How to Eat Vegan at a Tavern

If you eat vegan, you know that it can be tough to find good food options when you’re out at a bar or tavern. But never fear! There are plenty of vegan-friendly dishes you can enjoy while still enjoying the atmosphere of your favorite pourhouse. Eating vegan in Smyrna doesn't have to be difficult, even when you're dining out. With a little bit of knowledge and advance planning, you can enjoy delicious vegan meals at your Smyrna tavern. Here are some tips on how to eat vegan at a tavern.

Call Ahead and Plan Ahead

This seems like a no-brainer, but it can be easy to forget at the moment when making plans with family, friends, or coworkers! Many taverns now offer vegan-friendly options, but it's always best to call ahead and confirm that these options will be available when you visit. This way, you can avoid any disappointment. Ask if the kitchen is able to accommodate your dietary restriction and if there are any specific vegan items on the menu. And if you know what you're going to order ahead of time, you can avoid any last-minute decisions that could lead to you ordering something non-vegan. This is especially important if the tavern doesn't have many vegan-friendly options.

Keep It Simple: What Should You Order?

A great rule of thumb when deciding what to order is to keep it simple. Choose items that are less likely to be cooked with non-vegan ingredients. 

Appetizers

First, take a look at the appetizer menu. Many times, taverns like McCray’s in Smyrna will have a few vegan-friendly options already available. Salads are always a good option, and you can also look for items like hummus or bruschetta. If there’s nothing specifically vegan on the appetizer menu, don’t be afraid to ask if the kitchen can prepare something special for you. 

Entrees

Next, move on to the main course. If the tavern you’re visiting doesn’t have any vegan-friendly options listed, don’t despair. Most taverns are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions, so simply ask your server what they can do for you. Many times, the kitchen will be able to whip up a vegan version of one of their meat-based dishes.

Beverages

Finally, don’t forget to order a vegan-friendly drink! McCray’s Tavern has a vast and varied beverage menu to suit any palette, and many of our pickings can be easily modified to become vegan-friendly. If you’re not sure what to order, ask your server for recommendations.

With these tips in mind, you’re sure to have a great time – and a great meal – the next time you eat vegan at a tavern!