Most people walk into Texas Roadhouse and just order whatever looks good on the menu. And honestly, that’s a totally normal thing to do. But there’s actually a pretty cool feature at this steakhouse chain that not everyone knows about, and it can completely change your dining experience. I mean, once you learn about it, you’ll probably never order the same way again.
Pick your own steak from the display case
Here’s the thing that sets Texas Roadhouse apart from basically every other steakhouse out there. They’ve got this display case with uncooked steaks sitting right there in the restaurant. Most people walk right past it without thinking twice. But you can actually choose your exact steak from that case before they cook it. After trying this a few times, I’ve noticed it makes a super big difference in how satisfied you are with your meal.
You get to pick the specific cut, the weight, and even how much fat marbling you want on your steak. It’s kind of like shopping at a butcher counter, except you’re at a restaurant. And the best part? You don’t have to just accept whatever piece of meat the kitchen decides to throw on your plate. Talk about control over your dinner.
The sides menu is massive
Texas Roadhouse doesn’t mess around when it comes to side dishes. They offer 17 different options, which is pretty much unheard of at most steakhouses. You can get everything from steamed broccoli to Texas chili to baked sweet potatoes. And most entrees come with two sides included in the price, so you’re definitely getting your money’s worth.
But here’s what nobody talks about. You can customize these sides even further. Want bacon bits instead of tomatoes in your salad? Done. Need some cheddar cheese and sour cream on that plain potato? Just ask. The customization options are honestly kind of overwhelming at first. Why do they offer so many choices? Probably because they know sides can make or break a meal, especially when you’re eating something as heavy as steak.
Early dine deals are worth racing for
I’ve seen people literally waiting outside Texas Roadhouse before it opens. They’re not crazy. They’re smart. The Early Dine menu offers seriously discounted entrees like Pulled Pork Dinner or Country Fried Chicken Dinner, and it’s only available during specific hours. The catch is that these hours aren’t the same at every location.
Some restaurants offer the deal Monday through Friday until 5 p.m., while others might cut it off at 4 p.m. or not offer it on Fridays at all. And the prices change depending on where you are, though they’re still a fantastic bargain no matter what. At least call ahead before you make the trip, because showing up at the wrong time is super disappointing.
Secret menu items exist
There’s more to Texas Roadhouse than what’s printed on the menu. You just need to know what to ask for. One of my favorite hacks is requesting extra sirloin seasoning on the side. You can dunk those warm bread rolls in it, or mix it with the cinnamon butter and slather it on your steak. Total game changer.
You can also load up your Cactus Blossom appetizer with pulled pork for basically a full meal. Or ask for caramel sauce and marshmallows to be added to your applesauce side. These toppings normally come with the baked sweet potato, but they work surprisingly well with applesauce too. The secret menu isn’t really a secret if you just ask your server about it.
Take extra cinnamon butter home
That cinnamon butter they serve with the rolls? You can take extra containers of it home. I mean, why wouldn’t you? It’s not just good on bread. You can put it on pancakes, roasted carrots, or even a baked potato at home. The flavor possibilities are pretty much endless once you’ve got that butter in your fridge.
Just ask your server for a couple of those little plastic containers to go. Nobody’s going to judge you for it, especially if you’ve got leftover rolls in your doggy bag anyway. Does anyone actually know if you’re using it for the rolls or not? And if you’re feeling adventurous, ask about taking home some of their other butter varieties like garlic lemon pepper too.
Join the VIP club
The Texas Roadhouse VIP Club is one of those things that’s advertised everywhere in the restaurant, but most people ignore it. Big mistake. If you eat there regularly, the benefits are actually worth signing up for. You get a welcome gift within a few days, a birthday discount, and another discount on your membership anniversary. Plus personalized deals that regular customers never see.
The overall savings add up fast if you’re someone who visits even just once a month. It’s free to join, so there’s basically no downside. Anyway, the deals alone make it worth the two minutes it takes to sign up online.
Lunch isn’t really a thing here
Don’t show up expecting lunch on a weekday. Texas Roadhouse typically doesn’t open until later in the afternoon, usually around 3 or 4 p.m. depending on your location. They’re basically only open for lunch on weekends, which is kind of annoying if you’re craving steak at noon on a Tuesday. The last time I tried to go for lunch on a weekday, I was pretty bummed to find the doors locked.
But if you’re okay with a late lunch or super early dinner, showing up right when they open means you can take advantage of that Early Dine menu. Just be prepared for crowds, because lots of people have the same idea. People actually line up outside waiting for the doors to unlock.
The margaritas are solid but choose carefully
Texas Roadhouse has some really good margaritas. Like, surprisingly good. They even beat Chili’s in a head-to-head comparison, which says something. The Legend margarita is probably the best one they make, with three different tequilas mixed with Grand Marnier. It’s smooth, citrusy, and totally worth the extra cost.
The Sangria Margarita is also pretty solid if you want something more fruit-forward. But skip the Hurricane Margarita and Jamaican Cowboy. They’re way too sweet and don’t really taste like actual margaritas. I’ve ordered the Hurricane before thinking it would be refreshing, and it was just kind of a sugary mess. Not worth it.
Peanuts aren’t automatic anymore
Remember when you could grab peanuts from a barrel and throw the shells on the floor? Those days are gone. Texas Roadhouse got rid of that whole experience, probably for cleanliness reasons or maybe allergies. But you can still get peanuts if you ask your server for them. They just won’t bring them out automatically, and you can’t toss the shells everywhere like before. Kind of takes away some of the fun atmosphere, but at least the option is still there if you really want peanuts with your meal.
