Calories at a Mexican Restaurant — Complete Guide
A typical Mexican restaurant meal of chips, a burrito, and a margarita totals 1,200-1,800 calories. A burrito is 600-900 cal, a single taco is 150-200 cal, and a margarita is 200-300 cal. The biggest calorie traps are the free chips and salsa, sour cream, and large burritos with rice.
Mexican restaurants offer flavorful dishes but many items are calorie-dense due to cheese, sour cream, rice, and fried shells. Choosing the right items can keep the meal under 600 calories. Here is a calorie breakdown of common Mexican restaurant items.
Typical Items and Calorie Ranges
| Item | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken burrito (1 large) | 700 | 30g | 80g | 25g | Rice, beans, cheese, sour cream |
| Beef burrito (1 large) | 900 | 30g | 85g | 40g | Higher fat meat |
| Soft chicken taco (1) | 170 | 12g | 15g | 7g | Corn tortilla, lighter |
| Hard shell beef taco (1) | 200 | 10g | 16g | 12g | Fried shell |
| Chicken fajitas (1 serving) | 450 | 35g | 30g | 20g | Without tortillas |
| Flour tortilla (1 large) | 140 | 4g | 25g | 3g | Each wrap adds up |
| Chips and salsa (1 basket) | 150 | 2g | 18g | 8g | Free but not free calories |
| Guacamole (¼ cup) | 120 | 2g | 6g | 10g | Healthy fats but calorie-dense |
| Sour cream (2 tbsp) | 60 | 1g | 1g | 6g | Skip to save 60 cal |
| Shredded cheese (¼ cup) | 110 | 7g | 1g | 9g | High calorie topping |
| Margarita (8oz) | 250 | 0g | 36g | 0g | Mostly sugar and tequila |
| Black beans (½ cup) | 110 | 7g | 20g | 0g | High fiber, good choice |
Ordering Tips to Cut Calories
- Skip the free chips and salsa to save 150+ calories before your meal even arrives
- Order tacos instead of a burrito to save 400-600 calories — each taco is 150-200 cal
- Ask for no sour cream and no cheese to save 170 calories
- Choose chicken or fish over beef or carnitas to save 100-200 calories
- Swap a margarita for a light beer or water to save 150-250 calories
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Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. This is not medical advice — talk to your doctor.