Tips for Eating at a Bar and Grill as a Vegan
Posted on: 22 June 2020
When you follow a vegan diet, dining out with friends and family members can be tough. You don't always want to make them choose a purely vegan restaurant just to suit your preferences, and yet, you can have a tough time finding items to order at certain non-vegan establishments. If your loved ones choose a bar and grill for the group meal, here are some tips to help you navigate the experience and stick to your diet plan.
Call ahead and ask about vegan meal options
Some bars and grills have begun to include vegan options on their menu as vegan diets have become more popular. If you check the online menu for the restaurant and do not see anything that's explicitly listed as "vegan," give the restaurant a call. Ask if the chef can make anything vegan and if they are willing to do so. Most restaurants are glad to accommodate your needs as long as you give them notice. They may, indeed, have vegan options that they don't explicitly list online but make customers aware of on-site.
Focus on the sides
If the restaurant does not offer any vegan options, then here's the good news. Most bars and grills offer some really amazing sides and appetizers, and many of these are unintentionally vegan. Onion rings, for example, are usually just slices of onion coated in bread crumbs. Sweet potato fries are just sliced, fried sweet potatoes. Fried pickles are exactly what they sound like. These may not all be the healthiest choices, but they are delicious. (And most bars and grills use some sort of vegetable oils to fry these days, so you don't have to worry about that.)
Ask for all sauces on the side
Most of the sauces at bar and grill restaurants are not vegan. They probably contain butter, egg, or cream. Ask for all sauces to be served on the side so you aren't forced to eat them. You can always ask for a side of balsamic or malt vinegar, both of which are good vegan options, if you want to add some zip to your food. Mustard is usually a safe choice, too! Still, ask for it on the side so you can use it at your own discretion.
With the tips above, you can enjoy dining at a bar and grill-style restaurant even as a vegan. Don't be surprised if there is an awesome vegan burger or salad on the menu. Some restaurants, like The Shanty, know how delicious these sort of dishes can be. Enjoy.
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