Navigating the Applebee's Menu for Vegan Options
For those following a plant-based diet, dining at a non-vegan chain restaurant like Applebee's can seem challenging. However, with the right knowledge and some simple modifications, you can assemble a satisfying meal. While Applebee's does not offer many pre-packaged vegan entrées, their menu flexibility and the addition of plant-based products like the Impossible Burger make it a viable, albeit limited, option for vegans. This guide provides a detailed look at all the current vegan possibilities available at Applebee's.
Vegan-Friendly Appetizers and Sides
Kickstarting your meal with a vegan appetizer or side is easy with a few simple requests. Be sure to specify that you are ordering a vegan meal to avoid any animal-based ingredients like butter or cheese. Remember that the restaurant explicitly states that cross-contamination is possible due to shared cooking and prep areas.
- Brew Pub Pretzels: Order without the beer cheese dip and honey mustard, and ask for a side of marinara sauce instead.
- Chips and Guacamole or Salsa: Instead of the standard queso, request guacamole or the chipotle lime salsa with your tortilla chips.
- Basket of Fries: Both regular and waffle fries are vegan. However, be aware they are cooked in a shared fryer, which may be a concern for strict vegans.
- Breadsticks and Marinara: Ask for the breadsticks without garlic butter and order with the vegan marinara sauce.
- Baked Potato: Order without butter and sour cream. You can top it with sides like guacamole, black bean corn salsa, or steamed broccoli instead.
- Steamed Broccoli: Request without butter.
Hearty Entrées: Customizing Main Courses
While no main courses are explicitly vegan by default, several can be easily modified to create a complete and filling meal. The inclusion of the Impossible Burger is a game-changer, providing a solid protein option for bowls and burgers.
Creating a Vegan Bowl or Pasta
Applebee's offers several "Irresist-A-Bowls" that can be adapted. For example, the Southwest Chicken Bowl or Tex-Mex Lime Shrimp Bowl can be made vegan by omitting the meat or seafood. A better strategy is to build a pasta dish from scratch.
- Build Your Own Pasta: The pasta noodles and marinara sauce are vegan. Combine them for a simple dish, or add a crumbled Impossible Burger patty for extra protein.
- Custom Bowls: Order a bowl foundation (e.g., cilantro rice, black bean corn salsa) and add an Impossible Burger patty for a filling and flavorful meal.
The Vegan Burger Option
The most straightforward main course is the Impossible Cheeseburger. To make it vegan, you must specify "no cheese." The brioche bun is confirmed to be vegan. Load up on standard toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onion.
The Importance of Communication and Verification
Because most options require modifications, communicating clearly with your server is crucial. State your dietary needs upfront and specifically request substitutions or omissions. Ingredients and preparation methods can vary by location and change over time. When in doubt, always ask.
Comparison Table: Modified Vegan Items vs. Standard Dishes
| Menu Item | Standard Preparation | Vegan Modification | Key Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impossible Burger | Comes with cheese | Request "no cheese" | Removes dairy |
| Brew Pub Pretzels | Served with beer cheese and honey mustard | Hold cheese/mustard, add marinara | Removes dairy and honey |
| Chips & Queso | Served with white queso dip | Sub guacamole or salsa | Replaces dairy dip |
| Southwest Chicken Bowl | Includes chicken | Hold the chicken, add Impossible patty | Replaces meat |
| Baked Potato | Topped with butter and sour cream | Hold butter/sour cream | Removes dairy |
| House Salad | Includes cheese | Hold the cheese | Removes dairy |
| Any Pasta Dish | Includes meat and/or dairy | Ask for noodles and marinara only | Replaces animal products |
Conclusion: A Feasible, but Inconsistent, Vegan Experience
Is Applebee's vegan friendly? The answer is yes, but with asterisks. While the restaurant has added options like the Impossible Burger and offers a list of customizable items, a dedicated vegan menu is non-existent. Success hinges on clear communication with your server and being comfortable with the possibility of cross-contamination. For those with strict vegan standards, the shared fryer oil and prep areas present a legitimate concern. For others, Applebee's provides a decent range of flexible choices that can be enjoyed alongside non-vegan friends and family, making it a workable option for a casual meal out. For the most up-to-date information, consulting the Applebee's official nutrition and allergen guide on their website is the most reliable method.
