Myfitnesspal’s database is surprisingly good. Most chains are in there.
For other restaurants I guesstimate. After 5 years my guesstimates have gotten pretty accurate.
I also don’t sweat about perfect tracking. It’s more about observing general trends. 100 cals up or down all averages out over your lifetime. Or even a single week.
That said when you have strict goals, the only solution is not to eat out or at least to limit it a lot. Like when you have to be a certain weight or bodyfat for a specific event that’s X days/weeks out
Yes, there are pretty good proxy items, even if you don't have exactly the same item. If they have wings from chain X in MFP, but you're at chain Y and you know chain X has a bigger order, or bigger wings, estimate and do your best. Use what you know about other comparable items.
For other restaurants I guesstimate. After 5 years my guesstimates have gotten pretty accurate.
I also don’t sweat about perfect tracking. It’s more about observing general trends. 100 cals up or down all averages out over your lifetime. Or even a single week.
That said when you have strict goals, the only solution is not to eat out or at least to limit it a lot. Like when you have to be a certain weight or bodyfat for a specific event that’s X days/weeks out