Dining Out

Kind Dining · Restaurant Guides

Kind Dining in a Non-Veg World

More and more vegetarian restaurants are sprouting up in cities and towns across the nation, making dining out a less stressful and disappointing experience for vegetarians. Even the "mainstream" food service industry has begun to recognize the need for more substantial plant-based menu options. However, veg-friendly establishments are not always accessible to everyone, and many restaurants and franchises still have many improvements to make. With a little effort, we can do our part to promote kind dining by continuing to educate the food service industry about meeting the needs of vegetarians and encouraging them to incorporate more friendly fare into their regular menus.

"Mainstream" Restaurants
If you find yourself in an establishment with inadequate or nonexistent vegetarian options, don't despair. Instead, consider taking the following steps.

• Most chefs are happy to accommodate special requests, so ask the wait staff if the kitchen can prepare a veg dish for you. If the need arises, you can even try making some helpful suggestions of your own. For example, if the restaurant offers a salad topped with grilled portabella mushrooms, you might ask if the chef can use the mushrooms to make you a sandwich. In fact, simple dishes like grilled mushroom and veggie sandwiches, pasta primavera dressed with olive oil and cheese-free pizzas heaped with extra toppings and sauce can be easily prepared at most restaurants. As long as you order with a big smile on your face, you'll probably find that even the staunchest meat and potatoes chef will enjoy the challenge of preparing you a delicious and interesting meal!



• After your meal, consider speaking with the wait staff, chef or manager about your dining experience. Let the individual you speak to know you are vegetarian and offer some honest, friendly feedback about the accommodations you received. You might say something like, "That grilled portabella sandwich was great. If you put it on the regular menu, lots of folks would order it." Or, "Thanks for offering me a veg option. I'll be back, and I'll also tell my friends what a great job you're doing." By sharing your thoughts, you may just give the restaurant the incentive they need to expand their regular offerings.
  

Fast Food Franchises
There isn't yet a worldwide restaurant chain called "McVeggie," but there has been an increase in the amount of vegetarian options some existing fast food establishments offer. Whether you're on a long road trip or simply can't resist the shopping mall food court, it is now more likely than ever before to find a quick bite to eat. Below are some your best bets when dining out on fast food.

• Asian Fast Food: Widespread franchises, like Manchu Wok, often offer dishes consisting of steamed rice and veggies.
  
• Mexican Fast Food: Many restaurants, like Taco Bell, offer lard-free bean burritos without cheese.
  
• Bagel Shops: Many bagel shops, like Bruegger's, offer a wide variety of veg bagels, as well as other animal-free items like hummus and soup.
  
• Sandwich/Sub Shops: Some fast food sub shops, like Subway are often able to offer subs loaded with veggies and other tasty condiments.
  
• Pizza Parlors: Some fast food pizza joints like Papa John's can make veg-friendly pies without cheese. Beware: Many dough and sauce recipes contain animal ingredients.
  

For more information on vegetarian options offered at fast food joints across the nation, check out The Vegetarian Resource Group's Guide to Vegan and Vegetarian Options in Fast Food and Quick Service Chains.

Restaurant Guides

• Happy Cow's Vegetarian Guide to Restaurants & Health Food Stores
  HappyCow's vegetarian restaurants guide is a global, searchable vegetarian dining guide and directory of natural health food stores, including nutrition and health tips, vegan recipes, raw foods, travel, veganism and other vegetarian issues.
• VegDining.com
  With more than 1,000 vegetarian restaurant listings and 2,000 mini- reviews, this popular guide provides a comprehensive worldwide list of veg and veg-friendly eateries.
• VegGuide.org
  VegGuide.org is a community-maintained guide to worldwide vegetarian restaurants, grocers and more.
• Vegetarian USA
  Select any state or city from the map on Vegetarian USA, and print your own mini-directory of veggie restaurants, health food stores and natural food co- ops.

**Please note: All websites listed in this section are offered to provide supplemental information only and do not necessarily represents the viewpoints of Farm Sanctuary or its staff. Sites are not maintained or monitored by Farm Sanctuary.