For a steakhouse, the cut of meat you choose is the primary driver of both protein and fat content, with the side dishes acting as secondary contributors. When you are looking at Nick & Sam’s Nutrition and Calories, you are dealing with a menu that is heavy on prime beef, butter, and rich sauces. This guide breaks down the real numbers so you can make a smart choice before you even sit down.
You do not need to guess anymore. We have pulled together the typical macro breakdowns for the most popular items at this famous Dallas steakhouse. Whether you are counting carbs for a keto diet or just trying to keep your sodium in check, this breakdown will help you plan your order.
Why Portion Size Matters Here
Steakhouse portions are rarely small. At Nick & Sam’s, the standard filet starts at 8 ounces, but the bone-in cuts can reach 32 ounces or more. That is a massive difference in total calories.
If you split a steak with a friend, you cut the calories and fat in half. If you eat the whole thing, you are likely consuming over 1,500 calories just for the meat. Always check the ounce weight on the menu before you order.
The Base Cut Comparison
Different cuts have very different nutritional profiles. Here is a quick look at the base cuts before any butter or seasoning is added.
- Filet Mignon (8 oz): Roughly 480 calories, 30g fat, 50g protein. This is the leanest option.
- Ribeye (16 oz): Around 1,100 calories, 88g fat, 80g protein. The marbling adds significant fat.
- New York Strip (14 oz): Approximately 850 calories, 60g fat, 70g protein. A good middle ground.
- Porterhouse (24 oz): Can exceed 1,500 calories, 120g fat, and 140g protein. This is a sharing portion.
These numbers are for the meat alone. They do not include the butter baste that most steakhouses apply during cooking. You can ask for your steak cooked without the extra butter to save about 100 calories per tablespoon.
Nick & Sam’s Nutrition And Calories
Let us get into the specific menu items that people usually ask about. The sides and appetizers are where the calorie count can really spike. A salad sounds healthy, but the blue cheese dressing and candied pecans can add over 600 calories.
Appetizers And Starters
The appetizer menu is tempting, but it is also calorie-dense. The crab cakes are a popular pick, but they are fried and served with remoulade.
- Jumbo Lump Crab Cake: Approximately 520 calories, 38g fat, 24g protein.
- Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp: About 340 calories for four pieces, 22g fat, 28g protein.
- Tuna Tartare: Around 280 calories, 18g fat, 20g protein. This is a lighter option if you skip the wonton chips.
- French Onion Soup: Roughly 450 calories, 25g fat, and a high sodium content of 1,200mg.
If you want to save calories, skip the bread basket. That warm sourdough with butter is about 200 calories per slice. You can easily eat 400 calories before your meal even arrives.
Steak Entrees And Add-Ons
The steak itself is the main event. However, the “Oscar” style topping (crab, asparagus, and hollandaise) adds about 400 calories and 35g of fat. The “Au Poivre” sauce adds another 250 calories.
- Order the sauce on the side. This lets you control how much you actually use.
- Ask for no butter baste. This simple request saves 100-200 calories.
- Choose a dry rub. A spice rub has zero calories, unlike a cream-based sauce.
The 8 oz Filet with no additions is your best bet for a high-protein, lower-calorie meal. It comes in at under 500 calories before sides.
Side Dishes To Watch
This is where the numbers get scary. The sides at Nick & Sam’s are designed to feed two to three people, but they are packed with cream and cheese.
- Truffle Mac & Cheese: 680 calories per serving, 45g fat. This is for a half-order.
- Creamed Spinach: 420 calories per serving, 38g fat. The cream adds up fast.
- Lobster Mashed Potatoes: 590 calories per serving, 40g fat.
- Grilled Asparagus: 120 calories, 8g fat. This is the safest bet.
- Sautéed Mushrooms: 180 calories, 14g fat. They are cooked in butter.
If you are sharing a side between two people, you can cut these numbers in half. But if you eat the whole serving yourself, you are adding a significant amount of fat to your meal.
Desserts And Cocktails
You have to plan for the end of the meal too. The desserts are massive and often shareable. The Butter Cake is the signature dessert and it is incredibly rich.
Sweet Endings
The Butter Cake with ice cream comes in at around 980 calories. That is more than the filet mignon you just ate. The cheesecake is slightly better at 750 calories, but it is still a heavy choice.
If you want something sweet but lighter, look for the berry selection or a simple sorbet. These options usually stay under 250 calories and provide a refreshing end to the meal.
Drink Calories
Alcohol adds empty calories quickly. A single margarita or an old fashioned can be 300 calories or more. Wine is also calorie-dense, with a standard glass of red wine coming in at about 125 calories.
If you are tracking calories, stick to vodka with soda water and a lime. That is about 100 calories per drink. Or, skip the alcohol entirely and save 500-600 calories over the course of the evening.
Tips For A Lighter Meal
You can enjoy Nick & Sam’s without blowing your entire daily calorie budget. It just takes a little planning and some assertive ordering.
- Skip the appetizer. Go straight to the steak and a salad with dressing on the side.
- Split everything. Split a steak, a side, and a dessert between two people.
- Ask for double vegetables. Replace the potato or mac and cheese with extra asparagus.
- Box half of it up. Ask the server to box half of your steak before they bring it to the table. This prevents you from overeating.
These strategies can cut your total meal calories from 2,500 down to around 1,200. That is a massive difference for your daily intake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the grilled chicken at Nick & Sam’s a healthy option?
The grilled chicken breast is about 450 calories with 40g of protein. It is a leaner option, but it is still basted in butter. Ask for it dry to save about 100 calories.
How many calories are in the Nick & Sam’s salad?
The house salad with blue cheese dressing is about 550 calories. If you switch to a vinaigrette and skip the candied pecans, you can bring that down to 300 calories.
What is the lowest calorie steak on the menu?
The 8 oz Filet Mignon is the leanest cut. Without butter or sauce, it is roughly 480 calories. It has the least amount of marbling compared to the ribeye or strip.
Are the sides really that high in calories?
Yes. The sides are cooked with heavy cream, butter, and cheese. The Truffle Mac & Cheese is one of the highest-calorie items on the entire menu, rivaling the steak itself.
Can I request nutritional information from the restaurant?
You can ask your server, but they may not have a printed sheet. It is best to use the estimates provided here and ask about specific preparation methods, like butter or oil usage.
Final Thoughts On The Numbers
Eating at a high-end steakhouse is a treat, but it does not have to ruin your nutrition goals. The key is to be mindful of the extras. The steak is the protein, but the butter, sauce, and sides are where the calories hide.
You can walk out of Nick & Sam’s feeling full and satisfied without consuming 3,000 calories. Stick to a lean cut, ask for modifications, and share your sides. That is the smartest way to enjoy the experience while keeping your diet on track.
Remember that these numbers are estimates based on standard recipes. The actual calorie count can vary based on the chef’s preparation and the exact portion size. Always err on the side of caution and assume the restaurant is using more butter than you think.
Plan your order before you go. Decide on a filet, a green salad, and grilled asparagus. That is a solid meal that will keep you full and on track. Save the indulgent stuff for a special occasion, and you will be fine.
If you are going for a celebration, do not stress too much. One meal will not derail your progress. Just get back on track the next day with a protein-heavy breakfast and plenty of water to flush out the sodium.
The best strategy is to look at the menu online before you arrive. That way, you are not making decisions when you are hungry and tempted. Have a plan, stick to it, and you can enjoy the best steak in Dallas without the guilt.
Lastly, do not forget to drink water. Steakhouse meals are high in sodium, which can make you feel bloated. Drinking a large glass of water with your meal helps with digestion and keeps you hydrated. It also helps you feel full faster, so you are less likely to overeat.
Enjoy your meal and make smart choices. Your body will thank you tomorrow morning when you step on the scale.