The American fast food chain TGI Friday’s started out back in the 1960s as a singles bar. However, since then, it has evolved to become a family-friendly dining institute and is even credited with inventing potato skins. While it’s much-beloved for everything from burgers and steaks to seafood, in the US, it’s still not showing a whole lot of love for the vegan community. Eating vegan at TGI Friday’s can be tough with a relatively small offering of vegan options. Comparatively, the chain has a much more diverse selection of vegan-friendly options in the UK, thanks to a partnership with plant-based meat company Meatless Farm. While it doesn’t look like TGI Friday’s will be mixing it up anytime soon, with the Vegan Unlocked full menu, editor’s picks, and secret menu, you’ll still be able to chow down on a burger and enjoy some chips and salsa.
The Vegan Unlocked Research Team combed through all 103 options on the TGI Friday’s menu and found a lipsmacking on-menu item and a couple of scrumptious secret menu items.
TGI Friday’s scores 1.0 out of 5 stars with little to no vegan options. This means that while your options are reasonably limited, you’ll see a big-name plant-based brand on the menu, and have a few options beyond just a burger.
This score is calculated based on the number of vegan offerings on TGI Friday’s menu “as is” or with an easy substitution, a restaurant vegan customizability score and finally, the number of vegan options vs non-vegan options. Learn more about Vegan Unlocked Ratings.
Secret Menu
Eating out at a chain that’s not exclusively or explicitly vegan-friendly can feel a bit challenging. While restaurants are certainly getting better, some are still trailing behind, meaning that finding plant-based options can feel like an endless quest. Unfortunately, although TGI Friday’s is better than some, it’s certainly not plant-based heaven, and you won’t be exclaiming “TGTAVO!” (Thank Goodness There Are Vegan Options), at least for the time being, anyway. But don’t feel disheartened because, at Vegan Unlocked, we’ve made it our mission to complete the quest for you, with the help of our trusty vegan researchers. Our team returned from their secret mission with vegan options galore, so whether you’re looking for a sandwich or a salad, we’ve got you covered. Here are our secret menu creations enabling you to eat vegan at TGI Friday’s.
Don’t fancy trying out one of our inventive custom creations? Scroll on to find the TGI Friday’s vegan menu items and our editors’ top picks just below this section.
Avocado Burger
To enjoy this bountiful burger, simply order up a Beyond Meat Cheeseburger with a regular bun and without cheese or Friday’s sauce. Then order a side of avocado and insert it on top of your plant-based patty, smother (or drizzle) in ketchup, and you’re good to go.
Veggie Sandwich
While this might not be available everywhere, it never hurts to ask, and it is the perfect option for those who aren’t fans of plant-based meat patties. Request a vegan-friendly bun, with avocado slices and sauteed veggies for a veggie-packed sandwich. Then add some ketchup or mustard on top, whichever you prefer.
Avocado & Broccoli Side Salad with Sesame Citrus Dressing
The house salad, when you take out all the non-vegan-friendly additions, may not sound like the most attractive option in the world. However, once you’ve taken out the cheese, croutons, dressing, and breadsticks, sub in some avocado and broccoli and request the vegan-friendly Sesame Citrus Dressing for a zesty zing, and you’ll have a flavorful, satisfying salad.
All the Vegan Options at TGI Friday’s
Meals
- The Beyond Meat Cheeseburger: To enjoy this delicious burger, just order it with a regular bun and ask your server to hold the cheese and Friday’s sauce.
Sides
- House side salad without cheese, croutons, dressing, or breadsticks
- Seasoned fries
- Sweet potato fries
- Broccoli ordered plain
Sauces, Add Ons, Toppings
- Avocado
- Mustard
- Ketchup
- Sesame Citrus Dressing
Kids
- Kids’ pasta with marinara sauce and plain broccoli
Appetizers
- Chips and salsa
- Warm pretzels without the butter or cheese sauce
Editor’s Picks: What Are the Top Vegan Meals at TGI Friday’s?
If you’re in the mood for something a little lighter and packed full of veg, the Avocado & Broccoli Side Salad with Sesame Citrus Dressing is the one for you and TGI Friday’s summer zinger salad. Forget the long winter months with this fun and fresh salad – you’ll almost feel the warmth of the sunshine.
At TGI Friday’s, the best night-time nibble is the warm pretzels. They’re still mouthwateringly delicious without the butter or cheese and a great accompaniment if you fancy a little bite while you have a few drinks with friends.
If you’re looking for something to really sink your teeth into, order TGI Friday’s plant-based power packer, its avocado burger. With a succulent, juicy patty, packed full of veg and flavor, you’ll be deeply satisfied and ready to take on anything.
Note: Vegan Unlocked is a tool dedicated to helping people find plant-based options. We are not an allergen resource, and want to encourage our friends with allergies to proceed with caution. We cannot control and don’t always know when cross contamination takes place. See the TGI Friday’s allergen menu here. As far as cross-contamination of vegan foods with animal products, this is completely up to your comfort level as an individual. Read our stance on cross contamination.
Frequently Asked TGI Friday’s Questions
Are TGI Friday’s Onion Rings Vegan
No, the onion rings at TGI Friday’s have batter that contains milk and eggs, so they are not vegan-friendly.
Are the Fries at TGI Friday’s Vegan?
Both the Seasoned Fries and Sweet Potato Fries are vegan at TGI Friday’s. So, feel free to enjoy them dipped in mustard if you like a little zing or some good ol’ classic Ketchup.
Are TGI Fridays Buns Vegan?
The regular bun at TGI Friday’s is vegan, however, the gluten-free bun is not.
You can find out more information on TGI Friday’s by visiting their website here.
Planning on visiting TGI Friday’s soon?
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The TGI Friday’s Vegan Menu Was Brought to You by…
Madaline Dunn
Madaline is a vegan journalist, writer, and editor specializing in sustainability, current affairs, and social justice and the ways in which they intersect. Her work focuses on innovation and progress, prioritizing rigorous investigation. When she’s not writing, she’s in the kitchen experimenting with new plant-based recipes, reading a good book, or thinking about her next cup of coffee.
Cristina Garrido
Cristina is a vegan cook and recipe developer. She’s worked in several vegan kitchens, as a collaborator for different cooking blogs and now works as a consultant helping restaurants interested in making their menus more vegan-friendly. She’s passionate about cultural foods and culinary innovations. Her non-food related interests include thrifting, sustainability and exploring her new adoptive country, Portugal.
