El Patron serves generous portions that make estimating your actual caloric intake a guessing game, especially when sauces and sides arrive unmeasured. If you are tracking your daily intake, you need a clear breakdown of El Patron Nutrition and Calories before you order. This guide breaks down the most popular menu items so you can make a smart choice without ruining your diet.
Most people assume a burrito or a plate of tacos is a reasonable meal. However, the reality is that restaurant meals often contain double the calories of a home-cooked version. Lets look at the specific numbers for El Patron so you know exactly what you are eating.
El Patron Nutrition And Calories
El Patron is known for its Mexican cuisine, but the nutrition facts vary wildly depending on what you pick. A simple chicken taco is not the same as a loaded chimichanga. Below, we break down the menu into categories to give you a practical guide for your next visit.
Appetizers And Starters
Starting with chips and salsa can add hundreds of calories before your main dish arrives. The basket of tortilla chips alone is often around 400-500 calories, and that is before you touch the guacamole.
- Queso Fundido: This cheesy dip is rich. A standard serving has about 620 calories and 45 grams of fat.
- Guacamole: A side of fresh guacamole is roughly 350 calories, but it contains healthy fats that keep you full.
- Nachos Supreme: These are a calorie bomb. Expect around 1,200 calories for a full order, which is often enough for two people.
- Chicken Taquitos: Three crispy rolled tacos come with sour cream and average 480 calories.
Main Entrees And Plates
The main dishes are where the calorie counts spike. The combination plates often include rice, beans, and a side salad, which adds up quickly. You should always ask for corn tortillas instead of flour to save about 50 calories per tortilla.
Burritos
Burritos are the biggest trap on the menu. The flour tortilla alone is usually 300 calories before any filling is added.
- Carne Asada Burrito: This is heavy on beef and guacamole. It clocks in at approximately 1,150 calories.
- Chicken Burrito: A slightly lighter option, but still around 980 calories due to the rice and beans inside.
- Bean And Cheese Burrito: The vegetarian option is not light. It has about 850 calories because of the refried beans cooked in lard.
Tacos
Tacos are a better choice if you are watching your waistline. The key is to order them “street style” with just onion and cilantro.
- Soft Chicken Tacos (3): Roughly 450 calories total. Skip the cheese and sour cream to keep it under 400.
- Carnitas Tacos (3): The pork is tender but fatty. Expect around 550 calories for three.
- Fish Tacos (2): These are battered and fried, so they are not light. Two fish tacos are about 600 calories.
Fajitas
Fajitas seem healthy because they are mostly vegetables and meat. However, the sizzling platter comes with tortillas, rice, beans, and sour cream on the side.
A single order of Chicken Fajitas has about 900 calories when you account for all the sides. If you skip the tortillas and sour cream, you can cut that down to 500 calories. The beef fajitas are higher, coming in at 1,050 calories with all the extras.
Sides And Extras
Do not forget about the sides. These small additions can add 200-300 calories to your meal without you noticing.
- Mexican Rice: A standard side portion is 220 calories.
- Refried Beans: These are cooked with oil and have 250 calories per cup.
- Sour Cream: Two tablespoons add 60 calories and 6 grams of fat.
- Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top adds 110 calories.
Drinks And Desserts
Your beverage can make or break your calorie budget. A standard margarita at El Patron contains around 400 calories due to the sugary mix. A bottle of beer is a better choice at 150 calories.
For dessert, the fried ice cream is a popular pick. It has about 450 calories and is coated in cinnamon sugar. The churros are similar, with about 380 calories for two pieces.
How To Order Low Calorie At El Patron
You can eat at El Patron and still stick to your goals. It takes a little planning, but the staff is usually willing to make substitutions. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to ordering a meal under 600 calories.
- Ask for corn tortillas instead of flour. This saves you 150-200 calories.
- Request that your dish be cooked without oil or butter. The grill can cook your chicken dry.
- Skip the rice and beans entirely. Replace them with extra lettuce and pico de gallo.
- Put the sauce on the side. The creamy sauces are calorie-dense, and you can control the amount.
- Order the grilled chicken or shrimp. These are leaner than carnitas or chorizo.
Healthier Menu Swaps
If you want a specific dish, you can modify it. Instead of a burrito, order a burrito bowl. This removes the tortilla and saves you 300 calories. Instead of refried beans, ask for black beans. They have more fiber and less fat.
Another good swap is to order the grilled chicken salad. Just be careful with the dressing. Ask for a lime wedge and a small amount of salsa instead of the creamy ranch. This keeps the salad under 450 calories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are El Patron portion sizes large enough to share?
Yes, most combination plates are very large. You can easily split a burrito or an order of nachos with a friend. Sharing is the easiest way to cut the calories in half.
Does El Patron offer any low carb options?
Yes, you can order any taco as a lettuce wrap. You can also get the fajitas without the tortillas. The grilled meats and vegetables are naturally low in carbs.
What is the healthiest item on the El Patron menu?
The grilled chicken salad with no dressing is likely the healthiest. You can also order the shrimp tacos on corn tortillas with extra cabbage. These options are high in protein and lower in fat.
How many calories are in El Patron chips and salsa?
The free chips and salsa that arrive before your meal are around 400 calories. The salsa is low calorie, but the fried chips add up fast. Limit yourself to one small handful.
Can I ask for nutritional information at the restaurant?
Many locations do not have printed nutrition guides. Your best bet is to ask the server how the food is prepared. Ask for grilled items and avoid anything described as “smothered” or “creamy.”
Tracking El Patron Nutrition and Calories does not have to be stressful. You just need to be aware of the hidden calories in tortillas, sauces, and sides. Stick to grilled proteins, use corn tortillas, and do not be afraid to ask for modifications. Eating out is possible without blowing your daily calorie limit.
Remember that the numbers provided here are estimates. The actual calorie count can change based on the cook and the portion size on any given day. If you are strict about counting, you should eat half of your plate and take the rest home. This is the safest way to manage your intake while still enjoying the meal. The flavor is great, but your health goals matter more than cleaning your plate.