When was the last time you thought about visiting Chili’s restaurant as a vegan? Would you automatically think that there’s no way there could be any options? Well, in 2023 we’re excited to say, they not only have them but they have also expanded!
Now, to get this out of the way… yes, Chili’s is a chain restaurant where cross-contamination can and will occur. As a vegan, you have the right to choose what you are comfortable with. In our vegan guides on VeggL
, we share as much information as we have available so you can make that decision.
Always be aware that any restaurant that is not 100% vegan or does not offer a designated space for vegan prep, will have the potential issue of cross-contamination.
Onto the star of this article–the new Black Bean patty at Chili’s!
Chili’s has changed their Black Bean patty.
First, let’s talk about when this happened and how.
We are thankful for the many VeggL users we have who help us out with guides when they notice a change needs to be made or an update. This is exactly how we discovered that Chili’s had changed their menu, their black bean patty and ultimately their allergens guide in May 2023.
Prior to that, the black bean patty they offered contained dairy and egg.
If you’ve used our Chili’s Vegan Guide since close to that time, you’ve known this answer. If not, let’s learn now.
Is Chili’s Black Bean Patty Vegan?
Yes! Chili’s NEW 2023 Black Bean patty is vegan! In fact, they even label it as vegan on their allergens guide.
We also confirmed it to be vegan, again, when we visited our local Chili’s. We were brought out their entire allergens guide by the manager without asking for it. Of course, we had already done our research but it was very nice and reaffirming.
Be aware that this patty has a little bit of spiciness to it.
Can I Order Chili’s Black Bean Patty as a Burger?
Yes! Not only is Chili’s Black Bean patty labeled as vegan but so is their Burger Bun.
Order the Oldtimer’s Burger with NO cheese. SUB the animal patty with the Black Bean patty. There is a new option to order a Double Oldtimer’s Burger as well which will give you two black bean patties.
What you will have is a Black Bean Burger with pickles, lettuce, tomato, red onion and mustard.
In the picture above, we share fries* as being the side chosen. *The fries at Chili’s share a fryer with chicken. Again, you choose your level of comfort. See our guide for Chili’s to learn what other sides you can choose from.
Is the Black Bean and Veggie Fajitas at Chili’s Vegan?
As of May 2023, Chili’s Black Bean and Veggie Fajitas were no longer on the menu; however, we confirmed that you CAN still order it but with a current menu item modified.
Could you have ordered it vegan when it was on the menu? Yes, but with many modifications including SUBBING the black bean patty with additional black beans. Again, this was all prior to when Chili’s changed their menu and changed out their black bean patty.
How Can You Now Order the Fajitas Vegan at Chili’s?
Order the Chicken Fajitas–they’re the cheapest. SUB the chicken with a black bean patty. Order with NO chipotle butter, sour cream or cheese.
It will come with their Mexican rice, black beans, flour tortillas, pico and salsa. You have the option to SUB the flour tortillas for corn tortillas. Guacamole is available upon request as well.
What Else Can I Order Vegan at Chili’s?
On our visit, we enjoyed their Fresh Guacamole & Chips. We were happy to see that this combo also comes with salsa. Ryan ordered the Oldtimer’s Burger with fries as already mentioned.
I ordered their House Salad with Citrus Balsamic Vinaigrette–NO croutons or cheese. And a few of their sides: Steamed Broccoli, Corn on the Cob and Black Beans.
You can see thru it all on our video here:
In Conclusion…
We think Chili’s should have made an announcement when they changed their Black Bean patty. So much of what has driven vegans and plant-based folks to try different restaurants is knowing they have something they can get there.
I guess this is where we, at VeggL, come in to help that. We do our best to stay on top of what is new or has changed at chain restaurants in the United States. And we have you, our VeggL community, to thank for helping us stay on top of that as well.
As for Chili’s, I look forward to going back again to try the modified vegan version of their fajitas…
If you are still deciding, take a look at our Chili’s Vegan Guide for the most up-to-date information.
