Tableside salsa at Margarita’s Mexican Grill arrives warm and free, but refilling the basket of tortilla chips adds calories before your entrée decision matters. Understanding Margarita’s Mexican Grill Nutrition and Calories is the first step to ordering a meal that fits your daily goals without ruining the experience. You don’t need to guess anymore; this guide breaks down the menu numbers so you can plan ahead.
Margarita’s Mexican Grill Nutrition And Calories: The Core Menu
When you look at the menu, the portions are generous. That is great for value, but it also means the calorie counts are higher than standard fast-food mexican spots. Let’s look at the most popular categories and what you can expect to consume.
Appetizers And Shared Plates
Starting with queso or guacamole is normal, but those dips are calorie-dense. A single serving of table salsa is low, but the chips are not.
- Chicken Quesadilla (full order): 780 calories, 42g fat
- Chile con Queso (per serving cup): 310 calories
- Guacamole (fresh made, per side): 220 calories
- Loaded Nachos (half order): 1,150 calories
If you share these, you cut the numbers in half. But if you eat the whole basket of chips before the food arrives, add roughly 400-500 calories to any of these totals.
Fajitas: Sizzling And Heavy
Fajitas arrive with peppers, onions, and your choice of protein. The issue is the tortillas, rice, and beans that come on the side.
A Chicken Fajita plate has about 1,020 calories. The flour tortillas add another 200 calories for two. If you pick steak, the number jumps to 1,190 calories. Shrimp fajitas are slightly lower at 950 calories.
You can reduce this by skipping the tortillas or eating only one. Also, ask for extra lettuce and pico de gallo to bulk up the plate without adding fat.
Combination Plates And Tacos
Combination plates are the trap. You get a taco, an enchilada, and a tamale. That is a lot of masa and cheese.
- Two Tacos (crispy beef): 620 calories
- Enchilada Suiza (chicken): 540 calories
- Tamale with chili: 480 calories
- Bean Burrito (no cheese): 610 calories
If you order the “Three Amigos” combo, expect over 1,300 calories. That is before the sour cream and extra salsa you put on top.
Hidden Calorie Sources You Must Track
Most people count the main dish but forget the extras. The free chips are the biggest offender. The warm salsa is fine, but the chips are fried.
Refried Beans Vs. Black Beans
Refried beans are cooked with lard or oil. A side order is 250 calories. Black beans, when prepared without added fat, are only 130 calories for the same portion. Ask for black beans to save 120 calories instantly.
Rice And Tortilla Choices
Mexican rice is not just rice; it is fried in oil before simmering. A side of rice is 220 calories. A corn tortilla is 60 calories, but a flour tortilla is 140 calories. Small swaps make a difference.
Also, watch the “loaded” options. Adding grilled veggies sounds healthy, but they are often tossed in butter or oil. Ask for them dry or steamed.
Lighter Menu Options And Smart Swaps
You can eat at Margarita’s and stay under 700 calories. You just need to know what to order.
- Choose grilled chicken or shrimp over ground beef or carnitas.
- Request corn tortillas instead of flour.
- Ask for salsa and pico de gallo instead of queso or sour cream.
- Skip the rice and double the black beans.
- Order a side salad with lime juice instead of the creamy house dressing.
Best Bets Under 650 Calories
These are the meals that give you flavor without blowing your daily budget.
- Grilled Chicken Salad (no shell bowl): 480 calories
- Shrimp Tacos (corn tortillas, no crema): 510 calories
- Vegetarian Fajitas (no tortillas, no rice): 550 calories
- Pollo Loco (grilled chicken breast, black beans): 590 calories
Notice that the shell bowl for salads is a huge calorie bomb. A flour tortilla bowl adds 300 calories of pure carbs and fat. Always ask for the salad in a regular plate.
Margarita’s Nutrition For Drinks And Dessert
You cannot ignore the drinks. The margaritas are the namesake of the resturant. A classic margarita on the rocks has about 250 calories. But the “Grande” size or the frozen fruit versions can reach 500 calories or more.
Alcohol And Mixers
Frozen margaritas have added sugar syrup. A 16-ounce frozen strawberry margarita is 480 calories. A skinny margarita (lime, tequila, no syrup) is only 150 calories. Ask for it “up” or on the rocks.
Beer is another option. A standard Mexican lager like Corona is 148 calories. A Dos Equis is 140 calories. Stick to one drink if you are watching your intake.
Dessert Numbers
Dessert is heavy. The fried ice cream is 420 calories. The sopapillas with honey are 380 calories. If you must have something sweet, share one with the table. That cuts the impact significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the chips at Margarita’s included in the calorie count?
No, the free chips and salsa are not included in the menu nutrition. A typical basket of chips has about 450 calories. If you refill it, double that number.
Does Margarita’s have a low calorie menu?
They do not have a dedicated “light” menu section, but you can modify any dish. Grilled proteins, corn tortillas, and black beans are your best tools for cutting calories.
How many calories are in a chicken burrito?
A regular chicken burrito with rice and beans inside is around 1,100 calories. The “wet” burrito with enchilada sauce on top adds another 200 calories.
Can I eat low carb at this resturant?
Yes. Order any fajita without the tortillas and ask for extra lettuce. Skip the rice and beans entirely. This keeps the meal under 600 calories and under 20 grams of carbs.
Are the grilled veggies cooked with oil?
Usually yes. They are sauteed in butter or vegetable oil for flavor. Ask the server if they can steam them instead, which saves about 100 calories.
Planning ahead is the only way to enjoy this food without guilt. Look at the menu online before you go, decide your order, and stick to it. Do not let the smell of sizzling fajitas change your mind. Your waistline will thank you later.
Remember that portion sizes are huge. Taking half home for lunch tomorrow is a smart move. That automatically cuts your calorie intake in half and gives you two meals for the price of one. That is the best nutrition hack for this resturant.