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Practical restaurant decisions

Under 400 Calories

Use this lens when appetite is low and you need lighter defaults without guessing macros. Prioritize lean protein and simple builds that avoid hidden calories.

Nutrition values are best-effort estimates and can vary by location.

Why this page is trustworthy

  • Built from the current restaurant graph and menu data.
  • Nutrition values are best-effort estimates and can vary by location.
  • Use it as a practical restaurant decision aid, not a guarantee.

3 decision rules

  • 1Start with orders at or below 400 calories and at least 20g protein.
  • 2Skip calorie-dense add-ons first: creamy sauces, cheese, and fries.
  • 3Use half portions when appetite drops after the first few bites.

Strongest restaurant matches

These orders are the strongest current matches for under 400, pulled from the existing restaurant recommendation graph.

Buffalo Wild Wings logo

Buffalo Wild Wings

5 Naked Tenders & Side Salad

67g protein · 360 cal · 6.5g fat

If you need a bigger protein hit, the 5-count naked tenders with a side salad is one of the more controlled large orders.

Texas Roadhouse logo

Texas Roadhouse

Grilled Chicken Breast + Steamed Broccoli

48g protein · 340 cal · 13g fat

Pair grilled chicken breast with steamed broccoli for a very lean entree option.

LongHorn Steakhouse logo

LongHorn Steakhouse

Sirloin and Shrimp Skewer

48g protein · 380 cal · 15g fat

Pair the herb-grilled sirloin with a shrimp skewer and asparagus for a higher-protein steakhouse plate.

Chili's Grill & Bar logo

Chili's Grill & Bar

Classic Sirloin & Black Beans

46g protein · 380 cal · 12g fat

Choose the classic sirloin with black beans for a steadier protein-and-fiber plate than fries or loaded mash.

TGI Fridays logo

TGI Fridays

Side Caesar with Grilled Chicken

45g protein · 380 cal · 17g fat

Use the side Caesar with grilled chicken when you want a protein-forward small plate that still feels like a real meal.

Texas Roadhouse logo

Texas Roadhouse

Grilled Chicken + Applesauce + Iced Tea

45g protein · 390 cal · 12g fat

Pair grilled chicken with cinnamon applesauce and iced tea for a gentle combo.

TGI Fridays logo

TGI Fridays

Grilled Chicken Breast with Broccoli

44g protein · 295 cal · 8g fat

Use the grilled chicken breast with steamed broccoli when you want a lighter grill order that still has good protein.

TGI Fridays logo

TGI Fridays

Grilled Chicken Breast with Steamed Broccoli

44g protein · 295 cal · 8g fat

Pair the grilled chicken breast with steamed broccoli for a straightforward lighter plate.

Texas Roadhouse logo

Texas Roadhouse

Sirloin + Steamed Broccoli

44g protein · 380 cal · 18g fat

Pair the 6 oz Sirloin with steamed broccoli for the leanest Roadhouse combo.

Popeyes logo

Popeyes

Blackened Tenders 5pc

43g protein · 280 cal · 11g fat

Pick the Blackened Tenders 5pc if you want the strongest protein total without breading or a sandwich bun.

Applebee's logo

Applebee's

6 oz. Top Sirloin & Broccoli

43g protein · 350 cal · 18g fat

Order Applebee's 6 oz. Top Sirloin with steamed broccoli and skip heavier sauces or mashed potato sides.

Buffalo Wild Wings logo

Buffalo Wild Wings

Naked Tenders & Garden Salad

42g protein · 250 cal · 5.5g fat

3 Count Naked Chicken Tenders. Side: Garden Side Salad (NO DRESSING). Pair with water.

Buffalo Wild Wings logo

Buffalo Wild Wings

Naked Tenders (Dry Rub) & Salad

42g protein · 255 cal · 5.5g fat

3 Count Naked Chicken Tenders with Lemon Pepper Dry Rub. Side: Garden Side Salad (NO DRESSING).

Buffalo Wild Wings logo

Buffalo Wild Wings

Naked Tenders, Salad & Celery

42g protein · 260 cal · 5.5g fat

Build a lighter Buffalo Wild Wings meal with Naked Tenders, a side salad, and celery. Keep dry rubs and dressings minimal if sodium is an issue.

Applebee's logo

Applebee's

Grilled Chicken & Garden Salad

42g protein · 340 cal · 14g fat

Grilled Chicken Breast with a side House Salad. Ask for oil and vinegar or lemon instead of creamy dressing. No croutons.

Applebee's logo

Applebee's

Top Sirloin & Green Beans

42g protein · 340 cal · 16g fat

Build a steak plate with the 6 oz. top sirloin and garlic green beans instead of heavier starch sides.

Restaurants with the deepest match depth

Chains with the deepest usable bench usually make repeat ordering easier when you want a safe default.

Related decision pages

These narrower list and comparison pages repackage the same recommendations for faster decision-making.

Caution patterns

  • fried sides
  • large sweet drinks
  • creamy sauces and dressings

Related topics