Remember that first time you walked into Texas Roadhouse? The aroma of sizzling steaks, the boisterous atmosphere, the endless basket of warm rolls practically begging to be devoured. It’s a sensory overload in the best possible way.
But even seasoned Roadhouse veterans can fall into ordering ruts, missing out on hidden gems and cost-saving strategies. To help you make the most of your next visit, we’re taking a deep dive into 19 ordering mistakes you’re likely making at Texas Roadhouse.
1. Skipping The Legendary Rolls
Who passes up free heaven? Those warm, pillowy rolls slathered with that honey-cinnamon butter are practically the restaurant’s mascot!
Rookies sometimes wave them away trying to “save room” for the main course. Nonsense! These fluffy miracles are worth every single calorie.
2. Ordering Steak Well-Done
Sacrilege in the beef temple! Texas Roadhouse prides itself on quality cuts that shine when cooked medium or medium-rare.
Charring your ribeye to hockey-puck status masks the flavors their meat masters work so hard to perfect. Trust the experts – a little pink won’t hurt you.
3. Missing Out On The Early Dine Menu
Penny-pinchers, listen up! Showing up between 4-6 PM Monday through Thursday unlocks special pricing on select entrées.
Same delicious food, smaller hit to your wallet. The restaurant’s quieter then too, meaning faster service and no waiting for that steak fix. Smart diners plan accordingly!
4. Ignoring The Call-Ahead Seating Option
Standing around for 90 minutes with a growling stomach? Rookie move!
Texas Roadhouse lets you call before leaving home to add your name to the waiting list.
You’ll still wait when you arrive, but for dramatically less time. Five minutes on the phone saves an hour of watching other people eat!
5. Overlooking The Made-From-Scratch Sides
Fries are everywhere. But those seasoned rice pilaf and fresh-made vegetables? Pure gold!
Every side dish is crafted in-house daily. The loaded sweet potato rivals dessert with its cinnamon-sugar-butter glory.
6. Forgetting To Customize Your Steak
Plain steak is so boring! Texas Roadhouse offers free toppings like sautéed mushrooms and onions that elevate your protein to new heights.
For a few bucks more, add melted cheese or their signature brown gravy. Customization is king!
7. Ordering A Burger At A Steakhouse
Playing it safe with ground beef? That’s like buying a Lamborghini to drive 25 mph!
While their burgers aren’t bad, they’re not why Texas Roadhouse exists. The restaurant’s soul lives in those hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and country dinners.
8. Not Asking For Your Steak To Be Seasoned
Bland meat is a crime! Texas Roadhouse has a signature seasoning blend that transforms good beef into mouth-watering magic.
Some servers don’t automatically ask your preference. Take control and request that flavor dust on your steak. It’s a secret weapon the regulars know about – now you do too!
9. Filling Up On Peanuts
Free peanuts everywhere! So tempting to munch mindlessly while waiting for your food.
Before you realize it, you’ve demolished enough calories for an entire meal. Those innocent-looking shells pile up fast! Pace yourself or risk feeling stuffed before your actual dinner arrives.
10. Bypassing The Legendary Ribs
Fall-off-the-bone isn’t just marketing hype! These slow-cooked beauties practically surrender at the touch of a fork.
Many first-timers fixate on steaks and miss this signature item. The kitchen spends hours perfecting that tender, smoky flavor profile.
11. Not trying the homemade dressings
Bottled dressing crimes! Their kitchen crafts every dressing from scratch daily.
The honey mustard deserves awards. Ranch fanatics swear it’s the best they’ve ever tasted. Even salad skeptics convert after experiencing these flavor bombs. Ask for samples before committing!
12. Saying No To The Grilled Shrimp Add-On
Surf and turf for a few extra bucks? Absolute no-brainer!
Adding those perfectly seasoned, skewered shrimp to your steak creates the ultimate land-and-sea combo. They’re not just an afterthought – these plump crustaceans get the same quality treatment as everything else on the menu.
13. Ignoring The Appetizer Combo
Indecision becomes delicious with their Roadhouse Combo platter!
Why choose between rattlesnake bites, fried pickles, and killer wings when you can sample them all?
Perfect for groups or serious snackers who appreciate variety. The sampler plate lets you explore multiple flavor profiles without commitment issues.
14. Forgetting To Save Room For Dessert
That Big Ol’ Brownie isn’t messing around! This chocolate monument comes topped with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce, demanding attention.
Strategic diners plan their meal backward, ensuring space for this finale. Split it if you must, but skipping dessert entirely means missing the exclamation point on your Roadhouse experience!
15. Not Checking The Specials Board
Menu-only orderers miss out! That chalkboard near the entrance isn’t just decoration.
Texas Roadhouse frequently offers limited-time cuts and seasonal specialties that never make the regular menu. These chef-inspired creations often showcase premium ingredients or unique preparation methods.
16. Passing On The Sweet Tea
Generic soda over their legendary sweet tea? Blasphemy!
This isn’t just any sugary drink – it’s properly brewed, perfectly sweetened Southern tradition in a glass. Locals know to order it cut with half unsweet tea for the ideal balance.
17. Ordering A Baked Potato Plain
Naked potatoes are sad potatoes! The loaded version comes topped with sour cream, cheese, bacon, and butter – a meal itself!
Some calorie-counters skip the good stuff, but that’s missing the point entirely. This steakhouse icon deserves its full glory. Go loaded or go home – diet tomorrow!
18. Not Asking About The Butcher Shop
Take-home treasures await! Most locations sell their raw, hand-cut steaks to cook at home.
These are the exact same quality cuts their chefs prepare, complete with seasoning packets. The butcher counter is the restaurant’s best-kept secret!
19. Missing Out On The Lunch Combos
Midday magic happens from 11-4 daily! Smaller portions of their famous entrées come with sides at prices that won’t break the bank.
Great for sampling their legendary food without committing to dinner-sized portions or prices. The lunch crowd knows – you get the same quality experience without the evening wait times or cost!