Navigating the Famous Dave's Menu as a Vegan
While a barbecue joint might seem like the last place for a vegan to find a meal, many chain restaurants are now adapting to include more plant-based and customizable options. The key is to approach the menu strategically and be proactive in your ordering. At Famous Dave's, this means focusing on the side dishes and any special plant-based entrees that may be available in your area.
The All-Important Sides and Accompaniments
For many vegans, the side dish menu is the safest and most reliable part of a meal at a non-vegan restaurant. However, even seemingly simple sides can hide non-vegan ingredients like butter or cheese. Here's a breakdown of some common Famous Dave's side dishes and their vegan status:
- Sweet Corn: Often a safe bet, as long as it's not slathered in butter. It's crucial to confirm preparation methods with your server. Ask for it without butter.
- Famous Fries: Typically, french fries are fried in vegetable oil and are vegan. However, Famous Dave's allergen menu explicitly states that they use shared fryers, meaning there is a risk of cross-contact with animal products. If you are strict about this, it's best to avoid all fried items.
- Steamed Broccoli: This is another potentially safe option, but you must confirm that it's prepared without butter or any other animal products.
- Coleslaw: Famous Dave's creamy coleslaw is not vegan, as it contains dairy.
- Beans: The 'Wilbur Beans' contain bacon and are not vegan.
Plant-Based Entrees: A Regional Reality
Since 2019, when Famous Dave's partnered with Beyond Meat to test vegan BBQ options, the availability of these items has varied by location. While some reviews mention Beyond Meat burgers or bowls, these are not universally available across all franchises. Before heading to the restaurant, it is highly recommended to check with your specific local establishment to see if they offer any of the following:
- Beyond Meat Burger: Some locations may carry a Beyond Burger, but you will need to specify no cheese, no butter on the bun, and no non-vegan toppings. Always double-check the bun's ingredients, as they can sometimes contain dairy or eggs.
- Plant-Based BBQ Bowl: Certain test markets have featured a BBQ bowl with cilantro lime rice and a plant-based protein. Again, confirm with your server about the sauce and preparation to ensure it's fully vegan.
Crafting a Meal with Vegan Modifications
Even without a dedicated vegan entree, it's often possible to build a satisfying meal from the available options. The key is communication and flexibility. A basic approach might involve combining a few modified sides to create a filling plate. For example, a meal could consist of a double order of plain sweet corn and steamed broccoli, and a side salad with a vinaigrette-based dressing (after confirming its ingredients). Always be explicit about avoiding butter and cheese when ordering.
Famous Dave's Sauces and Vegan Status
Barbecue sauce is often a gray area for vegans. While many are tomato-based, ingredients like honey or Worcestershire sauce (which contains anchovies) are common. The Famous Dave's Rich & Sassy BBQ sauce, for example, contains honey, making it non-vegan. Always ask to see the ingredient list for any sauces you plan to use or stick to simple, plain seasonings. It is better to bring your own vegan-friendly BBQ sauce if you want to ensure the flavor is up to your standards.
Vegan Options at Famous Dave's: Table Comparison
| Item | Vegan Status | Notes/Customization |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet Corn | Potentially Vegan | Must order without butter. Confirm preparation. |
| Famous Fries | Not Vegan (Cross-Contact) | Fried in shared oil with animal products. |
| Steamed Broccoli | Potentially Vegan | Must order without butter. Confirm preparation. |
| Creamy Coleslaw | Not Vegan | Contains dairy. |
| Wilbur Beans | Not Vegan | Contains bacon. |
| Garden Salad | Potentially Vegan | Must order without cheese, croutons, eggs, and bacon. Choose a vegan dressing. |
| Beyond Burger | Potentially Vegan | Not available at all locations. Must order without cheese and on a vegan bun. |
| Beyond BBQ Bowl | Potentially Vegan | Test item, not universally available. Confirm sauce is vegan. |
| Rich & Sassy BBQ Sauce | Not Vegan | Contains honey. |
Conclusion
While Famous Dave's has made some strides by introducing plant-based options in select markets, it remains a challenging restaurant for strict vegans. The potential for cross-contact in shared fryers, non-vegan ingredients in sauces and sides, and limited entree availability require diners to be cautious and proactive. For the best experience, call ahead to your local restaurant to confirm availability of plant-based entrees. Your safest bet will likely be a combination of modified side dishes, like plain sweet corn and steamed broccoli, and a custom salad. With careful ordering, a satisfying, albeit limited, vegan meal is achievable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Famous Dave's Rich & Sassy BBQ sauce vegan?
No, the Rich & Sassy BBQ sauce is not vegan as it contains honey.
Can I eat the Famous Fries if I am a vegan?
It is not recommended for strict vegans. The fries are cooked in a shared fryer, meaning there is a high risk of cross-contact with meat products.
Does Famous Dave's offer a Beyond Burger at every location?
No, the Beyond Meat options were tested in specific markets and are not guaranteed to be available at every Famous Dave's location. It is best to call your local restaurant to confirm.
Are the Wilbur Beans at Famous Dave's vegan?
No, the Wilbur Beans contain bacon and are not suitable for a vegan diet.
What can I eat at Famous Dave's if I am vegan and avoiding cross-contact?
Your best options are likely plain, unbuttered steamed vegetables, or a plain garden salad with a confirmed vegan dressing. Always communicate your needs clearly to your server.
Is the corn on the cob vegan at Famous Dave's?
Potentially, but you must specifically request it without butter. Confirm its preparation to ensure no butter or other animal products are used.
Does Famous Dave's have a dedicated vegan menu?
No, Famous Dave's does not have a formal, certified vegan menu, and their website indicates a lack of certified vegan items. Accommodations must be made via modifications to standard menu items.
What about the cornbread? Is it vegan?
No, Famous Dave's cornbread contains dairy and is not vegan.
Citations
["Famous Dave's "vegetarian" menu. "You guys can eat fish ...", https://www.reddit.com/r/vegan/comments/9gq9cm/famous_daves_vegetarian_menu_you_guys_can_eat/, 1.7.3] ["Meat-Heavy Barbecue Chain Famous Dave's to Launch Its ...", https://vegnews.com/meat-heavy-barbecue-chain-famous-daves-to-launch-its-first-vegan-meat-option, 1.9.2] ["Business Matters: Famous Dave's Offers Vegan BBQ", https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u08LJa-YTs, 1.7.1] ["FAMOUS DAVE'S - Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian ... - Picknic", https://search.picknic.app/biz/famous-daves-gilroy, 1.2.1] ["Allergen Guide_Summer and Farmouse Menu - Famous Dave's", https://www.famousdaves.com/FamousDaves/media/File-Attachments/Nutrition%20and%20Allergen%20Guide/Allergen-Guide_Summer-and-Farmouse-Menu-040622.pdf, 1.5.1]
