Ranking Green Bean Dishes From 11 Chain Restaurants
There are lots of ways to get your greens in — but munching on some succulent green beans might be one of the most beloved. Often cooked with garlic, green beans have a grassy, earthy flavor that pairs well with a variety of different cuisines including Asian-style stir-fry and chargrilled steak. Green beans can be sautéed, steamed, baked, or fried to create a wide range of textures, which adds more depth to its versatility.
Of course, green bean casserole is always a crowd-pleaser, but there are plenty of other ways to enjoy green beans. Whether they're dipped in tempura batter and perfectly fried to a beautiful golden brown, sautéed with diced bacon, or simply seared in a skillet with just the right amount of butter and seasonings, green beans can carry tons of flavor and make an excellent side dish or appetizer.
But with so many different green bean dishes out there, how should you know which ones are worth your while? Luckily for you, we did a deep dive to bring you some of the best green bean dishes from popular chain restaurants to hook you up with some top-tier picks.
11. Texas Roadhouse
With over 600 locations, Texas Roadhouse is one of the biggest steakhouse restaurant chains in the country (via ScrapeHero). There's a good chance that if you're headed to Texas Roadhouse, you're on the prowl for a grilled steak — and we can't say that we blame you. But it's good to keep in mind that Texas Roadhouse makes just about everything from scratch — from trimming its steaks by hand to preparing side dishes like green beans. There's no doubt that this attention to detail elevates the food at Texas Roadhouse and adds a depth of freshness and flavor that's particularly unique and commendable for a large restaurant chain.
While it's tough to track down the restaurant's official recipe for its green beans, there are plenty of copycat recipes out there that claim to mimic the dish, using ingredients like diced bacon, butter, chicken broth, onions, and garlic. The addition of bacon introduces a dose of smokiness and coats the green beans in a tasty sheen of fat. The bacon also provides a nice textural contrast to the green beans with its crispiness. Simple yet undeniably delicious, the green beans at Texas Roadhouse are a solid side choice. That said, there are still plenty of better green bean options out there.
10. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
Open since 1978, BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse has grown from its humble beginnings in California to a large chain with over 200 locations nationwide (via ScrapeHero). With an eclectic menu that aims to please everyone, BJ's specializes in offering a wide range of dishes. From sashimi-grade ahi poke tacos in crispy wonton shells to a hickory brisket and bacon cheeseburger drizzled with the restaurant's signature barbecue sauce, there's definitely no shortage of tasty options when you're dining at BJ's. The restaurant also has a ton of sides to pick from, too — and the green beans are surprisingly delicious.
In fact, some diners have reported that the green beans at BJ's were a highlight of the meal (via TripAdvisor). Cooking green beans may seem easy, but the truth is that with just a single misstep, it can go horribly wrong. Just like with any other dish in the kitchen, it all comes down to timing. If green beans are undercooked, they tend to be too crunchy and difficult to chew — but on the other hand, if they're cooked for too long, they become soggy and unappetizing. BJ's manages to get it just right, cooking them to the perfect level of tenderness. If you're searching for some classic, simple green beans that are consistently executed well, look no further than BJ's.
9. Panda Express
Panda Express might be one of the last places that comes to mind when you think about green beans. With a menu that includes popular dishes like cream cheese rangoon, chow mein, and crispy orange chicken, it's safe to say that Panda Express isn't exactly known for its vegetables. At the same time, the restaurant chain tends to put green beans in the spotlight in some of its dishes, like its string bean and chicken stir-fry.
When green beans are seared with the high heat of a wok, they crisp up perfectly on the outside while maintaining a tender interior. Add some fresh pieces of chicken breast and a sauce to glaze everything, and what we're left with is a dish that's not only healthy but also exceptionally flavorful. If green beans aren't your jam but you still want to get some veggies in, give the beef and broccoli stir-fry a try. All things considered, Panda Express gets some points on the board just for offering green beans — and they get our seal of approval for going above and beyond to transform them into something truly flavorful.
8. 4 Rivers Smokehouse
When it comes to Southern barbecue chains, 4 Rivers Smokehouse is at the top of the game. Since opening in 2009, 4 Rivers has spread out across Florida into 15 different locations (via 4 Rivers). With a tantalizing menu that specializes in smoked brisket, chicken, St. Louis-style ribs, and pulled pork along with plenty of platter options and a variety of unique signature sandwiches, 4 Rivers offers a bounty of truly mouthwatering fare. The restaurant also offers 10 different homemade side dishes, including Southern classics like cheddar jalapeño cornbread, macaroni and cheese, and Southern green beans.
The Southern green beans at 4 Rivers are simmered with broth and smoked bacon. By the time they reach your plate, these green beans are tender, juicy, and highly flavorful. The bacon adds some serious savoriness, while the broth ensures they stay moist. These green beans truly shine when paired with a pile of pulled pork or thick slices of smoked brisket, as the smoky flavor of bacon ties everything together. If you dig the green beans, you're bound to love the collard greens too, which are simmered with smoked ham and vinegar.
7. TGI Fridays
Since first opening its doors in 1965, TGI Fridays has cemented itself as an American icon (via TGI Fridays). Known for its unpretentious grub and killer drink specials, Fridays has made a name for itself with a diverse menu that offers everything from whiskey-glazed cheeseburgers to sizzling chicken and cheese fajitas. While there are plenty of popular appetizers to choose from like loaded potato skins and fried mozzarella sticks, the green bean fries are easily one of the best starters the restaurant has to offer.
Lightly breaded and fried until crispy golden brown, the green bean fries are paired with a cucumber wasabi ranch sauce that takes this dish to a whole new level. The tasty trio of flavors from cucumber, wasabi, and ranch converge to form a wildly delectable dipping sauce that's surprisingly complex. The spice of the wasabi is mild but detectable, balanced by the coolness of cucumber. Just about every fried food out there needs a good dipping sauce, and the cucumber wasabi ranch from Fridays pairs with these green bean fries perfectly. The green bean fries aren't just one of the best apps on the menu — they're one of the most delicious versions of green beans you'll ever pop into your mouth.
6. Cracker Barrel
Mostly known for its Southern-style breakfasts and kitschy country store, Cracker Barrel first opened in 1969 (via Cracker Barrel). Typically located along highways, Cracker Barrel is always a solid choice when you need a place to refuel your belly. During the holidays, Cracker Barrel's menu tends to get a little more exciting and seasonal, since it runs limited-time specials like green bean casserole.
When it comes to green beans, perhaps no dish captures their deliciousness better than a classic green bean casserole. Baked in the oven until the top is nice and golden brown, green bean casserole is so rich and savory that it's easy to forget that you're actually eating mostly vegetables. Cracker Barrel's seasonal green bean casserole is made with a creamy mushroom sauce and topped with homemade crispy fried onion strands. The sauce is smooth and garlicky, and the crunchy onions provide another layer of flavor and texture. Bathed in a mushroom cream sauce, the green beans soak up all that luscious flavor until they're perfectly tender. The bottom line: Green bean casserole is the epitome of tasty baked veggie dishes — and Cracker Barrel's version is one of the best available from a large restaurant chain. Pair it with some crispy fried slices of turkey when November rolls around, and you'll be in heaven (via TripAdvisor).
5. Texas de Brazil
Famous for slicing freshly roasted hunks of succulent meat tableside until your heart's content, Texas de Brazil hasn't exactly built its reputation on vegetables. While Texas de Brazil is happy to serve you meats like filet mignon, Brazilian sausage, and barbecued pork ribs — all cooked over an open flame from natural wood charcoal — the truth is that the restaurant also has a spectacular salad bar and vegetables. Diners can't help but feel impressed by Texas de Brazil's magnificent feast of meats along with a salad buffet with dishes like green beans with almonds and marinated olives (via TripAdvisor).
The taste of fresh green beans sautéed with almonds truly compliments the richness of roasted meats. The addition of thinly sliced almonds to the green beans adds some subtle crunch and nuttiness. One thing's for sure: After you've taken on a relentless flood of flame-grilled meats, you're bound to crave some greens, and there's no better way to get your fix than helping yourself to some of Texas de Brazil's simple yet tasty green beans.
4. P.F. Chang's
Open since 1993, P.F. Chang's now boasts over 200 locations across the country (via ScrapeHero). One thing that sets P.F. Chang's apart from the pack is the restaurant's commitment to freshness. While many restaurant chains cut corners and resort to relying on tons of premade ingredients, P.F. Chang's goes the opposite route and takes the time to cook from scratch, rolling its dim sum by hand, slicing vegetables the old-fashioned way with a little elbow grease, and whipping up sauces to order for stir-fried dishes in searing hot woks. The end result is a menu that's amazingly fresh and delicious from top to bottom. And when it comes to appetizers, one of the highlights at P.F. Chang's is the chili-garlic green beans.
Made with a zesty mix of fresh garlic, spicy chili sauce, and Sichuan preserves, these green beans are wildly flavorful. There is a good amount of heat thanks to the chili peppers, but the level of spice isn't overbearing by any means. If you like your green beans with a little crunch, you can always opt for the tempura-battered crispy green beans. That's right — P.F. Chang's actually offers two different green bean appetizers, which makes it an excellent destination for lovers of the string bean. With two tasty green bean appetizers to choose from, P.F. Chang's is absolutely a top-tier choice when it comes to these long, verdant veggies.
3. Mission BBQ
When the green beans stand out in a barbecue joint famous for its smoked meats (via TripAdvisor), you know they have to be good. Since Mission BBQ opened up shop in 2011, it's gone on to spread the delicious gospel of its barbecue into nearly 100 different locations across the United States (via Rent Tech Digital). What's the secret to Mission BBQ's rapid rise to success? One look at the menu should make it abundantly clear.
For starters, all of the sides at Mission BBQ are made from scratch. And one of the highlights when it comes to sides are the green beans. Made with chopped bacon, these green beans are rich, smoky, and packed full of incredible, mouthwatering flavor. Tender and toothsome, they are also cooked to the perfect level of doneness. Try pairing these bacon green beans with a pile of oak-smoked brisket or cheddar jalapeño sausage, and you'll become a fan for life. Another bonus: All entrées at Mission BBQ come with a complimentary wedge of cornbread. Swing by your local Mission BBQ to see what you've been missing out on.
2. Saltgrass Steakhouse
One of the most luxurious ways to get your greens in is on a grilled steak salad. And luckily for us, Saltgrass Steakhouse has an amazing steak salad on the menu. Featuring center-cut top sirloin cooked to your desired level of doneness on a bed of green beans, tomatoes, olives, romaine, red potatoes, sliced eggs, and blue cheese crumbles, this salad also gets a healthy drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette.
The rich sweetness of balsamic vinaigrette pairs with the green beans and grilled steak in a way that's incredibly satisfying. The pleasantly pungent tang of blue crumbles adds a delightful pop of cheesy funk, while the red potatoes and sliced eggs add some nutritional heft that truly make this salad feel like a full meal. Loaded to the brim with fresh ingredients, this steak salad is easily one of the tastiest ways to put the beloved green bean to good use. Of course, if you're not keen on green beans in your salad for some reason, you can always order them on the side and pick a different entrée. But the magic of this salad is how it captures the feel of an upscale backyard barbecue in a single bowl.
1. The Habit Burger Grill
Ask yourself this question: Have you ever craved the green beans at a restaurant so much that you've ordered an extra side of them to take home for later? For many of you, we'll venture to guess the answer is a resounding no. Leftover pizza or Chinese food is a no-brainer. But a pile of leftover green beans? That doesn't exactly rev the engines of our appetite. Unless we're talking about The Habit Burger Grill.
At The Habit, the crispy tempura green beans are so delicious that diners order extra sides of them just to reheat at home (via Reddit). Lightly battered and fried to a picturesque golden brown, these tempura green beans come with a side of ranch dressing for dipping. Crunchy on the outside yet juicy and tender on the interior, they're some of the best green beans offered at a restaurant chain. In fact, they're so good that eating them could potentially evolve into a habit...