Dining out at a steakhouse as a vegetarian might sound like a culinary contradiction—but it doesn’t have to be. While meat may take center stage, many steakhouses offer underrated vegetarian-friendly options, especially when you know how to customize your order. With a little creativity and the right questions, you can enjoy a full and satisfying meal without settling for a baked potato and side salad.

Here’s how to navigate menus at popular steakhouse chains like Texas Roadhouse, Outback Steakhouse, and LongHorn Steakhouse as a vegetarian diner.

1. Look for Customizable Starters

Most steakhouses offer appetizers that can easily be made vegetarian. For example:

• Outback Steakhouse offers Aussie Cheese Fries (hold the bacon) and their House Bread with butter.

• Texas Roadhouse serves Cactus Blossom (similar to a blooming onion) and Rattlesnake Bites—just double-check ingredients or ask your server if they’re meat-free.
  

Appetizers are often more flexible and can be ordered in larger portions as a shareable main.

2. Customize Entrée Salads

Salads can be far more than a side. Ask to remove meat and add extras like avocado, cheese, nuts, or a side of steamed vegetables for a full meal.

• LongHorn Steakhouse has a Farm Fresh Field Greens Salad with options to add toppings like strawberries, pecans, or blue cheese.
  
• Add a cup of vegetarian-friendly soup (check for broth base) for a satisfying combo.
  

3. Request Sides as Mains—Strategically

Instead of simply ordering several small sides, ask your server to combine them on one entrée plate. Great options include:

• Steamed broccoli or mixed vegetables
  
• Seasoned rice
  
• Baked sweet potato (ask for butter on the side)
  
• Sauteed mushrooms or onions
  
• House or Caesar salad (sans anchovies or bacon)
  

At Texas Roadhouse, their seasoned rice and vegetables can be paired with a salad to form a balanced, meatless meal. Their nutrition guide helps identify which sides are meat-free.

4. Ask for a Custom Pasta or Veggie Plate

Many kitchens are willing to create a special off-menu vegetarian dish, especially during slower service hours. A simple veggie pasta with olive oil and garlic or a grilled vegetable medley served with rice is often an option—if you ask nicely and explain dietary needs.

5. Mind the Hidden Ingredients

Be cautious of seemingly vegetarian dishes that may include:

• Chicken or beef stock in rice or soups
  
• Lard or bacon fat in cooked vegetables or beans
  
• Gelatin-based dressings or desserts
  
• Worcestershire sauce (contains anchovies) in some gravies or condiments
  

Ask your server to confirm ingredients—or request to speak with the kitchen when in doubt.

6. BYO Flavor: Bring Sauces or Toppings

If you’re dining regularly at steakhouses with friends or family, consider bringing your own plant-based condiments, like vegan cheese, nutritional yeast, or hot sauce, to jazz up simple veggie dishes.

Final Thought

Steakhouses might not seem like a vegetarian haven, but with a little preparation, you can turn any meat-heavy menu into a plant-friendly plate. The key is asking questions, customizing with confidence, and knowing which menu sections offer the most flexibility.