Dining Out
alybran
Posts: 199 Member
Dining out with any sort of dietary restriction can be a nightmare. Share your horror stories, favorite restaurants and meals, and general tips and tricks for dining out as a vegetarian!
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Yeah, haven't tried this yet lol. There is a local pizza place though that has amazing vegetarian subs and I've been getting those for years, just because they taste so good! We eat out a lot on the weekends and I do need to start figuring out how to handle chain restaurants.1
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I like Nando's in the UK because they do a really great bean burger and really good veggie sides like sweet potato wedges that are half a sweet potato so you don't feel shafted ordering it, chargrilled seasonal veggies in a lovely light tomato sauce as well as the usual suspects: coleslaw and spicy rice. Veggie sushi is a favourite. I prefer Wasabi over Itsu but you get more for your calorie at Itsu. But Wasabi has edamame beans in their veggie bento...see these are the life problems.
I have IBS so I can't eat certain fermenting fruits and vegetables (i.e. broccoli, which is very sad as I love broccoli, bell peppers, apples...), large quantities of dairy and I'm allergic to coconut so tbh, I'm a bit of a nightmare and prefer to eat at home.0 -
Lord of the Fries is entirely vegetarian and vegan. They have burgers and hot dogs, but my favourite is the halal snack pack. It has chips, "meat" strips, hummus, cheese, sriracha and bbq sauce.0
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My husband is bringing me home supper from a local Thai place. Anyone looking for a sure bet to get vegetarian fare might consider a Thai place. Our local one is called Thai L'Elephant.
Here is what my husband is bringing me home
FUJI DUMPLING
steamed green apples, leeks, mushroom dumplings; served with soy vinaigrette
VEGGIE ROLL
fried crispy roll filled with mixed vegetables and glass noodle; served with sweet and sour sauce
GOLDEN TRIANGLE
fried crispy light battered bean curd; served with sweet and sour peanut sauce0 -
We have hoagie joint out here called Primos Hoagies, if you have one near you they have quite a few options.
EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA
Eggplant with Homestyle Marinara and Melted Provolone Cheese
HEALTHY CHEESE
Choice of Light Swiss Cheese or Slender American Cheese
NONNA'S VEGGIES
Eggplant, Sharp Provolone & Broccoli Rabe Topped with Roasted Red Peppers
KNUCKLE SANDWICH
Sharp Provolone Cheese Topped with Roasted Red Peppers
MILANO
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese Topped with Roasted Red Peppers
CHEESE DELUXE
Swiss, Provolone & Cooper Sharp American
SANDWICH TOPPINGS
STUFFED PEPPER SHOOTERS, ITALIAN LONG HOT PEPPERS, BRUSCHETTA, ROASTED RED PEPPERS, BROCCOLI RABE, SCHWARTZIE DRESSING
SIDES
Rice Pudding, Pepper Shooters, Sharp Provolone Bites, Cole Slaw, Potato salad, Tortellini Parmesan, Roasted Red Pepper Salad ,Green Olive Salad, Pasta salad, Macaroni Salad, Olive Shooters, Marinated Mozzarella
Small, Primo, Whole or Hoagie in a Bowl
All Primo® Size Hoagies Are Available in a Low Carb or Whole Wheat Wrap or o Hoagie In A Bowl (No Bread). All Small Size Hoagies Are Available On Our Signature Wheat Roll0 -
Red Robin is my favorite chain restaurant. They're very accommodating to different diets, despite being a burger joint. I'm always getting a burger (veggie patty) in a lettuce wrap instead of a bun. All you really have to watch is the toppings, a lot of them have bacon so just be vigilant. Last time, I tried their southwest salad and just asked them to take the chicken off, it was still delicious and super filling! Oh and their mac and cheese is to die for (but do that on a heavy cardio day, lol)
EDIT: I should say, it's also my carnivore boyfriend's favorite. We never fight about where we're going because we generally agree to go there.
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Red Robin is my favorite chain restaurant. They're very accommodating to different diets, despite being a burger joint. I'm always getting a burger (veggie patty) in a lettuce wrap instead of a bun. All you really have to watch is the toppings, a lot of them have bacon so just be vigilant. Last time, I tried their southwest salad and just asked them to take the chicken off, it was still delicious and super filling! Oh and their mac and cheese is to die for (but do that on a heavy cardio day, lol)
EDIT: I should say, it's also my carnivore boyfriend's favorite. We never fight about where we're going because we generally agree to go there.
Great to hear about Red Robin. There is one near my house but I never thought it was veggie friendly. Sounds like it will make me and my carnivorous husband and sons very happy! The Cheesecake Factory always has yummy salads and vegetarian options. My other favorites are Indian and Mexican food. And our local sushi place always comes up with interesting vegetarian rolls.1 -
I went to a Mexican place on the River Thames and had refried bean quesadillas -- not the best because of the oil but it had a bit of spice and avocados. I'm trying to eat more avocados for good fats but it's hard going because the texture is so weird, especially when cold.1
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Red Robin is my favorite chain restaurant. They're very accommodating to different diets, despite being a burger joint. I'm always getting a burger (veggie patty) in a lettuce wrap instead of a bun. All you really have to watch is the toppings, a lot of them have bacon so just be vigilant. Last time, I tried their southwest salad and just asked them to take the chicken off, it was still delicious and super filling! Oh and their mac and cheese is to die for (but do that on a heavy cardio day, lol)
EDIT: I should say, it's also my carnivore boyfriend's favorite. We never fight about where we're going because we generally agree to go there.
Great to hear about Red Robin. There is one near my house but I never thought it was veggie friendly. Sounds like it will make me and my carnivorous husband and sons very happy! The Cheesecake Factory always has yummy salads and vegetarian options. My other favorites are Indian and Mexican food. And our local sushi place always comes up with interesting vegetarian rolls.
They're the best! They have a regular veggie patty and a vegan patty. I think they even have turkey burgers for those cutting down on red meat. Different bun options, including whole wheat, lettuce, and no bun lol. Love that place.
I'll feel comfortable going to most "ethnic" restaurants without even checking the menu first. Indian and middle eastern make me the most comfortable because the dominant religions in those regions have some meat restrictions. Southeast Asian cuisine too, more because they just have a lower meat diet. Mexican restaurants will always have a quesadilla or veggie fajitas. Really I've noticed the hardest restaurants to eat at are almost always American fare. "Uh yes hi could I get a baked potato, please no bacon, steamed veggies, and a side salad?" Smh.0 -
I'll feel comfortable going to most "ethnic" restaurants without even checking the menu first. Indian and middle eastern make me the most comfortable because the dominant religions in those regions have some meat restrictions.
There is a fantastic Indian restaurant near me which is entirely vegetarian and vegan. It's so nice to be able to order ANYTHING on the menu. Saying that though, I always get the butter "chicken" 1 -
MsChucktowski wrote: »I'll feel comfortable going to most "ethnic" restaurants without even checking the menu first. Indian and middle eastern make me the most comfortable because the dominant religions in those regions have some meat restrictions.
There is a fantastic Indian restaurant near me which is entirely vegetarian and vegan. It's so nice to be able to order ANYTHING on the menu. Saying that though, I always get the butter "chicken"
I'd love to live closer to a city or something, they're much more likely to have completely vegan/vegetarian restaurants. My dad goes up to NYC for check-ups (prostate cancer), and with his heart condition recently started an extremely restricted diet, and had zero problems finding somewhere to eat. In fact, there were mounds of restaurants that were suitable to his needs. Which is awesome. But also makes me jealous 0 -
The Happy Cow website or app is useful for finding vegetarian friendly restaurants. You can search by zip code. I use it a lot when traveling.2
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Come to Chicago - we've got tons of vegan and vegetarian restaurants. Ethiopian restaurants have a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan options too.1
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I live a few miles from the Chicago Diner. Yes, great food. There's also a place in Evanston (just north of the city) called Blind Faith Cafe - their lentil loaf is soo good. But not vegan - just vegetarian. We also have a some Indian restaurants that are all vegetarian as well.0
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If you are ever out my way, this place is AMAZING! HAN DYNASTY. On the list of CNN's Top 100 Chinese restaurants in the US.
http://www.handynasty.net
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purebredpolly wrote: »If you are ever out my way, this place is AMAZING! HAN DYNASTY. On the list of CNN's Top 100 Chinese restaurants in the US.
http://www.handynasty.net
Thanks for sharing that! I'm in the city all the time and never heard about it. Added to my list of places to try1 -
purebredpolly wrote: »If you are ever out my way, this place is AMAZING! HAN DYNASTY. On the list of CNN's Top 100 Chinese restaurants in the US.
http://www.handynasty.net
Thanks for sharing that! I'm in the city all the time and never heard about it. Added to my list of places to try
You won't be sorry, AMAZING! We are going to eat there for my husband's birthday. I can't wait!
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Honestly, my go-to is Subway. I love eating a sandwich with just raw veggies but husband gets the veggie patty! I didn't even know they had a veggie patty until a couple of weeks ago, but it's really good. We also eat a lot of Mediterranean food (falafel and tahini salads are bae).1
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shelbypx92 wrote: »Honestly, my go-to is Subway. I love eating a sandwich with just raw veggies but husband gets the veggie patty! I didn't even know they had a veggie patty until a couple of weeks ago, but it's really good. We also eat a lot of Mediterranean food (falafel and tahini salads are bae).
WOW! Subway has a veggie patty? I need to check that out!!! Thanks!
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purebredpolly wrote: »shelbypx92 wrote: »Honestly, my go-to is Subway. I love eating a sandwich with just raw veggies but husband gets the veggie patty! I didn't even know they had a veggie patty until a couple of weeks ago, but it's really good. We also eat a lot of Mediterranean food (falafel and tahini salads are bae).
WOW! Subway has a veggie patty? I need to check that out!!! Thanks!
Just make sure you get it toasted, I think the patty would be a little funky at room temp. But it's good with the honey mustard dressing and some provolone cheese!0 -
shelbypx92 wrote: »purebredpolly wrote: »shelbypx92 wrote: »Honestly, my go-to is Subway. I love eating a sandwich with just raw veggies but husband gets the veggie patty! I didn't even know they had a veggie patty until a couple of weeks ago, but it's really good. We also eat a lot of Mediterranean food (falafel and tahini salads are bae).
WOW! Subway has a veggie patty? I need to check that out!!! Thanks!
Just make sure you get it toasted, I think the patty would be a little funky at room temp. But it's good with the honey mustard dressing and some provolone cheese!
Thanks for the heads up!
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had to share my lasted adventure eating out. Went to a "authentic" Mexican restaurant, looked like a small "mom and pop" place. Asked for the Fajitas, veggies only please! I received a hot skillet plate of mixed frozen veggie packet (yes that would include the carrots, Lima bean, string bean and corn, you know the one you use to make soup!) along with fresh green peppers mixed in. It was the most interesting Veggie Fajitas I have ever had. So lesson learned, I will ask what veggies are used before I place my order.
How hard is it to cut up fresh onion, peppers and mushrooms and serve with tortillas. Well I guess it was easier to open a frozen bag of mixed veggies and put them on a hot plate and serve. Never eating there again!0 -
had to share my lasted adventure eating out. Went to a "authentic" Mexican restaurant, looked like a small "mom and pop" place. Asked for the Fajitas, veggies only please! I received a hot skillet plate of mixed frozen veggie packet (yes that would include the carrots, Lima bean, string bean and corn, you know the one you use to make soup!) along with fresh green peppers mixed in. It was the most interesting Veggie Fajitas I have ever had. So lesson learned, I will ask what veggies are used before I place my order.
How hard is it to cut up fresh onion, peppers and mushrooms and serve with tortillas. Well I guess it was easier to open a frozen bag of mixed veggies and put them on a hot plate and serve. Never eating there again!
That sounds awful! Did it at least taste okay?
I'm going out for brunch tomorrow at a new place near me that does healthy foods like smoothies and such so we'll see what I can find! I know for a fact if they offer pancakes for lunch my bestie is sorted.
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Results are in and I'd definitely go back to Lockie's Kitchen. It's a local place so it's a shame that none of you can try it.
But basically we got there too late for breakfast as most of it had sold out but they did a healthy vegetarian fry up (with veggie sausages and alike) which I'd love to try when they have the stuff. I ended up with traditional pancakes with blueberries and honey (only complaint was there was way too much honey) and when I asked they made me an almond milk latte. You can even add protein powder to your pancakes if you're training which I thought was brilliant. The sides for the mains were great, lots of sweet potato options as well as white potato, you could have white, wholemeal or protein bread for your sandwich/burger bun. It was just so nice to go to a place and be able to order something that wasn't cooked in grease and will make me feel sick later on. 
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Anyone else live near White Castle? They are now offering a vegan Black Bean slider in addition to the veggie slider. I hope to get there soon and check it put.0
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Ugh, finding it a pain in the behind to find some good options in Downtown Indianapolis! My ex is coming up for Gen Con in August and he can not eat meat any more (well, he can have very lean chicken/turkey like once a week) so he eats mostly vegetarian/vegan. I did find some Indian, Thai, and Pizza/Pasta places but so many restaurants have so few choices besides salads (and many of those would have to be altered). This really stinks!0
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Ugh, finding it a pain in the behind to find some good options in Downtown Indianapolis! My ex is coming up for Gen Con in August and he can not eat meat any more (well, he can have very lean chicken/turkey like once a week) so he eats mostly vegetarian/vegan. I did find some Indian, Thai, and Pizza/Pasta places but so many restaurants have so few choices besides salads (and many of those would have to be altered). This really stinks!
Try the Happy Cow website. It always helps me find veggie friendly restaurants.0 -
Anyone looking for a yummy option at Starbucks? The Hearty Veggie and Brown Rice Bowl is really good.1
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Ugh, finding it a pain in the behind to find some good options in Downtown Indianapolis! My ex is coming up for Gen Con in August and he can not eat meat any more (well, he can have very lean chicken/turkey like once a week) so he eats mostly vegetarian/vegan. I did find some Indian, Thai, and Pizza/Pasta places but so many restaurants have so few choices besides salads (and many of those would have to be altered). This really stinks!
Hi! I live in Indiana, and I'm vegetarian. I can tell you of a few places I've like:
The Tamale Place has good vegetarian tamales - http://thetamaleplace.com/
Rock Bottom has a homemade veggie burger - https://rockbottom.com/locations/indianapolis/menu/
I get a veggie sandwich at Nine Irish often, and sometimes they have an additional vegetarian option for a special - http://www.nineirishbrothers.com/menu-items
And, I haven't tried the Rook but it's on my short list - http://www.rookindy.com/
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