Game Day
Your guide to eating out from a vegetarian who doesn’t want to cook
If you were lucky enough to grow up in Oklahoma, you are most likely a college football fan. I live and die with a certain team, and when they play further away than Dallas, I love watching the game with screaming fans at a sports bar. Second only to my love for my alma mater, is my fandom for the Dallas Cowboys, and of course OKC’s beloved Thunder. But where to watch the games and get something to eat other than French fries while your friends eat chicken wings? The metro’s sports bar scene has exploded in the last decade to include locally-owned establishments with menus that keep us veggies in mind.
The Garage
The Garage Burgers and Beer offers much more than the name suggests. In addition to their veggie burger, you can order nachos with seriously spicy jalapenos (I always add avocado), or one of their delicious tacos. I like to go with either their tacos supreme or sriracha spicy tacos. Have them chop up a veggie patty to add extra protein to any taco, and if you prefer corn tortillas like me, just ask! The Garage has so many options, like the avocado melt and the taco salad (minus the meat), I can’t list them all. Just ask for Holly if you go to the midtown location, she always takes great care of us.
Multiple Metro Locations
Republic Gastropub
Creative vegetarian options are easy to find at Republic Gastropub. Whether it’s their delicious chickpea burger, or my fave the black bean tostada stack (with black bean puree, tomatoes, red peppers, avocado, and queso fresco), Republic does not disappoint. I’m typically not a salad fan, but once I tried the meatless Cobb, I was hooked! There’s plenty of protein from the diced egg, avocado, and white cheddar, but the stand-out in this salad are the fried green tomatoes. YUM. It’s listed as the Beef Cobb, so make sure you ask them to leave off the beef and bacon, and you’re set!
5830 N Classen Boulevard, OKC
Urban Johnnie
Located in Deep Deuce, Urban Johnnie goes the extra mile when it comes to vegetarian options. Whether it’s their veggie tacos that come with a side of black beans, their white cheddar grilled cheese with tomato jam, or their delectable veggie burger that can be served a multitude of ways, you can’t go wrong. On a crisp, fall football Saturday, I love the veggie chili. It’s hot and filling, and without the cheese and sour cream, vegans can partake as well.
121 NE 2nd Street, OKC
Blackbird Gastropub
On campus corner in Norman, Blackbird offers several great vegetarian choices. From their spinach artichoke potstickers and mac n’ cheese, to their veggie pot pie and tomato, basil and garlic pizza, there is something for every vegetarian. My two faves are actually apps that you have to adjust a little to make them veggie friendly, and the staff at Blackbird is happy to oblige. The nachos come on blue corn chips with serrano pico de gallo and cheese. Just have them leave off the chicken for a traditional game day meal. I also really enjoy the “smears”, which come with red pepper walnut spread and pimento cheese to go with the toasted flat bread. Have them replace the bacon and gouda spread with a second of one of these and you are good to go.
575 S Univeristy Boulevard, Norman
VZD’s Restaurant & Bar
They’re back! And even more vegetarian-friendly than before. For those of us that were regulars, a piece of OKC was missing during the 9 month VZD’s absence. Thankfully, they still have fried okra, and many other vegetarian options to go along with all their new TVs. Whether you go with an old standby, like a grilled cheese with tomato dipping sauce, or with the goat cheese and mushroom quesadilla for something out of the ordinary, the new VZD’s is sure to please. The quinoa bowl has a nice Asian flair, while their veggie Frito chili pie would make meat eaters beg for a second taste. Couple that with a nice beer selection, and you are set for game day.
4200 N Western Avenue, OKC
