How To Eat Well As A Vegan At A Steakhouse Restaurant

Visiting a steakhouse as a vegan does not have to feel like a punishment. Here is how you can eat well at a steakhouse restaurant:

Call Ahead of Time

It's always a good idea to call the steakhouse you will be visiting ahead of time to inquire about any plant-based specialties they might offer. If the restaurant knows that you have a special diet and are visiting them with diners who will be ordering from the main menu, the chef may be willing to prepare a special meal for you that is meat and dairy-free – even if it is never offered on the menu.

They will likely just use the fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and sauces that are already available in the kitchen to create your meal. Therefore, requesting a special vegan meal is not as big of a deal as it might seem. You may even find that they already offer a veggie sandwich on their menu in which case you can have peace of mind in knowing that you are already covered when you visit the steakhouse.

Focus on the Side Dishes

If you call ahead and a special vegan option is not going to be available to you, don't fret. Just focus on the side dishes when perusing the menu. There are bound to be many options on the side dish menu that can be chosen from to create a unique yet complete meal you can enjoy with all the steak eaters in your dining group. Look for options such as:

• French fries, baked potatoes, onion rings
• Sauteed, fried, or baked mushrooms
• Seared, fried, or baked tofu
• Corn, green beans, steamed broccoli
• Biscuits, toast, and other breads

The salad menu is another good place to look for something tasty to eat. Choose a salad base and dressing, then add a couple of side dishes to your order and you can look forward to enjoying a filling and nutritious meal.

Offer to Swap with Fellow Diners

Another option to consider is making swaps with your fellow diners. Instead of focusing on side dishes or worrying about asking for a special meal, you can simply make some swap deals with your friend or family members. For example, you can order a steak plate with your favorite side dishes and then trade half of your steak for someone else's side dish and the other half of your steak for another person's side dish. You will be left with a huge plate of plant-based food that is reminiscent of a buffet.

The chance of your going home hungry after using these tips and tricks when visiting a steakhouse is slim. So, don't worry about what you will actually eat during your visit and focus more on the company you will be keeping.