Yard House: What’s Vegetarian Editorial Review

Yard House stands out from other casual chains because a real chunk of the menu runs on Gardein plant-based protein, so you get actual entrees instead of a sad side plate. Between the “chicken” tenders and wings, two veggie burgers, cheese pizzas, and loaded appetizers, a vegetarian eats a full meal here, not a workaround. Darden, the company that owns Yard House, publishes a detailed allergen and vegetarian guide, so you can check specifics before you go.

What to order at Yard House

Order the Gardein “chicken” tenders or wings, or the California or Mediterranean veggie burger. Cheese pizzas like the Margherita, Three Cheese, or Truffled Mushroom are all meatless. For the table, go with steamed or hot and spicy edamame, guacamole and chips, and the jumbo Bavarian pretzel with beer cheese on the side. Spicy rice and steamed vegetables round out a lighter plate and go fully vegan if you skip the butter.

What to watch out for

Assume a shared fryer for anything fried, including the Gardein tenders, truffle fries, and the chips under the guacamole, so ask your server if that’s a dealbreaker. Truffle fries carry parmesan, which keeps them vegetarian but not vegan. Avocado toast comes with a feta spread unless you ask them to drop it. Skip the Caesar salad, since the dressing usually carries anchovy, and pull the cheese and croutons off the house salad if you want it fully meat-free.