Famous Dave’s: What’s Vegetarian Editorial Review

Famous Dave’s is a barbecue chain built around smoked meat, so don’t expect a long vegetarian menu. The Beyond Meat Burger is the one dedicated meatless entree, and it’s a genuine plant-based patty you build like any other burger here. Pair it with the scratch-made sides and you’ve got a full plate, even if the smoker itself stays off-limits.

What to order at Famous Dave’s

Order the Beyond Meat Burger loaded with lettuce, tomato, red onion, jalapenos, pickles, and a cheese of your choice. Round out the plate with garlic red-skin mashed potatoes, Dave’s Cheesy Mac and Cheese, coleslaw, and corn on the cob, ask for no butter. The garden side salad with Italian dressing is fully vegan on its own, no substitutions needed, which makes it the easiest order on the whole menu.

What to watch out for

Dave’s Award-Winning Chili looks like a safe vegetarian side, but it’s built with anchovies, so skip it entirely. Comeback Sauce has the same problem: it’s a mayonnaise-based topping with anchovies mixed in, despite reading like a simple dip. Ask whether the standard burger bun contains milk or egg if you’re eating vegan, since bakery ingredients aren’t always disclosed. Wilbur Beans carry an unconfirmed recipe too, so ask before ordering if you want to be sure.