Cheddar’s: What’s Vegetarian Editorial Review

Cheddar’s isn’t built for vegetarians. It’s a casual steakhouse that leans on grilled and fried meats. But the scratch-kitchen sides, salads, and a build-your-own Vegetable Plate add up to a full, filling meal. Cheddar’s built its name on scratch cooking at prices that undercut the bigger casual chains, and that scratch approach means a server can usually tell you exactly what’s in each sauce.

What to order at Cheddar’s

Start with Chips & Queso or the Santa Fe Spinach Dip, both meat-free appetizers. The Vegetable Plate lets you pick scratch-made sides to build your own entree, and the House Salad works without egg or croutons. Steamed broccoli and a baked potato without bacon both go vegan if you skip the butter, and the Wisconsin Cheese Bites make a shareable, if not vegan, side. Because everything is scratch-cooked, a server can usually tell you exactly what’s in each dish.

What to watch out for

Fries and Onion Rings share a fryer with meat, so ask if that matters to you. The Southern Green Beans and Red Beans are often cooked with pork or stock, and the Caesar dressing may contain anchovy, so both need a question at the table. Mashed Potatoes, Mac & Cheese, and Cole Slaw all carry dairy or egg, which rules out vegan. Queso fries come with bacon by default, so order them without it. Tell your server you’re vegetarian so the kitchen can prep your plate separately, since recipes vary by location.