Loaded potato soup and half-pound burgers make this casual dining spot generous with portions, so knowing serving sizes helps plan your daily intake. When you’re eating out at a place like Rafferty’s, the menu is packed with comfort food classics that can easily push past your calorie goals. That’s why we’ve put together this complete guide to Rafferty’s Restaurant & Bar Nutrition and Calories to help you make smarter choices before you even walk through the door.
You don’t have to guess anymore. We’ve broken down the most popular items, highlighted the hidden calorie traps, and pointed out the lighter options that still taste great. Let’s get right into the numbers so you can enjoy your meal without the guilt.
Rafferty’s Restaurant & Bar Nutrition And Calories: The Basics
Rafferty’s is known for its hand-cut steaks, slow-smoked ribs, and their famous bread and honey butter. But the nutrition facts vary wildly across the menu. Some salads are actually higher in fat than the burgers, thanks to heavy dressings and fried toppings.
Here is a quick overview of what to expect regarding calorie ranges:
- Appetizers: 400 to 1,500 calories per order
- Burgers and sandwiches: 600 to 1,200 calories
- Entree salads: 500 to 1,100 calories
- Steaks and ribs: 400 to 1,000 calories (before sides)
- Desserts: 500 to 1,000 calories per slice
Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates based on standard recipes. The actual values can change depending on how the kitchen prepares your food, so always ask for sauces and dressings on the side.
Appetizers And Starters: The Hidden Heavyweights
Starting your meal with an appetizer can double your calorie intake before the main course even arrives. The “Tots” topped with cheese and bacon are a fan favorite, but they pack a serious punch.
Consider these popular starters:
- Loaded Potato Soup (cup): ~280 calories, 18g fat
- Loaded Potato Soup (bowl): ~450 calories, 29g fat
- Fried Pickles: ~620 calories with ranch dip
- Quesadilla: ~890 calories
- Buffalo Wings (6 pieces): ~540 calories
If you want to save calories, skip the fried items. The soup is a better choice if you stick to the cup size, but it is still high in sodium. You could also split an appetizer with the whole table to keep portions in check.
Burgers And Sandwiches: Know Your Bun
The half-pound burgers are the stars of the show here. They are juicy, flame-grilled, and served on a toasted brioche bun. That bun alone adds about 200 calories and 4 grams of fat.
Here is the breakdown for some signature burgers:
- Original Half-Pound Burger: ~780 calories
- Mushroom Swiss Burger: ~840 calories
- BBQ Bacon Burger: ~1,050 calories
- Chicken Club Sandwich: ~720 calories
- Fish Sandwich: ~690 calories
One easy swap is to ditch the bun or go for a lettuce wrap. That saves you 200 calories instantly. Also, ask for no mayo or sub it for mustard to cut another 100 calories per tablespoon.
Salads: The Deceptive Diet Choice
You might think ordering a salad is the healthiest option, but that is not always true at Rafferty’s. The “Grilled Chicken Salad” sounds light, but the candied pecans, dried cranberries, and sweet vinaigrette add up fast.
Check these numbers:
- Grilled Chicken Salad: ~680 calories with dressing
- Crispy Chicken Salad: ~940 calories
- Caesar Salad (side): ~350 calories
- House Salad (side): ~220 calories with dressing
To make a salad work for you, get the dressing on the side and use half of it. Skip the crispy chicken and go for grilled. Remove the croutons and cheese to save another 150 calories.
Steaks And Ribs: Protein Power With A Catch
Rafferty’s does a solid job with steaks and ribs. A plain 8-ounce sirloin is around 380 calories, which is great for protein. The problem is the sides and the butter they put on top.
Here is what you need to know:
- 8 oz Sirloin: ~380 calories
- Baby Back Ribs (half rack): ~610 calories
- Full Rack of Ribs: ~1,220 calories
- Baked Potato (with butter and sour cream): ~420 calories
- Steamed Broccoli: ~45 calories
Ask for your steak without the herb butter. Swap the loaded baked potato for a plain sweet potato or extra broccoli. That simple change saves you over 300 calories.
Sides And Extras: Small Additions, Big Impact
The sides at Rafferty’s can be just as caloric as the main dish. The famous “Rafferty’s Tots” are crispy and salty, but they are cooked in oil and often topped with cheese sauce.
Here are the side dish calories:
- Tots: ~430 calories per serving
- French Fries: ~380 calories
- Onion Rings: ~510 calories
- Coleslaw: ~180 calories
- Green Beans: ~90 calories
If you are watching your intake, choose the green beans or coleslaw. They give you volume without wrecking your daily budget.
Desserts And Drinks: The Final Blow
Desserts are massive at Rafferty’s. The “Brownie Bottom Pie” is a bestseller, but it is also one of the highest-calorie items on the menu. A single slice can exceed the calories of your entire meal.
Consider these numbers:
- Brownie Bottom Pie: ~980 calories per slice
- Cheesecake: ~850 calories
- Ice Cream Sundae: ~620 calories
- Sweet Tea (large): ~300 calories
- Soda (refillable): ~350 calories per glass
Skip the sugary drinks. Stick to water or unsweetened tea to save hundreds of calories. If you want dessert, share it with two or three people.
Tips For Ordering Lighter At Rafferty’s
You can enjoy a meal here without blowing your diet. Use these practical strategies when you order:
- Look at the menu online before you go and decide what you will order.
- Ask for all sauces, dressings, and butters on the side.
- Choose grilled proteins over fried ones.
- Swap high-calorie sides for steamed veggies.
- Drink water or unsweetened tea instead of soda.
- Split your entree with a friend or take half home.
- Skip the appetizer unless you are sharing.
These small steps can cut your meal calories by 400 to 600 without making you feel deprived.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Rafferty’s post their nutrition info online?
Rafferty’s does not always publish full nutrition facts on their website. You may need to ask the manager for a printed nutrition guide or check third-party databases for estimates.
What is the healthiest thing to eat at Rafferty’s?
The grilled chicken salad with dressing on the side or the 8 oz sirloin with steamed broccoli are your best bets. Both keep calories under 500 before sides.
Are there low-carb options at Rafferty’s?
Yes. You can order any burger without the bun or ask for a lettuce wrap. Steaks and grilled chicken are naturally low-carb, just skip the sugary BBQ sauce.
How many calories are in the loaded potato soup?
A cup is around 280 calories, while a bowl is closer to 450 calories. It is creamy and filling, but high in saturated fat and sodium.
Can I eat at Rafferty’s on a diet?
Absolutely. Stick to grilled items, watch your portions, and skip the extras. You can easily stay under 700 calories for a full meal if you plan ahead.
Knowing the Rafferty’s Restaurant & Bar Nutrition and Calories for your favorite dishes puts you in control. You do not have to miss out on the fun atmosphere or the tasty food. Just make informed choices, watch the portion sizes, and you can leave feeling satisfied, not stuffed.
Remember that restaurant portions are often two to three times larger than what you would serve at home. Taking half of your meal to go is a smart move that saves calories and gives you lunch for tomorrow. Enjoy your next visit and make it work for your goals.