Two tacos at Dos Locos Gringos with their creamy chipotle sauce can reach 1,100 calories, similar to their loaded nachos. Understanding the full picture of Dos Locos Gringos Nutrition and Calories is tricky because the menu is big and the portions are generous. You need a clear breakdown before you order so you don’t blow your daily budget on one meal.
This guide breaks down the real numbers for the most popular items. We’ll look at tacos, burritos, and those famous sides. We will also give you practical swaps to save hundreds of calories while still getting that bold flavor.
Dos Locos Gringos Nutrition And Calories
Most people assume the burrito is the worst offender, but the numbers might surprise you. The real calorie bombs are often the add-ons and the sauces. Let’s look at the core menu items first.
Main Course Calorie Breakdown
The base proteins are all cooked differently, which changes the fat content. Here is a quick look at the standard servings without extras like cheese or sour cream.
- Carne Asada Burrito: 980 calories (includes rice and beans inside)
- Chicken Quesadilla (Full Size): 850 calories before adding guacamole
- Fish Tacos (2 pcs): 620 calories with cabbage slaw
- Veggie Bowl (No Tortilla): 540 calories
Notice how the bowl is lower. The tortilla itself is often 300 calories alone. If you are counting, that is a huge chunk of your intake.
The Hidden Cost Of Sauces And Sides
That chipotle cream sauce is delicious, but it is heavy. A single side cup (about 2 oz) has roughly 180 calories and 15 grams of fat. The pico de gallo is safe, but the queso blanco adds up fast.
You also need to check the sides. The “Mexican Street Corn” is loaded with mayo and cheese. A single serving has about 320 calories. The black beans are a better option at 150 calories per cup.
How To Order Low Calorie At Dos Locos
You don’t have to skip the restaurant entirely. You just need a strategy. Here is a step-by-step plan to cut your meal down to under 700 calories.
- Choose grilled chicken or shrimp. These proteins have less saturated fat than carne asada or carnitas.
- Ask for corn tortillas instead of flour. Corn tortillas are smaller and usually save you 80-100 calories per taco.
- Get the sauce on the side. This lets you control the portion. Dip your fork in it rather than pouring it on.
- Skip the rice. Ask for extra lettuce or grilled veggies instead. Rice adds 200 empty calories.
- Order the “Single Taco” plate. It comes with one taco and a small salad, which is much lighter than the two-taco combo.
If you follow those steps, you can easily get a filling meal for around 550 calories. The key is controlling the high-fat add-ons.
Comparing Popular Combo Meals
Let’s look at the full combos that include a drink and a side. These are often the reason people gain weight without realizing it.
- 2 Hard Shell Tacos + Chips & Queso: 1,450 calories total
- Chicken Burrito Bowl + Chips & Guac: 1,100 calories total
- 3 Street Tacos (Cilantro & Onion) + Rice: 890 calories total
The street tacos are the winner here. They are smaller but still give you that authentic taste. The hard shell tacos are fried, which adds a lot of oil.
What About The Breakfast Menu?
Breakfast items are available all day. The “Machaca Burrito” is a massive 1,200 calories. It has eggs, beef, cheese, and potatoes. A better bet is the “Huevos a la Mexicana” which comes with eggs, tomato, and onion. That is only 450 calories with two corn tortillas.
Be careful with the breakfast sides. The home fries are cooked in oil. They add 250 calories to your plate. You can swap them for fruit, but they might charge a small fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about the menu and counting calories.
Are The Grilled Veggies Free Of Charge?
Usually yes, if you ask for them instead of rice or beans. But some locations charge 50 cents. It is best to ask when ordering.
Is The Guacamole Made Fresh Daily?
Yes, they make it in-house. However, it is high in fat. A standard scoop has about 120 calories. It is healthy fat, but it still counts.
Does The Nutrition Info Include The Tortilla Chips?
No. The chips and salsa are often complimentary. But the chips alone have about 350 calories per basket. That is a meal in itself.
Can I Get A Lettuce Wrap Instead Of A Tortilla?
Yes, they will do this upon request. It saves you about 250 calories. The burrito becomes a “salad” style dish.
What Is The Lowest Calorie Drink Option?
Skip the horchata and jamaica. They are full of sugar. Stick with water or unsweetened iced tea. A 16 oz horchata has 300 calories.
Final Tips For Tracking Your Meal
Always look at the online menu before you go. The numbers we listed are estimates. Portions can vary by location and by the person serving you.
If you are really strict, bring a small food scale. But that is not always practical. A better rule is to eat half your burrito and save the rest for later. This automatically cuts the calories in half.
Dont forget the sodium. Even the “healthy” bowls can have over 1,500 mg of sodium. Drink plenty of water after your meal to help flush it out.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for a to-go box right when you get your food. Put half away immediately. This prevents you from overeating just because the food is in front of you.
Remember that the sauces are the biggest trap. A meal without sauce is often 300 calories lighter. Use hot sauce or salsa verde instead of the creamy options. Those are usually zero calories.
So, the next time you visit, you will know exactly what to look for. A little planning goes a long way. You can enjoy the food without ruining your diet.
Just remmeber to check the portion sizes. What looks like a small taco can be very dense. And always ask for extra lettuce to fill you up without the extra calories.
Thats the best way to handle the menu. Stay smart, ask questions, and you will be fine.