Texas Roadhouse is a casual steakhouse chain with locations across the United States

Texas Roadhouse operates as a full-service restaurant where you sit at a table, order from a server, and pay after your meal. The chain focuses on grilled steaks, ribs, and seafood, along with sides like baked potatoes and fresh-cut fries. Most locations are open for lunch and dinner, with some serving brunch on weekends. You can walk in without a reservation at many locations, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.

The restaurant is owned by Texas Roadhouse, Inc., a publicly traded company headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. As of now, the chain operates hundreds of locations, though the exact number changes as new restaurants open and others close. You can find a Texas Roadhouse near you by visiting their website and using the location finder, which shows hours, phone numbers, and whether a specific restaurant takes reservations.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas Roadhouse serves grilled steaks, ribs, and seafood in a casual sit-down setting where a server takes your order.
  • Most locations do not require reservations, but calling ahead during peak hours can help you understand wait times.
  • The menu includes entrees, sides, appetizers, and desserts, with prices varying by location and item selection.
  • Texas Roadhouse locations typically accept cash and major credit cards, though payment methods may vary by restaurant.

How the menu is organized and what price ranges look like

The Texas Roadhouse menu divides into sections: steaks (the main focus), ribs, seafood, chicken, and combination plates. Steaks come in different cuts—ribeye, filet, New York strip, and others—and you choose your size and how you want it cooked. Sides come with most entrees and include options like baked potato, sweet potato, or fries. The menu also lists appetizers (queso, wings, fried pickles), salads, and desserts.

Prices for entrees typically range from the mid-teens to the mid-thirties in US dollars, depending on the cut of steak and your location. Appetizers and sides cost less. Drinks, including alcoholic beverages at locations with liquor licenses, are priced separately. Texas Roadhouse does not publish a single national menu with fixed prices; each location sets its own pricing based on local costs and market conditions. Calling the restaurant directly or checking their website for your nearest location will show you the actual prices you will see.

What happens when you arrive and how long to expect to wait

When you walk in, a host or hostess greets you and either seats you when ready or puts you on a waitlist if the restaurant is full. During busy times—typically Friday and Saturday evenings, and Sunday afternoons—wait times can range from 30 minutes to over an hour. During slower periods, you may be seated right away. Some locations accept reservations through their website or by phone, which can reduce or eliminate your wait.

Once seated, a server brings water and bread (usually complimentary) and takes your drink order. You then have time to look at the menu before the server returns to take your food order. The time from ordering to receiving your meal typically ranges from 15 to 25 minutes, depending on how busy the kitchen is and what you order. Grilled items take longer than some other options. After you finish eating, you signal your server for the check, which they bring to your table.

How to pay and what to know about gratuity

Texas Roadhouse accepts cash and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) at most locations. When you are ready to leave, you either hand your payment method to your server or, at some locations, use a payment terminal at your table. If paying by card, the terminal or check presenter will show you options for adding a tip before you complete the transaction. If paying cash, you leave the tip on the table or hand it to your server.

Gratuity is not included in your bill automatically at Texas Roadhouse, so you decide the tip amount. Standard practice in casual dining is 15 to 20 percent of your pre-tax bill, though you can tip any amount you choose. Some locations may add gratuity automatically for large parties (often groups of six or more), so check your bill if you are dining with a large group.

Dietary restrictions and menu options

Texas Roadhouse serves meat-focused dishes, but the menu includes options for different dietary needs. Vegetarian choices are limited but available—typically salads and some sides. The restaurant can prepare grilled vegetables as a side instead of the standard options. If you follow a gluten-free diet, you can request that your meal be prepared without breading or sauces that contain gluten, though cross-contamination in the kitchen is possible.

If you have a severe food allergy, inform your server before ordering so they can alert the kitchen. Texas Roadhouse does not publish a detailed allergen menu on their website, so calling your local restaurant directly is the safest way to ask about specific ingredients or preparation methods. The restaurant can tell you which dishes contain common allergens like peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, or dairy.

Alcohol service and age policies

Most Texas Roadhouse locations hold liquor licenses and serve beer, wine, and spirits. The restaurant follows state and local laws regarding alcohol service, which means servers will check your ID if you appear under 30 years old. You must be 21 or older to purchase alcohol in the United States, and this rule is enforced at all locations.

If you are under the legal drinking age, you can still dine at Texas Roadhouse and order non-alcoholic beverages. Children are welcome, and the restaurant offers a kids menu with smaller portions and simpler dishes. Some locations may have restrictions on when minors can be present (for example, late-night hours), so if you are planning to bring children during evening hours, calling ahead is a good idea.

How to find a location and check hours before you go

The Texas Roadhouse website has a location finder where you enter your city or zip code and see all nearby restaurants. Each location listing shows the full address, phone number, hours of operation, and whether that restaurant takes reservations. Hours vary by location—some open for lunch at 11 a.m., while others open at 4 p.m. Closing times typically range from 10 p.m. to midnight, depending on the day of the week and location.

Holiday hours often differ from regular hours, so if you are planning to visit on a holiday, check the website or call ahead. You can also call the restaurant directly to ask about current wait times, whether they are accepting reservations that day, or to ask questions about the menu. Many locations are active on social media and post updates about special events or temporary closures there as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation to eat at Texas Roadhouse?

Most locations do not require reservations and seat customers on a first-come, first-served basis. However, many locations accept reservations, especially for larger groups or during peak hours. Calling ahead or checking the website for your nearest location will tell you whether reservations are available and whether they are recommended for your party size and time.

What if I have a complaint about my meal or service?

Tell your server when ready if something is wrong with your food or service. Servers can ask the kitchen to remake a dish, adjust your bill, or bring a manager to discuss the issue. If you want to provide feedback after you leave, most Texas Roadhouse locations have a customer service contact on their website or receipt where you can share your experience.

Can I order takeout from Texas Roadhouse?

Many Texas Roadhouse locations offer takeout, though not all do. Call your local restaurant to ask whether they take takeout orders and how to place one. Some locations allow you to order online for pickup, while others require a phone call. Takeout prices are the same as dine-in prices, and you do not tip when ordering takeout unless you choose to.

Are there kids meals, and what do they include?

Yes, Texas Roadhouse offers a kids menu with smaller portions and simpler dishes, typically at lower prices than adult entrees. Kids meals usually come with a main item, a side, and a drink. The menu varies by location, so ask your server what options are available for children.

What payment methods does Texas Roadhouse accept?

Texas Roadhouse accepts cash and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) at most locations. Some restaurants may accept mobile payment options like Apple Pay or Google Pay, though this varies by location. Call ahead if you want to confirm what payment methods a specific restaurant accepts.