Steakhouse meals often carry hidden calorie counts that surprise even regular diners. When you walk into Colton’s Steak House & Grill, the smell of sizzling beef and buttered rolls can make you forget about your daily goals. But knowing the Colton’s Steak House & Grill Nutrition and Calories before you order can save you from a 2,000-calorie surprise.
This guide breaks down the menu item by item. We will look at steaks, chicken, sides, salads, and desserts. You will learn which choices fit a low-calorie plan and which ones are better for a cheat day.
Why Portion Size Matters At Colton’s
Colton’s serves generous portions. A standard 8 oz sirloin is not the same as a 12 oz ribeye. The calorie difference between those two cuts can be over 300 calories. Also, the way your steak is cooked changes the fat content. A grilled filet with no butter is lean. A ribeye cooked with extra butter on top is not.
You should always check the cut of meat first. Then, look at the toppings. A “loaded” baked potato adds cheese, bacon, and sour cream. That single side can have more calories than your steak.
Steak Cuts And Their Calorie Ranges
Here is a simple breakdown of common steak cuts at Colton’s. These numbers are for a plain, cooked steak without butter or sauces.
- Filet Mignon (6 oz): Around 310 calories. This is the leanest cut.
- Sirloin (8 oz): Around 420 calories. A good balance of flavor and fat.
- Ribeye (12 oz): Around 780 calories. High fat content makes this rich.
- New York Strip (10 oz): Around 650 calories. A firmer cut with good marbling.
- T-Bone (14 oz): Around 900 calories. Includes both strip and tenderloin.
These numbers do not include the seasoning. Colton’s uses a signature seasoning blend. It is mostly salt and spices, so it adds almost no calories. However, if you ask for “butter on top,” add 100-150 calories per pat.
How Cooking Temperature Changes The Count
Rare, medium, or well-done does not change the calorie count much. The meat itself has the same fat. The difference comes from what is added during cooking. If the chef uses a butter baste, you are adding calories. If they grill it dry, you are saving calories.
Always ask for your steak cooked without extra butter. This is the easiest way to cut 100-200 calories from your meal.
Appetizers: The Hidden Calorie Traps
Appetizers are where diets go to die. The calories here are dense. A basket of fried mushrooms or onion rings can easily hit 800 calories before your steak even arrives.
Fried Options To Avoid
- Fried Mushrooms: About 700 calories per basket with ranch dip.
- Onion Rings: About 850 calories for a full order.
- Chicken Tenders: About 900 calories with honey mustard.
- Loaded Nachos: Over 1,200 calories. This is a full meal.
These items are cooked in shared fryer oil. That oil adds calories you cannot see. Even a small basket of fries is around 400 calories.
Lighter Starter Choices
You do not have to skip appetizers completely. Look for grilled or fresh options.
- House Salad (no cheese): About 150 calories with light dressing.
- Grilled Shrimp Skewer: About 120 calories for two skewers.
- French Onion Soup: About 350 calories with the cheese crust.
- Bread and Butter: Each roll is about 150 calories. Skip the butter to save 100 calories.
The bread basket is free, but it is not calorie-free. Two rolls with butter can add 400 calories to your meal. If you are counting, ask the server to skip the bread.
Salads And Soup: Not Always The Safe Bet
Salads seem healthy, but steakhouse salads are often loaded. The “Crispy Chicken Salad” at Colton’s is a good example. It has fried chicken, cheese, and a sugary dressing. That salad can have over 900 calories.
Grilled Chicken Salad
If you choose a grilled chicken salad, you are looking at about 450 calories. This includes the chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and croutons. The dressing is the variable. A full serving of ranch dressing is about 220 calories. A full serving of vinaigrette is about 150 calories.
Ask for dressing on the side. Dip your fork in the dressing before picking up the salad. This simple trick cuts your dressing intake in half.
Soup Options
Colton’s usually offers a soup of the day. The calorie count depends on the base. A broth-based vegetable soup is around 100 calories. A cream-based soup like broccoli cheddar is around 400 calories per bowl.
Always ask what the soup of the day is. If it is cream-based, you are better off with a side salad.
Colton’s Steak House & Grill Nutrition And Calories: Main Entrees
Now we get to the main event. The entrees at Colton’s range from lean protein to heavy comfort food. Here is how to navigate the menu without blowing your daily budget.
Steak Dinners
A standard steak dinner comes with a choice of side and a salad or soup. The steak is the main calorie source. Here are the typical counts for a full dinner plate.
- 8 oz Sirloin Dinner: About 620 calories with a plain baked potato and side salad.
- 10 oz Ribeye Dinner: About 890 calories with steamed broccoli.
- Filet Dinner: About 540 calories with asparagus.
- Steak Tips: About 700 calories. These are often marinated in butter.
The side dish changes everything. A loaded baked potato adds 400 calories. A plain baked potato adds 250 calories. Steamed vegetables add only 50 calories.
Chicken And Ribs
Chicken is not always lighter. A grilled chicken breast is about 350 calories. But if it is smothered in BBQ sauce and cheese, it jumps to 650 calories.
Ribs are tricky. A half-rack of baby back ribs has about 600 calories. The BBQ sauce adds sugar. A full rack is over 1,200 calories. If you love ribs, order a half-rack and skip the fries.
Seafood Options
Grilled shrimp is a great low-calorie choice. A shrimp skewer dinner is about 400 calories. Fried shrimp is a different story. A fried shrimp platter is around 900 calories because of the breading and oil.
Salmon is another good option. A grilled salmon fillet is about 450 calories. It is high in healthy fats, which keep you full.
Side Dishes: The Real Game Changer
Your side dish can double the calories of your meal. Here is a breakdown of common sides at Colton’s.
High Calorie Sides
- Loaded Baked Potato: 500 calories with butter, cheese, and bacon.
- Mac and Cheese: 450 calories per cup.
- French Fries: 420 calories for a large basket.
- Mashed Potatoes with Gravy: 350 calories.
- Onion Rings: 400 calories for a small side.
Low Calorie Sides
- Steamed Broccoli: 40 calories.
- Grilled Asparagus: 50 calories.
- Side Salad (no dressing): 100 calories.
- Plain Baked Potato: 250 calories.
- Green Beans: 60 calories.
Swapping your fries for steamed broccoli saves you 380 calories. That is the equivalent of a small dessert. Make the swap.
Desserts And Drinks: The Final Blow
Desserts at steakhouses are massive. They are meant for sharing. But even a slice of cheesecake is over 600 calories.
Dessert Calorie Counts
- Chocolate Lava Cake: 700 calories.
- Cheesecake: 650 calories per slice.
- Apple Crisp: 550 calories with ice cream.
- Ice Cream Scoop: 200 calories.
If you want dessert, share it. Split the lava cake with three other people. That brings your portion down to 175 calories.
Drink Calories
Sodas and sweet tea are sugar bombs. A large soda has about 300 calories. A glass of sweet tea has about 200 calories. Alcoholic drinks are worse. A margarita can have 500 calories or more.
Stick to water, unsweetened tea, or diet soda. This saves you hundreds of calories.
How To Build A Low-Calorie Meal At Colton’s
You can eat at Colton’s and stay within your calorie budget. Here is a step-by-step plan.
- Skip the bread basket. Ask your server to not bring it.
- Order water or unsweetened tea. No sugary drinks.
- Start with a house salad. Use vinaigrette on the side.
- Choose a lean steak. Go for the filet or sirloin.
- Ask for no butter. Tell the server you want it grilled dry.
- Pick steamed vegetables. Broccoli or asparagus.
- Skip dessert. Or share it with the whole table.
This plan keeps your total meal around 700-800 calories. That is a reasonable dinner for most people.
Tips For Tracking Your Meal
You do not have to guess. Here are some practical tips for tracking your intake at Colton’s.
- Use a food scale at home to learn what 6 oz of meat looks like.
- Ask for a to-go box immediately. Pack half your steak before you start eating.
- Request sauces and dressings on the side.
- Look up the nutrition info on the official website before you go.
- Log your meal in a calorie app while you are still at the table.
These small actions make a big difference. You can enjoy your meal and still hit your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the grilled chicken at Colton’s healthy?
Yes, the grilled chicken breast is about 350 calories. Just avoid adding BBQ sauce or cheese. Ask for it plain with a side of steamed veggies.
What is the lowest calorie steak at Colton’s?
The filet mignon is the leanest cut. A 6 oz filet has about 310 calories. It is tender and low in fat compared to ribeye or T-bone.
How many calories are in Colton’s baked potato?
A plain baked potato is about 250 calories. A loaded potato with butter, cheese, and bacon is about 500 calories. The toppings double the count.
Can I eat low carb at Colton’s?
Yes. Order a steak with no butter and a double order of steamed broccoli. Skip the bread and potato. This keeps your carbs under 20 grams.
Does Colton’s have a nutrition guide?
Colton’s does not always publish a full nutrition guide online. However, you can ask your server for allergy and calorie information. Many locations have a binder with details.
Final Thoughts On Eating Smart
You do not have to avoid Colton’s to stay healthy. You just have to be smart. Choose lean cuts, skip the fried sides, and watch your portions. The Colton’s Steak House & Grill Nutrition and Calories are manageable if you plan ahead.
Remember that a steakhouse meal is a treat. It is okay to splurge sometimes. But if you eat here regularly, make the healthy swaps. Your body will thank you. And your waistline will not suffer.
Next time you are at Colton’s, use this guide. Order a filet, get broccoli, and skip the lava cake. You will leave full and satisfied, without the guilt. That is the best way to enjoy a steak dinner.