BWW's Veggie Burger: The Southwestern Black Bean
Yes, Buffalo Wild Wings offers a veggie burger, specifically the Southwestern Black Bean Burger. This menu item is a substantial, flavorful option for anyone looking for a plant-based alternative to the restaurant's famous wings and traditional beef patties. The patty itself is made from a blend of black beans, rice, and roasted corn, seasoned with a mix of spices to give it a distinct southwestern flavor.
The standard preparation of the burger includes a black bean patty, a slice of cheddar cheese, house-made guacamole, shredded lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, and pickles, all served on a challah bun with a side of Southwestern Ranch. It is important to note that due to the inclusion of cheese and ranch, this standard build is only suitable for vegetarians. Vegans will need to customize their order carefully to ensure it meets their dietary requirements.
Ordering for Vegetarians vs. Vegans
For vegetarians, ordering the Southwestern Black Bean Burger as-is is typically safe, though you can always request extra toppings or different sauces. However, for those on a vegan diet, modifications are essential:
- Omit the cheese: The cheddar cheese is a dairy product and must be removed for a vegan order.
- Omit the sauce: The Southwestern Ranch dressing contains dairy and eggs, so it must be left off the burger.
- Request a different sauce: Buffalo Wild Wings offers several vegan-friendly sauce options, such as their BBQ, Teriyaki, or Mild sauces. Always confirm with your server.
- Check the bun: Challah bread is made with eggs and is not vegan. You must request a different bun or inquire if they have a vegan-friendly option, or consider eating it without a bun entirely. Past reports suggest a Morningstar patty which was vegan-friendly, but always confirm current ingredients.
Navigating the Menu: Sides and Cross-Contamination
While Buffalo Wild Wings has made efforts to offer more inclusive options, diners with strict dietary needs must be aware of how food is prepared in the kitchen. One of the most important considerations, especially for vegans, is the frying oil.
The Fryer Situation
As confirmed by long-standing reports and recent reviews, Buffalo Wild Wings uses beef tallow (fat) for its deep frying. This means that nearly all fried menu items, including the french fries, potato wedges, and beer-battered onion rings, are not vegetarian or vegan-friendly due to this cross-contamination. While the black bean burger patty itself is not fried, its side order of fries is, so it's critical to request a different side.
Safe Side Options
For a truly plant-based meal, you should opt for non-fried sides. Safer choices include:
- Carrots and celery (request no ranch or bleu cheese for dipping)
- Garden Side Salad (request no cheese or croutons, and specify a vegan dressing like lemon vinaigrette)
- House-made guacamole
Other Items to Consider
Beyond the black bean burger, a few other items might appear vegetarian but require a second look:
- Cauliflower Wings: The batter for these wings contains dairy and eggs, making them unsuitable for vegans, and potentially concerning for strict vegetarians due to the shared fryer.
- Pretzel Knots: Often served with a queso dipping sauce, you must order these without the queso and specify no butter to potentially make them vegan.
Comparison: BWW Veggie Burger vs. A Standard Beef Burger
| Feature | Southwestern Black Bean Burger | All-American Cheeseburger | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patty | Black bean, rice, corn | 100% Beef | Plant-based vs. Animal protein |
| Toppings (Standard) | Cheddar, guacamole, lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, pickles, Southwestern Ranch | American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayo | Cheese, ranch, and mayo are non-vegan |
| Vegan Status | Customizable: Requires omitting cheese and ranch; may need bun change | Not Vegan: Contains beef and cheese | Black bean patty is inherently plant-based |
| Cross-Contamination | Patty is not fried, but fries are cooked in beef tallow | Potential cross-contamination with other items | All fried sides use beef tallow |
| Sides | Comes with fries (not vegetarian/vegan-safe); must substitute | Standard fries, cooked in beef tallow | Request carrots, celery, or a side salad |
Conclusion: Enjoying a Meatless Meal at BWW
In conclusion, if you're asking "Does BWW have a veggie burger?", the answer is a definitive yes, in the form of the Southwestern Black Bean Burger. For vegetarians, it's a straightforward order. For vegans, it requires careful customization and awareness of the restaurant's cooking methods, particularly the use of beef tallow in the fryers. By being a diligent consumer and communicating clearly with your server, you can enjoy a satisfying, flavorful, and entirely plant-based meal at Buffalo Wild Wings. As with any restaurant with these types of dietary concerns, it's always recommended to double-check with your server regarding preparation methods and ingredients to ensure a positive dining experience. For more detailed information on navigating vegan options, resources like Casa de Sante's guide to vegan options at Buffalo Wild Wings are very helpful.
This article is intended for informational purposes and is based on publicly available menu information and reports. Specific menu items and preparation methods can vary by location and time. Always confirm dietary details with restaurant staff.
