15 Keto-Friendly Restaurants and Chains: Low-Carb Dining Tips

Here’s a list of restaurants and chains commonly found in many cities that are keto-friendly or have great keto options:

1. Chipotle Mexican Grill

• Why Keto-Friendly? Chipotle offers a customizable menu, making it easy to build a keto bowl with ingredients like:

  • Carnitas, steak, or chicken

  • Romaine lettuce, fajita veggies, guacamole, and cheese

  • Cilantro-lime cauliflower rice (available in most locations)

• Pro Tip: Skip beans, rice, and tortillas; go for the keto-friendly toppings.

2. Five Guys

• Why Keto-Friendly? Known for its lettuce-wrapped burgers and bun-free options.

  • Order burgers or hot dogs with cheese, bacon, and low-carb toppings (lettuce, pickles, grilled onions, mustard, etc.).

• Pro Tip: Avoid fries and sugary condiments like ketchup.

3. Outback Steakhouse

• Why Keto-Friendly? Focused on grilled meats, seafood, and keto-appropriate sides.

  • Opt for steak, salmon, or chicken with sides like broccoli, asparagus, or a Caesar salad without croutons.

• Pro Tip: Ask for extra butter or olive oil to increase fat content.

4. Texas Roadhouse

• Why Keto-Friendly? Known for its grilled meats and keto-compatible sides.

  • Choose steak, pork chops, or grilled chicken with steamed veggies or salad (no croutons).

• Pro Tip: Skip the complimentary bread rolls.

5. The Cheesecake Factory

• Why Keto-Friendly? Surprisingly adaptable menu with keto-friendly proteins and salads.

  • Try their herb-crusted salmon, grilled steak medallions, or a Cobb salad without the dressing.

• Pro Tip: Some locations offer low-carb cheesecake options made with sugar substitutes.

6. Shake Shack

• Why Keto-Friendly? Offers lettuce-wrapped burgers or bunless options.

  • Pair a double cheeseburger with bacon and toppings like pickles and onions.

• Pro Tip: Skip the fries and shakes.

7. Whole Foods Market (Hot Bar)

• Why Keto-Friendly? The hot bar offers many low-carb options like roasted meats, grilled vegetables, and fresh salads.

• Pro Tip: Check ingredients for hidden carbs (e.g., sugary sauces).

8. P.F. Chang’s

• Why Keto-Friendly? Many keto-friendly protein dishes, like:

  • Kung Pao shrimp (light on the sauce) or lettuce wraps (without the sweet sauce).

• Pro Tip: Request substitutions like steamed broccoli instead of rice.

9. Panera Bread

• Why Keto-Friendly? Offers customizable salads and soups.

  • Opt for a Green Goddess Cobb Salad with chicken or customize a breakfast bowl.

• Pro Tip: Ask for extra avocado and protein; avoid bread and sugary dressings.

10. Buffalo Wild Wings

• Why Keto-Friendly? Known for traditional (not breaded) wings and keto-friendly sauces (e.g., garlic parmesan, dry rubs).

• Pro Tip: Stick with celery and blue cheese or ranch instead of fries.

11. Blaze Pizza

• Why Keto-Friendly? Offers a keto crust made with cauliflower and cheese.

  • Top with low-carb options like meats, cheese, and vegetables.

• Pro Tip: Skip sugary sauces like BBQ or balsamic glaze.

12. Fogo de Chão (or Brazilian Steakhouses)

• Why Keto-Friendly? Meat-focused restaurants with endless grilled proteins and fresh salad bars.

• Pro Tip: Load up on fatty cuts of meat, cheeses, and greens; avoid bread and sugary desserts.

13. Starbucks

• Why Keto-Friendly? Offers keto-friendly drink and snack options.

  • Drink: Iced coffee with heavy cream and sugar-free syrup.

  • Snack: Sous vide egg bites (bacon and Gruyère).

• Pro Tip: Avoid milk-based drinks and pastries.

14. Local BBQ Joints

• Why Keto-Friendly? Focus on meats like brisket, pulled pork, or smoked chicken.

• Pro Tip: Skip sugary sauces and carb-heavy sides like cornbread or baked beans.

15. High-End Steak Restaurants (e.g., Ruth’s Chris, Morton’s)

• Why Keto-Friendly? Known for high-quality steaks, seafood, and keto-compatible sides like spinach, mushrooms, and Brussels sprouts.

• Pro Tip: Always ask for clarified butter to enhance fat intake.

Tips for Dining Out on Keto:

• Customize Freely: Most restaurants are flexible with substitutions (e.g., extra veggies instead of fries).

• Watch for Hidden Carbs: Sauces, dressings, and marinades often have sugar.

• Focus on Whole Foods: Stick to grilled proteins, low-carb veggies, and healthy fats.

With these options, you'll find keto-friendly meals in almost any city!