Last Updated: November 10, 2026
Texas Roadhouse is a steakhouse chain with a lively, Western-themed atmosphere, a menu centered on hand-cut steaks, and rolls that arrive at the table before the meal does. If you are visiting for the first time, this Texas Roadhouse menu guide explains the main categories and highlights some popular dishes.
Menus, availability and limited-time items vary by location and change often. Treat this as a general overview and confirm current offerings on the official Texas Roadhouse menu.
What Texas Roadhouse Is Known For
Texas Roadhouse is best known for its steaks, which are hand-cut in-house at each restaurant, and for its fresh-baked rolls served with cinnamon butter. The restaurant also has a reputation for fall-off-the-bone ribs and for a casual, high-energy dining room where staff sometimes sing happy birthday in a group. Traditionally, buckets of peanuts have been available at tables, and shells can end up on the floor, adding to the roadhouse feel.
Menu Categories
Rolls and Starters
The rolls are soft, warm and served with cinnamon butter. Many diners fill up quickly on them, so pace yourself. Starters typically include the Cactus Blossom, a large fried onion with dipping sauce, as well as Rattlesnake Bites (spicy cheese bites), Tater Skins, fried pickles and chicken critters. Several of these are designed for sharing at the table.
Soups and Salads
Soup options usually include Texas Red Chili and a soup of the day, with potato soup common at many locations. Salads, such as the house salad and Caesar, can be ordered as a side or topped with chicken or steak for a main course.
Steaks
Steaks are the centerpiece. Common cuts include sirloin, ribeye, New York strip, filet and porterhouse-style options, plus prime rib at limited times. Sizes vary, so you can choose a lighter portion or a larger cut. Steaks are seasoned and cooked to your preferred temperature, and you can add toppings such as sauteed mushrooms or onions, or choose a sauce.
Ribs
Ribs are slow-cooked, with a tender texture. Pork ribs are available as a half or full rack in barbecue sauce or dry-rubbed styles, depending on the location. Combo plates pair ribs with chicken or steak.
Chicken and Seafood
Chicken options include grilled chicken, country-fried chicken and chicken critters, a fried tenders dish. Seafood choices include grilled salmon and shrimp, which can be added to steaks as surf-and-turf style pairings.
Burgers and Sandwiches
Burgers and a pulled pork or chicken sandwich offer a more casual way to eat at a steakhouse. They are typically served with fries.
Sides
Side dishes are a big part of the experience. Choices usually include baked potato, loaded sweet potato, seasoned rice, steak fries, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn and a side salad. Sides can be paired with any entree.
Desserts
Desserts include Big Ol’ Brownie, a large brownie with ice cream, and Granny’s Apple Classic, a warm baked apple dessert. Cheesecake and seasonal items may also be on the menu.
Drinks
The beverage menu includes sweet tea, soft drinks, beer and cocktails. Margaritas are a common favorite, and many locations have a full bar.
What First-Timers Might Try
- Rolls with cinnamon butter. They come with the meal, so you can sample them right away.
- Cactus Blossom. A dramatic, shareable appetizer.
- Ribeye or sirloin. Popular entry points for a steak dinner.
- Fall-off-the-bone ribs. A good alternative if you want something other than steak.
- Loaded sweet potato. A sweet and savory side that stands out.
- Big Ol’ Brownie. A shareable finish.
Customization Tips
- Choose your temperature. Tell your server whether you like your steak rare, medium, well done or somewhere in between.
- Pick a cut by size. If you prefer a smaller portion, ask about the lighter-cut options.
- Add toppings. Sauteed mushrooms, onions or sauces can be added to a steak.
- Swap sides. Meals typically include two sides, and you can usually mix and match.
- Build a combo. Pair ribs or chicken with a steak to sample more than one thing.
- Share starters. Large appetizers like the Cactus Blossom are designed for a group.
- Ask about specials. Weekly and seasonal offers can include special cuts or sides.
Quick-Reference Table
| Category | Typical Items | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bread | Fresh-baked rolls with cinnamon butter | Served at the table |
| Starters | Cactus Blossom, Rattlesnake Bites, Tater Skins, fried pickles | Good for sharing |
| Soups and salads | Texas Red Chili, house salad, Caesar | Salad can be a main with protein |
| Steaks | Sirloin, ribeye, New York strip, filet | Hand-cut, cooked to order |
| Ribs | Pork ribs, combo plates | Half or full rack |
| Chicken and seafood | Grilled chicken, chicken critters, salmon, shrimp | Alternatives to steak |
| Sides | Baked potato, loaded sweet potato, seasoned rice, steak fries, green beans | Mix and match |
| Desserts | Big Ol’ Brownie, Granny’s Apple Classic | Good for sharing |
Planning Your Visit
Texas Roadhouse is popular, and waits can be long on weekend evenings. Many locations offer call-ahead seating or an online waitlist, which can shorten your time in the lobby. Weekday dinners and early evenings tend to be calmer.
The restaurant works well for families, since the atmosphere is casual and loud enough that children will not stand out. There is a kids menu with smaller portions of familiar items.
If you are celebrating a birthday, tell your server in advance, since the staff typically makes a small event of it.
If you are new to steakhouses, a simple strategy is to choose one cut, one potato-style side and one vegetable, then add a starter only if the group is large. The rolls and peanuts-style snacks can fill you up before the entree arrives, so pace yourself and consider taking leftovers home.
FAQ
Are the steaks really cut in the restaurant?
The chain states that steaks are hand-cut in-house at each restaurant. This is a central part of its brand.
Are the rolls free?
Rolls are generally served to the table with the meal and are a standard part of dining in. Policies can vary, so ask your server if you have questions.
Is there food for people who do not eat steak?
Yes. Ribs, chicken, seafood, burgers, sandwiches and salads provide alternatives.
Is every item available at every location?
No. Menus, availability and limited-time items vary by location and change often. Confirm what is offered on the official Texas Roadhouse menu before ordering.
Green Cocktails Recipes: 9 Drinks Colored by Herbs, Fruit, and Liqueur
7 Best Patio Umbrellas with LED Lights (November 2026)
