TGI Fridays has been a popular dining spot for years, known for its American-style comfort food and lively atmosphere. But if you’re vegan, finding a meal can be tricky.
While they don’t have a dedicated vegan menu, there are a few plant-based options, and with some customizations, you can put together a satisfying meal.
If you’re dining with family or friends and want to make sure you have something to eat, here’s our guide to the best vegan-friendly choices at TGI Fridays.
Vegan-Friendly Menu Options at TGI Fridays
TGI Fridays doesn’t offer a wide selection of vegan dishes, but with a little modification, you can still enjoy a full meal. Here’s what to look for:
Appetizers
There aren’t many vegan-friendly appetizers at TGI Fridays, but there is one simple option to start your meal.
- Tortilla Chips & Salsa – A simple, plant-based starter that’s safe to eat. However, the chips are fried in the same oil as meat products, which may be a concern for some.
Mains & Entrees
TGI Fridays offers a few main course options that can be made vegan with simple modifications. These dishes are hearty enough to serve as a full meal.
- Beyond Meat Cheeseburger – A plant-based burger made with a Beyond Meat patty. To keep it vegan, order it without cheese or sauce. The burger is served with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles. Make sure to choose the standard bun (not brioche) or opt for a lettuce wrap if you prefer a lower-carb option.
- Pasta with Marinara Sauce – A classic, simple dish featuring pasta with a tomato-based marinara sauce. No modifications are needed, making this one of the easiest vegan-friendly meals on the menu.
- House Salad – A fresh, customizable salad that can be made vegan. Ask for no cheese, croutons, or breadsticks. The Sesame Citrus Dressing is the only vegan dressing available, but you can also add avocado or salsa for extra flavor. If you’re looking for protein, ask to add a Beyond Meat patty and break it up over the salad.
Sides
If you’re looking to round out your meal, there are a few vegan-friendly sides available. Keep in mind that some items may require modifications.
- French Fries – Technically vegan, but cooked in a shared fryer with meat products. If cross-contamination is a concern, you may want to skip them.
- Steamed Broccoli (Kids’ Menu) – The broccoli on the regular menu is served with a lemon butter spread, but the kids’ version is plain. Be sure to specify that you want it without butter.
- Fresh Fruit – A safe and naturally vegan side option.
Cross-Contamination at TGI Fridays
As with most non-vegan restaurants, there is a risk of cross-contamination at TGI Fridays. Many plant-based items, especially fried foods, are prepared using the same cooking surfaces and equipment as animal products.
If this is a concern for you, it’s always best to ask your server if any precautions can be taken when preparing your meal.
While they may not always be able to accommodate separate cooking surfaces, they can sometimes prepare certain items in a different way to reduce the risk.
Final Thoughts
TGI Fridays isn’t the most vegan-friendly chain, but it does offer a few solid options. The Beyond Meat Cheeseburger is the best choice, and the Pasta with Marinara Sauce is another easy go-to. With small adjustments, salads and sides can work as well.
The main drawback is the risk of cross-contamination, especially with fried foods. If this isn’t an issue for you, the fries and tortilla chips are additional options. While a fully vegan menu would be ideal, it’s nice to see that plant-based eaters at least have a few choices.
If you’re heading to TGI Fridays, now you know exactly what to order to keep your meal plant-based and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TGI Fridays’ Signature Sauce Vegan?
No, the house sauce contains dairy and eggs, so it is not suitable for vegans.
Are the Green Bean Fries Vegan?
No, TGI Fridays’ Green Bean Fries are not vegan. They contain milk, eggs, and may have traces of seafood.
Is the Beyond Meat Burger at TGI Fridays Vegan?
Yes, the Beyond Meat patty itself is vegan. However, you need to ask for no cheese and no sauce to keep the burger plant-based.
Does TGI Fridays Serve Impossible Meat?
No, TGI Fridays does not offer Impossible Meat. However, they do serve Beyond Meat, which is another plant-based protein that looks and tastes similar to beef.
