When going out to eat, it can be challenging to find a restaurant that suits your vegan needs. Sometimes you have no say in the restaurant and are stuck eating lettuce (proving the vegan stereotype). It doesn’t have to be that way. There are plenty of resources that will be your guide when eating out and here are a few tips:

1. Google

Researching the restaurant is always helpful to see what’s on the menu. This will give you an idea of what you could possibly have to eat and avoid being shocked by the limited vegan options. You can plan ahead and get creative with the options by substituting ingredients. Google is especially helpful with chain restaurants. All you have to do is look up the vegan menu of your restaurant of choice. This will break down the menu for you of what you can and cannot eat in simple, order-able terms. No more questioning the waiter if it’s possible to ditch the dairy in a dish.

2. VeganXpress

Similar to Google, the VeganXpress app will simplify vegan menu items in chain restaurants. Unlike google, the app is limited to certain fast-food chains and restaurants. The app is also informative on vegan candy, snacks, and liquor. It is definitely worth it to go check it out.

3. Ask Questions

Don’t be afraid to ask the server if substitutes are available. Most likely, they will be more than willing to double check the ingredients in a food item to help you enjoy your meal. Be aware that many people are uninformed on vegan food and are unsure of what is and is not considered vegan. Recently, I was eating at the Cheesecake Factory and I was curious about a salad dressing. I kindly asked the waiter if he would double check that the dressing was vegan. When he returned he gave me a list of salad dressings that were gluten-free, such as their ranch and balsamic vinegar. I then had to explain that I was looking for a dressing free of animal products, not gluten. Take this as an opportunity to expand the knowledge of others, just be cautious of communication and thoroughly explain the situation to others.

4. Take advantage of sides!

Some restaurants are completely unwilling to manipulate their menu to satisfy your needs. I was once at a restaurant that had dairy in everything, even all of the salads.I asked the server if she could possibly hold off on the cheese in one of the basic salads. She replied by saying that the chef would not change his menu whatsoever. I went on to saying that I have an intolerance to dairy and she still refused to change my order. Instead of making my friends and family leave the restaurant they chose, I took a look at the sides. I opted to order a side of pasta and a side of sautéed spinach with mushrooms. When the sides came, I combined them and created my own meal with my limited options. Needless to say, my company was happy to stay at the restaurant, and I was happy to eat something more than dry, unbuttered bread.

It may seem tough at times to be vegan and enjoy going out with friends or family to a nice restaurant. You don’t have to choose between good food and friends. Don’t let others feel that veganism is holding you back! Instead, let the world know that you can eat great, cruelty-free food anywhere, even a restaurant that specializes in meat products.