are not gluten-free. Gluten-free bread is available, but they do not have buns (burgers are made with sandwich-style bread). 

Beyond the gluten-free menu, the wait staff were very knowledgable about gluten-free/allergy accommodations. I was impressed, and assured that my meal would be safely handled after I let them know my dual dietary restrictions. 

I decided to order a turkey burger on a lettuce bun with a side of sweet potato chips. Thought the meal might look simple- it was absolutely satisfying because each bite was infused with flavor. The turkey burger was tender and juicy, with a satisfying grill taste that complemented the meat. The tomato, red onion, and lettuce topping the burger were unbelievably fresh, and the lettuce wrap had a satisfying crunch. Although the burger was bun-less, I didn’t miss the bread at all.


The sweet potato tortilla chips definitely had a sweet potato flavor and were a perfect flavor combination with the burger. They reminded me of the Food Should Taste Good brand sweet potato chips, but I did not ask to confirm if they were those specifically. The chips are bagged, so they are not fried or baked in-house. 

I was seeking a comforting, hearty meal in stopping at Second Street and I definitely found it. With delicious fare and exceptional service, my mom and I had a positive experience and are glad we decided to stop here to dine. If I am in the area again I would definitely stop here again, because eating here was stress-free.

The Basics

Address: 115 Arthur Way, Newport News, VA 23602

Website: www.secondst.com

Cuisine: American 

Ideal For: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner

Price: See menu prices above

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Disclaimer: This review is based upon the information I have at the time of the review and does not reflect changes in ingredients or availability of items. Please contact the restaurant directly for up-to-date information and feel free to contact me with any questions or comments. I was not compensated for this review and it is a reflection of my personal opinion.