Hi everyone,

I’m planning a road trip across several states in the U.S., and I keep hearing about Texas Roadhouse as a must-try spot for casual dining. I know it’s not exactly “local fine dining,” but I’ve heard the rolls and cinnamon butter are legendary, and the steaks are supposed to be pretty good for the price.

My question is for those of you who’ve eaten there while traveling, do you think it’s worth making a stop, or is it more of a “you can try it anywhere” kind of place? I’m especially curious if the experience varies depending on the location, since I’ll be hitting both smaller towns and larger cities.

Also, do they handle dietary requests well? I’m not picky, but one person in my group doesn’t eat red meat, so we’re wondering if the menu will still give them enough options.

Would love to hear your thoughts, and whether it’s worth building into our itinerary.

Thanks!

Are you American? I ask because IME Texas Roadhouse is a ubiquitous American chain restaurant.

I've personally never eaten at one, but they're pretty much everywhere, at least in my state,

"Must-try"? I guess it depends on the individual and their expectations. I certainly wouldn't "build it into the itinerary," but that's me.

You can check locations and menu items:

https://roadhousemenufinder.com/texa...ouse-location/

"Must-try"? . . . assuming this is a sincere question - no.

There is one three miles from my house and I think I've eaten there twice in 20 years. Neither time was it my choice. If you are the sort that that equates quantity with quality - then sure, go fo it.

I avoid eating in chain restaurants while traveling. I travel for experiences I can't get at home.

I avoid eating in chain restaurants while traveling. I travel for experiences I can't get at home.

Which begs the question, where is the OP from?

The short answer is, "No."

If you share your travel route, you might be rewarded with truly unique food experience suggestions. Texas Roadhouse will likely not be one of them.

Certainly not a must try, but in my single visit to one in Tennessee, I was indeed surprised at the quality of the steak for the price. Super friendly staff too, but that may well vary based on location.

There are over 625 Texas Roadhouse Restaurants throughout the US and another 30 or so in 11 other countries around the world. You'll find them in every state of the Union. While it's a decent chain restaurant it's not one I'd put on a "must visit" list. If, during your travels, you happen to come across one nearby where you are staying and happen to be in the mood for a casual steak meal, then OK try it, but by all means, don't go out of your way to find one.

We've always thought it's nothing special. The rolls are good but not legendary. The butter is way too sweet, so I always ask for regular, unsweetened butter. (which they do have)There are a great many options on the menu that don't involve red meat. Contrary to all stereotypes, Texans do not eat red meat exclusively. On the rare occasions I go to the Texas Roadhouse, I always order either salmon or chicken, as I don't eat steak.

The food is OK, but don't go out of your way for this restaurant. If your expectations are very high, I think you'll be disappointed.

Hi! Nope, I’m not American, that’s probably why I’m curious about it. 😊 Since it’s so common there, I’m wondering if it’s one of those places locals skip but travelers might enjoy just for the “American chain experience.” I’ve heard enough about the rolls and steaks that it’s made me curious, but I’m still trying to figure out if it’s worth carving out time for or if I should just go with whatever local spot we find on the road.

There is a Texas Road House about fifteen minutes from my house.
I have eaten there once and have no real desire to return.
I would NOT consider it a must try at all.

If you want chain restaurant food, you can get better food at Jason's Deli or Chili's. Use Yelp to find quality local restaurants.

I still say not to go out of your way for this place, but it's very likely you'll come across one. If you do, then go for it and satisfy your curiosity. Enjoy your time in the US and thank you for visiting.

It is a chain which I avoid like the plague. I did however dine at one while on a business trip in WI once as it was across from my hotel and it was March in WI and it was 14 degrees Fahrenheit. It was fine but I wouldn't go out of my way.

I am in a FB group that consists mainly of U.K. tourists visiting California. I cannot tell you how many of them rave over Applebee's, the Cheesecake Factory, etc. So, I'm not in the least bit surprised that the OP is considering the Roadhouse. I don't get it but so many of them seem to relish eating at these kinds of places. Maybe it's because they don't have them there or maybe it's because you get a lot for your money. I prefer checking out local places when I travel and not chains, but to each his own.

There’s no Roadhouse in Hawaii.

They are not that common, less common than say Chilis or Applebees. It’s kind of a mean comment but overweight rural Americans love the place. For me it’s hit and miss with the quality of the steak. I don’t think going out of the way for Roadhouse make much sense.

We have a Texas Roadhouse a couple of miles from our house and occasionally eat there. I'd say it's an affordable place for a steak, which is sometimes pretty good, other times just meh. I suppose a lot depends on the cooks. When it gets busy, it's very, very busy - line at the hostess desk, crowds outside. At those times, the food may be hit or miss. If we go, it's during a slow time like late afternoon, and we sit at the bar where we have the attention of the bartender(s). It is fun to see the various steaks set out in a case at the entrance, so there is that.

I do like the chicken critter salad. The bone-in ribeye is my choice for a splurge, but the small sirloin can be a reasonable choice. The one near us does a good job with the rarer choices - "Pittsburgh Rare" is often our call. Do expect the food to be heavy on the salt and fat, unsurprisingly. The rolls are humdrum, IMO. They sweeten the butter, yes, and serve the rolls warm, and they come included at no extra charge - but I rarely bother eating them. Better rolls are to be had in better restaurants.

If you want an affordable steak at a budget restaurant, I think theirs are better than someplace like Applebees or Chilis. If you are by one and it's time to eat, there are worse choices. But not a special occasion.

I didn’t realize they were less common than places like Chili’s or Applebee’s. I’m definitely not planning to go out of my way just for it, but since we’ll be passing through a few smaller towns, I thought it might be a fun stop if we happen to see one along the route. Sounds like it could be more of a “convenience” meal than a destination in itself.

I respectfully disagree that it's mostly popular with overweight, rural Americans. Maybe that's been Tom's observation, but it hasn't been mine. I don't love Texas Roadhouse, but I will go there when a friend really wants to go. While it's not a fave of mine, I see all kinds of people at Texas Roadhouse.

Once again, I reverse my advice to avoid it. You won't have to go out of your way to find a Texas Roadhouse, and your curiosity will be satisfied. The worst that will happen is that you'll be disappointed, but it won't be an expensive lesson. Then again, you might love it. They've been in business for a long time, so there must be people out there who think it's great.

The reason I've changed my mind is that a few years ago, I was in Arles in the South of France. I wanted to eat at the cafe featured in a Van Gogh painting. Someone talked me out of it, saying it's expensive and the food isn't very good. I've always regretted that I didn't give it a try and form my own opinion.