Steakhouse nutrition varies dramatically based on cut selection and whether you add sauces or butter finishes. When you are looking at Eddie Merlot’s Nutrition and Calories, you need to know that this upscale chain focuses on prime steaks, seafood, and shareable sides. The numbers on the menu can surprise you, especially if you are trying to stick to a daily calorie budget.
Most people walk into a steakhouse thinking they will just get a piece of protein. But the reality is that the sides, the bread basket, and the wine list add up fast. This guide breaks down the real numbers for you, so you can make a smart choice without ruining your progress.
Why Portion Size Matters Here
Eddie Merlot’s serves generous portions. A standard filet mignon here is often 8 to 10 ounces, which is double the size of a typical serving at home. You are not going to find small, dainty plates on this table. That means the calorie count you see on a generic app might be too low for what you are actually eating.
You should always ask your server for the exact weight of the cut you are ordering. A 6-ounce filet will have roughly half the calories of a 12-ounce cut. The difference is huge, and it changes your whole meal plan.
Eddie Merlot’s Nutrition And Calories: The Steak Cuts
Steak is the star of the show here, but not all cuts are created equal. Here is a breakdown of the common options and what they mean for your daily intake.
Filet Mignon
This is the leanest cut on the menu. It has less marbling, which means less fat and fewer calories. A 9-ounce filet, cooked without extra butter, will run you about 450 to 550 calories. That is a solid choice if you want protein without the heavy fat load.
- Protein: Roughly 60 grams
- Fat: Around 25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10-12 grams
However, many people order the filet with the “Oscar” topping, which adds crab, asparagus, and hollandaise sauce. That addition can push the total to over 900 calories. You have to ask for the sauce on the side if you want to control the numbers.
Ribeye
The ribeye is the opposite of the filet. It is heavily marbled, which gives it that rich flavor. A 14-ounce ribeye here can easily hit 800 to 1,000 calories before you add anything to it. The fat content is high, so if you are watching cholesterol, this is not the pick.
You might think you are just eating steak, but the ribeye is basically a fat delivery system. It tastes great, but it is not a diet food.
New York Strip
This is a middle ground option. It has more fat than the filet but less than the ribeye. A 12-ounce strip will be around 600 to 700 calories. It is a good balance of flavor and moderation, but you still need to watch the sides.
Sides And Appetizers: The Hidden Calories
The steak is only half the story. The sides at Eddie Merlot’s are designed to share, but they are not light. You need to look at these numbers before you order the family-style potatoes.
Loaded Baked Potato
A plain baked potato is about 250 calories. But when you add butter, sour cream, bacon bits, and chives, that number jumps to 500 or 600 calories. That is like eating a second steak.
Mac And Cheese
This is a crowd favorite, but it is heavy. A single serving of their mac and cheese can be 400 to 500 calories. If you share it between two people, you are looking at 200 to 250 calories each. It is creamy and rich, but it is mostly refined carbs and cheese fat.
Grilled Asparagus
This is your best bet. A side of grilled asparagus is usually under 100 calories, even with a light oil drizzle. It gives you volume and fiber without wrecking your calorie count. Order this instead of the potatoes if you are serious about staying on track.
Seafood Options And Calorie Counts
If you are not in the mood for steak, the seafood section has some lighter choices. But you have to be careful with the preparation methods.
Salmon
The grilled salmon fillet is a good option. A standard 8-ounce portion will be around 400 to 500 calories. It is high in healthy omega-3 fats, which is good for your heart. Just skip the teriyaki glaze, which adds sugar and about 150 extra calories.
Lobster Tail
A lobster tail is surprisingly low in calories. A 6-ounce tail is only about 150 calories. The problem is the melted butter that comes with it. That little cup of butter is 200 calories alone. Use lemon instead of butter to keep it light.
Shrimp Scampi
This sounds healthy, but it is cooked in a lot of butter and garlic oil. A shrimp scampi appetizer can be 600 calories or more. It is not a light starter, so you should split it with the table or skip it entirely.
How To Order A Low Calorie Meal Here
You can eat at Eddie Merlot’s and stay within your calorie goals. It just takes a little planning. Here is a step-by-step guide to making the best choices.
- Skip the bread basket. It is free, but it is easy to eat 300 calories of bread and butter before your meal even arrives.
- Start with a salad. Ask for the dressing on the side and use only half of it. A house salad with vinaigrette is about 150 calories.
- Choose the filet mignon or the grilled salmon as your main protein.
- Ask for all sauces and butter on the side. This gives you control over how much you actually consume.
- Order grilled asparagus or a plain side salad instead of potatoes or mac and cheese.
- Skip dessert or share one with the whole table. The cheesecake here is over 800 calories per slice.
If you follow those steps, you can keep your total meal around 700 to 800 calories. That is a very reasonable number for a steakhouse dinner.
Alcohol And Drink Calories
Do not forget about the drinks. A glass of red wine is about 125 calories. A martini or a craft cocktail can be 300 to 400 calories because of the mixers and syrups. If you are having two drinks, that is an extra 600 calories that you might not be counting.
Stick to water, unsweetened iced tea, or a single glass of wine if you want to keep the calorie count low. The alcohol also lowers your inhibition, which makes it harder to say no to the dessert menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eddie Merlot’s Steak Healthy For A Diet?
It can be, if you pick the filet mignon and skip the butter. A lean cut of steak is high in protein and iron, which is good for you. The problem is the portion size and the added fats. Stick to a 6 to 8 ounce portion and you are fine.
What Is The Lowest Calorie Item On The Menu?
The grilled asparagus is the lowest calorie side. For a main course, the lobster tail is the lowest calorie protein option. You can also get a plain grilled chicken breast, but it is not always listed on the regular menu, so ask your server.
How Many Calories Are In The Eddie Merlot’s Bread Basket?
The bread basket with butter is usually around 400 to 500 calories total. That is if you eat a couple of rolls and use the butter. It is better to skip it and save those calories for your actual meal.
Can I Order A Smaller Portion Of Steak?
Yes, you can ask for a smaller cut. The kitchen is usually flexible. You can request a 6-ounce filet instead of the 9-ounce. They might charge a slight adjustment, but it is worth it for the calorie savings.
Are The Sauces At Eddie Merlot’s High In Calories?
Yes, the sauces are very calorie-dense. The peppercorn sauce and the béarnaise sauce are both butter-based and can add 200 to 300 calories per serving. Always get them on the side and use a small spoonful.
Final Tips For Your Visit
You do not have to be perfect to enjoy your meal. The goal is to be aware of what you are eating. Look at the menu online before you go, so you are not making decisions while you are hungry.
Also, do not be afraid to ask your server questions. They know the kitchen and can tell you how things are prepared. Ask for grilled instead of fried, and ask for sauces on the side. These small changes make a big difference in the final calorie count.
Remember that a steakhouse meal is a treat. You do not eat like this every day. So if you go over your calorie budget by a little bit, it is not a disaster. Just get back on track with a light breakfast and a good workout the next day.
Eddie Merlot’s Nutrition and Calories can be managed if you stay focused. Choose the lean protein, load up on the veggies, and skip the heavy extras. You can have a great dinner and still feel good about your choices when you leave the table.