Cutting carbs is super in vogue at the moment, whether you're going full keto [1] or simply being more selective with the types of carbs you're putting in your body [2]. Fortunately, popular chain restaurants have picked up on this and have graciously tweaked their menus to make ordering low-carb dishes a little bit easier [3].
We've combed through the offerings at dining establishments nationwide and come up with a list of 10 places that have treats that won't tip the scales too heavily in terms of carb count. Each of these businesses has locations in most states, so no matter where you're from, there's bound to be a spot on this list that will satisfy your low-carb cravings [4].
Applebee's
Nothing says, "Eatin' good in the neighbourhood" quite like a big bowl of soup (all of Applebee's soups contain 22 grams of carbs or fewer [5]) or any of the other low-carb options on the restaurant's menu [6], including the Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp and USDA Select Sirloin.
Carrabba's
The Chicken Marsala, Tuscan-Grilled Chicken, and Prosciutto-wrapped Pork Tenderloin — all found on the Carrabba's Under 600 Calories menu [7] — are delightfully low in carbs. For an appetizer, try the Mussels in White Wine Lemon Butter, Tomato Caprese With Fresh Burrata (hold the balsamic glaze), or Grilled Asparagus With Prosciutto (same here).
The Cheesecake Factory
Yes, even a restaurant with a name like The Cheesecake Factory has low-carb dining options [8], like the Tuscan Chicken: a grilled chicken breast topped with tomatoes, artichokes, capers, fresh basil, and balsamic vinaigrette and served over fresh vegetables and farro. It's part of the chain's Skinnylicious menu [9], a collection of more than 50 options containing 590 calories or fewer — many of those with a minimal amount of carbs.
Cracker Barrel
Something about Cracker Barrel just screams slow Sunday morning breakfast. The Double Meat Breakfast, found under the Traditional Favourites section of the menu [10], is perfect for filling up without loading up on carbs, as long as you skip the biscuits and gravy. Swinging by for lunch or dinner? Try one of the restaurant's low-carb entrées, like the Grilled Pork Chop or Lemon Pepper Grilled Rainbow Trout, with your choice of vegetables [11].
Olive Garden
The land of breadsticks and pasta also offers a surprising number of low-carb dishes [12], including the Chicken Margherita, Chicken Piccata, and Herb-Grilled Salmon. The chicken entrées contain just 12 grams of carbs [13], while the salmon comes in at nine grams.
P.F. Chang's
Asian cuisine can come with hidden sugars [14], but if you don't mind the splurge, P.F. Chang's Shrimp With Lobster Sauce or Northern-Style Spare Ribs are solid choices for 17 grams and 11 grams [15] of net carbs [16], respectively. For less sugar, try a cup of the Egg Drop or Hot & Sour Soup.
Red Lobster
Red Lobster is a low-carb paradise [17]. The Live Maine Lobster [18] is an obvious choice for the carb-conscious, but you can't go wrong with the Wild-Caught Snow Crab Legs, Salmon New Orleans, or Wood-Grilled Sea Scallops or Sirloin, either.
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Steak certainly isn't off limits on a low-carb plan, though you shouldn't eat red meat more than once per week [19]. The Petite Filet is one of Ruth's Chris Steak House's signature dishes — the chain suggests pairing it with a vegetable like the Fresh Baby Spinach or Broccoli [20] for a light meal.