Knowing the calorie count at Shakey’s starts with understanding their famous thin-crust slices versus the hearty pan options. This guide breaks down the full Shakey’s Pizza Parlor Nutrition and Calories profile so you can order with confidence. We will look at pizzas, sides, and even the lunch buffet to help you make smarter choices.
Shakey’s Pizza Parlor Nutrition And Calories
Shakey’s is known for crispy, tavern-style pizza. But the nutrition facts vary wildly depending on the crust and toppings you pick. Let’s get into the specifics of their most popular menu items.
Thin Crust Pizza Breakdown
The thin crust is the lighter option at Shakey’s. It is cut into small, square pieces, which makes it easy to lose track of how many you eat. A single slice of regular cheese thin crust contains roughly 150-180 calories. This number changes when you add meats or extra cheese.
Here is a quick look at average calories per slice for thin crust:
- Cheese: ~160 calories
- Pepperoni: ~180 calories
- Supreme (veggies and meats): ~200 calories
- Meat lovers: ~220 calories
These numbers are estimates. The actual count depends on the size of the pizza. Shakey’s offers personal, small, medium, and large thin crust pies. Always check the specific serving size on their official allergen menu.
Pan Crust And Loaded Pizza Options
The pan crust is a different story. It is thicker, doughier, and often cooked with extra oil in the pan. This significantly increases the fat and calorie content. A single slice of pan cheese pizza can range from 250 to 300 calories.
If you are looking at their specialty pizzas, be careful. The “Loaded” or “Bacon and Cheeseburger” pizzas pack a heavy punch. These can easily exceed 300 calories per slice. The thick crust holds more sauce and cheese, which adds up quickly.
Comparing Crust Types
When you compare the two, the difference is clear. For a lighter meal, stick with thin crust. If you want the filling experience of pan crust, plan for a smaller portion. A good rule of thumb is that two slices of thin crust equal about one and a half slices of pan crust in calories.
Calorie Counts For Sides And Appetizers
Pizza is only half the story. Shakey’s is also famous for their sides, especially the chicken and mojos. These can add a lot of calories to your meal if you are not careful.
Shakey’s Chicken And Mojos
Their crispy fried chicken is a crowd favorite. However, it is not the healthiest option. A single piece of fried chicken can have between 200 and 400 calories, depending on the cut. The skin holds most of the fat and calories.
Mojos, which are fried potato wedges, are also calorie-dense. A standard serving of mojos with dipping sauce can easily reach 400-500 calories. Here are some numbers to consider:
- 1 Piece of Fried Chicken (Leg): ~200 calories
- 1 Piece of Fried Chicken (Breast): ~380 calories
- Regular Serving of Mojos: ~450 calories
- Garlic Parmesan Mojos: ~550 calories
If you want to save calories, consider sharing a side. The dipping sauces also add hidden calories. Ranch dressing or their special gravy can add an extra 100-150 calories per serving.
Salad Bar And Lighter Choices
Shakey’s offers a salad bar at many locations. This is your best bet for a low-calorie addition. Load up on leafy greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Be careful with creamy dressings and cheese, as those add fat quickly.
Opt for vinaigrette dressings instead of ranch or blue cheese. This simple swap can save you over 100 calories. The salad bar is a great way to balance out the heavier pizza options.
Navigating The Lunch Buffet
The Shakey’s lunch buffet is a popular value. It offers unlimited pizza, chicken, and salad. This can be a calorie disaster if you are not mindful. However, you can enjoy the buffet without going overboard.
Here is a strategy to manage your portions:
- Start with a small salad to fill up on fiber.
- Choose thin crust pizza slices over pan crust.
- Limit yourself to one or two pieces of fried chicken.
- Skip the mojos and heavy pasta dishes if available.
- Drink water or unsweetened iced tea instead of soda.
By following this plan, you can keep your buffet meal around 700-900 calories. That is reasonable for a large meal. The key is to avoid going back for multiple plates of pan pizza.
Understanding Sodium And Fat Content
Calories are not the only thing to watch. Shakey’s food is high in sodium and saturated fat. This is common in pizza and fried foods. If you have high blood pressure or heart concerns, pay attention to these numbers.
A single slice of pizza can contain 400-600 mg of sodium. Eating three slices puts you over half of your daily recommended intake. The fried chicken is also high in sodium due to the breading and seasoning.
Balance your meal by drinking plenty of water. Avoid adding extra salt to your food. The cheese and sauce already provide plenty of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are common questions people have about Shakey’s nutritional information.
What is the healthiest pizza at Shakey’s?
The healthiest option is a thin crust cheese or veggie pizza. It has fewer calories and less fat than pan crust or meat-heavy options. Ask for light cheese to save even more calories.
How many calories are in a Shakey’s personal pizza?
A personal thin crust cheese pizza is usually around 600-700 calories total. A personal pan crust pizza will be closer to 800-900 calories. This depends on the toppings you select.
Does Shakey’s have gluten-free crust?
Most Shakey’s locations do not offer a gluten-free crust. The thin crust contains wheat flour. If you have celiac disease, it is best to avoid the pizza entirely due to cross-contamination.
Are Shakey’s mojos vegan?
The mojos themselves are usually fried potatoes. However, they may be cooked in the same oil as chicken. The seasoning or dipping sauces may contain dairy. It is best to ask your local store for specifics.
Is the Shakey’s lunch buffet worth the calories?
It can be if you stick to thin crust and salad. The buffet is a good value, but it is easy to overeat. Set a limit for yourself before you start.
Final Tips For Tracking Your Meal
Tracking your intake at Shakey’s requires a bit of guesswork. The company does not always publish complete nutrition guides for every location. This is because recipes can vary by franchise owner.
Here are a few final tips to keep you on track:
- Ask for the nutrition brochure at the restaurant.
- Check the official Shakey’s website for PDF menus.
- Use a calorie tracking app and search for “Shakey’s”.
- When in doubt, assume your slice is higher in calories.
Eating at Shakey’s is a treat. You can enjoy it without ruining your diet. Just be smart about your choices. Stick to thin crust, watch your portions, and fill up on salad. That way, you can enjoy the taste without the guilt.
Remember that these numbers are estimates. The actual calorie count can change based on how the food is prepared. Always use your best judgment and listen to your hunger cues. A balanced approach is the best way to enjoy any restaurant meal.