Steakhouses don’t sound Like the most vegetarian-friendly destinations in the US, and that’s because, well, they’re not. The clue is in the name, but the main selling point of these establishments is definitely the steak. Menus are full of options like filet mignon, prime rib, and wagyu beef. All of which, of course, comes from cows. But if you’re invited to a steakhouse with friends, or you’re stuck for another choice, we say this: keep an open mind.
Many steakhouses in the US are starting to catch on to the trend of more plant-based meals, and some even offer vegan steaks on the menu (yes, for real). Others offer plant-forward side dishes like salads and roasted vegetables, which can be combined to make a main, and some even have entire sections of their menus dedicated to vegetarian dishes. We looked at some of the most popular steakhouse chains and independent locations across the country and scanned the menus for plant-based options—this is what we found.
1 Morton’s The Steakhouse
When you sit down to eat at one of the Morton’s locations, you have a few options to choose from. And yes, they are all sides or appetizers. But don’t sweat it too much, because these still sound delicious. For example, there are Wild Mushrooms, Chopped House Salad, Sautéed Brussels Sprouts and Jumbo Grilled Asparagus.
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ground fire
2 ground fire
If you have to go vegetarian at a steakhouse, Brazilian chain Fogo de Chão is one of the best to find yourself. Its Market Table menu has several options to choose from, including new options for 2023: Roasted Power Vegetable Bowl and Seared Tofu with Miso Black Bean Pasta. There are also several plant-based antipasti choices, including roasted eggplant, pickled onions and mixed olives.
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3 Ruth’s Chris
There are a few meat-free options on offer at Ruth’s Chris, but make sure you specify to your server that you want your meal prepared in a vegetarian recipe (for example, omitting the cheese or mayonnaise). Veggie options include a baked potato, pan-roasted cremini mushrooms and steak house salad.
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4 Black Angus
Again, the steakhouse chain Black Angus has a few vegetarian options, but you should specify when ordering that you don’t want any animal products in your meal. Some meatless options include grilled artichokes, roasted Brussels sprouts, white rice, and French fries.
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5 Peter Luger
Established in the 1800s, Peter Luger’s has become one of the most famous places to eat in New York City. And if you’re after a vegetarian meal, good news: You have some delicious-tasting choices, including fresh broccoli, onion rings, and salads. Again, these are side dishes, but they’re still worth sampling if you find yourself at this famous eatery.
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The Chandlers
6 The Chandlers
Chandler’s is worth a visit if you live in Boise, Idaho. The steakhouse, which is the only restaurant in town that would be recommended forbes’ Travel Guide, offers a vegan steak option, with mushrooms, grains and root vegetables served with flavored red wine and beet juice.
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7 Perry’s
Perry’s is one of the most vegetarian-friendly steakhouse chains in the United States, as it also has a designated vegan entree section on its menu. The meatiest option is definitely the vegan steak, served with cremini mushroom gravy. But if you prefer your food not to taste like animal products, there’s also Spaghetti Squash Primavera. The latter has a vegetarian version, so be sure to ask for the vegan version when you order.
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8 to cut
Wolfgang Puck’s steakhouse chain Cut has a few vegetarian-sounding options, with several locations in the US and one in London. As are French fries, as well as field mushrooms, Yukon Gold potato puree and crispy Brussels sprouts. But again, make sure you tell your server that you want your dishes prepared with a vegetarian recipe.
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B&B Butcher & Restaurant/Instagram
9 B&B Butcher & Restaurant
That’s good news if you’re looking for meat-free meals at B&B butchers and restaurants. Despite the ultra-meat name, the chain has some vegetarian dishes, including vegetable platters and the B&B “veg” house salad. But make sure you ask for the latter without animal products, as it also comes with crumbled blue cheese.
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10 Brooklyn Chop House
Brooklyn Chop House is a great choice for vegetarians, as in addition to steak, it has a wide selection of plant-based dumplings, noodles, and even vegan meat products. For example, Impossible has plant-based burger dumplings and plant-based ginger chicken dumplings. On the side, you can choose from options like wild mushrooms and wok-fried onions and garlic.
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11 Boa Steakhouse
Celebrity-favorite Boa Steakhouse has three locations in California, and all offer exactly what you’d expect from a steakhouse (we’re talking ribeye and Japanese wagyu). But its menu also has a somewhat unexpected offering: a plant-based section. The latter includes an improbable burger complete with cauliflower tempura, cauliflower Milanese and vegan cheese.
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@nanetteleeofficial/Instagram
12Al Bearnat’s Steakhouse
Dallas steakhouse chain Al Biernut’s is another great spot for plant-based diners. You don’t have to worry about customization or putting together some side dishes, as the restaurant has an entire vegan section. Choose from Thai stir fries, grilled portabella enchiladas with coconut cheese, and Al’s Bowl, which includes whole food ingredients like brown rice, asparagus, yellow squash, carrots and sweet potatoes.
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To know more about vegetarian restaurants, read:
Charlotte is a writer and editor based in sunny Southsea on the south coast of England.