Unhealthy Menu Options at Popular Steakhouse Chains
Dining at a steakhouse can evoke images of sumptuous cuts of meat, savory sides, and indulgent desserts. However, not all dishes are created equal. If you’re looking to manage your health while dining out, understanding the options available is crucial. Here, we analyze 11 well-known steakhouse chains to identify the menu items that pack the most calories, sodium, and saturated fats, allowing diners to make informed choices.
The Capital Grille: Signature Cheeseburger
Starting with The Capital Grille, their Signature Cheeseburger stands out. Loaded with toppings and served on a buttery brioche bun, it can easily surpass over 1,000 calories. Combining this hefty burger with sides like fries adds even more to the calorie count, making it a challenging option for health-conscious diners.
Logan’s Roadhouse: Fall-off-the-Bone Rack of Ribs
Next up is Logan’s Roadhouse, famous for its fall-off-the-bone rack of ribs. Although delicious, this dish is laden with sugary barbecue sauce and generous portions of meat, leading to an excessive calorie intake that could reach nearly 2,000 calories per serving. The combination of saturated fats and sugars can contribute to various health issues if consumed regularly.
Morton’s: Tomahawk Ribeye
Morton’s is renowned for its prime cuts, including the massive Tomahawk ribeye. This impressive steak can weigh over two pounds and contain around 2,500 calories without sides. While it may please meat lovers, this cut is also high in saturated fat, making it a less-than-ideal choice if you’re monitoring your heart health.
Texas Roadhouse: Cactus Blossom
The Cactus Blossom from Texas Roadhouse is a twist on onion rings. While appealing as an appetizer, this battered and deep-fried dish can have upwards of 1,000 calories. High in sodium and unhealthy fats, it’s better to skip this dish or share it to mitigate caloric intake.
Outback Steakhouse: Bloomin’ Onion
Similar to the Cactus Blossom, Outback Steakhouse offers the Bloomin’ Onion. However, this particular dish contains a staggering amount of over 1,800 calories. Alongside its unhealthy fat content, the sodium levels are significantly high, making it a poor choice if you’re watching your diet.
Fogo de Chão: Tomahawk
Fogo de Chão introduces its own twist with a similarly named Tomahawk. This dish, like its Morton’s counterpart, can reach an excessive calorie count, especially when paired with their signature sides. Eager diners should be cautious, as the enjoyment of this meal can lead to a day’s worth of excess calories.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse: Cowboy Ribeye
The Cowboy Ribeye at Ruth’s Chris presents another high-calorie option. This dish typically exceeds 1,500 calories, especially when paired with decadent sides. The rich seasoning and butter-basted preparation enhance not only flavor but also the fat content, which isn’t friendly for heart health.
Longhorn Steakhouse: Longhorn Porterhouse
At Longhorn Steakhouse, the Longhorn Porterhouse is a staple. While steak lovers may enjoy its robust flavor, it’s also replete with calories and saturated fats. Fans should be wary of mounding sides available at Longhorn that can quickly elevate your meal’s overall calorie content.
Ponderosa/Bonanza Steakhouse: Chili Cheese Fries
Chili cheese fries from Ponderosa/Bonanza may seem like a comforting choice, but this side dish can easily propagate a calorie bomb, including cheese, chili, and fried potatoes. It’s often better to stick with a vegetable or salad option to maintain greater control over calorie intake.
Claim Jumper: Chicken Pot Pie
Surprisingly, the chicken pot pie at Claim Jumper is another dish to avoid. Many diners may not realize that creamy fillings and flaky crusts can accumulate nearly 1,500 calories or more. For those who enjoy comfort food, acknowledging this pie’s substantial caloric load is necessary.
Hoss’s Family Steak & Sea: House Burger
Lastly, the House Burger at Hoss’s Family Steak & Sea can also be deceptive in terms of health. With toppings and rich sauces, this burger often exceeds 1,200 calories. Diners should consider lighter alternatives if they wish to keep their meals more balanced.
In summary, being aware of the unhealthiest options at popular steakhouses can greatly influence your dining choices. Each of these dishes carries considerable caloric content and health risks, encouraging diners to approach them with caution. Opting for smaller portions or sharing some of these indulgences can help maintain a more balanced diet while still enjoying a night out.
