I am really on the fence about Texas Roadhouse. I want to give it 5 stars but there are a few things keeping me from doing that which I will explain in my review. I gave it 4 stars because even though there was a few things I didn't like. I do appreciate the fact that they give you alot of quality food for the right price. You get your money's worth unlike a lot of restaurants in the area that overcharge for steak. I don't normally go to chain restaurants for steak but I had heard so many good things about this place that I decided to give it a go. My impression upon entering is that I found it kinda odd that during every visit I didn't notice one server, bartender, or Host/Hostess that was seemed to be over the age of 25? The whole staff seemed extremely young and I can't help but wonder if that was intentional??? I kind of felt like I was back in my high school cafeteria only with nicer seating and food. Anyways on to the review...After 3 visits here are my general observations.
All 3 times I ordered steak, once was a NY strip, the second time was a Prime Rib, and thrid time a Ribeye. The NY strip was extremely overseasoned but cooked perfectly. My second visit I ordered the Prime Rib and all I could taste was smoked flavor. The taste of smoke was so overwhelming that I didn't eat it and ended up giving it to my dad to take home as leftovers. So my third visit I was really craving prime Rib but was afraid to order it so I explained to the waitress what happened last time I ordered the Prime Rib and asked her if they use any kind of a smoke flavoring when they cook their Prime Rib. She basically looked at me like I was from outer space and had no idea how to answer my question, it didn't even occur to her to go ask the kitchen. At that point I just said forget it and ordered the Ribeye. I asked them to go easy on the seasoning and they did a bit (could've put less), so I enjoyed my steak more this time around. My only issue this time is that they undercooked my steak to rare instead of medium, but they put it back on the grill for me with no complaints when I told the waitress. I really appreciated that the server was nice about it when I told her.
On all 3 visits the sides were great, I had the mashed potaoes loaded, the house salad which is a huge portion, and the seasoned rice. The rolls they give you with the cinnamon butter are amazing, they alone make the trip worth it and they give you as many as you want!
I guess my only other complaint is that the atmosphere is a bit too noisy for me, especially when it's packed in there. The servers will break out in a line dance and start hollering. I hear a lot of banging coming from the kitchen throughout dinner, I think the kitchen staff also have some sort of routine they do like the servers. I don't know if I am just getting old or what but I prefer a quieter dinner where I can hear my dinner companions and not have to scream at them to have a conversation.
I will probably come back and try their ribs since I hear they are so good, not to mention I am addicted to their rolls. When I go back I plan on going either early or late to try and avoid the excess noise, I won't go during rush hour again.
My advice if you go is to definitely use their "call ahead seating". They don't take reservations and it can get quite busy during rush hour since their only opened during dinner hours. They did mention maybe opening for lunch on weekends but I don't know if they did or not. Also, don't go thinking your going to have a nice quiet dinner, it gets rowdy and if that's not your thing you best go elsewhere. read more