I went to Texas Roadhouse last month with my family and couldn’t believe how much money we spent. The next week, my friend who used to work there told me about all these ordering tricks I missed out on. I was shocked! If only I’d known about these insider tips before going. With Texas Roadhouse now bigger than Olive Garden as of 2024, chances are you’ll be eating there soon. Before you do, make sure you know these money-saving secrets that can totally change your experience.
Ask for different steak seasonings
Most people don’t know that Texas Roadhouse has more than just their standard steak seasoning. You can actually ask your server for roaster or mushroom seasoning instead of the regular stuff. These different seasonings can make the same cut of meat taste totally different. I tried the mushroom seasoning on my ribeye last time and it was so good I couldn’t believe I’d been missing out all these years. The best part is that this switch doesn’t cost anything extra – it’s a free way to change up your meal.
The restaurant’s standard seasoning is great, but why stick with only one option when you have choices? The roaster seasoning adds a deeper, slightly spicier kick that works really well with the fattier cuts like ribeye. The mushroom seasoning brings an earthy, umami flavor that’s perfect for leaner cuts like sirloin or filet. You can even ask for a side of the sirloin seasoning to dip your bread in for a savory twist that beats plain butter. Next time you go, just ask your server what seasonings they have – you might be surprised at the options!
Order filet medallions instead of regular filet
If you’re a steak lover but don’t want to spend a fortune, this tip will change your life. Instead of ordering an 8-ounce filet for the full price, ask for the filet medallions. You’ll get three 3-ounce pieces of filet mignon (that’s 9 ounces total) for less than the cost of the regular 8-ounce filet. That’s more meat for less money! Not only do you save cash, but you also get an extra side dish with the medallions. The regular filet comes with two sides, but the medallions plate comes with rice plus two sides.
There’s another secret hack with the medallions plate that most people don’t know about. You can ask to swap out the rice for another side dish, giving you three sides total instead of just two. That means you get more food for less money. Former employees say this is one of the best value meals on the entire menu. The medallions are cut from the same high-quality beef as the regular filet, so you’re not sacrificing any quality. They’re just portioned differently. The only difference is that the medallions are slightly thinner, which some people actually prefer since they cook more evenly.
Request different butter options
Everyone knows about Texas Roadhouse’s famous honey cinnamon butter that comes with the rolls. It’s sweet, it’s delicious, and it’s what most people look forward to. But did you know they have other butter options that aren’t on the menu? You can ask for garlic butter, lemon pepper butter, or even plain butter if you want something different. These alternative butters can totally change your meal. The garlic butter is amazing on steaks and makes even a basic sirloin taste like something from a fancy restaurant. The lemon pepper butter works great with chicken or fish options.
You can even mix and match butters for different parts of your meal. Use the honey cinnamon butter for your rolls, then switch to garlic butter for your steak. Another cool hack is creating your own special dipping sauce by mixing peppercorn gravy with regular butter. This creates a rich, creamy sauce that’s perfect for dipping both your steak and rolls. Don’t be shy about asking for extra butter either – they’ll bring it to you at no additional charge. Some regulars even ask for honey cinnamon butter to go, which is great for using at home on toast or pancakes the next morning.
Try the secret menu items
Texas Roadhouse has several secret menu items that most customers don’t know about. One of the most popular is the Southwest Smother Dog, which is a hot dog smothered in chili and cheese. They also make a really good grilled cheese sandwich that’s not on the menu but is perfect for kids or those who want something simple. Another secret item is garlic cheese bread – think of their regular rolls but with melted cheese and garlic butter on top. These items aren’t listed anywhere, but the kitchen knows exactly how to make them if you ask.
Many servers won’t mention these secret menu items unless you specifically ask for them. The garlic cheese bread is actually one of the best deals – it’s their famous rolls sliced in half, topped with garlic butter and melted cheese. It costs less than most appetizers but is big enough to share. Another hidden gem is asking for a smaller salad. If you don’t want to commit to a full-sized salad, you can ask for a half portion, which isn’t listed on the menu but is available if you know to ask. These secret menu items often provide better value than the standard menu options.
Order Texas Red Chili as a side
Most people overlook the Texas Red Chili, but it’s actually one of the best values on the menu. What makes it special is that it’s made with the trimmings from the premium steaks that are cut fresh in-house every day. That means you’re getting high-quality steak pieces in your chili – the same meat that would cost much more if ordered as a steak. You can order it as a side dish with any meal instead of getting the usual potato or vegetable. It’s filling, packed with protein, and gives you a taste of their best steak without paying steak prices.
The Texas Red Chili isn’t just economical – it’s genuinely delicious. The kitchen simmers those premium steak trimmings with tomatoes, beans, and spices until everything is tender and flavorful. If you’re trying to get the most meat for your money, this is a smart choice. Some regulars even order the chili as an appetizer and then get a smaller main dish to save money while still leaving satisfied. You can also ask for extra toppings like cheese or onions at no additional charge. This is one of those items that employees often order for themselves during breaks because they know it’s such a good value.
Ask for off-menu steak sizes
Did you know you’re not limited to just the steak sizes listed on the menu? Texas Roadhouse will cut your steak to any size you want because they have butchers in-house cutting meat fresh throughout the day. If the menu only shows a 6-ounce or 12-ounce sirloin, but you want a 9-ounce, just ask! They’ll cut it specially for you. This is great if you have a specific appetite or are trying to control portions. It also means your steak is guaranteed to be freshly cut instead of being pre-portioned earlier in the day.
There’s another benefit to ordering custom steak sizes – you get a truly fresh-cut steak. When you request a size that’s not standard on the menu, the kitchen has to send someone to cut it specifically for your order. This means less time sitting in the refrigerator and a fresher piece of meat. For prime rib lovers, try asking for the “end cut” which has more of the flavorful seasoned edge. Some steak enthusiasts swear this makes a noticeable difference in taste and tenderness. Your server might not volunteer this information unless you ask directly, but they can accommodate almost any size request.
Take advantage of family packs
Texas Roadhouse offers family packs that can save you serious money if you’re feeding more than just yourself. These packs typically include a main dish, sides, and their famous rolls with honey cinnamon butter – all for less than it would cost to order everything separately. They’re great for families, but even couples can order them and have leftovers for the next day. The family packs aren’t always prominently featured on the menu, so make sure to ask about them when ordering. During busy dinner hours, they can also help you get your food faster since they’re often prepared more efficiently.
The family packs typically come in different sizes to accommodate different group sizes. They often work out to be about 15-20% cheaper per person compared to ordering individual meals. Another advantage is that you can sometimes customize the sides in family packs more easily than with individual orders. If you’re ordering to-go, the family packs are packaged in a way that helps the food stay hot longer during transport. Many locations also offer special family pack deals on certain days of the week, so it’s worth asking if there are any current promotions when you call to order.
Consider the kids menu for smaller portions
You don’t have to be a kid to order from the kids’ menu at Texas Roadhouse. While some restaurants are strict about age limits, many Texas Roadhouse locations will let adults order from the children’s menu without any issues. This is perfect if you want a smaller portion or don’t have a huge appetite. The kids’ meals come with one side instead of two, but they’re significantly cheaper than adult entrees. You can get a small steak, chicken, or ribs for about half the price of the regular menu. This is a great option if you’re watching your budget or just don’t want to overeat.
The kids’ menu at Texas Roadhouse actually offers many of the same items as the regular menu, just in smaller portions. You can get a small sirloin steak, chicken tenders, ribs, and more. Some locations might have an “official” policy against adults ordering from the kids’ menu, but servers usually don’t mind. If you’re concerned, you can always say it’s for a child who isn’t present, like you’re taking it home to them. Another advantage of the kids’ meals is that they’re prepared and served faster than regular entrees, which is helpful if you’re in a hurry. Just keep in mind that the portions really are smaller, so this works best for light eaters.
These insider tips from former Texas Roadhouse employees can completely change your dining experience. From getting custom steak sizes to trying secret menu items, there are so many ways to upgrade your meal without spending more money. Next time you visit, try asking for different steak seasonings, order the filet medallions for better value, or request special butter options. Your wallet will thank you, and you’ll enjoy your meal even more knowing you’re getting the absolute best deal possible. Remember, the best Texas Roadhouse experience comes when you know what to ask for!
