Vegan Options at BJ’s Brewhouse: What Can You Eat?

Dining out as a vegan can sometimes feel like a scavenger hunt—searching menus for suitable options, removing non-vegan ingredients, and double-checking with staff. 

BJ’s Brewhouse, while not a vegan restaurant, does offer a handful of vegan-friendly options that can be customized to suit your diet.

With a little preparation and a few modifications, you can enjoy a satisfying meal here. Let’s break down the best vegan-friendly options available at BJ’s Brewhouse so you can order confidently and stress-free.

The Best Vegan-Friendly Dishes at BJ’s Brewhouse

While BJ’s Brewhouse doesn’t have an extensive vegan menu, there are several dishes that can be modified to suit a plant-based diet. Here’s what you can enjoy:

Appetizers

• Chips with Guacamole and Salsa: A classic and shareable option, these chips are served with housemade guacamole and salsa. However, it’s important to note that the chips are fried in a shared fryer, which may lead to cross-contamination. If this is a concern, ask your server about preparation methods.

Salads

• House Salad: A simple and reliable choice. To make it vegan, remove the cheese and select a vegan-friendly dressing (see options below).
• Enlightened Kale and Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad: This vibrant salad includes roasted Brussels sprouts, baby kale, romaine lettuce, blueberries, red grapes, cucumbers, candied pecans, dried cranberries, toasted pepitas, and red onions, all topped with a strawberry vinaigrette. Be sure to remove the goat cheese to keep it vegan.

Vegan Dressings:

• Strawberry Vinaigrette
• Balsamic Vinaigrette
• Italian Dressing
• Rice Wine Vinaigrette
• Red Wine Vinaigrette

Soups

• Vegan Lentil with Ancient Grains Soup: This is the only fully vegan dish on the menu as-is. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with protein and fiber. You can enjoy it on its own or as part of the Soup & Salad Combo with a vegan-friendly salad.

Entrees

• Cauliflower & Quinoa Power Bowl: A filling and customizable main dish. To make it vegan, remove the feta and Greek yogurt. The bowl includes Peruvian quinoa, brown rice, barbacoa cauliflower, black beans, cucumbers, pico de gallo, cilantro, pickled red onions, and guacamole.

Pasta

• Italiano Veggie Pasta: This pasta dish can be made vegan by removing the garlic knot and cheese. It’s a good option for carb lovers looking for a comforting meal.

Sides and Extras

Want to round out your meal or add some variety? BJ’s Brewhouse offers several vegan-friendly sides:

• Steamed Asparagus
• Avocado
• Steamed Broccoli
• Fries (fried in a shared fryer)
• Sweet Potato Fries (fried in a shared fryer)
• Sautéed Green Beans
• Rice Pilaf
• Quinoa and Brown Rice

What’s Not Vegan at BJ’s Brewhouse?

While BJ’s Brewhouse offers some vegan options, there are a few popular menu items that are not suitable for a vegan diet:

• Veggie Burger: Contains dairy and is not vegan-friendly.
• Pizza Crusts: All pizza crusts at BJ’s contain egg and dairy, so pizza is off the table for vegans.

Final Thoughts

BJ’s Brewhouse may not have a dedicated vegan menu, but with a few customizations, you can enjoy a satisfying and flavorful meal. 

From hearty options like the Cauliflower & Quinoa Power Bowl and Vegan Lentil Soup to simple sides like broccoli and sweet potato fries, there’s enough variety to make dining out enjoyable.

Remember to communicate your dietary needs clearly to the staff and inquire about cross-contamination if it’s a concern. With a little preparation, BJ’s Brewhouse can be a great spot for a vegan-friendly meal.

Frequently Asked Questions