Finding a high-end restaurant that satisfies both meat-eaters and plant-based diners can often feel like a compromise. But food creator Joey Foley, known on TikTok as @basicjoey, recently showed that a steakhouse can still deliver a memorable vegetarian meal. In a viral video documenting a visit to Ruth’s Chris Steak House with his partner, Chad, Foley said the experience ended up being one of his favorites despite not ordering any meat.
“This is what I eat as a vegetarian. Today, Chad’s craving a steakhouse,” Foley explains in the clip. He argues that steakhouses are surprisingly ideal for vegetarians because of their wide selection of salads, sides, baked potatoes, and fresh bread. “The bread basket, so good!” he adds.
While traditional steakhouse menus may not seem vegetarian-friendly at first glance, Ruth’s Chris has become the center of more than one dining debate, though his visit was considerably more positive. According to Foley, the restaurant’s wide selection of side dishes makes it much easier for vegetarians to put together a satisfying meal.
You can easily build a meal out of classic side dishes
Instead of ordering a traditional main course, Foley builds his meal entirely from the restaurant’s signature sides and appetizers. The approach turns the restaurant’s side dishes into a complete meal, showing that steakhouses often have overlooked vegetarian options.
“We’re at Ruth’s Chris Steak House. We’re strolling in. Let’s dive into the menu,” Foley says before placing his order. “Okay, Ruth’s Chris, I love that. You know I like a good potato, but which one? The vegetable sides here are amazing. Chad and I can’t get enough of their bread and butter.”
@basicjoey Steakhouse Dinner Night! 🥩🥩 @ruthschris #steakhouse #steaktiktok #restaurantlife #mukbang #vegetarian
♬ I Can Feel It (Christmas Instrumental) – Nick Sena and Danny Echevarria
After passing off his non-vegetarian toppings to his partner, Foley dives into a lineup of classic side dishes to complete his meat free main course.
“Here’s my slice. Yum! I got the wedge salad, of course, and bacon on the side that I immediately gave to Chad. He is one happy guy,” Foley notes as the food arrives. “Chad’s garden salad with my bacon. Let’s give my wedge a try. The wedge never disappoints.”
Vegetarian options at upscale venues often get an unfair reputation for being plain or uninspired, but Foley highlights how rich sauces and classic steakhouse prep elevate simple vegetable dishes into a high-end feast.
“Now, Chad is really happy, his filet with mashed potatoes. Here’s a closer look at my creamed spinach, my au gratin potatoes, and my asparagus. I made myself a little plate, and all of these, I know, are going to be amazing,” Foley shares while assembling his plate. “Let’s try the creamed spinach. Wow! Mhm. And the au gratin potatoes! You know I love a dipper, my asparagus came with some hollandaise. This part is not going to be as elegant. Let’s dip, dip!”
Foley wraps up the experience on a high note, a much different ending than some other dining experiences, watching Chad enjoy dessert before grabbing a classic mint on the way out of the building.
“And finally, Chad got a cheesecake for dessert. I got my after-dinner mint, and this meal, obviously, so, so good!” Foley concludes.
