Montana’s Cookhouse specializes in grilled meats and barbecue where sauce application and side selections directly affect your meal’s numbers. If you are trying to track what you eat, understanding Montana’s Cookhouse Nutrition and Calories is the first step to making a smart choice. The menu is big, so knowing where the calories hide can save you from a surprise at the end of the day.
Most people think that picking a steak is the healthiest option, and they are usually right. But the sides and the sauces are where the numbers can get out of hand. A simple grilled chicken breast can become a heavy meal if you add a full serving of creamy dressing or a pile of fries.
You don’t need to guess anymore. We have broken down the most popular items so you can walk in with a plan. This guide will help you see exactly what you are getting, from the appetizers to the dessert menu.
Montana’s Cookhouse Nutrition And Calories
When you look at the menu, you will notice that the nutrition facts are not always printed next to the dish. This makes it hard to compare options quickly. However, the core ingredients are simple: meat, potatoes, and bread. The final count depends on how those are prepared and what you put on top.
Here is a quick breakdown of the main categories you will encounter. This will give you a baseline before you even look at the specific meals.
- Grilled Meats: These are your leanest bets. A plain 8 oz steak or chicken breast is usually under 400 calories.
- Ribs: These are higher in fat and sugar due to the glaze. A half-rack can easily be 700+ calories.
- Burgers: The bun and the cheese add up. Most burgers range from 800 to 1,200 calories.
- Sides: A baked potato with butter is about 300 calories. A side of fries is closer to 400. A Caesar salad with dressing can be 350+.
- Sauces: A single serving of BBQ sauce is around 60 calories. But restaurants often give you double that.
That last point is important. You might think you are being good by ordering a plain burger, but if you dip it in ranch or add a few extra spoonfuls of sauce, you are adding 200 calories without realizing it. Always ask for sauce on the side.
Appetizer Calories To Watch
Appetizers are the easiest way to blow your calorie budget before the main course arrives. They are designed to be shared, but they are often high in sodium and fat. Here are the common ones you will find at Montana’s.
- Boneless Wings: A full order is usually around 1,100 calories. This is before the dipping sauce.
- Nachos: These are loaded with cheese and meat. A full order can exceed 1,500 calories.
- Spinach Dip: Served with tortilla chips, this is often 900 calories or more.
- Shrimp: If grilled, these are low. If fried, they are about 500 calories for a starter.
If you want to start with something light, look for a side salad or a cup of soup. The soup of the day is usually a safer bet than the fried appetizers. You can also order a single skewer of grilled shrimp instead of the full platter.
Main Course Breakdown
Now we get to the main event. The entrees are where you will find the biggest differences in calorie counts. Here is a look at the standard options and what you can expect.
Steaks And Chops
Steaks are the star of the show. The good news is that a plain cut of meat is mostly protein and fat, with no carbs. The bad news is that the size of the cut matters a lot.
- 8 oz Sirloin: This is your best option. It is usually around 350-400 calories without any butter or sauce.
- 12 oz Ribeye: This is higher in fat. Expect around 700-800 calories for the meat alone.
- Pork Chops: A grilled pork chop is about 450 calories. If it is breaded or fried, it jumps to 650.
You should always ask for your steak to be cooked without extra butter. Many kitchens brush the meat with butter right before serving to make it shiny. That adds about 100 calories. Also, skip the “blackened” seasoning if you are watching sodium, as it is heavy on salt.
Ribs And Barbecue
Ribs are tricky. They taste great because they are coated in a sugary glaze. That glaze is pure sugar and calories. A half-rack of classic ribs will set you back about 700 calories. A full rack is over 1,200.
If you really want ribs, here is a tip. Order them with the sauce on the side. You will still get the flavor, but you can control how much you use. This can save you 200-300 calories easily. The “Memphis” dry rub version is often lower in sugar than the “Classic” BBQ version, so check the menu for that option.
Burgers And Sandwiches
Burgers are a calorie bomb. The patty is usually 500 calories, the bun is 200, and the cheese and toppings add another 200. You are looking at a 900-calorie meal before you even think about fries.
To make a burger work, you can do a few things. First, ask for it “protein style” or wrapped in lettuce. This saves you the 200 calories from the bun. Second, skip the cheese. Third, load up on veggies like lettuce, tomato, and onion. These add volume without many calories.
The chicken sandwich is not always a better choice. If it is fried, it is often the same as a burger. Look for the grilled chicken sandwich, which is usually around 450 calories. Just be careful with the mayo and the bun.
Side Selections And Swaps
Your side dish can make or break your meal. A healthy steak can be ruined by a loaded baked potato. Here is a list of common sides and their approximate calorie counts.
- Steamed Vegetables: 50-80 calories. This is the best choice.
- Garden Salad (no dressing): 100 calories. Add dressing and it is 250.
- Baked Potato (plain): 220 calories. Add butter and sour cream, and it is 400.
- Mashed Potatoes: 300 calories with gravy.
- French Fries: 400-500 calories.
- Onion Rings: 600 calories. Avoid these.
You can almost always swap your side. Ask for double vegetables instead of fries. Most restaurants will do this for no extra charge. If you want a potato, get the baked one and use only a little butter. Do not get the “loaded” version with bacon and cheese.
Sauces, Dressings, And Extras
This is the hidden danger zone. The sauces are where the calories hide. A single serving of ranch dressing is about 150 calories. A serving of blue cheese is similar. BBQ sauce is about 60 calories per tablespoon, but most people use three or four tablespoons.
Here is a simple rule: ask for everything on the side. This puts you in control. Dip your fork into the dressing instead of pouring it over the salad. This simple trick can save you 200 calories per meal.
Also, watch out for the “add-ons.” Things like bacon bits, extra cheese, and croutons are calorie-dense. They add crunch and flavor, but they also add up fast. If you are counting, skip them.
Dessert And Drinks
Dessert is a treat, but it is a big one. The chocolate cake or the brownie sundae at Montana’s is often over 1,000 calories. If you want something sweet, share it with the table. Or, look for a fruit-based option if they have one.
Drinks are also a huge factor. A regular soda has about 150 calories per glass. If you get a refill, that is 300. A milkshake or a frozen cocktail can be 500-700 calories. Stick to water, unsweetened iced tea, or diet soda to keep your drink calories at zero.
Alcohol is also heavy. A single beer is 150 calories. A mixed drink with juice and syrup is often 300 or more. If you are going to drink, keep it to one and choose a light beer or a spirit with soda water.
Smart Ordering Strategy
You can eat at Montana’s and still stay on track. You just need a plan. Here is a step-by-step strategy you can use next time you visit.
- Start with water. Order a large water with lemon. This fills you up and avoids liquid calories.
- Skip the appetizer. Or, order a side salad with dressing on the side. Eat that first.
- Pick a lean protein. Choose the grilled chicken, sirloin steak, or grilled shrimp.
- Swap the side. Ask for steamed vegetables instead of fries or potatoes.
- Get sauce on the side. Use a small spoonful, not a pour.
- Box up half. If the portion is huge, ask for a to-go box immediately and pack up half of the meal.
This strategy will keep your meal under 600 calories. That is a very reasonable number for a restaurant dinner. You will feel full because you are eating protein and vegetables, not empty carbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about the menu and the numbers.
Is The Grilled Chicken At Montana’s Healthy?
Yes, the grilled chicken breast is one of the leanest options. Without sauce, it is usually around 350-400 calories. Just make sure you ask for it without the butter glaze and get the sauce on the side.
How Many Calories Are In A Half-rack Of Ribs?
A half-rack of classic BBQ ribs is typically around 700-800 calories. The dry rub version is usually a bit lower, around 600-650 calories. The sauce is the main source of sugar and calories.
Can I Eat Low Carb At Montana’s?
Absolutely. You can order any steak or grilled chicken and ask for a double serving of steamed vegetables instead of the potato or fries. Skip the bread basket and the dessert. This keeps your carbs very low.
What Is The Lowest Calorie Meal On The Menu?
The grilled sirloin with steamed vegetables is likely the lowest. You are looking at around 450-500 calories total. The grilled shrimp skewers with a side salad are also a great low-calorie choice.
Are The Salads At Montana’s A Good Option?
They can be, but you have to be careful. A Caesar salad with chicken is often 700 calories because of the dressing and croutons. If you get a garden salad with grilled chicken and light dressing on the side, you can keep it under 400 calories.
Tracking your meal doesn’t have to be stressful. You now have the tools to make a good decision. Remember that the portion size is often the biggest issue. Restaurants serve large plates, so do not be afraid to take half of it home. That is a simple way to cut your calories in half without giving up the food you like.
One last thing to remmeber is that the nutrition info can vary by location. The cooks might add a little more oil or a little more cheese. If you are very strict, always ask for the “light” version of any sauce or dressing. This tells the kitchen to go easy on the extras.
Eating out is about enjoyment too. You do not have to be perfect. If you want a few fries, have them. Just be aware of what you are doing. Knowledge is power, and now you have the knowledge to make Montana’s work for your goals.
So next time you are at the restaurant, you can order with confidence. You know the numbers, you know the swaps, and you know how to build a meal that fits your plan. Enjoy your meal and feel good about the choices you make.