Mugshots Grill & Bar Nutrition and Calories is something you need to check before you order that massive burger. Mugshots Grill & Bar serves gourmet burgers where bun style, cheese quantity, and specialty sauces can add hundreds of calories. You might think you are getting a simple sandwich, but the numbers can be surprising.
This guide breaks down the menu. We will look at the burgers, sandwiches, salads, and sides. You will learn how to make better choices. You can still enjoy your meal without wrecking your daily calorie budget.
Mugshots Grill & Bar Nutrition And Calories
Mugshots is famous for its “Wanted” burgers. These are big, messy, and loaded with toppings. The nutrition info is not always easy to find. But we have gathered the key data from franchise sources and menu analyses.
The core issue is portion size. A single burger can easily exceed 1,000 calories. Add fries and a drink, and you are looking at a 2,000-calorie meal. That is a full day’s intake for many people.
Burger Calorie Breakdown
The base burger patty is a half-pound of beef. That alone is around 400-500 calories. Then you add the bun, cheese, and sauce. Here is the typical breakdown:
- Beef patty (half-pound): 450 calories
- Brioche bun: 250 calories
- Standard cheese slice: 80-110 calories
- Specialty sauce (2 oz): 150-250 calories
- Bacon (2 slices): 90 calories
So, a standard cheeseburger with sauce is already near 900 calories. The “Mugshot” burgers with multiple patties or fried eggs will be higher. You need to look at the specific burger you want.
Popular Menu Items And Their Counts
Here are estimates for some of the most popular items. Remember, these are estimates. The actual numbers can vary by location and preparation.
- The Classic Mugshot: Single patty, cheese, lettuce, tomato. Approx 780 calories.
- The Smokey Mountain: BBQ sauce, bacon, cheddar. Approx 1,100 calories.
- The Southern Comfort: Fried chicken, gravy, cheese. Approx 1,250 calories.
- The Hangover: Fried egg, bacon, cheese, hash browns. Approx 1,300 calories.
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich: Grilled breast, lettuce, tomato. Approx 550 calories (without sauce).
You can see the range. The grilled chicken is the lighter option. The specialty burgers are heavy. The sauces are the biggest hidden calorie source.
Bun And Bread Options
The bun makes a big difference. A standard white bun is about 200 calories. A brioche bun is richer and has more butter, so it is closer to 300 calories. If you choose a pretzel bun, that can be even higher.
You can ask for a lettuce wrap. This saves you 200-300 calories immediately. It is the easiest way to cut calories without losing the burger taste. You can also ask for the bun to be toasted on the flat top, but that does not change the calories.
Cheese And Toppings
Cheese is another easy place to save calories. American cheese is usually the lowest. Pepper jack and cheddar are similar. A slice of cheese is about 80-100 calories. If you get “extra cheese,” that is two or three slices.
Other toppings add up fast:
- Fried onions: +100 calories
- Mushrooms (sauteed in butter): +60 calories
- Guacamole: +150 calories
- Jalapenos: +10 calories (negligible)
- Extra bacon: +90 calories per 2 slices
You can control this. Pick one or two toppings instead of four. That will save you 200-300 calories.
Sandwiches And Wraps
Mugshots also has a selection of sandwiches. These are not all burgers. You have chicken, turkey, and club options. The calorie counts are generally lower than the burgers, but still substantial.
Chicken Sandwiches
The grilled chicken sandwich is your best bet. It is around 500-600 calories. The fried chicken sandwich is much higher. The breading and frying process adds significant calories. A fried chicken sandwich can be 800-900 calories.
Ask for the sauce on the side. The “Boss Sauce” or “Mugshot Sauce” is mayo-based. That is 100 calories per tablespoon. If they put two tablespoons on the sandwich, that is 200 calories. Getting it on the side lets you control the amount.
Turkey And Club Sandwiches
The turkey sandwich is a decent option. It has deli turkey, cheese, and veggies. It is usually around 650 calories. The club sandwich has three slices of bread and more meat. It is closer to 800 calories.
You can make these lighter by asking for no cheese or no mayo. Mustard is a zero-calorie condiment. Use that instead.
Salads And Bowls
Salads seem like the healthy choice. But at Mugshots, they can be calorie bombs. The fried chicken salad is high. The crispy noodles and sugary dressings add up.
Grilled Chicken Salad
This is the best salad option. It has grilled chicken, mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Without dressing, it is about 350 calories. The problem is the dressing. Ranch dressing is 150 calories per serving. A creamy Caesar is similar.
Ask for the dressing on the side. Dip your fork in the dressing before you pick up the salad. This trick helps you use less dressing. You will save 100-150 calories.
Burger Salad
This is a burger patty on a bed of lettuce. It comes with cheese and onions. It is a good low-carb option. The patty is 450 calories. With cheese and toppings, it is around 600 calories. That is much better than the 1,000-calorie burger.
You can also add a fried egg to this. That adds 70 calories. It makes the salad more filling.
Sides And Appetizers
The sides are where you can really go wrong. The fries are not small. The onion rings are battered and fried. These are high in calories and fat.
Fries And Rings
- Regular fries: 400 calories
- Large fries: 600 calories
- Onion rings (6): 450 calories
- Sweet potato fries: 450 calories
You can swap your fries for a side salad. That saves you 300 calories. Or you can get the “loaded” fries, which have cheese and bacon. Those are over 800 calories.
Appetizers
The appetizers are meant for sharing. But if you eat them alone, they are a meal. The loaded nachos are over 1,500 calories. The wings are about 100 calories each. A dozen wings with sauce is 1,200 calories.
If you want an appetizer, split it with the table. Or choose the celery sticks with blue cheese. That is only 150 calories.
Desserts And Shakes
The shakes at Mugshots are famous. They are thick and sweet. They are also very high in calories. A regular shake is around 700-800 calories. A “spiked” shake with alcohol is even higher.
Shake Options
- Chocolate shake: 750 calories
- Vanilla shake: 700 calories
- Strawberry shake: 720 calories
- Oreo shake: 850 calories
These shakes are like a dessert and a drink combined. If you are watching calories, skip the shake. Drink water or unsweetened tea instead.
Dessert Items
The brownie sundae is a popular dessert. It has a warm brownie, ice cream, and hot fudge. It is around 1,000 calories. The cheesecake is slightly less, at about 800 calories.
If you want something sweet, share a dessert. Or ask for a scoop of ice cream in a cup. That is about 200 calories.
Tips For Lower-Calorie Dining
You can eat at Mugshots and stay on track. You just need a plan. Here are some practical steps.
- Check the menu online before you go. Decide what you want.
- Ask for all sauces and dressings on the side.
- Choose a lettuce wrap instead of a bun.
- Skip the cheese or ask for only one slice.
- Swap fries for a side salad or steamed veggies.
- Drink water or diet soda instead of a shake.
- Share your meal with a friend. The portions are huge.
These steps can save you 500-700 calories. That is a significant amount. You can still enjoy the food without the guilt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the healthiest thing at Mugshots Grill and Bar?
The grilled chicken salad with dressing on the side is the healthiest. The grilled chicken sandwich without cheese is also a good choice. Both are under 600 calories.
Are Mugshots burgers really 1000 calories?
Yes, many of the specialty burgers are over 1,000 calories. The half-pound patty, brioche bun, and sauces add up quickly. The “Hangover” burger is closer to 1,300 calories.
Does Mugshots have low-carb options?
Yes, you can get any burger as a lettuce wrap. The “Burger Salad” is also a low-carb option. You can skip the fries and get a side salad instead.
How many calories are in the Mugshots sauce?
The Mugshot sauce is mayo-based. It is about 100 calories per tablespoon. The restaurant often uses two or more tablespoons per burger. Ask for it on the side.
Can I eat at Mugshots on a diet?
Yes, you can. Stick to the grilled chicken, use a lettuce wrap, and skip the sauces. Control your portions and you can fit it into your daily calorie budget.
Mugshots Grill & Bar Nutrition and Calories does not have to be a mystery. You now have the tools to make smart choices. The key is to be aware of the hidden calories in sauces, buns, and sides. You can enjoy a great meal here. Just be mindful of what you order.
Remember to look at the nutrition guide if they have one at your location. Some franchises post it on the wall. If not, you can ask the manager. They should be able to tell you the basic nutritional info.
The bottom line is that you are in control. You can have a 600-calorie meal or a 2,000-calorie meal. The choice is yours. Use this guide to make the right one. Your waistline will thank you.
Dont forget to drink water. Sometimes thirst is mistaken for hunger. Having a full glass of water before your meal can help you eat less. It is a simple trick that works.
So next time you go to Mugshots, you will be ready. You know the calorie counts. You know the swaps. You can navigate the menu like a pro. Enjoy your burger, but make it work for you.
Thats the best way to look at it. You are not depriving yourself. You are just making smarter choices. And that is a sustainable way to eat out.