Eating out as a vegan or vegetarian can feel tricky, especially at a steakhouse. But don’t worry—Longhorn Steakhouse has options for you! This guide breaks down everything you need to know about vegan and vegetarian choices at Longhorn. We’ll cover what’s on the menu, how to customize your meal, and tips to make dining easy and tasty. Whether you’re tagging along with meat-loving friends or just curious, you’ll find something to enjoy. Let’s get started!
Longhorn Vegan Options: What Can You Eat?
Longhorn Steakhouse isn’t known for vegan mains, but you can still piece together a meal. The key? Stick to sides and salads, and ask for tweaks. Here’s what works as of April 3, 2025:
Safe Vegan Picks
- French Fries: Cooked in soybean oil, not animal fat. A crispy, reliable choice.
- Seasoned Rice Pilaf: No dairy or meat here—just flavorful rice.
- Plain Baked Potato: Order it without butter, sour cream, or cheese. Double-check it’s not brushed with bacon grease (some locations might do this).
- Plain Sweet Potato: Skip the butter and cinnamon sugar topping for a simple, vegan-friendly option.
- Mixed Greens Side Salad: Ask for no cheese or croutons. Pair it with oil and vinegar since most dressings have dairy.
Customization Is Key
Longhorn doesn’t have a vegan menu, but staff can often adjust dishes. For example:
- Steamed Broccoli or Asparagus: These usually come with butter. Request them plain—most locations can do this.
- Bread: The freshly baked bread is vegan if you skip the butter. Confirm with your server, as some say it might have honey.
Vegan Options at Longhorn: Tips for Ordering
Dining vegan at Longhorn takes a little planning. Here’s how to make it work:
How to Order Vegan
- Be Clear: Tell your server you’re vegan. Say “no butter, no dairy, no animal products” to avoid mix-ups.
- Ask Questions: Some items—like baked potatoes—might be prepped with butter or bacon grease. Check first.
- Bring Your Own: Sprinkle nutritional yeast or a vegan sauce from home to boost flavor.
What to Avoid
- Salad Dressings: Most (like ranch or balsamic vinaigrette) have dairy. Stick to oil and vinegar.
- Mashed Potatoes: These contain butter and can’t be made vegan.
- Appetizers: Items like Texas Tonion or Wild West Shrimp have dairy or meat.
Longhorn Steakhouse Vegetarian Options: More Choices, More Flavor
Vegetarians have a wider range at Longhorn than vegans. You can enjoy appetizers, sides, and even desserts. Here’s what’s available:
Vegetarian Appetizers
- White Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms: Mushrooms stuffed with garlic herb cheese and topped with a Parmesan crust. Rich and cheesy!
- Texas Tonion: Fried onion petals with a zesty dip. It’s a crowd-pleaser.
Vegetarian Sides
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery—perfect for vegetarians who eat dairy.
- Sweet Potato with Cinnamon Sugar and Butter: A sweet, cozy option.
- Fire-Grilled Corn on the Cob: Has dairy, so it’s vegetarian but not vegan.
Vegetarian Salads
- Strawberry & Pecan Salad: Fresh greens with strawberries, grapes, oranges, and pecans. Skip the cheese for a lighter version.
- Farm Fresh Field Greens: Order without chicken or croutons for a simple salad.
Desserts for Vegetarians
- Chocolate Stampede: A massive chocolate cake with ice cream—great for sharing.
- Molten Lava Cake: Warm, gooey, and full of chocolatey goodness.
Longhorn Vegetarian Options: Building Your Meal
Vegetarians can mix and match to create a filling meal. Here are some ideas:
Sample Vegetarian Meal
- Starter: White Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms
- Main: Strawberry & Pecan Salad (no cheese) with a side of Mashed Potatoes
- Dessert: A slice of Chocolate Stampede
Pro Tips
- Ask for Extras: Add a side of fries or rice to bulk up your plate.
- Check the Soup: French Onion Soup has cheese but works for vegetarians. Confirm it’s meat-free broth.
People Also Ask: Your Questions Answered
Here are answers to common questions
Does Longhorn Steakhouse Have Vegan Meals?
No full vegan meals, but you can combine sides like fries, rice, and a plain potato for a plate. Customization is your friend!
Are There Vegetarian Entrees at Longhorn?
Not officially. Vegetarians can build a meal from appetizers, salads, and sides. No veggie burgers or pasta yet.
Can You Get Vegan or Vegetarian Kids’ Meals?
The kids’ menu has Kraft Mac & Cheese for vegetarians. Vegans can pick sides like fries or fruit (no dairy toppings).
Extra Options to Explore
Gluten-Free Vegan and Vegetarian Choices
- Vegan: Fries and rice are gluten-free and vegan.
- Vegetarian: White Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms are gluten-free if you skip the breadcrumbs.
Drinks for Vegans and Vegetarians
- Iced Tea, Lemonade, Soda: All vegan and vegetarian-friendly.
- Beer and Wine: Most are safe, but check with Barnivore.com for vegan status.
Why Longhorn Could Do Better
Longhorn shines for meat-eaters, but vegan and vegetarian options lag behind competitors. Outback Steakhouse, for example, offers plainer veggies and a clearer vegan salad. Longhorn could add a veggie burger or plant-based steak to step up. Until then, you’ll need to get creative.
Compared to Others
- Texas Roadhouse: Fewer vegan sides (just applesauce and peanuts).
- Outback: More veggie options without dairy by default.
Final Thoughts: Is Longhorn Worth It?
Longhorn Steakhouse isn’t a vegan or vegetarian hotspot, but it’s doable. Vegans can cobble together a small meal with fries, rice, and customized sides. Vegetarians get more variety with appetizers and desserts. The trick is knowing what to ask for. Call ahead or use the app to confirm options at your location.