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Keto TuxedoBlack-tie low carb

Dining out / Burger Joint

Keto at a Burger Joint

Easy for keto4 to order2 to ask about2 to skip

The burger itself is fine. The bun, the fries and the shake are the carbs. Nearly every burger counter can wrap a burger in lettuce or serve it in a bowl, and the toppings bar is mostly keto.

Order this

Any burger without the bun or wrapped in lettuce, with cheese, bacon, avocado, pickles, mustard and mayo, plus a side salad.

Skip this

Buns, fries, onion rings, milkshakes and sweet sauces.

Say this

“Can I get that protein-style, wrapped in lettuce?”

The menu, dish by dish

Bunless or lettuce-wrapped burgerOrderDouble the patty if you are hungry.
Cheese, bacon, avocado, picklesOrderAll low in carbs.
Mustard and mayonnaiseOrderClose to zero carbs.
Grilled onions and tomatoAsk firstA few carbs; fine in a normal portion.
Ketchup and special sauceAsk firstMostly sugar and tomato; use a little.
Hot dog without the bunOrderMost are low in carbs; a few contain fillers.
Fries and onion ringsSkipAsk for a side salad instead.
MilkshakeSkipIce cream and syrup.

Where the carbs hide

  • Sugar in ketchup, “special” sauces and BBQ sauce
  • Breadcrumbs or fillers in some patties and veggie burgers
  • Beans in chili toppings
  • Batter on crispy chicken sandwiches
At the bar

What to drink

A diet soda, unsweetened iced tea or a light beer.

Carbs in every drink

Five rules that work almost anywhere

  1. Protein first.
  2. Swap the starch for vegetables or a salad.
  3. Sauces on the side.
  4. Send the bread basket away.
  5. Drink dry.

Menus and recipes vary by restaurant, so ask when you are unsure. Not medical advice; see our health disclaimer.

Cook it at home

The same flavors, keto by design

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Mains

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

2.7g net carbs45 min
Creamy Keto Coleslaw
Sides

Creamy Keto Coleslaw

2.8g net carbs1 hr 15 min

Quick answers

Is burger joint food keto-friendly?

Yes, it is one of the easier cuisines. The burger itself is fine. The bun, the fries and the shake are the carbs. Nearly every burger counter can wrap a burger in lettuce or serve it in a bowl, and the toppings bar is mostly keto.

What can I order at a burger joint restaurant on keto?

Any burger without the bun or wrapped in lettuce, with cheese, bacon, avocado, pickles, mustard and mayo, plus a side salad.

What should I avoid?

Buns, fries, onion rings, milkshakes and sweet sauces. Hidden carbs to watch for: sugar in ketchup, “special” sauces and BBQ sauce; breadcrumbs or fillers in some patties and veggie burgers; beans in chili toppings; batter on crispy chicken sandwiches.

What should I ask my server?

Try: “Can I get that protein-style, wrapped in lettuce?” Keep requests short and friendly; kitchens handle substitutions all the time.

What should I drink?

A diet soda, unsweetened iced tea or a light beer.

Going somewhere else?

22 restaurant guides

SteakhouseItalianMexicanSushi & JapaneseFrenchIndianChineseThaiMediterranean & GreekAmerican DinerKorean BBQJapanese HibachiVietnamese & PhoBarbecue JointPizza PlaceBrazilian SteakhouseMiddle EasternSports Bar & WingsSeafood & Raw BarCoffee ShopDeli & Sandwich Shop

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