Buffalo Wild Wings, often abbreviated as BWW, is synonymous with wings, sports, and a generally carnivorous atmosphere. But what if you’re a vegetarian venturing into this haven for meat-eaters? Fear not! While their menu is heavily centered on chicken, there are surprisingly several options that can be modified or enjoyed as-is for a satisfying vegetarian meal. This guide will help you navigate the BWW menu and discover the vegetarian possibilities hiding within.
Understanding the Challenges: Identifying Vegetarian Pitfalls
Before diving into the delicious options, it’s important to understand the common challenges vegetarians face at restaurants like Buffalo Wild Wings. Hidden ingredients and cross-contamination are the primary culprits.
The Hidden Dangers of Sauces and Seasonings
Many sauces and seasonings, seemingly innocent at first glance, can contain animal products like beef broth, fish sauce, or rendered animal fat. Buffalo Wild Wings is particularly notorious for using chicken broth as a base in some of their signature sauces and seasonings. It’s crucial to always ask about the ingredients of any sauce or seasoning you are considering.
Cross-Contamination: A Vegetarian’s Nemesis
Even if an item on the menu appears to be vegetarian, it may be cooked on the same grill or in the same fryer as meat products. This cross-contamination can render an otherwise vegetarian dish unsuitable for strict vegetarians or vegans. If you are concerned about cross-contamination, be sure to communicate this clearly to your server.
Vegetarian-Friendly Options at Buffalo Wild Wings: A Comprehensive Guide
Now, let’s explore the specific vegetarian options available at Buffalo Wild Wings. We’ll examine the core menu items and how they can be adapted to fit a vegetarian diet.
Starters: Setting the Stage for a Meat-Free Meal
Finding a suitable starter can be tricky. However, with a little modification and careful consideration, there are possibilities.
French Fries: A Classic Choice (With a Caveat)
Plain French fries are generally a safe bet for vegetarians at Buffalo Wild Wings. However, it is essential to confirm that they are fried in a separate fryer from any meat products. If they are fried in the same fryer, cross-contamination is a significant concern. Asking your server directly is crucial here.
Onion Rings: Another Possible Option
Similar to French fries, onion rings can be a vegetarian option if fried separately. Be sure to inquire about the batter ingredients, as some batters may contain eggs or dairy products. If the batter is vegetarian-friendly and they’re fried separately, these can be a tasty choice.
Mozzarella Sticks: Proceed with Caution
Mozzarella sticks are typically vegetarian, but the dipping sauces often served with them may not be. Marinara sauce is generally a safe bet, but always double-check the ingredients to ensure it doesn’t contain any meat products.
Roasted Garlic Mushrooms: A Flavorful Alternative
These mushrooms are often roasted with garlic and herbs and can be a good vegetarian starter. Ensure that they are not cooked with any meat-based ingredients or sauces. Double check with the server, as recipes can change.
Salads: A Customizable Canvas
Salads offer the most customization potential for vegetarians at Buffalo Wild Wings. You can create a satisfying and flavorful meal by carefully selecting your ingredients.
Garden Salad: A Simple Foundation
Start with a basic garden salad, consisting of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and other fresh vegetables. This provides a solid base for adding vegetarian-friendly toppings.
Topping It Off: Vegetarian-Friendly Additions
Add vegetarian-friendly toppings like shredded cheese (check if it’s vegetarian rennet-free if that is important to you), black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, onions, and croutons. Be mindful of the dressings you choose, as some may contain meat products. Oil and vinegar or a simple vinaigrette are often the safest choices.
The Importance of Dressing Selection
Creamy dressings, such as ranch or blue cheese, often contain animal products. Oil and vinegar, balsamic vinaigrette, or other simple vinaigrette options are usually the safest choices. Always ask your server to confirm the ingredients of any dressing before using it.
Avoiding Protein Deficiencies: Additional Ideas
If you’re looking for additional protein to supplement your salad, consider asking if they can add a side of black beans or grilled vegetables (ensuring they’re grilled separately from meat).
Sides: Complementing Your Vegetarian Meal
Buffalo Wild Wings offers a variety of sides that can be combined to create a more substantial vegetarian meal.
Cole Slaw: A Classic Side Dish
Cole slaw is generally vegetarian, but it’s always a good idea to check the ingredients. Some recipes may contain mayonnaise made with eggs, so be sure to confirm if you are avoiding eggs.
Mashed Potatoes: Double-Check the Ingredients
Mashed potatoes can be tricky, as they are often made with butter or milk. Some restaurants also add chicken broth to enhance the flavor. Be sure to ask if the mashed potatoes are made with vegetable broth or water and whether they contain any animal products.
Steamed Broccoli: A Healthy Choice
Steamed broccoli is a healthy and generally safe vegetarian option. Ensure that it is not seasoned with any meat-based ingredients or sauces.
Sauces: Navigating the Flavor Maze
As mentioned earlier, sauces can be a major source of hidden animal products. Always inquire about the ingredients before adding any sauce to your meal.
Potentially Vegetarian Sauces: Proceed with Caution
While the following sauces might be vegetarian, it is crucial to confirm with your server each time you visit as recipes can change, and regional variations exist:
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Honey BBQ: This is a possibility, but many BBQ sauces contain rendered animal fat or Worcestershire sauce (which contains anchovies).
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Spicy Garlic: Garlic sauces are often vegetarian, but some may contain butter or other dairy products.
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Desert Heat: This is a dry rub. But check if there is any meat content in the rub.
The Importance of Direct Communication
Do not rely on general assumptions. Always ask your server specifically about the ingredients of each sauce you are considering. Explain that you are vegetarian and need to avoid any sauces containing meat products.
Modifying Existing Dishes: Creating Custom Vegetarian Options
Sometimes, the best vegetarian options are created by modifying existing menu items. This requires a bit of creativity and communication with your server.
The Veggie Burger Quest: Is It Possible?
Buffalo Wild Wings does not typically offer a dedicated veggie burger. However, it might be possible to inquire if they have any patty substitutes they could use on a bun, like a black bean burger. It’s essential to verify all condiments and toppings for vegetarian compliance if available.
Customizing Wraps: A DIY Approach
If available, you could customize a wrap by filling it with vegetarian-friendly ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, and your choice of vegetarian-friendly sauce.
Communicating Clearly with Your Server
When modifying existing dishes, be sure to communicate your dietary needs clearly to your server. Explain that you are vegetarian and need to avoid any meat products, including hidden ingredients like beef broth or animal fat.
Beyond the Food: Navigating Drinks and Desserts
While your focus may be on the main meal, it’s also important to consider the vegetarian status of drinks and desserts.
Drinks: A Generally Safe Zone
Most soft drinks, juices, and non-alcoholic beverages are vegetarian-friendly. However, alcoholic beverages can sometimes contain animal products, such as gelatin or isinglass (derived from fish). If you are unsure about a particular drink, it’s best to ask the bartender.
Desserts: Watch Out for Gelatin
Gelatin is a common ingredient in many desserts, including Jell-O and some mousses. Be sure to check the ingredients of any dessert before ordering it. Options like sorbet or fruit-based desserts are generally safe bets, but always confirm the ingredients.
Tips for a Successful Vegetarian Visit to Buffalo Wild Wings
Here are some additional tips to help you have a successful and enjoyable vegetarian experience at Buffalo Wild Wings:
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Plan Ahead: Review the menu online before your visit and identify potential vegetarian options. This will give you a head start and allow you to ask informed questions.
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Be Prepared to Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask your server about the ingredients of any dish or sauce. The more information you have, the better equipped you’ll be to make informed choices.
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Emphasize Your Dietary Needs: Clearly communicate that you are vegetarian and need to avoid any meat products, including hidden ingredients.
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Be Patient and Understanding: Restaurant staff may not always be fully informed about vegetarian diets. Be patient and understanding when asking questions.
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Consider Ordering Multiple Sides: Combining several vegetarian-friendly sides can create a more substantial and satisfying meal.
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Check Online Resources: Websites and apps that provide information about restaurant menus and dietary options can be helpful in planning your visit.
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Look for Nutritional Information: See if Buffalo Wild Wings have detailed information online or in-store about all the ingredient and nutritional content of its food.
The Bottom Line: Vegetarian Options Exist, But Due Diligence Is Key
While Buffalo Wild Wings is not a vegetarian-centric restaurant, it is possible to find satisfying vegetarian options by carefully navigating the menu, asking questions, and customizing dishes. By understanding the challenges and following the tips outlined in this guide, you can enjoy a vegetarian meal at Buffalo Wild Wings without compromising your dietary choices. Remember to always verify ingredients and preparation methods with your server to ensure your meal is truly vegetarian.
What are some appetizer options at Buffalo Wild Wings that vegetarians can enjoy?
Buffalo Wild Wings doesn’t have a dedicated vegetarian appetizer section, but several items can be customized to be meat-free. Consider ordering the fried pickles, potato wedges, or onion rings. Be sure to specify that you want them prepared without any meat products or cross-contamination on the grill or fryer, if possible, to ensure they’re truly vegetarian-friendly.
Additionally, the mozzarella sticks can be a decent choice, but always double-check with your server about the ingredients and cooking process. Also, while not technically an appetizer, the side salad can be a good option, ordered without any meat toppings. Just ensure that the dressing you choose is vegetarian-friendly.
Can I order any of the Buffalo Wild Wings signature sauces as a vegetarian?
Yes, many of Buffalo Wild Wings’ sauces are vegetarian! Popular options include Sweet BBQ, Honey BBQ, Parmesan Garlic, and Desert Heat (check for honey). The flavors available can vary by location, so it’s always best to confirm with your server or check the online allergen information to ensure your chosen sauce doesn’t contain any meat-based ingredients.
However, be cautious of sauces like Asian Zing, Wild, or Buffalo Ranch, as these may contain ingredients that are not suitable for vegetarians. Always prioritize asking your server about the ingredients in any sauce before placing your order to guarantee that it aligns with your dietary restrictions.
What are my options for main courses at Buffalo Wild Wings if I’m a vegetarian?
Unfortunately, Buffalo Wild Wings doesn’t offer many dedicated vegetarian main courses. Your best bet is often to create your own meal by combining appetizers and sides. Ordering a large side salad and potato wedges with vegetarian sauces is a common strategy. Look for customization opportunities and be prepared to ask about ingredient substitutions.
Another option to explore, though limited, is asking about a plain grilled or fried veggie burger (if available) without any meat toppings or meat-based sauces. While it might not be prominently advertised on the menu, some locations may accommodate such a request. Remember to clarify the ingredients and cooking method to ensure a completely vegetarian meal.
How can I ensure my vegetarian meal is prepared without cross-contamination?
The best way to minimize the risk of cross-contamination is to clearly communicate your dietary needs to your server. Explain that you are a vegetarian and that you want your food prepared without coming into contact with any meat products. Request that your food be cooked on a separate grill or in a separate fryer, if possible.
Don’t hesitate to ask about the kitchen’s procedures for handling vegetarian orders and whether they have dedicated utensils and preparation areas for vegetarian meals. While they may not always be able to guarantee a completely meat-free environment, clearly communicating your concerns can significantly reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
Are the French fries at Buffalo Wild Wings vegetarian-friendly?
The vegetarian status of French fries at Buffalo Wild Wings can vary by location. While the fries themselves are likely made from potatoes, the cooking oil used in the fryer is a major concern. Some locations use shared fryers, meaning the fries could be cooked in the same oil as chicken wings or other meat products.
Therefore, it’s essential to inquire with your server about the fryer’s usage. If the fries are cooked in a shared fryer, they would not be considered vegetarian-friendly. If they are cooked in a dedicated fryer with only vegetable oil, then they are a safe option. It’s always best to confirm before ordering.
What side dishes can I order that are vegetarian at Buffalo Wild Wings?
Some reliably vegetarian side dish options at Buffalo Wild Wings include potato wedges and side salads (without meat). The onion rings can also be vegetarian, provided they are fried separately. However, it’s essential to always double-check ingredients and preparation methods with your server to avoid any surprises.
Other potential side dish options to inquire about are the corn on the cob (ensure it isn’t buttered with a non-vegetarian butter substitute) and the coleslaw (confirm the dressing doesn’t contain any meat-derived ingredients). As with all menu items, it’s best to exercise caution and ask for clarification to ensure your side dishes are truly vegetarian-friendly.
Does Buffalo Wild Wings offer any vegetarian desserts?
Buffalo Wild Wings primarily focuses on savory, meat-centric dishes, which means vegetarian dessert options are extremely limited, if any. The dessert menu varies by location, so there might be a small chance of finding a vegetarian option like a sundae or a milkshake that doesn’t contain gelatin or other animal-derived ingredients.
However, it’s important to thoroughly review the ingredients and preparation methods for any dessert items before ordering. Unfortunately, due to the limited selection, vegetarians might be better off satisfying their sweet tooth elsewhere after their meal.