Are Fajita Pete's Beans Vegetarian? Decoding the Menu for Plant-Based Eaters

January 12, 2026 •

3 min read

According to official Fajita Pete's nutritional information, the refried beans and the cilantro-lime white rice are fully vegan. This means that, unlike at many other Mexican restaurants, Fajita Pete's beans are vegetarian and safe for plant-based diets.

Quick Summary

This article clarifies which bean options at Fajita Pete's are vegetarian and vegan, based on official menu information. It compares the vegetarian refried beans and non-vegetarian charro beans, highlighting key differences for plant-based diners.

Key Points

Refried Beans are Vegetarian: Fajita Pete's refried beans are vegetarian and vegan-friendly, made without any animal products.
Charro Beans are Not Vegetarian: The restaurant's charro beans are not suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets, as they are traditionally made with pork products.
Black Beans are Vegan: The slow-cooked black beans are a great vegan-friendly option, seasoned with plant-based ingredients.
Lard-Free Cooking: Fajita Pete's confirms they use vegetable shortening, not lard, in their cooking, which makes their beans and other items vegetarian-friendly.
Other Vegan Options Available: Beyond the refried beans, many other menu items like veggie fajitas, cilantro-lime rice, and guacamole are vegan.
Check Official Resources: Always refer to the official Fajita Pete's dietary information for the most current details on ingredients and preparation.

Which Beans are Vegetarian at Fajita Pete's?

Fajita Pete's offers clarity for vegetarian and vegan customers through its official menu information. The restaurant provides two main types of beans, and it's essential to understand the distinction between them for a plant-based diet. A crucial piece of information for any customer with dietary restrictions is that Fajita Pete's uses vegetable shortening instead of lard in all of their cooking. This practice is a major factor in making many of their offerings vegetarian and vegan-friendly.

The Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly Beans

Fajita Pete's refried beans are vegetarian and also suitable for vegans. They are prepared without any animal products, making them a safe and satisfying side dish for those following a plant-based diet. Their black beans are also slow-cooked and vegan-friendly, featuring ingredients like yellow onions, jalapenos, cumin, and salt. The pinto beans are similarly made with yellow onions, jalapenos, garlic, salt, and onion salt, and are also suitable for vegans.

The Non-Vegetarian Beans

Conversely, Fajita Pete's charro beans are not vegetarian. While the exact recipe may vary, charro beans traditionally include bacon or other pork products for flavor. According to the official dietary information sheet from Fajita Pete's, charro beans are explicitly listed as 'NO' under the 'Vegetarian' column. This means vegetarian diners must make sure to specify which type of beans they want or explicitly avoid the charro beans when ordering.

Understanding the Menu Choices

Choosing the right meal at Fajita Pete's depends heavily on knowing which ingredients are in which dish. Here is a breakdown of the key vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available:

Refried Beans: The most common bean option, these are vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
Charro Beans: Seasoned with animal products, making them unsuitable for vegetarians.
Black Beans: A vegan-friendly option, cooked with plant-based ingredients.
Pinto Beans: Another vegan option, made with a blend of seasonings and vegetables.
Rice: The cilantro-lime rice is confirmed vegan.
Tortillas: Both the flour and corn tortillas are listed as vegan.
Veggie Fajitas: A great vegetarian entree option featuring onions, peppers, and portobello mushrooms.

It's always recommended to double-check with restaurant staff, especially concerning potential cross-contamination for severe allergies. However, the official documentation provides a reliable guide for making informed choices.

A Comparison of Bean Options at Fajita Pete's


Feature	Fajita Pete's Refried Beans	Fajita Pete's Charro Beans
Vegetarian?	Yes	No
Vegan?	Yes	No
Lard-Free?	Yes	Yes (Restaurant states no lard in cooking, but still not vegetarian)
Pork Products?	No	Yes (Traditional charro beans contain pork)
Ingredients	Cooked beans, vegetable shortening, seasonings	Cooked beans, seasonings, and pork products like bacon

Other Vegetarian Options at Fajita Pete's

Beyond the beans, Fajita Pete's has several other vegetarian and vegan menu items that expand the options for plant-based diners. The veggie fajitas are a standout choice, loaded with sauteed onions, peppers, and portobello mushrooms. The cilantro-lime rice, guacamole, pico de gallo, and several salsas are also vegan-friendly. Knowing these choices allows vegetarians to build a complete and satisfying meal without guesswork. This comprehensive menu accessibility makes Fajita Pete's a strong option for mixed groups of eaters, accommodating various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. For those curious about the cooking process, the restaurant owner confirms no lard is used in any cooking, which is a positive indicator for vegetarian food preparation in general.

For more detailed information on specific ingredients and nutritional content, guests can consult the dietary information sheet on the Fajita Pete's website, accessible via a PDF.

Conclusion

For vegetarians and vegans dining at Fajita Pete's, the answer is a clear yes for their refried beans, black beans, and pinto beans, all of which are free of animal products. However, it is crucial to avoid the charro beans, which contain pork ingredients. With a range of other plant-based sides and the popular veggie fajitas, Fajita Pete's offers transparent and accommodating options for those with vegetarian diets. By understanding the key differences between the bean types, diners can enjoy a delicious meal that aligns with their dietary preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Fajita Pete's does not use lard in any of its cooking, including its refried beans. A company representative confirmed that they use vegetable shortening instead.

No, the charro beans at Fajita Pete's are not vegetarian. Their official dietary information explicitly states that charro beans are not suitable for vegetarian consumption, indicating the use of animal products.

Yes, vegans can eat the refried beans at Fajita Pete's. The restaurant confirms that its refried beans are vegan, as they are prepared without any animal-derived ingredients.

Yes, Fajita Pete's has multiple vegan bean options. Their refried beans, black beans, and pinto beans are all explicitly listed as vegan-friendly in the company's dietary information.

According to the ingredient list, Fajita Pete's black beans are cooked with yellow onion, jalapenos, cumin, salt, and onion salt, making them a vegan and flavorful side dish.

In addition to their beans, Fajita Pete's offers several other vegetarian options. These include veggie fajitas, cilantro-lime rice, guacamole, pico de gallo, and various salsas.

Fajita Pete's does note potential cross-contamination, especially regarding corn tortillas and items like sopapillas fried in the same oil. For severe allergies or strict dietary needs, it is always best to speak with the staff directly.

Yes, Fajita Pete's refried beans and cilantro-lime white rice are both vegetarian and vegan-friendly. The charro beans, however, are not vegetarian.

Official dietary information for Fajita Pete's is often available as a PDF on their website. This document provides detailed lists of ingredients for various menu items, indicating which are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free.