B. Smith’s brought Southern elegance to fine dining, and their calorie-conscious guests appreciate knowing how those buttery sides and fried entrees measure up nutritionally. When you look at B. Smith’s Nutrition and Calories, you will find a mix of rich comfort food classics and lighter options that require a bit of label reading.
This guide breaks down the typical menu items, portion sizes, and smarter swaps so you can plan your meal without guessing.
B. Smith’s Nutrition And Calories
B. Smith’s was known for upscale Southern cooking, which means butter, cream, and frying are common. The exact numbers vary by location and recipe changes, but the following estimates are based on standard restaurant portions from the era and similar soul food kitchens.
Appetizer Calorie Counts
Starters are often shared, but they can still pack a heavy punch. Here is what you might face before the main course.
- Fried Green Tomatoes (4 slices): 320-380 calories, 22g fat
- Shrimp Cocktail (6 large): 180 calories, 2g fat (sauce adds 60 cal)
- BBQ Ribs (half rack, appetizer size): 450 calories, 30g fat
- Hush Puppies (6 pieces): 410 calories, 18g fat
If you want to save room, stick with the shrimp cocktail without the cocktail sauce or ask for lemon wedges instead.
Main Entree Nutrition Breakdown
The entrees at B. Smith’s range from fried chicken to grilled fish. Your choice makes a 500-calorie difference easily.
Fried Chicken Dinner
A standard order includes two pieces of fried chicken, collard greens, and mashed potatoes. This plate averages around 1,100 calories. The chicken alone contributes 520 calories and 34g of fat due to the breading and frying oil.
Smothered Pork Chops
One bone-in pork chop with gravy, rice, and green beans comes to roughly 890 calories. The gravy is the hidden source of extra calories, adding about 150 calories per half-cup.
Grilled Salmon
If you pick the grilled salmon with steamed broccoli and a sweet potato, you are looking at a reasonable 640 calories. This is the best option for anyone tracking macros or trying to stay in a deficit.
Southern Side Dish Calories
Sides are where the calories sneak in. Restaurants often cook vegetables with pork fat or heavy butter.
- Mac and Cheese (1 cup): 480 calories, 28g fat
- Collard Greens (1 cup, cooked with smoked turkey): 120 calories, 4g fat
- Mashed Potatoes with Gravy (1 cup): 350 calories, 16g fat
- Black Eyed Peas (1 cup): 220 calories, 6g fat
- Cornbread (1 slice): 210 calories, 9g fat
Pro tip: Ask for double greens instead of a starchy side. You save 200-300 calories immediately.
Dessert And Drink Calories
Southern desserts are not light. A slice of pecan pie at B. Smith’s style restaurants usually hits 550 calories. Banana pudding is slightly better at 380 calories per cup.
Sweet tea is a big offender. A 16-ounce glass contains about 160 calories from sugar alone. Unsweetened tea with a zero-calorie sweetener is the smarter route.
How To Order Light At B. Smith’s
You do not have to skip the restaurant entirely. Use these steps to keep your meal under 700 calories.
- Skip the bread basket. That is 300 calories before your food arrives.
- Choose grilled over fried. Ask for the protein to be cooked without butter.
- Request sauce on the side. Gravy, remoulade, and butter sauces are calorie bombs.
- Swap one side for a salad with vinaigrette dressing.
- Drink water or diet soda instead of sweet tea or alcohol.
- Split the entree with a friend. Portions are large enough for two.
These small changes cut your total intake by almost half while still letting you enjoy the experience.
Nutritional Comparison: B. Smith’s Vs Other Soul Food Chains
Compared to national chains like Cracker Barrel or Metro Diner, B. Smith’s portions are slightly smaller but richer. A typical fried chicken dinner at Cracker Barrel is around 1,200 calories. B. Smith’s is comparable, but the sides tend to be more vegetable-forward if you choose wisely.
The key difference is the absence of a standardized nutrition menu. You have to estimate more carefully here because recipes change with the head chef.
Hidden Sodium Concerns
Calories are not the only issue. Soul food is notoriously high in sodium. A single meal can exceed 2,300mg of sodium, which is the daily recommended limit. If you have high blood pressure, ask for no added salt and avoid the cured meats like ham hocks in the greens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does B. Smith’s provide an official nutrition guide?
No. The restaurant did not publish a complete nutrition facts sheet. You must rely on general estimates from similar Southern restaurants or ask the manager for ingredient details.
What is the lowest calorie item on the menu?
The grilled salmon with steamed vegetables is the safest bet at roughly 640 calories. A side salad with grilled chicken (no cheese, light dressing) comes in around 450 calories.
Are the vegetables cooked with meat?
Yes, traditionally. Collard greens and green beans are usually simmered with smoked turkey or pork for flavor. Ask if they can prepare a small batch without meat or rinse the greens before serving.
Can I request nutritional modifications?
Absolutely. You can request no butter, no salt, and all sauces on the side. The kitchen is generally accommodating for dietary needs, though they may not have a dedicated allergy-free prep area.
How many calories are in the cornbread?
One standard slice of cornbread at B. Smith’s style restaurants contains about 210 calories. It is often made with buttermilk and a bit of sugar, which raises the carb count to 30g per slice.
Final Thoughts On Eating Smart
B. Smith’s Nutrition and Calories do not have to ruin your diet. The resturant offers enough flexibility for you to build a satisfying meal under 800 calories if you stay away from fried items and creamy sides.
Remember that portion control is your best tool. Take half of your entree home for lunch the next day. That single habit can halve your calorie intake while giving you two meals for the price of one.
When in doubt, ask your server questions. They know which dishes are cooked in butter and which can be steamed or grilled. A little planning goes a long way, so you can leave feeling full but not stuffed.
Enjoy the atmosphere and the company. The food is part of the experience, but you do not have to consume every calorie on the plate to appreciate the flavors.