Atkins Friendly Restaurants

I do enjoy cooking, and in the past year of Atkins my boyfriend and I have actually discovered many new recipes that we love and cook together : ) BUT sometimes I want to have a date night or I don't have anything thawed for dinner or I'm just feeling super lazy so I want to go out to eat.

We have pretty much given up on places like Outback because even though you would think it would be perfect, you don't get a lot of meat or vegetables in your relatively expensive dinner. There's a sushi place that I go to from time to time where I eat sashimi, but my boyfriend doesn't like it so if we go he ends up going off the diet and eating teriyaki and katsu and dumplings.

The one place we've found that works well for both of us is Ruby Tuesday's because of their endless salad bar (yum!). However, I'm getting tired of their entree options so I was hoping y'all have suggestions! We live in CT, so hopefully you can suggest places in New England. Thanks!

Most actual steakhouses will cater to their customer's wants, even if it's an extra charge. J. Gilberts (Glastonbury), any of the Max's (Downtown, Amore, Fish, etc.), and Carmen Anthony's all come to mind, as do Mortons and Ruth's Chris of course.

It's amazing how the family chain restaurant (Chili's, TGIFriday, Ruby Tuesday's, Hops, Applebees, apparently The Outback, etc.) all think they serve fine cuisine. The truth is, if they can't cater to the wants of their patrons, they are just this side of the Scottish Steakhouse (McDonald's).

Funny story, not really Atkins related but still: I was in Minnesota on business a while back and my collegue and I were referred to a "Italian Eatery." The meal I wanted (veal parm, IIRC) came with a side of potatoes and I asked if I could substitute linguine for the potatoes. The waitress said she didn't think so but would check (Remember, this is an Italian restaurant...that couldn't or wouldn't serve a side of linguine). She actually went into the kitchen, came back and confirmed that she could not. The cook actually said No!!! This was not a Sbarro, this was a full service, sit down, alcohol permittee Italian restaurant...which came recommended at that!!! As it turned out we should have left right then and there and gone to Sbarro. My dish looked like a KFC value meal with a side of homefries. My collegue's ossobocco looked like Dinty Moore Beef Stew. He actually said that Dinty Moore tasted better. While this place passed itself off as a higher class estabishment, the experience warped my image of the Chili's of the world...

We eat out about once a week and so far I haven't had trouble getting what I need to eat - a meat, a salad, dressing on side, and steamed veggies. I'm not a Gourmet sort of girl, Outback, TGI Fridays, Ruby Tuesdays, and Applebee's have worked out just fine. Actually going out for breakfast is harder here in the South - Ya want grits, toast, and taters with that Hon ??

You could go in just about any restaurant, just ask the cook to replace fries, rice or pasta by veggies and salad. I'M sure he will be pleased to do it. Refuse to eat the bread and there you go!! You have a Atkins friendly restaurant!!

Most restaurants are willing to replace the high carb side, though the last couple of times I've asked they say it will cost more.....

I've eaten at a wide variety of restaurants in the last year, all on Atkins...and made out pretty fair. Learned to ask certain questions though...

Does your beef (like for the hamburgers) have any fillers?? or is it 100% beef. (some places add breadcrumbs to keep the burger moist).

Or, Are these steak tips available without the PRE-MARINADE? Or the steak, can I get that without anything on it ??? Just plain steak cooked on the grill?

I usually tell the server that I eat Low Carb - and w/ the Bacon Cheeseburger I just ordered, I would love it if they could skip the bun, and if I could have 2 decent size pieces of Romaine Lettuce instead... mayo on the side... that way I can build my own make-shift sandwich (which works great by the way.)

When all else fails, and it has... I usually end up w/ a salad, no croutons, and I either take my chances w/ their 'blue cheese dressing' or I use Olive Oil and a Lemon Wedge. (then I end up eating again at home

I also live in New England...and have found Chili's to be the easiest, most accommodating ... along w/ Applebee's. Good Luck.

I just spent the weekend eating out and had no problem. I always ask for steamed or roasted vegetables and most places are very accomodating. My best meals so far have been steak, shrimp scampi, grilled chicken all with a salad and veggies. You're the customer so ask for what you want. And for the days that I just don't have time to cook, McD's salad with grilled chicken. Have fun finding your favorite places.

i eat out every weekend it seems. because mondays-fridays, i prepare my entire meals religiously, i give myself a break.. and im still pretty new to atkins (4th week of Induction). I was able to eat at Denny's, Carl's Jr, KFC, and Jack In The Box with no problem.

Denny's i had their Build your own Grand Slam with 2 bacon, eggs, sausage and a side of their garden salad (i picked off the carrots and asked for no dressing and croutons).

Carl's Jr is easy since they have the Low Carb burger. perfect! just dont forget to nix the ketchup for optimal results~~ but then, that's the only real option there.. lol

At KFC, I had the grilled double down with side of green beans. as i stared in horror/curiosity as my beau scarfed down a mashed potato bowl.

and at jack in the box, I used a coupon to get 2 breakfast grilled sandwiches.. which i peeled off the bread and gave it to the beau.

i find it an exciting challenge whenever i go out to eat at a new place, and i've always been able to find something to order.

I was just going to echo what jsfantome said- be careful of the marinades. An Outback steak as it is usually served has a lot more sugar than you would ever imagine because of the marinades. I would imagine this is the case many places. I'm not a low-carb person, but I was surprised to find how much sugar is in things you would never suspect (like steak).

I have only been on Atkins since 1/31/2011 & since then I have eaten in a wide variety of eateries; from fast food, to local hot spots to tiny little bar & grills out in the middle of nowhere! And, honestly have had pretty good luck all the way around. 90% of the time has been while snowmobiling, so there is no way to know what kind of accomodations to expect. All you can do is ask nicely for something special or different. Usually the establishment will do what they can for you, sometimes not. My secret is to be flexible; if a meat with veggie & side salad is out of the question or budget, perhaps a salad is - or worse case I have a burger, ditching the bun. The later has left me feeling hungry more times than not simply because burgers (hamburger, chicken, etc.) are typically served with a BIG pile of fries in this neck of the woods. I have never gone away without getting something!

Thanks guys!