Walking into Buffalo Wild Wings as a vegetarian can feel like a bit… much. The smell of wings, the endless TVs broadcasting every sport imaginable, and a menu that seems to scream “meat lovers only.” If you’ve ever wondered, Am I going to leave here hungry?—you’re not alone.
I’ve been there, and I get it. Being the only vegetarian in a group heading to a wing joint might not feel like the most exciting dinner plan. But here’s the good news: with a bit of know-how, you can absolutely find something to enjoy at Buffalo Wild Wings—you just have to know where to look.
From customizable salads to surprising menu hacks, I’ll show you how to make your next visit a win for your taste buds.
Navigating the Menu at Buffalo Wild Wings
It’s not always easy to be the vegetarian in a meat-centric space, but I promise—there’s a way to make it work. Don’t miss out on the social opportunity!
Buffalo Wild Wings is known for its sports-bar vibes and love of all things wings, but they’ve made some strides to accommodate a broader range of dietary needs.
While it’s not their primary focus, adding items like their vegan black bean patty shows a growing effort to cater to people who want something vegetarian. That said, navigating their menu as a vegetarian requires a bit of strategy.
What You Need to Know About the Fryer
Before we dive in, here’s an important heads-up: all fried items at Buffalo Wild Wings are cooked in beef fat. That means options like French fries, onion rings, and even cauliflower wings aren’t truly vegetarian. If this is a dealbreaker for you, it’s good to know upfront so you can plan around it.
Why Eating Out Can Feel Awkward as a Vegetarian
I get it—it can be uncomfortable to be the one asking about ingredients or requesting changes to your meal.
No one wants to feel like a hassle, especially when everyone else at the table is excited about their wings. I used to feel the same way.
But you have every right to enjoy your meal, too. With the right approach, you can order confidently and leave the restaurant feeling satisfied instead of sidelined.
Vegetarian-Friendly Menu Items
Navigating the appetizer section at Buffalo Wild Wings can feel like walking a tightrope. Some options are vegetarian-friendly, while others may need slight tweaks.
Appetizers
The only vegetarian option is:
- Everything Pretzel Knots: This is served with beer cheese dip and honey mustard. It’s unclear how the pretzels are made. I would advise a vegan to ensure there’s no butter on the knots.
Unfortunately, Buffalo Wild Wings fries their food in beef shortening. If that doesn’t bother you, then you have more options.
- Potatoes
- French fries
- Potato Wedges: served with sour cream
- Tots
- Chips: available with salsa, queso blanco, or guacamole, or get all three with a trio.
- Mozzarella Sticks: Served with marinara
- Onion Rings
- Cheese Curds
- Fried Pickles
Sides and Extras
There is a lot of overlap between this section of the menu and the appetizers.
Sometimes, the simplest options on the menu can be the most comforting. Buffalo Wild Wings offers a few vegetarian-friendly sides that can round out a meal or stand alone as a light snack. Here’s what to try:
- Mac N Cheese: Creamy, cheesy, and a great option if you’re in the mood for comfort food. This is a favorite for kids and adults alike! (I always find mac and cheese a lifesaver when dining out with picky eaters.)
- Carrots and Celery: A crisp, refreshing side that pairs perfectly with ranch dressing. Need a vegan option? Ask for a different dressing or enjoy them plain.
- Garden Side Salad: This is your go-to if you want something lighter. Customize it with a vegan dressing or add extra veggies to bulk it up a bit.
Burgers
Buffalo Wild Wings may be all about wings, but its burger menu holds its own for vegetarians. The Southwestern Black Bean Burger is a standout option. The best part? The allergen guide suggests the patty and the bun are vegan-friendly (no milk or eggs listed).
Pro Tip: If you’re vegan, ask for it without the Southwestern Ranch Sauce. It’s automatically served with fries, so you’ll want to swap those out for a non-fried side like the garden salad or carrots and celery.
Looking for something a little more adventurous? Try swapping the black bean patty for their Mushroom Swiss Burger. Combining earthy mushrooms and gooey Swiss cheese makes for a satisfying twist.
(This is one of my favorite menu hacks—it feels more indulgent than the standard burger.)
While I haven’t tried every modification, I recommend double-checking the bun ingredients with your server if you’re vegan, as menus vary. Pair your burger with a side you love, and have a filling and delicious meal!
Greens
At Buffalo Wild Wings, all the main salads on the menu include meat—but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
The Honey BBQ Chicken Salad is your best bet. Just ask them to hold the chicken; you’ll still have a solid mix of greens, veggies, and crunchy toppings.
Here’s a tip: I’ve always found that adding a little extra protein makes a salad feel more like a meal. While I haven’t tried it yet, I’d be curious to see if they’d chop up a black bean patty as an alternative protein option. (It never hurts to ask, right?)
Remember the dressings—most salads come with ranch or a meat-based option, so if you’re vegan, double-check the ingredients. Choosing something like balsamic vinaigrette can help keep it plant-based and flavorful.
While salads may not steal the show at a place like Buffalo Wild Wings, with a few tweaks, you can create a satisfying and veggie-packed option that hits the spot.
Sauces and Seasonings
If you’re like me, sauces can make or break a meal, and Buffalo Wild Wings has plenty to offer—even for vegetarians and vegans. Here’s the lowdown:
- Asian Zing: Sweet and spicy with a hint of ginger and garlic.
- Blazin’ Knockout: Extra spicy for the heat lovers.
- Caribbean Jerk: A tangy blend of spices with a tropical vibe.
- Golden Fire: Sweet and smoky with a fiery kick.
- Jammin’ Jalapeño: Sweet heat with a jalapeño punch.
- Mango Habanero: Fruity, sweet, and packs serious heat.
- Maple Chipotle: Smoky with a touch of maple sweetness.
- Orange Chicken: Sweet citrus with a savory glaze.
- Nashville Hot: Bold and spicy with a Southern flair.
- Sweet Barbecue: Classic sweet and smoky barbecue flavor.
- Teriyaki: Savory, sweet, and slightly tangy.
Vegetarian (But Not Vegan) Sauces
If eggs or dairy don’t bother you, you’ve got even more options:
- Cajun: Bold and zesty with a kick of spice.
- Lemon Pepper: Bright, citrusy, and slightly salty.
- Medium: A classic buffalo sauce with a bit of heat.
- Original Buffalo: The quintessential wing sauce.
- Parmesan Garlic: Rich, cheesy, and garlicky (just a note—some vegetarians avoid parmesan due to its animal rennet content).
- Spicy Garlic: Hot and garlicky goodness.
- Thai Curry: Creamy, spicy, and packed with aromatic curry flavor.
When I’m at Buffalo Wild Wings, I like to mix and match sauces to keep things interesting. Try the Mango Habanero on your black bean burger for a flavorful upgrade.
Experimenting with sauces is half the fun! Don’t hesitate to ask for extras or sample a few before committing—there’s no such thing as too much sauce.
Desserts
Let’s talk desserts. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, most of the dessert options at Buffalo Wild Wings are vegetarian—but, unfortunately, none are vegan.
The exception is the Loaded Ice Cream, fried in beef shortening. Personally, I skip it and stick to options that haven’t been near the fryer.
The other desserts, like brownies or chocolate-based treats, don’t appear to have meat-derived ingredients, but it’s always a good idea to double-check if you’re unsure.
While the dessert menu might not steal the spotlight, if you’re craving something sweet, there’s a good chance you can still find a treat to enjoy after your meal. Just keep the fryer info in mind!
Breakfast (Select Locations Only)
If you’re hitting up Buffalo Wild Wings for breakfast, it’s worth noting that their breakfast menu isn’t as detailed or vegetarian-friendly as the rest of their offerings. Most options are pretty meat-centric, but with some tweaking, you might find something that works.
From what I’ve seen, your best bets are the breakfast quesadilla or a biscuit sandwich—just be sure to ask for no meat. If you’re like me, you might want to double-check what’s included (cheese, eggs, veggies, etc.) to make sure it fits your needs.
The breakfast menu might not be a vegetarian dream, but if you’re there early and need something quick, a little customization can go a long way. And hey, it’s always worth asking if they can get creative with their black bean patty as an option!
What I’d Order at Buffalo Wild Wings
If I were heading to Buffalo Wild Wings, I think I’d go with one of two options:
- Mac & Cheese with a Side Salad: This combo feels like the perfect choice when I’m not super hungry but still want something comforting and satisfying.
- Mushroom Swiss Burger with a Black Bean Patty (and a Side Salad): When I need something heartier, this hits the spot. Swapping the black bean patty into this burger gives it a flavorful twist that’s filling without feeling overly heavy.
Honestly, my choice would probably depend on how hungry I am—and how much I’m craving that mac & cheese!
Tips for Customizing Your Meal at Buffalo Wild Wings
Making your meal more vegetarian-friendly at Buffalo Wild Wings is totally doable with a few simple tweaks. Here are my go-to tips for customizing:
- Substitute Proteins: If you’re not feeling the black bean patty, you can swap it into a burger that sounds more appealing. A veggie-friendly burger option is just a switch away! If you like a little heat, I love replacing the Southwestern Ranch Sauce with Maple Chipotle—it keeps that spicy flavor without any animal products.
- Play with Sauces and Seasonings: I’m a big fan of mixing it up. Plenty of vegan-friendly sauces—like Mango Habanero or Asian Zing—can elevate your meal without compromising your dietary needs.
- Add Sides to Build a Satisfying Meal: Don’t be afraid to load up on sides! Add carrots and celery, a side salad, or even some mac & cheese to help fill you up. These sides help balance out your meal and keep it filling and satisfying.
Remember, customizing is key to making sure you’re not only satisfied but also confident in your meal. There’s no need to feel awkward about it—ask the server what options are available, and feel free to get creative!
Things to Watch Out For
When I evaluate a menu for vegetarian options, cross-contact is usually a big concern—especially if both meat and veggie items are cooked in the same fryer or on the same grill.
But at Buffalo Wild Wings, there’s a bit of a catch: everything is fried in beef fat, taking the usual cross-contact issue off the table for the most part.
Also, be mindful that recipes can vary slightly from location to location (I’ve seen this happen at places like Texas Roadhouse). If you have specific concerns about ingredients, cross-contact, or anything else, don’t hesitate to ask your server.
They’re there to help; you deserve to feel confident in your meal choice.
Alternatives to Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings can work in a pinch with the right modifications. But sometimes you just want more options, right?
Unfortunately, wing-specific restaurants tend to have limited vegetarian options. That’s why I recommend looking for a sports bar that happens to serve wings—places with a broader menu tend to have more choices for vegetarians.
If you’re after more vegetarian-friendly options, you might consider chains like Twin Peaks, Boston’s, or Dave & Buster’s. These spots usually offer a wider selection of appetizers, sides, and salads, leaving you more satisfied than you might at Buffalo Wild Wings.
But, as I always remind myself, if you’re there to hang out with friends and family, sometimes the limited menu is just part of the experience.
Eating vegetarian at Buffalo Wild Wings isn’t without challenges, but it’s far from impossible. With some creativity and planning, you can enjoy a tasty meal while still sticking to your vegetarian lifestyle. There are options that can keep you satisfied and part of the fun.
I hope this guide has given you the confidence to make the best choices for you. If you’ve found other vegetarian-friendly ways to enjoy Buffalo Wild Wings, I’d love to hear about them—drop your tips in the comments or send me a message.
And if navigating tricky menus like this feels overwhelming, don’t worry—I’m here to help.
Now, grab your friends, place your order, and enjoy the night out. You’ve got this!
Jennifer Hanes MS, RDN, LD is a registered dietitian, mom, wife, and vegetarian in North Texas. She has dedicated Dietitian Jenn to be a source of information, ideas, and inspiration for people like her, vegetarians that live with people with different dietary beliefs and/or needs in a multivore household.