Old Chicago, a popular casual dining restaurant and beer bar chain, offers a range of menu options for health-conscious diners. Known for its classic American cuisine and craft beer selection, the restaurant has made efforts to cater to various dietary needs and preferences.
Old Chicago provides several lighter fare choices, including salads, grilled chicken dishes, and vegetable-based appetizers, for those looking to maintain a balanced diet while dining out. The restaurant also offers customizable pizza options, allowing guests to select healthier toppings and crusts to suit their nutritional goals.
While indulgent dishes remain a part of Old Chicago’s menu, the chain has expanded its offerings to include more nutritious alternatives. Guests can find detailed nutritional information for menu items, enabling them to make informed decisions about their meals. This transparency allows diners to enjoy the Old Chicago experience while adhering to their dietary requirements.
Understanding Healthy Eating at Old Chicago
Old Chicago offers several options for health-conscious diners. Nutrition information and special dietary accommodations are available to help guests make informed choices.
Analyzing Nutrition Facts and Serving Sizes
Old Chicago provides detailed nutrition information for menu items. A medium Chicago 7 Pizza slice contains 413 calories, 16g fat, 47g carbs, and 20g protein. Serving sizes vary, with a full medium pizza typically having 6 slices.
Individual Tavern Thin pizzas offer smaller portions, with one piece containing 91 calories, 5g fat, 7g carbs, and 5g protein. Guests can control intake by selecting appropriate serving sizes.
Menu items like the Sicilian Pepperoni Rolls are higher in calories, with 6 rolls totaling 1801 calories. Sharing or selecting a smaller portion can help manage calorie intake.
Options for Special Diets
Old Chicago recognizes dietary restrictions and offers some accommodations. The restaurant uses ingredients that contain common allergens like milk, eggs, tree nuts, soy, and wheat.
Gluten-free options may be limited due to the presence of wheat in many menu items. Guests with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should consult with staff about safe choices.
For those seeking lower calorie options, salads and some individual pizzas can be suitable choices. The menu includes some vegetarian items, though vegan options may be more restricted.
Guests with specific dietary needs are encouraged to speak with restaurant staff. Managers can provide guidance on ingredient information and potential menu modifications to better accommodate special diets.
Healthier Pizza Choices
Old Chicago offers several options for those seeking healthier pizza choices. Diners can customize their pizzas with nutritious toppings and lighter crusts to reduce calories and fat while still enjoying a delicious meal.
Old Chicago Pizza Options and Toppings
Old Chicago’s thin crust pizza provides a lighter base for health-conscious customers. Choosing vegetable toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions adds fiber and nutrients without excess calories. Lean protein options such as grilled chicken or Canadian bacon offer a good balance of flavor and nutrition.
For those watching their fat intake, asking for light cheese or no cheese can significantly reduce calories. Old Chicago’s Chicago 7 Pizza with thin crust contains approximately 90 calories per slice, making it a reasonable choice when paired with a side salad.
Opting for a half-size pizza is another smart strategy for portion control. This allows diners to enjoy their favorite flavors while consuming fewer overall calories.
Calzone Alternatives
Calzones can be modified for a healthier meal option at Old Chicago. The Meat Me Calzone and Chicago Fire Calzone can be customized by requesting less cheese or swapping some meat toppings for vegetables.
Choosing a side salad instead of fries with a calzone helps balance the meal. Diners can also ask for the calzone to be baked instead of fried, reducing fat content.
Sharing a calzone with a friend is an excellent way to control portion sizes. This strategy allows customers to satisfy their craving while consuming fewer calories overall.
Salads as Nutritious Meals
Old Chicago offers a variety of salad options that can serve as satisfying and nutritious meals. These salads provide a balance of vegetables, proteins, and flavorful dressings to create wholesome dining choices.
Popular Salad Options
The Mediterranean Salad stands out as a healthy choice, featuring mixed greens, feta cheese, and olives. It provides a good balance of nutrients and flavors. The Crispy Chicken Salad offers a protein-rich option with crispy chicken strips over fresh greens.
The House Salad serves as a simple yet nutritious base, typically including mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers. For those seeking more variety, the Antipasto Salad combines traditional Italian ingredients like cured meats and cheeses with fresh vegetables.
Smart Dressing Choices
Selecting the right dressing can significantly impact a salad’s nutritional value. Ranch dressing is a popular choice but tends to be higher in calories. Opting for a vinaigrette or asking for dressing on the side allows better portion control.
Blue cheese dressing adds flavor but should be used sparingly due to its calorie content. Light or reduced-fat versions of dressings are often available upon request. Olive oil and vinegar provide a simple, healthier alternative to creamy dressings.
When dining at Old Chicago, customizing salads with preferred ingredients and dressings can create a balanced, nutritious meal that aligns with individual dietary needs and preferences.
Lean Proteins and Sandwiches
Old Chicago offers several lean protein options and health-conscious sandwiches for those seeking nutritious meals. These selections provide satisfying choices without sacrificing flavor.
Chicken Dishes and Varieties
The menu features various chicken dishes that cater to health-conscious diners. The Chicken Rustica stands out as a flavorful option, combining grilled chicken with fresh ingredients. This dish provides a good source of lean protein while keeping calories in check.
For salad lovers, the Crispy Chicken Salad offers a mix of textures and flavors. It includes crispy chicken atop a bed of fresh greens and vegetables. Guests can request grilled chicken instead to further reduce calorie intake.
Old Chicago also prepares grilled chicken breasts that can be added to other dishes or enjoyed on their own. These offer a versatile, protein-rich choice for health-conscious patrons.
Health-Friendly Sandwich Selections
The California Chicken Sandwich is a popular choice for those seeking a lighter meal. It features grilled chicken breast, avocado, and fresh toppings on a whole grain bun. This sandwich provides a balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
Another noteworthy option is the Chicken Pesto Panini. It combines lean grilled chicken with flavorful pesto and vegetables. The panini is pressed, creating a satisfying crunch without excessive oil.
For a customizable experience, guests can modify sandwich ingredients to suit their dietary needs. Opting for whole grain bread or removing high-calorie toppings can further enhance the nutritional profile of these sandwiches.
Balancing Indulgences and Side Items
Old Chicago offers options to balance indulgences with healthier choices. Modifications to burgers and alternatives to fries allow diners to enjoy their meal while making mindful selections.
Burgers and Healthy Modifications
Old Chicago’s burgers can be customized for a more nutritious meal. Patrons can opt for a turkey or veggie patty instead of beef. Removing the bun or choosing a lettuce wrap cuts carbs significantly.
Skipping cheese or bacon reduces calories and fat. Adding extra vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and lettuce boosts nutritional value. Requesting sauces on the side allows for portion control.
The Grilled Fresh Veggie Italian Wrap provides a lighter alternative to traditional burgers. It features grilled vegetables and a whole wheat tortilla for added fiber.
Sides and Alternatives to French Fries
While french fries are a popular choice, Old Chicago offers healthier side options. A side salad with dressing on the side provides vitamins and fiber.
Steamed vegetables offer nutrients without added fats. Fruit cups bring natural sweetness and essential vitamins. For those craving potatoes, a baked potato with toppings on the side allows for calorie control.
Portion control is key. Sharing an order of fries or opting for a small size can satisfy cravings while limiting calorie intake. Some locations may offer sweet potato fries as a more nutrient-dense alternative to regular fries.
Old Chicago’s Nutrition Guides and Resources
Old Chicago provides comprehensive nutrition guides and resources to help customers make informed dining choices. These tools offer valuable insights into menu items’ nutritional content and allergen information.
Leveraging Old Chicago’s Menu for Nutritional Information
Old Chicago’s website features detailed nutritional information for their menu items. The data, prepared by Nutritional Information Services (NIS), includes calorie counts, fat content, sodium levels, and other key nutrients. Customers can access this information online or request it at restaurant locations.
The nutrition guide covers a wide range of menu offerings, from pizzas to appetizers and entrees. For example, the Chicago 7 Pizza on Chicago Thick crust (medium) contains 413 calories, 16g of fat, and 1033mg of sodium per slice.
Old Chicago also provides allergen information, helping guests with dietary restrictions make safe choices. The company emphasizes that while franchise locations are directed to use the same ingredients and recipes as corporate-owned restaurants, it’s advisable to confirm with local management for the most up-to-date information.
For those seeking healthier options, Old Chicago’s menu includes lower-calorie alternatives. The Tavern Thin crust pizzas generally have fewer calories compared to their thicker counterparts.