Tony Roma’s: What’s Vegetarian Editorial Review

Tony Roma’s built its name on ribs, and that shows the second you open the menu. There’s no vegetarian entree on the U.S. menu, no plant-based burger, and no meatless section to lean on. You can still eat here, but you’re assembling a plate from starters and sides rather than ordering one dish.

What to order at Tony Roma’s

Start with the World-Famous Onion Loaf or the Spinach Artichoke Dip with tortilla chips, then build the rest of your plate from sides. The House Salad works with a vegan dressing and no bacon or cheese, and the Bleu Cheese Wedge covers you if you eat dairy. Round things out with a Plain Baked Potato, Grilled Asparagus, Corn on the Cob, or Steamed Broccoli, all of which add up to a full plate once you order two or three together.

What to watch out for

The Onion Loaf is hand-breaded and deep-fried, so ask whether the fryer is shared with meat items if that matters to you. Most dressings and sides carry hidden dairy, from the Spinach Artichoke Dip’s asiago and sour cream to the mayonnaise in coleslaw, so vegans need to double-check almost everything. The Caesar dressing may contain anchovy, and green beans are sometimes cooked with pork, so confirm both before you order. Skip butter and sour cream on any potato if you’re avoiding dairy.