Margarita’s Mexican Grill Nutrition and Calories is something you need to check before you order, especially if you are watching your waistline. Margarita’s Mexican Grill offers half-price margaritas that add 200-300 calories per glass on top of already hearty entree portions. The menu is packed with cheesy, fried, and carb-heavy options that can easily blow past your daily calorie goal in one sitting.
You don’t have to guess anymore. We broke down the real numbers for you, from the sizzling fajitas to the loaded nachos. This guide helps you make smart choices without ruining your diet.
Margarita’s Mexican Grill Nutrition And Calories
Knowing what is in your food is the first step to eating better. Mexican food is delicious, but it can be a calorie bomb. The good news? You can still enjoy a meal here if you know what to look for.
We looked at the standard menu items and typical serving sizes. Remember that recipes can change between locations. Always ask your server if you have specific dietary needs.
Appetizers And Starters
Starting your meal with chips and salsa is tradition. But those free chips add up fast. A basket of tortilla chips alone can have over 300 calories before you even dip them.
Here are the typical calorie counts for popular starters:
- Queso Dip (with chips): 540 calories
- Guacamole (fresh made): 230 calories per serving
- Chicken Nachos (full order): 1,120 calories
- Beef Taquitos (3 pieces): 450 calories
- Cheese Quesadilla (appetizer size): 480 calories
If you want to save calories, skip the queso. Ask for extra pico de gallo instead. It has almost no calories and adds fresh flavor.
Fajitas And Sizzling Platters
Fajitas seem healthy because they are grilled meat and veggies. The problem is the sides. You get tortillas, rice, beans, sour cream, and cheese. All of that adds up quickly.
A single chicken fajita platter can range from 800 to 1,100 calories. The beef version is usually higher. Shrimp fajitas are often the lightest choice if you skip the extras.
To make fajitas work for your diet:
- Ask for corn tortillas instead of flour (saves about 50 calories each)
- Skip the rice or eat only half of it
- Use salsa instead of sour cream and cheese
- Eat only half the platter and take the rest home
Burritos And Chimichangas
Burritos are huge at Margarita’s. They are stuffed with meat, beans, rice, and cheese. Then they are covered in sauce. This is one of the highest calorie items on the menu.
A standard beef burrito with red sauce has about 1,050 calories. A chimichanga, which is deep-fried, can reach 1,300 calories. That is before you add any sides.
If you really want a burrito, try these swaps:
- Get it “wet” with salsa instead of queso
- Order chicken instead of beef or pork
- Ask for no rice inside
- Request sour cream on the side
Tacos And Enchiladas
Tacos can be a lighter option if you choose wisely. Soft corn tacos with grilled chicken and lettuce are your best bet. These usually run about 200 calories each.
Enchiladas are different. They are smothered in cheese and sauce. A plate of three cheese enchiladas has around 900 calories. Chicken enchiladas with sour cream sauce are even higher.
Here is a quick breakdown for taco lovers:
- Grilled Chicken Soft Taco: 210 calories
- Beef Hard Shell Taco: 250 calories
- Carnitas Taco: 280 calories
- Fish Taco (fried): 320 calories
Stick to two tacos and skip the beans and rice. You will save about 400 calories right there.
Salads And Lighter Options
You might think salads are safe. At a Mexican grill, they often are not. The taco salad comes in a fried tortilla bowl. That bowl alone has 400 calories.
The grilled chicken salad without the fried bowl is a better choice. It has about 450 calories with dressing on the side. Just remember to use the dressing sparingly.
Other lighter options include:
- Grilled Fish Plate: 520 calories
- Chicken Fajita Salad (no bowl): 480 calories
- Veggie Quesadilla (half order): 350 calories
Ask for dressing and sauces on the side. You control how much goes on your food.
Combination Plates
Combination plates give you a little of everything. That means a lot of calories. A typical combo with an enchilada, taco, and rice runs about 1,100 calories.
The “Dinner for Two” or “Fiesta Platter” can easily exceed 2,000 calories per person. These are meant for sharing, but even half is a lot.
If you order a combo plate, plan to split it. Ask for an extra plate and share with a friend. This cuts the calories in half and saves you money too.
Kids Menu And Smaller Portions
Do not be afraid to order from the kids menu. Many adults do it to control portions. The kids chicken taco plate has about 350 calories. That is a reasonable meal.
You can also ask for a “half order” of many dishes. Not all restaurants offer this, but it is worth asking. Some locations will do a lunch portion even at dinner time.
Smaller portions are the easiest way to cut calories without changing what you eat.
Desserts And Drinks
Desserts at Margarita’s are big. The fried ice cream has about 450 calories. The sopapillas with honey have around 380 calories. These are fine if you share them.
Drinks are where you can really go overboard. A regular margarita has 300 calories. The “grande” size can have 500 or more. Frozen margaritas often have more sugar and calories than on-the-rocks versions.
Here are drink calorie estimates:
- House Margarita (regular): 280 calories
- Frozen Strawberry Margarita: 380 calories
- Light Beer (12 oz): 100 calories
- Diet Soda: 0 calories
- Horchata: 220 calories
If you want to drink, stick to one margarita. Alternate with water to stay hydrated and save calories.
Tips For Healthier Choices
You can eat at Margarita’s without ruining your progress. It takes a little planning. Here are our best tips:
- Look at the menu online before you go
- Decide what you will order ahead of time
- Ask for sauces and dressings on the side
- Skip the chips or limit yourself to a small handful
- Drink water or diet soda instead of sugary drinks
- Box up half your meal before you start eating
These simple steps can save you 500 to 800 calories per meal. That is a huge difference over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there low calorie options at Margarita’s Mexican Grill?
Yes. Grilled chicken tacos, fajita salads without the fried bowl, and grilled fish plates are lower in calories. Ask for sauces on the side to keep them even lighter.
How many calories are in a Margarita’s chicken burrito?
A typical chicken burrito with rice and beans inside has about 950 to 1,100 calories. The sauce and cheese add even more. Consider eating only half.
Is the queso at Margarita’s high in calories?
Yes. A serving of queso with chips is around 540 calories. The chips themselves are the biggest problem. Ask for veggies for dipping instead.
Can I eat low carb at this restaurant?
Yes. Order fajitas without tortillas. Ask for extra lettuce and guacamole instead. Skip the rice and beans. This keeps the meal under 600 calories.
What is the healthiest drink to order?
Water is the best choice. If you want alcohol, a light beer is lower in calories than a margarita. A margarita on the rocks with no sugar rim is better than frozen.
Final Thoughts On Eating Here
Margarita’s Mexican Grill nutrition and calories do not have to be a mystery. You have the numbers now. Use them to make better choices.
Remember that portion size matters more than anything. Mexican food is meant to be shared. Split a plate with a friend or take half home for lunch tomorrow.
You can enjoy the flavors you love and still meet your health goals. It just takes a little awareness and planning. Go ahead and enjoy your meal, just make it count.