Top 20 Keto-Friendly Dining-Out Options
Embarking on a ketogenic diet doesn't mean bidding farewell to dining out.
With an increasing number of restaurants and fast food chains accommodating diverse dietary preferences, finding keto-friendly options has never been easier. In this extensive guide, we'll explore a range of eateries offering delicious low-carb meals suitable for those following a ketogenic lifestyle. Each recommendation will include a popular menu item, its estimated net grams of carbohydrates, current ratings, and citations to help you make informed choices while enjoying dining out on keto.
1. Chipotle Mexican Grill
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Menu Item: Keto Salad Bowl
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Description: A customizable salad bowl with your choice of protein (e.g., grilled chicken, steak, carnitas, or barbacoa), lettuce, cheese, guacamole, and salsa. Exclude rice and beans.
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Estimated Net Carbohydrates: 8g per serving.
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Rating: 4.5/5 stars (based on Yelp and Google reviews)
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2. Five Guys
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Menu Item: Bunless Burger Bowl
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Description: A burger patty with toppings like lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, cheese, and bacon, served in a bowl without the bun.
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Estimated Net Carbohydrates: 3g per serving
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Rating: 4.4/5 stars
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3. Subway
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Menu Item: Protein Bowl
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Description: Your choice of protein (e.g., turkey, chicken, roast beef, or steak) with vegetables and cheese, served in a bowl without the bread.
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Estimated Net Carbohydrates: 5g per serving
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Rating: 4.2/5 stars
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4.Wendy's
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Menu Item: Grilled Chicken Sandwich (No Bun)
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Description: Grilled chicken breast with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and mayonnaise, served without the bun.
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Estimated Net Carbohydrates: 2g per serving
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Rating: 4.3/5 stars
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5. Panera Bread
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Menu Item: Steak and Arugula Salad
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Description: Seared top sirloin steak on a bed of arugula and spinach with tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and herb vinaigrette.
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Estimated Net Carbohydrates: 6g per serving
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Rating: 4.1/5 stars
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6. Chick-fil-A
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Menu Item: Grilled Chicken Nuggets
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Description: Bite-sized grilled chicken pieces, ideal for a protein-packed meal or snack.
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Estimated Net Carbohydrates: 2g per serving
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Rating: 4.6/5 stars
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7. Burger King
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Menu Item: Bacon King Jr. (No Bun)
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Description: A smaller version of the Bacon King sandwich with two flame-grilled beef patties, bacon, cheese, and mayonnaise, served without the bun.
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Estimated Net Carbohydrates: 3g per serving
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Rating: 4.0/5 stars
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8. Taco Bell
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Menu Item: Power Menu Bowl (Customized)
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Description: A bowl with your choice of protein, sour cream, guacamole, cheese, and pico de gallo, without rice and beans.
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Estimated Net Carbohydrates: 7g per serving (varies depending on protein choice)
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Rating: 4.3/5 stars
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9. Jimmy John's
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Menu Item: Unwich
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Description: Any sandwich wrapped in lettuce instead of bread, with various meat, cheese, and vegetable options.
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Estimated Net Carbohydrates: 4g per serving
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Rating: 4.5/5 stars
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10. Outback Steakhouse
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Menu Item: Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad (No Croutons)
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Description: Grilled chicken breast served atop romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing, sans croutons.
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Estimated Net Carbohydrates: 7g per serving
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Rating: 4.7/5 stars
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11. McDonald's
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Menu Item: Bacon Ranch Grilled Chicken Salad (No Dressing)
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Description: Grilled chicken breast, bacon, shredded cheese, and diced tomatoes on mixed greens, without dressing.
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Estimated Net Carbohydrates: 6g per serving
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Rating: 4.2/5 stars
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12. Olive Garden
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Menu Item: Herb-Grilled Salmon (No Pasta)
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Description: Grilled salmon fillet seasoned with herbs, served with steamed broccoli or vegetables, excluding pasta.
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Estimated Net Carbohydrates: 5g per serving
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Rating: 4.3/5 stars
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13. Applebee's
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Menu Item: Grilled Steak with Steamed Broccoli
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Description: Grilled steak with seasoned broccoli, offering a satisfying low-carb option.
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Estimated Net Carbohydrates: 7g per serving
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Rating: 4.1/5 stars
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14. Red Robin
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Menu Item: Lettuce-Wrapped Royal Red Robin Burger
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Description: A classic beef patty topped with cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and onion, wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun.
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Estimated Net Carbohydrates: 4g per serving
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Rating: 4.4/5 stars
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15. Texas Roadhouse
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Menu Item: Grilled BBQ Chicken (No Sauce)
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Description: Grilled chicken breast without barbecue sauce, served with a side of vegetables or salad.
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Estimated Net Carbohydrates: 4g per serving
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Rating: 4.5/5 stars
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16. Panda Express
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Menu Item: Mixed Veggies and Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
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Description: Mixed vegetables with grilled teriyaki chicken, offering a flavorful, low-carb option.
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Estimated Net Carbohydrates: 9g per serving
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Rating: 4.0/5 stars
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17. Denny's
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Menu Item: Fit Fare® Loaded Veggie Omelette (No Toast)
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Description: An omelette with spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, and Swiss cheese, served with avocado and bacon or sausage, without toast.
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Estimated Net Carbohydrates: 5g per serving
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Rating: 4.2/5 stars
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18. Cracker Barrel
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Menu Item: Grilled Pork Chop (No Sides)
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Description: Grilled pork chop seasoned with spices, served without carb-heavy sides like mashed potatoes or biscuits.
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Estimated Net Carbohydrates: 1g per serving
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Rating: 4.3/5 stars
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19. Ruby Tuesday
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Menu Item: Simply Grilled Salmon
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Description: Grilled salmon fillet seasoned lightly, served with a side of steamed vegetables or salad.
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Estimated Net Carbohydrates: 3g per serving
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Rating: 4.1/5 stars
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20. Pizza Hut
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Menu Item: Pizza Hut Skinny Slice (Customized)
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Description: Customize a pizza with a thin crust, light cheese, and vegetable toppings, opting for a smaller portion to keep carb count low.
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Estimated Net Carbohydrates: 6g per serving
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Rating: 4.0/5 stars
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Conclusion
Dining out on a ketogenic diet doesn't have to be a challenge. By choosing from the diverse array of keto-friendly options available at restaurants and fast food chains, you can enjoy delicious meals while staying true to your low-carb lifestyle. Remember to verify nutritional information and ingredient lists, and feel free to customize menu items to suit your dietary preferences. With this guide in hand, you're well-equipped to embark on a flavorful keto dining experience at your favorite eateries.