Navigating a ketogenic diet while dining out can be challenging with the plethora of carb-heavy options available at most restaurants. However, many chain restaurants have adapted to the growing demand for keto-friendly meals, offering delicious and satisfying options that align with your dietary goals. Here, we present the top 29 keto-friendly chain restaurants you need to try, ensuring you can enjoy eating out without compromising your keto lifestyle.
Chili's Classic Sirloin With Grilled Avocado
Chili's has long been a favorite for its hearty and flavorful dishes. One standout keto-friendly option is their Classic Sirloin With Grilled Avocado. This dish features a perfectly cooked 6-ounce sirloin, paired with creamy, nutrient-rich grilled avocado and a side of steamed broccoli.
The combination of lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber makes for a balanced and satisfying meal. Keep in mind that portion control is essential when dining out on a keto diet. Opting for the smaller, 6-ounce portion of sirloin helps keep your protein intake in check, preventing you from going overboard. The avocado adds a delicious source of healthy fats, while the broccoli provides digestion-friendly fiber to round out the meal.
"Protein portions tend to be too large, and vegetable portions too small, leading to an unbalanced meal," says Alicia Romano, RD, clinical registered dietitian at the Frances Stern Nutrition Center at Tufts Medical Center in Boston (Everyday Health, 2023). This observation highlights the importance of mindful eating and portion control, especially when adhering to a ketogenic diet.
Starbucks Creminelli Sopressata Monterey Jack Snack Tray
When you're on the go, Starbucks offers a convenient and keto-friendly option with their Creminelli Sopressata Monterey Jack Snack Tray. This snack tray includes slices of rich sopressata and creamy Monterey Jack cheese, making it a perfect low-carb option for those busy days.
Note that while this snack tray is high in protein and fat, it lacks vegetables. Be sure to balance your diet by incorporating plenty of non-starchy vegetables throughout the day. This snack is ideal for keeping you full and satisfied, especially when you need a quick and easy keto-friendly bite.
Applebee's Chicken Breast Patty With Garlicky Green Beans
Applebee's offers a variety of customizable dishes, and their Chicken Breast Patty With Garlicky Green Beans is a great keto-friendly choice. The grilled chicken breast is a lean protein option, and the garlicky green beans add a flavorful twist while keeping carbs low. For added fat, consider topping your chicken with a side of guacamole.
The green beans provide a respectable 5 grams of net carbs, making them a suitable side for those looking to maintain ketosis. Paired with the protein-rich chicken, this meal is both nutritious and delicious.
Blaze Pizza Keto Pizza
Pizza lovers rejoice! Blaze Pizza has introduced a keto-friendly crust made from a base of cauliflower, mozzarella cheese, flaxseed, and eggs. Their Keto Pizza allows you to enjoy a slice without the guilt. Customize your pizza with toppings like bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, and extra cheese to boost the fat content.
Each slice of Blaze Pizza's Keto Pizza contains only 2 grams of net carbs, making it a perfect fit for your keto diet. Adding extra cheese and bacon can help you reach the desired fat intake, ensuring your meal is both satisfying and keto-compliant.
Olive Garden Herb-Grilled Salmon
Olive Garden may be known for its pasta, but they also offer keto-friendly options like the Herb-Grilled Salmon. This dish features a grilled salmon filet topped with garlic herb butter, served alongside Parmesan-garlic broccoli. Opt for a side salad with Italian dressing to complete your meal.
Salmon is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, making it a nutritious choice. The garlic herb butter adds a delicious source of fat, while the broccoli provides fiber and essential nutrients. This meal is both flavorful and aligned with your keto goals.
IHOP Build-Your-Own Omelette With Avocado and Spinach
IHOP isn't just for pancakes; they also offer customizable omelettes that can fit into a keto diet. The Build-Your-Own Omelette With Avocado and Spinach is a fantastic option. Adding avocado provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while spinach offers a boost of vitamins and minerals.
You'll need to skip the usual sides like pancakes or toast to keep your meal keto-friendly. Instead, request extra avocado or a side of bacon to increase the fat content. This omelette is a nutrient-dense and satisfying way to start your day, keeping you full and energized.
Outback Steakhouse Grilled Lobster Tail With Roasted Garlic Topping and Sautéed 'Shrooms
Outback Steakhouse is a great destination for keto dieters, and their Grilled Lobster Tail With Roasted Garlic Topping and Sautéed 'Shrooms is a must-try. The lobster tail is a luxurious, low-carb option, and the roasted garlic topping adds a rich, savory flavor. Pair this dish with sautéed mushrooms for an extra dose of veggies.
This dish is perfect for special occasions, offering a delicious and indulgent meal that fits within your keto parameters. The combination of protein, healthy fats, and low-carb vegetables makes this a balanced and satisfying choice.
Cheesecake Factory Small Caesar Salad
While Cheesecake Factory may be known for its decadent desserts, they also have keto-friendly options like the Small Caesar Salad. This salad features crisp romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing. Be sure to leave off the croutons to keep it low-carb.
The Caesar dressing adds a creamy source of fat, while the romaine lettuce provides fiber and essential nutrients. This salad is a light and refreshing option for those looking to stay in ketosis.
Red Robin Million Dollar Cobb Salad With Grilled Chicken
Red Robin offers a variety of salads, and their Million Dollar Cobb Salad With Grilled Chicken is a keto-friendly standout. This salad includes grilled chicken, avocado, bacon, blue cheese, and hard-boiled eggs, making it a protein and fat-rich meal. Opt for ranch dressing to keep the carb count low.
The generous portion size makes this salad a filling and satisfying option. The combination of ingredients provides a well-rounded meal with plenty of healthy fats and protein, perfect for those following a keto diet.
Smoothie King Keto Champ Coffee
Smoothie King offers keto-friendly smoothies, and the Keto Champ Coffee is a delicious choice. Made with almond milk, coffee, almond butter, cocoa, and a keto protein blend, this smoothie is a great way to start your day or refuel after a workout. It contains zero added sugars and only 9 grams of net carbs.
The combination of coffee and almond butter offers a rich and creamy flavor, making it a delicious treat that fits within your keto lifestyle.
Buffalo Wild Wings Traditional Wings and Celery Sticks
Buffalo Wild Wings is a haven for wing lovers, and their Traditional Wings and Celery Sticks are a keto-friendly option. The wings are carb-free until you add sauce, so stick with classic options like hot, medium, or mild. Pair your wings with celery sticks for a refreshing crunch.
The wings provide a rich source of protein, while the celery sticks offer a light and refreshing side. This meal is perfect for game day or a casual night out with friends.
Red Lobster Wild-Caught Snow Crab Legs With Broccoli
Red Lobster is a great destination for seafood lovers, and their Wild-Caught Snow Crab Legs With Broccoli is a keto-friendly option. The crab legs are naturally low in carbs, and dipping them in melted butter adds a delicious source of fat. Pair this dish with fresh broccoli for a nutritious side.
The combination of protein-rich crab legs and fiber-packed broccoli makes for a balanced and delicious option. Enjoying this dish at Red Lobster is a great way to stay on track with your keto diet.
Carrabba's Chicken Marsala
Carrabba's offers a variety of Italian dishes, and their Chicken Marsala is a keto-friendly choice. This dish features grilled chicken smothered in a mushroom-wine sauce, served with steamed asparagus. The combination of lean protein, healthy fats, and low-carb vegetables makes for a balanced meal.
The mushroom-wine sauce adds a rich and savory flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. The steamed asparagus provides essential nutrients and fiber, making this meal both nutritious and delicious. Carrabba's Chicken Marsala is a great option for those looking to enjoy Italian cuisine while staying in ketosis.
Cracker Barrel Lemon Pepper Grilled Rainbow Trout With Steamed Broccoli and Green Beans
Cracker Barrel offers a variety of homestyle dishes, and their Lemon Pepper Grilled Rainbow Trout With Steamed Broccoli and Green Beans is a keto-friendly standout. The trout is a higher-in-fat option, and the addition of green sides ensures you're getting non-starchy vegetables on your plate.
The lemon pepper seasoning adds a refreshing flavor to the trout, while the steamed broccoli and green beans provide essential nutrients. This dish is both satisfying and aligned with your keto goals, making it a great choice for dining out.
California Pizza Kitchen California Cobb
California Pizza Kitchen may be known for its pizzas, but they also offer keto-friendly options like the California Cobb. This salad includes greens, avocado, bacon, chicken, and blue cheese, making it a protein and fat-rich meal. Opt for a half-sized salad to keep the portion in check.
This salad is a great way to get in some greens while enjoying a delicious and satisfying meal. The combination of ingredients provides a well-rounded option with plenty of healthy fats and protein, perfect for those following a keto diet.
By choosing wisely and customizing your meals, you can enjoy dining out while staying true to your keto lifestyle. Whether you're craving steak, seafood, or even pizza, these chain restaurants offer plenty of delicious and keto-friendly options to satisfy your taste buds.
References
Everyday Health. (2023). 30 Best Keto-Friendly Chain Restaurants. Retrieved from https://www.everydayhealth.com/ketogenic-diet/best-restaurants-keto-diet-followers/
