We’ve all been there. Family or friends want to enjoy a “nice” meal, and their restaurant of choice is the local steakhouse. For vegetarians, this can be a sigh-inducing scenario. But fear not! I’ve visited some of the top steakhouses in Oklahoma City and have done the legwork for you—figured out vegetarian options that you’ll actually enjoy. So the next time it’s your mom’s birthday or your husband gets a raise and visiting a steakhouse is on the agenda, then you’ll be covered.

MAHOGANY PRIME STEAKHOUSE

It’s no secret that Mahogany has absolutely incredible (and generously portioned) side dishes. Whenever I go with Ed or my parents, we always order three or four and share amongst ourselves. Unfortunately they removed my favorite, broccolini, from the menu, but you might get lucky and they’ll be featuring it for the evening. Highly recommend the green beans when they’re featuring that, too! Otherwise, if you’re looking for something green, I’d go with the asparagus or brussels sprouts sans bacon. Of course, in the starch/cheese department, the Steak Fries, Au Gratin Potatoes and Mac n’ Cheese will all seriously float your boat.

But be sure to start with the Spinach Salad—it includes wild mushrooms, boiled eggs, red onions and croutons, and I like to add julienne carrots and bleu cheese. Ask for balsamic vinaigrette instead of the hot bacon dressing and you’ll be all set.

145 W. Sheridan Ave.

THE MANTEL

Not to knock the deliciousness of side dishes, but it’s especially satisfying when a steakhouse is able to whip up a special vegetarian dish (even when it’s something straightforward like pasta). It’s been awhile since I last visited The Mantel, but I remember it being for one of my parents’ birthdays and that the pasta was phenomenal. Unfortunately I don’t have a photo of it and am unsure on the specifics, but just ask your server for a vegetarian pasta option (our server was super accommodating). I want to say it was a version of their Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with seasonal veggies instead of chicken. Sorry for the vagueness here, but I guarantee you’ll end up with a truly tasty dish!

201 E. Sheridan Ave. @themantelokc

BROADWAY 10 BAR & CHOPHOUSE

First of all, I love that Broadway 10 offers a Vegetable & Side Flight for $21. Second of all, I love that I once dined here and sat two tables over from Russell Westbrook—when we got up to leave, my dad patted him on the shoulder, said, “I really enjoy watching you play basketball,” and walked away. Damn.

But back to the food. I’m actually not seeing this on the menu anymore, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. Last time I went to Broadway 10 (granted, it was August 2017), I ordered the Bucatini and they were able to make it with asparagus, mushrooms and green & yellow bell peppers in a tomato cream sauce. Truly delectable.

1101 N. Broadway Ave.

RANCH STEAKHOUSE

The Ranch is just around the corner from the grocery store we frequent, and every time we pass it Ed declares, “Mmm! Tasty steaks!” Makes me smile every time. This is really the only steakhouse on this list that has a classic, high-end country vibe; I think when people that aren’t from the south picture an Oklahoma or Texas steakhouse, then The Ranch is what’s in their mind.

So to start off with a slight negative, I’m not a huge fan of their Mac & Cheese. It sort of tastes like American cheese, which I is way at the bottom of my “tasty cheese” list. But on the flip side, The Ranch, like Broadway 10, also offers a side sampler! The Ginger Glazed Carrots are a must-order, as are the Green Beans Almondine. After that, it’s a toss-up between the Au Gratin Potatoes and the Steak Fries; just depends on what I’m in the mood for.

3000 W. Britton Rd.

MICKEY MANTLE’S STEAKHOUSE

Fun fact: I’ve literally only been to Mickey Mantle’s once, but it made enough of an impression on me that it’s worth adding to this list. They miraculously have a pasta on their menu that doesn’t have to be modified into a vegetarian dish! Simple, sure, but sometimes a basic Fettuccine + Alfredo/Marinara really hits the stop (the menu says to pick one or the other, but I like to walk on the wild side and go with both). Add some Fresh Broccoli and you’ll be good to go. They have tons of other great side options, too, like Au Gratin Potatoes and Fresh Asparagus. Plus, they have a literal Vegetarian Menu (wasn’t aware of it when I visited or I might’ve ordered the Stuffed Bell Peppers)! Check it out here.

7 S. Mickey Mantle Dr.

RED PRIMESTEAK

Snaps for Red PrimeSteak, because they also have a dedicated vegetarian item on their menu. The main event is the drool-inducing Black Bean Chile Relleno—a grilled chile stuffed with quinoa and black beans and served with sautéed wild mushrooms, sundried tomato cream and black bean salsa. This is seriously, seriously good.

But if you’re (weirdly) not into the chile relleno, there’s the RP’s Tomatoes appetizer featuring a balsamic redux and basil-infused EVOO drizzled over fresh mozzarella, fried green and hot house tomatoes. Plus you have meal-worthy sides like green chile mac, broccolini with garlic and chili, grilled asparagus and bacon-sherry Brussels sprouts (hold the bacon). The Chop House Salad, also without bacon, is another great choice.

504 N. Broadway Ave. @redprimesteak