Gathering at this outdoor dining venue for Sunday brunch means facing menu decisions that hinge on portion sizes and their nutritional impact. Understanding Los Patios Nutrition and Calories before you order helps you enjoy the atmosphere without guessing your daily intake. The menu blends Tex-Mex classics with lighter fare, so there is room for both indulgence and balance.
Most visitors focus on the patio seating and the margarita list, but the kitchen sends out plates that range from 450 to 1,400 calories. A chicken quesadilla with sour cream and guac sits near the top, while the grilled salmon salad stays on the lighter end. Portions are generous, often enough for two meals, which changes the real calorie math.
Below is a breakdown of the most ordered items, hidden add-ons, and smart swaps. You will also find answers to common questions about sodium, gluten, and protein counts.
Los Patios Nutrition And Calories
This heading covers the full menu, but the numbers vary wildly by category. Start with the appetizers, because sharing plates can double your intake before the main course arrives. The table below lists average values based on standard recipes and public nutrition data.
Appetizers And Shared Plates
- Queso flameado with chorizo – 720 calories, 48g fat per full skillet
- Guacamole with tortilla chips – 610 calories, 38g fat (two servings)
- Street corn (elote) – 290 calories, 18g fat per ear
- Loaded nachos with beef – 1,150 calories for the full tray
The queso is the biggest trap. One scoop seems harmless, but the skillet holds four servings. If you split it with three friends, you stay near 180 calories. Eating it alone adds nearly half a day’s fat allowance.
Main Entrees And Protein Choices
Entrees range from grilled proteins to fried tortilla stacks. The cooking method changes the calorie count more than the protein itself.
- Grilled chicken fajitas (3 tortillas) – 780 calories, 34g protein
- Beef enchiladas with red sauce – 890 calories, 41g protein
- Carnitas tacos (3) – 640 calories, 28g protein
- Grilled salmon with rice and veggies – 520 calories, 38g protein
- Chile relleno (cheese-filled, fried) – 950 calories, 22g protein
The salmon plate is the clear winner for protein per calorie. The chile relleno, while delicious, packs nearly double the calories because of the egg batter and cheese stuffing. Ask for the salmon without the butter glaze to save 80 calories.
Sides And Extras That Add Up
Sides are not free passes. The refried beans are cooked with lard, and the Spanish rice absorbs oil during cooking.
- Refried beans (side) – 210 calories, 9g fat
- Mexican rice (side) – 180 calories, 6g fat
- Grilled vegetables – 70 calories, 2g fat
- Extra tortillas (3) – 180 calories
- Sour cream (2 oz) – 120 calories
Swapping refried beans for grilled vegetables saves 140 calories. Skipping the extra tortillas saves another 180. Small changes like these drop a typical meal from 1,100 to under 800 calories.
Beverages And Cocktails
Drinks often contain more sugar than the food. A house margarita on the rocks runs 280 calories, but the frozen version with the sugar rim hits 450. Beer and wine are lower, but the sweet tea is a hidden sugar bomb.
- House margarita (rocks) – 280 calories
- Frozen margarita – 450 calories
- Michelada – 220 calories
- Sweet tea (16 oz) – 160 calories
- Diet soda or water – 0 calories
One frozen margarita equals a small meal. Two of them push your total past 900 calories before food arrives. Stick to one cocktail and alternate with water to keep the numbers in check.
Desserts And Sweet Finishes
Dessert portions are meant for sharing. The fried ice cream is the lightest option, while the sopapillas with honey weigh in heavier.
- Fried ice cream – 380 calories, 18g fat
- Sopapillas with honey – 520 calories, 24g fat
- Flan – 310 calories, 12g fat
- Churros with chocolate – 610 calories, 30g fat
The flan is the best pick if you want something sweet without the fried batter. Churros are the worst, packing more calories than a full chicken taco plate.
How To Order Smart At Los Patios
You do not need to skip the experience to stay on track. Use these steps to build a meal that fits your goals.
- Start with a broth-based soup or side salad to add volume for under 150 calories.
- Choose grilled proteins over fried or battered options.
- Ask for sauces and sour cream on the side, then use half.
- Skip the tortilla basket or limit yourself to one with butter.
- Split an entree with a friend and order an extra side of vegetables.
- Drink water or unsweetened tea before your meal to reduce hunger.
These steps cut 300 to 500 calories without making you feel deprived. The patio vibe stays the same, but your body thanks you later.
Nutritional Concerns Beyond Calories
Calories are only part of the picture. Sodium levels at Los Patios run high, often exceeding 1,500 mg per entree. That is two-thirds of the daily recommended limit in one plate.
If you watch blood pressure, ask for no added salt on the grilled items. The marinades and sauces already contain plenty. Also, the beans and rice add another 600 mg of sodium combined. Choose one starch instead of both to cut back.
Carb counts matter for diabetic guests. A full fajita platter with tortillas, rice, and beans lands near 90 grams of carbs. The grilled salmon with vegetables stays under 30 grams. Gluten-free diners should avoid the flour tortillas and fried items, but corn tortillas are safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lowest calorie entree at Los Patios?
The grilled salmon with vegetables is the lightest main dish at around 520 calories. The grilled chicken salad without dressing comes close at 480 calories.
Are the nutrition facts available on the menu?
Los Patios does not print full nutrition labels on every menu item. You can ask the server for allergen info, but exact calorie counts are not always provided. Use the estimates above as a guide.
How many calories are in a Los Patios margarita?
A house margarita on the rocks has about 280 calories. The frozen version with a sugar rim jumps to 450 calories. Ask for light agave to reduce sugar.
Can I eat low carb at this restaurant?
Yes. Order any grilled protein with a side salad or vegetables instead of rice and beans. Skip the tortillas and ask for extra lettuce wraps. This keeps carbs under 20 grams.
Is the queso worth the calories?
The queso flameado with chorizo is 720 calories per skillet. If you share it with three or more people, it is a reasonable appetizer. Eating it solo is not advised for weight management.
One last note on portion control. The kitchen serves large plates, so box up half before you start eating. That simple habit halves the calorie impact and gives you lunch for tomorrow. The patio experience remains enjoyable, and you leave feeling satisfied, not stuffed.
Remember that nutrition data can shift with recipe changes and seasonal ingredients. The numbers above reflect typical preparation, but your specific plate might differ by 10 to 15 percent. When in doubt, ask for dressings and sauces on the side, and choose grilled over fried.
Enjoy the outdoor seating, the live music, and the company. With a little planning, you can make Los Patios work for your health goals without sacrificing the fun.