Chickie’s & Pete’s Nutrition and Calories: “Their famous crab fries are the menu’s calorie heavyweight, so splitting an order is a smart move.” If you are planning a trip to this iconic Philadelphia sports bar, you probably want to know what you are eating before you walk in the door. This guide breaks down the menu numbers so you can make a solid plan without ruining your diet.
We have looked at the standard nutrition information provided by the restaurant. Remember that actual values can shift based on how the kitchen preps your food and the size of the portion you get. Sauces and add-ons will also change the final count, so always ask if you are unsure.
Chickie’s & Pete’s Nutrition And Calories
Let’s get right to the good stuff. The menu is heavy on fried seafood, potatoes, and cheese. That means the calories add up fast. But you do not have to skip the fun. You just need to know where the big numbers are hiding.
Appetizers And Sharable Starters
Starters are meant to be shared, but sometimes you eat the whole basket by yourself. That is where the trouble starts. Here are the usual suspects and their approximate counts.
- Mussels (1 lb): Around 500 calories. The broth adds sodium but not too many calories.
- Fried Calamari: Roughly 800 calories for a full order. The marinara sauce adds about 40 calories per serving.
- Mozzarella Sticks (6 pieces): Close to 700 calories with the dipping sauce.
- Buffalo Wings (10 pieces): Expect around 900 calories. The blue cheese dressing adds another 200 calories.
- Soft Pretzel: A single large pretzel is about 380 calories. The cheese sauce on the side is 150 calories.
If you want to keep it lighter, go for the mussels or a plain pretzel without the cheese. You will save yourself a lot of fat grams.
Famous Crab Fries
You cannot talk about Chickie’s & Pete’s without mentioning the crab fries. These are the star of the show. A regular order is huge. It is easily enough for two or three people.
Here is the breakdown for the fries:
- Regular Order: Approximately 1,200 calories. This includes the seasoning and the side of melted butter.
- Large Order: Approximately 1,800 calories. This is a massive tray.
- Side of Cheese Sauce: Adds 300 calories.
If you are tracking macros, these fries are mostly carbs and fat. The seasoning is salty and delicious, but it packs a sodium punch. Splitting the regular order with friends is the best way to enjoy them without going over your daily limit.
Burgers And Sandwiches
The burger section is standard bar food. The patties are beef, and the buns are soft and buttery. You can swap fries for a side salad, but that will cost you extra.
- Classic Cheeseburger: About 750 calories. This is with one slice of cheese and no bacon.
- Bacon Cheeseburger: Around 900 calories. The bacon adds about 100 calories and a lot of salt.
- Philly Cheesesteak: This is a big one. Usually around 1,100 calories. The whiz and the fried onions are heavy.
- Chicken Sandwich (Grilled): Roughly 550 calories. This is a better option if you want protein without the grease.
- Chicken Sandwich (Fried): About 750 calories. The breading soaks up oil.
Watch out for the sides. A basket of fries adds 400-500 calories to any sandwich. If you are counting, ask for extra lettuce and tomato instead.
Seafood And Entrees
Being a seafood spot, they have fish and shrimp options. Some are baked, but most are fried. The preparation method makes a big difference in the calorie count.
- Fish and Chips: This is around 1,300 calories. The batter is heavy, and the fries are a large portion.
- Fried Shrimp (12 pieces): About 900 calories. Cocktail sauce is low calorie, but tartar sauce is not.
- Grilled Salmon: Approximately 600 calories. This is a leaner choice if you skip the butter sauce.
- Lobster Roll: Around 700 calories. The mayo and butter add up.
For the healthiest option here, pick the grilled salmon. Ask for the sauce on the side and double up on vegetables.
Salads And Lighter Options
Salads sound healthy, but they can be calorie bombs if you are not careful. The dressings and toppings are where the numbers spike.
- Caesar Salad (Chicken): About 650 calories. The croutons and parmesan are heavy.
- Garden Salad: Around 250 calories without dressing. Add grilled chicken for another 200 calories.
- Buffalo Chicken Salad: This is a trap. It is usually around 900 calories because of the fried chicken and blue cheese.
Always ask for dressing on the side. You can cut 200-300 calories just by dipping your fork instead of pouring it on.
Sides And Extras
The sides are simple but calorie-dense. Here is what you are looking at for the smaller dishes.
- Coleslaw: About 250 calories per cup.
- Mac and Cheese: Around 450 calories per bowl.
- Steamed Broccoli: Only 50 calories. This is your best bet.
- Onion Rings: About 500 calories for a basket.
If you want to save calories, swap the fries for broccoli or coleslaw. It is not as fun, but it keeps you on track.
Desserts And Drinks
Dessert is where things get wild. You might want to skip it or share it.
- Chocolate Lava Cake: About 800 calories with ice cream.
- Cheesecake: Around 700 calories per slice.
- Ice Cream Sundae: About 500 calories.
Drinks also count. A regular beer is 150 calories. A mixed drink can be 300-500 calories depending on the mixer. Stick to light beer or club soda with lime to save room for food.
Tips For Eating Lighter Here
You can enjoy this place without blowing up your daily calorie budget. Here are some practical steps to follow.
- Split the crab fries. They are the signature item, but they are massive. Share with the table.
- Order grilled instead of fried. This saves you at least 200 calories per item.
- Get sauces on the side. Dip lightly instead of pouring.
- Drink water or unsweetened tea. Liquid calories are easy to ignore.
- Skip the appetizer. Go straight to the main course.
- Ask for a to-go box immediately. Box up half your entree before you start eating.
These small changes will help you leave feeling good instead of overly stuffed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the crab fries gluten free?
No, the fries are coated in a seasoned flour mix. They are not safe for celiacs.
Does Chickie’s & Pete’s post allergen info online?
Yes, they have a PDF on their website. But it changes, so ask your server for the latest version.
Can I get a low calorie meal here?
Yes. Get the grilled salmon with broccoli and a side salad. Keep the dressing on the side.
How many calories are in the cheese sauce?
About 300 calories per serving. It is mostly processed cheese and milk.
Is the nutrition info accurate for takeout?
It is close, but takeout portions can be larger. Weigh your food if you are strict.
Final Thoughts On The Menu
Chickie’s & Pete’s Nutrition and Calories is not a diet destination. It is a splurge spot. But you can make it work if you plan ahead. The key is portion control and picking grilled items over fried ones.
We reccomend looking at the menu online before you go. That way you are not making decisions when you are hungry. Hunger makes you pick the worst options. Have a plan and stick to it.
One more thing. The sodium levels here are very high. If you have high blood pressure, be careful. Drink extra water and skip the salt on the fries. Your body will thank you the next day.
Enjoy your meal and your game. Just remember that the calories are real, so make every bite count. Share the fries, eat the protein, and you will be fine.