If you’re on a Paleo diet, eating out can feel like a challenge, especially when healthy options seem scarce. But here’s a pleasant surprise: some major chain restaurants offer meals that fit right into your Paleo lifestyle. Whether you’re on the road or just craving a night off from cooking, here are some reliable choices for Paleo-friendly meals at popular spots across the U.S.
To make things easier, this guide focuses on “slow” food options. While fast food is typically loaded with unhealthy oils and low-quality ingredients, these sit-down restaurant options offer wholesome, Paleo-compatible meals that support your health goals.
And for those budget-conscious diners, we’ve included a handy price guide! Restaurants marked $ offer meals under $10, while $$ meals are around $10-$20, and $$$ meals are over $20.
So, if you’re after meals that are low-carb, protein-packed, or full of veggies, here are 10 chain restaurants that have Paleo-friendly options.
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Chipotle – $$
With its allergy-friendly options and fresh ingredients, Chipotle makes Paleo dining easy.- Low Carb: Salad with chicken, steak, or barbacoa, topped with salsa and guacamole—skip the dressing.
- High Protein: Double portion of chicken, steak, or barbacoa on a salad, with salsa and guacamole.
- Veggie-Packed: Salad with extra lettuce, fajita veggies, salsa, and your choice of protein.
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Red Robin – $$
Known for burgers and grilled options, Red Robin offers plenty of Paleo-friendly choices.- Low Carb: Sear-ious Salmon with a side of steamed broccoli.
- High Protein: Guacamole Bacon Burger in a lettuce wrap with steamed broccoli.
- Veggie-Packed: Avo-Cobb-O Salad without cheese or garlic toast.
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Outback Steakhouse – $$$
A great place for Paleo-friendly steak, chicken, and seafood options.- Low Carb: Grilled Chicken on the Barbie with mixed veggies, no BBQ sauce.
- High Protein: Center Cut Sirloin with a side of broccoli.
- Veggie-Packed: Aussie Cobb Salad without cheese or croutons, with a side of broccoli.
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Denny’s – $
Open around the clock, Denny’s offers flexible Paleo-friendly options for travelers.- Low Carb: Loaded Veggie Omelet with extra veggies, no cheese or toast.
- High Protein: Double Burger without bun or cheese, topped with avocado and mushrooms, plus a side salad.
- Veggie-Packed: Cobb Salad without cheese, with lemon wedges or vinegar dressing, plus a side of broccoli.
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BJ’s – $$
This brewhouse has Paleo options that make it easy to stick to your meal plan.- Low Carb: Enlightened Lemon Thyme Chicken, without rice.
- High Protein: Bacon-Guacamole Deluxe Burger without bun, cheese, or mayo, with a side of broccoli.
- Veggie-Packed: Enlightened Kale and Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad, hold the cheese.
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Applebee’s – $$
This American bar and grill offers some Paleo-friendly options too.- Low Carb: 6-ounce top sirloin with two sides of broccoli.
- High Protein: 8-ounce top sirloin with two sides of broccoli and a shrimp skewer.
- Veggie-Packed: Grilled Chicken Salad, no cheese or dressing, with extra avocado and a side of broccoli.
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Red Lobster – $$$
While known for seafood, Red Lobster has other Paleo options.- Low Carb: Wood-Grilled Shrimp with broccoli and asparagus.
- High Protein: Wood-Grilled Shrimp & Sirloin, swapping mashed potatoes for broccoli.
- Veggie-Packed: Salmon New Orleans with asparagus instead of mashed potatoes.
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Panera – $$
This bakery café may not seem Paleo-friendly at first glance, but there are great options.- Low Carb: Greek Salad with added chicken, no cheese.
- High Protein: Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken.
- Veggie-Packed: Fuji Apple Salad with Chicken, no cheese.
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Five Guys – $$
Skip the fries and buns, and Five Guys is a Paleo-friendly choice.- Low Carb: Burger or Bacon Burger without a bun, with lettuce and tomatoes.
- High Protein: Bacon Burger with all the veggie toppings, no bun.
- Veggie-Packed: Veggie Sandwich without a bun, with extra veggies.
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Cheesecake Factory – $$$
Known for its large menu, Cheesecake Factory also has Paleo options.
- Low Carb: Fresh Grilled Salmon with a side of broccoli.
- High Protein: Grilled Ribeye Steak with a veggie side.
- Veggie-Packed: Wellness Salad.
While these meals by be Paleo, we cannot vouch for the ingredeint or sourcing quality from these fast food restaurants, so dig in carefully and do your research.
We hope you enjoy dining out while staying Paleo!