In this guide:
Why HopCat Works for Macro Trackers
HopCat is a gastropub chain known for craft bar food, wings, and burgers. If you are tracking macros and eating out regularly, knowing how to order here is essential — because the difference between a 350-calorie, high-protein meal and a macro-wrecking order is usually just one or two substitutions.
The menu has hidden gems once you know the protein-to-calorie math. MacroMate has mapped out 28 optimized HopCat builds — including the Bourbon Street Blackened Shrimp (No Rice) at 270 cal / 43g protein for cutting.
The key at HopCat is knowing which items carry their weight in protein and which ones front-load fat or carbs with minimal payoff. This guide breaks down the best builds in each category with exact macros straight from the MacroMate database.
Best HopCat Orders for Cutting
The Bourbon Street Blackened Shrimp (No Rice) is the top pick when you are in a caloric deficit at HopCat. At 270 calories with 43g protein, the protein-to-calorie ratio of 0.159 puts it among the most efficient cuts on the menu. The instructions: Order the Bourbon Street Blackened Shrimp without rice; keep the side salad This is the build to memorize for deficit days.
Bourbon Street Blackened Shrimp (No Rice)
Order the Bourbon Street Blackened Shrimp without rice; keep the side salad
When cutting, the goal is maximum protein per calorie consumed. The Bourbon Street Blackened Shrimp (No Rice) delivers 43g of protein for just 270 calories, leaving plenty of room in your daily budget for other meals. With only 13g of carbs and 4g of fat, the macro split is clean for a deficit.
MacroMate has 4 more HopCat Cutting builds — ranging from 350 to 390 calories. See all 5 Cutting builds ranked in the app.
Best HopCat Orders for Maintenance
Maintenance is about consistency, and the Bourbon Street Blackened Shrimp at HopCat is built for it. At 470 calories with 47g protein, it hits a balanced macro profile you can order on autopilot. Order as is
Bourbon Street Blackened Shrimp
Order as is
The Bourbon Street Blackened Shrimp gives you 47g of protein at 470 calories — a ratio that works whether you are maintaining weight, slowly recomping, or just trying to eat well. 58g carbs and 6g fat round out a nutritionally balanced fast food meal.
MacroMate has 3 more HopCat Maintenance builds — ranging from 740 to 920 calories. See all 4 Maintenance builds ranked in the app.
Best HopCat Orders for Keto
Keto at HopCat means finding items with minimal carbs and solid protein. The Bourbon Street Blackened Shrimp (No Rice, No Salsa) delivers with just 3g of carbs and 40g protein at 220 calories. Order tip: Ask to skip the dirty rice and mango salsa; keep the shrimp and side salad That carb count keeps you in ketosis while the 3g of fat maintains the keto macro split.
Bourbon Street Blackened Shrimp (No Rice, No Salsa)
Ask to skip the dirty rice and mango salsa; keep the shrimp and side salad
The Bourbon Street Blackened Shrimp (No Rice, No Salsa) is genuinely keto-compatible at HopCat. Under 3g of net carbs with 40g protein means no need for creative substitutions — just order it as directed and you are covered for the day's fat and protein targets.
MacroMate has 6 more HopCat Keto builds — ranging from 460 to 1,060 calories. See all 7 Keto builds ranked in the app.
HopCat Ordering Hacks That Matter
Knowing the specific builds is only part of the equation. These ordering principles will help you stay on track at HopCat regardless of which build you choose.
Prioritize the Bourbon Street Blackened Shrimp (No Rice, No Salsa) for protein efficiency. At 220 cal with 40g protein, the protein-to-calorie ratio of 0.182 is one of the best on the HopCat menu. Ask to skip the dirty rice and mango salsa; keep the shrimp and side salad
The Side House Salad is your low-calorie anchor. At just 100 calories with 2g protein, this is the order when you are tight on your daily budget. Order as is
Watch the add-ons. At HopCat, sauces, dressings, and sides can quietly add 200-400 calories to an otherwise lean order. Ask for sauces on the side, skip cheese where you can, and opt for water over soda — those three habits alone can save you 300+ calories per visit.
For keto, the Signature Double Burger (No Bun, No Fries, No Sauce) is your go-to. Only 0g of carbs with 80g protein. Order the Signature Double without the bun, fries or Kitty Island sauce; keep the patties and cheese
What to Always Avoid at HopCat
Not every item at HopCat is worth the calories. These are the orders most likely to derail your macros — high in fat or carbs relative to their protein content.
Watch out for the Signature Double Burger (No Bun, No Fries, No Sauce) (1,060 cal). At 1060 calories with 80g protein, this has a low protein-to-calorie ratio that makes it a poor choice when cutting. If you order it, make sure you are in a surplus and it fits your goal for the day.
The Cup of 5 Pepper Chili underdelivers on protein. At 250 calories with only 15g protein, you are spending a lot of your calorie budget for minimal protein return. Better options exist in the same price range.
Default sides and combos add up fast. At HopCat, the default sides — fries, chips, sugary drinks — can add 400-600 calories without meaningfully increasing your protein intake. Swap for a side salad, water, or nothing extra when cutting.
HopCat vs. Buffalo Wild Wings for Macros
Both HopCat and Buffalo Wild Wings are solid choices for macro tracking, but they have different strengths depending on your goal.
HopCat for cutting: The Bourbon Street Blackened Shrimp (No Rice) at 270 cal / 43g protein is a strong deficit option. Compare that to what Buffalo Wild Wings offers — check the Buffalo Wild Wings macro hacks guide to see how they stack up side by side.
The bottom line: both chains have macro-friendly options, but the best choice depends on your specific goal that day. MacroMate has 28 HopCat builds and a full Buffalo Wild Wings breakdown so you can compare directly. For more options across all chains, see our 15 best high-protein fast food orders.
MacroMate has 28 HopCat builds classified by goal — Cutting, Bulking, Maintenance, Keto — each ranked by protein-to-calorie ratio with exact order instructions. Looking for options at other restaurants? Check out our 15 best high-protein fast food orders, how to hit your macros eating out, and every chain ranked for cutting.
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