Red Robin has long been a destination for gourmet burgers and bottomless sides, but for those following a plant-based diet, navigating the menu requires careful attention. While their famous fries are not guaranteed vegan-safe due to shared fryers and ingredients, a satisfying vegan meal is certainly possible. With customizable burgers featuring both a house-made ancient-grain patty and the popular Impossible Burger, along with fresh sides, vegans have several appealing choices when dining out. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of all the vegan-friendly options and modifications to help you place your order with confidence.
Vegan Burger Options at Red Robin
When building a vegan burger, the patty is the most important element, and Red Robin offers two fantastic plant-based choices:
- Ancient Grain Patty: A house-made, custom-blended patty of quinoa and ancient grains. The official website considers this patty vegan and gluten-free. It's a hearty, flavorful option for a classic veggie burger experience.
- Impossible Burger Patty: The brand-name, meat-like patty made from plants. This is a great choice for those who prefer a patty with a more traditional "meaty" texture and taste.
To make your burger fully vegan, you must also select the correct bun and toppings. The Tavern Bun is a confirmed vegan bun option, and you can also opt for a "Wedgie Style" lettuce wrap to hold your ingredients. Remember to explicitly request no dairy-based cheese and no mayonnaise or other non-vegan sauces.
Vegan and Non-Vegan Burger Elements at Red Robin
| Element | Vegan Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Grain Patty | Vegan | Custom blended quinoa and ancient grain patty. |
| Impossible Burger Patty | Vegan | Fire-grilled patty made from plants. |
| Tavern Bun | Vegan | A classic bun option for burgers. |
| Brioche Bun | Not Vegan | Contains eggs and butter. |
| Lettuce Wrap (Wedgie Style) | Vegan | A gluten-free and bun-free alternative. |
| Classic Sesame Bun | Vegan | PETA and Treehugger guides mention this as a vegan option. |
| Swiss Cheese | Not Vegan | Standard dairy cheese. |
| Roasted Garlic Aioli | Not Vegan | Contains dairy. |
Vegan Side Dishes and Appetizers
Red Robin's menu features several side options that can complete a plant-based meal. Some are explicitly vegan, while others require caution.
Explicitly Vegan Sides:
- Bottomless Steamed Broccoli: A healthy and simple side dish that is a safe vegan bet.
- House Salad (Modified): The bottomless house salad can be made vegan by ordering it without cheese and croutons. Choose the Oil & Vinegar dressing, which is vegan.
- Black Beans: A simple, protein-rich, and flavorful side option.
- Corn: A sweet and simple side dish.
- Chips and Salsa: The tortilla chips, salsa, and guacamole are all vegan-friendly.
Sides Requiring Caution:
- Fries: This is the most controversial menu item. Most articles and nutrition guides from sources like Treehugger report that Red Robin's fried items, including the famous bottomless steak fries, sweet potato fries, and onion rings, are not vegan because they contain milk and egg products. Additionally, cross-contamination is a risk as they are cooked in shared fryers. Some older sources contradict this, so it is best to assume they are not vegan and order a different side.
Vegan Sauces and Toppings
When customizing your burger or salad, several vegan-friendly toppings and sauces are available:
- Condiments: Ketchup, mustard, and house-made salsa are safe options.
- Sauces: Other vegan sauces include guacamole, Island Heat sauce, and Scorpion sauce. Always verify with staff, especially for sauces not listed here.
- Toppings: Fresh lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, pickles, avocado, and pickled jalapeños are all great vegan topping choices.
What to Avoid: No Vegan Desserts or Shakes
Red Robin does not currently offer any vegan desserts or milkshakes. All of their dessert options contain milk, eggs, or both. For a sweet treat, it is recommended to pass on dessert and consider visiting a different restaurant afterwards.
How to Order a Vegan Meal at Red Robin
- Choose a Patty: Select either the Ancient Grain or Impossible Burger patty as your base.
- Select a Vegan Bun: Go for the Tavern Bun or a "Wedgie Style" lettuce wrap.
- Specify Toppings: Request to remove cheese, aioli, and any other non-vegan sauces. Add vegan-friendly options like avocado, salsa, or pickled jalapeños.
- Order Sides Carefully: Choose a side from the explicitly vegan list, such as steamed broccoli, a modified house salad, or black beans. Avoid all fried items due to the risk of cross-contamination and ingredients.
- Review with Staff: Always communicate your dietary needs clearly with your server to ensure your meal is prepared without animal products. Check with your local Red Robin, as specific ingredients and preparation methods can sometimes vary. For more detailed information on options, you can check out PETA's guide: How to Order Red Robin Vegan Options.
Conclusion: Navigating the Vegan Path at Red Robin
While Red Robin is not an exclusively vegan-friendly restaurant, it has made commendable efforts to accommodate plant-based diners. By offering both a house-made veggie patty and the popular Impossible Burger, they provide excellent foundational options for a solid meal. The key to a successful vegan experience lies in careful customization—selecting the correct bun, opting for dairy-free toppings, and avoiding the famously non-vegan fries and desserts. By following this guide, you can enjoy a flavorful and satisfying vegan meal at Red Robin, proving that their menu has a place for everyone.
