Armando’s Nutrition and Calories is something you should check before you order. Most people walk in hungry and just grab a plate without thinking. That is a mistake if you are tracking what you eat. Armando’s Mexican plates come with rice and beans as standard sides, which quietly add 300-plus calories to every order. You need to know what you are actually getting.
This guide breaks down the real numbers. We will look at the most popular menu items, the sides, and the sauces. You will learn how to make better choices without giving up flavor. Let us get started.
Why Armando’s Nutrition And Calories Matter
Eating out is a trap for your daily calorie budget. Restaurants use oil, butter, and cheese to make food taste good. Armando’s is no different. The portions are large, and the sides are heavy. If you are trying to lose weight or just eat better, you need a plan.
You do not have to stop going to your favorite spot. You just need to know what to pick. This article gives you the facts so you can order with confidence.
Understanding The Base Of Every Meal
Rice and beans are not optional at most Mexican restaurants. They come with the plate. At Armando’s, a standard serving of rice is about 200 calories. The beans add another 150 to 200 calories. That is before you even touch your main protein.
Here is the breakdown of the common sides:
- Spanish Rice (1 cup): 200-220 calories, 8g fat, 35g carbs
- Refried Beans (1 cup): 180-220 calories, 6g fat, 25g carbs
- Whole Beans (1 cup): 150-170 calories, 1g fat, 25g carbs
- Tortilla (flour, 8-inch): 150 calories, 4g fat, 25g carbs
- Tortilla (corn, 6-inch): 60 calories, 1g fat, 12g carbs
You can save 100 calories just by swapping flour tortillas for corn. You can save another 50 calories by choosing whole beans over refried. Small changes add up fast.
Main Dishes And Their Calorie Counts
Now we get to the good stuff. The main dishes are where the calories really pile up. Here is what you need to know about the most popular orders at Armando’s.
Burritos And Chimichangas
The burrito is a monster. A standard beef burrito with rice, beans, cheese, and sour cream will run you about 1,100 calories. That is more than half your daily intake if you eat 2,000 calories a day.
The chimichanga is worse. Because it is deep-fried, you add about 200 extra calories just from the frying process. A beef chimichanga can hit 1,400 calories. That is a full day of food in one plate.
If you want a burrito, try this:
- Ask for no rice inside the burrito. Save 200 calories.
- Ask for no sour cream. Save 100 calories.
- Ask for extra lettuce and pico de gallo instead.
- Skip the side of chips. Save 300 calories.
That simple swap brings your burrito down to around 500-600 calories. That is a reasonable meal.
Tacos And Enchiladas
Tacos are your best bet if you want to keep calories low. A single hard shell taco with beef, lettuce, and cheese is about 250 calories. Two tacos make a solid meal at 500 calories. That is not bad at all.
Enchiladas are a different story. They are covered in sauce and cheese. A plate of three chicken enchiladas with rice and beans will cost you about 1,000 calories. The sauce adds sugar and fat. The cheese adds more fat.
Here is the key difference:
- 2 Hard Tacos (beef): 500 calories
- 3 Chicken Enchiladas: 1,000 calories
- 1 Beef Chimichanga: 1,400 calories
- 1 Chicken Burrito: 1,100 calories
See the pattern? The fried and smothered items are the worst. Stick to grilled items and you will be fine.
Appetizers And Extras
Do not forget about the appetizers. Chips and guacamole are a classic start. But they are also a calorie bomb. A basket of chips is about 400 calories. Guacamole adds another 200 calories per serving. That is 600 calories before your meal even arrives.
If you must have chips, share them. Or ask for a small basket and stop after a few. Here are the appetizer numbers:
- Chips (basket): 400 calories
- Guacamole (side): 200 calories
- Queso Dip (side): 300 calories
- Nachos (full order): 1,200 calories
- Quesadilla (appetizer): 600 calories
The nachos are the worst thing on the menu. They are loaded with meat, cheese, beans, and jalapenos. A full order is a meal for two people, not one. If you order them, split them with a friend.
Salads And Lighter Options
Armando’s does have salads. But be careful. A taco salad with a fried shell bowl is not a healthy choice. The shell bowl alone is 400 calories. Add ground beef, cheese, and sour cream, and you are looking at 900 calories.
A better option is the grilled chicken salad without the fried bowl. Ask for it in a regular bowl. Skip the sour cream and use salsa as dressing. That brings it down to about 450 calories.
You can also order a la carte. Get two grilled chicken tacos on corn tortillas with extra lettuce. That is about 350 calories. Add a side of black beans for 150 calories. Total meal is 500 calories.
Drinks And Desserts
People forget about drinks. A large horchata or a margarita can ruin your whole meal plan. Horchata is made with rice and sugar. A large glass is about 400 calories. A margarita is about 300 calories for a standard serving. The big ones they serve at restaurants can be 600 calories or more.
Stick to water or unsweetened iced tea. If you want a soda, get the small size. Do not get a refill. That saves you 200-300 calories right there.
Desserts are also heavy. A fried ice cream is about 400 calories. A sopapilla with honey is about 350 calories. If you want something sweet, share it with the table. Or skip it and have a piece of fruit later.
How To Order Smart Every Time
You do not need to memorize every number. You just need a few rules. Here is your cheat sheet for Armando’s.
First, always ask for the sauce on the side. Sauces are loaded with oil and sugar. You can control how much you use. Second, ask for corn tortillas instead of flour. They are lower in calories and carbs.
Third, skip the rice. It is the easiest way to cut 200 calories. Ask for extra lettuce or a side of vegetables instead. Fourth, do not eat the chips. Or eat just a few and send the basket away.
Here is the step-by-step order for a healthy meal:
- Order grilled chicken or steak tacos on corn tortillas.
- Ask for no cheese or light cheese.
- Ask for extra pico de gallo and lettuce.
- Get a side of whole beans instead of refried.
- Drink water or unsweetened tea.
- Skip dessert or share it.
That meal will come in at around 450-550 calories. That is a great number for a restaurant meal.
Protein Options Compared
The type of protein you choose matters. Chicken is usually the leanest option. Steak is close behind. Carnitas (pork) is higher in fat. Chorizo is the worst because it is sausage and packed with fat.
Here is the protein breakdown per 3-ounce serving:
- Grilled Chicken: 140 calories, 3g fat
- Steak (carne asada): 180 calories, 8g fat
- Carnitas (pork): 210 calories, 12g fat
- Ground Beef: 220 calories, 15g fat
- Chorizo: 300 calories, 25g fat
Chicken is the clear winner. It has the most protein per calorie. If you are counting macros, go with chicken every time. Steak is fine if you want something different. Just know it has more fat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the questions people ask about Armando’s menu and calories.
Is Armando’s Food Healthy?
It can be. The grilled items are fine. The fried items and smothered dishes are not. Stick to tacos on corn tortillas and you will be okay.
What Is The Lowest Calorie Item At Armando’s?
The grilled chicken tacos on corn tortillas with lettuce and pico de gallo. That is about 350 calories for two tacos. Add a side of black beans for a full meal.
Can I Eat At Armando’s On A Diet?
Yes. You just have to be careful. Skip the chips, skip the rice, and skip the sour cream. Order grilled chicken or steak. Drink water. You can eat there and still lose weight.
How Many Calories Are In Armando’s Rice And Beans?
The rice is about 200 calories per cup. The beans are about 180 calories per cup. Together, that is almost 400 calories. That is why you should skip them if you are counting calories.
Are The Margaritas At Armando’s High In Calories?
Yes. A standard margarita is about 300 calories. The large ones can be 600 calories or more. They are basically liquid sugar. Stick to water or unsweetened tea.
Final Thoughts On Eating At Armando’s
You do not have to avoid Armando’s. You just have to be smart. The menu has good options and bad options. Now you know the difference. Use the tips in this article to make better choices.
Remember the basics: skip the rice, skip the chips, choose chicken, and drink water. That alone will save you 500 calories or more. You can still enjoy your meal and hit your goals. That is the whole point.
So next time you go, you will be ready. You know the numbers. You know the swaps. You know what to order. Go enjoy your meal without the guilt.