Texas Roadhouse, known for its sizzling steaks, legendary rolls, and lively atmosphere, is a popular dining destination for families across the nation. But when you’re trying to feed a hungry bunch, the question inevitably arises: Does Texas Roadhouse offer family meal options that make it easy and affordable to enjoy their delicious food at home? The answer is nuanced, and we’re here to break down everything you need to know.
Exploring Texas Roadhouse’s Menu and Takeout Options
Texas Roadhouse primarily focuses on individual meals served in a restaurant setting. While they don’t advertise pre-packaged “family meals” in the traditional sense, they provide several ways to create your own family-style feast using their existing menu and takeout services. Understanding these options is key to planning a successful Texas Roadhouse family dinner at home.
Individual Meals: Building Your Family Feast
Texas Roadhouse’s menu is packed with options that can easily be scaled up to feed a family. Consider their signature steaks, like the ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin. Ordering multiple steaks of different sizes ensures everyone gets their preferred cut and portion. Sides like mashed potatoes, steak fries, and corn can also be ordered in larger quantities.
The restaurant’s famous ribs are another fantastic choice for sharing. Ordering a full rack or two, depending on your family’s appetite, guarantees a meaty and satisfying meal. Combine this with a variety of sides, and you’ve got a rib-centric family feast.
Don’t forget about their chicken options. From grilled chicken salads to chicken critters, there’s something for everyone. A selection of these dishes provides alternatives for those who might not be in the mood for steak or ribs.
Takeout and Curbside Pickup: Convenience is Key
Texas Roadhouse offers both takeout and curbside pickup at most locations, making it incredibly convenient to enjoy their food at home. Simply place your order online or by phone, specify your preferred pickup method, and swing by to collect your meal. This allows you to create your family meal without having to dine in.
Curbside pickup is especially helpful, as it minimizes contact and keeps you comfortable in your car. Just call the restaurant when you arrive, and they’ll bring your order directly to your vehicle.
Party Pans and Catering: Options for Larger Gatherings
While not specifically “family meals,” Texas Roadhouse does offer larger catering options that could be suitable for bigger families or gatherings. These options, often called “Party Pans,” can include larger portions of popular items. Contacting your local Texas Roadhouse directly is the best way to inquire about specific catering menus and party pan availability.
They might offer options like large pans of mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or even larger portions of their pulled pork. These types of offerings can easily feed a larger family and offer a more convenient way to serve everyone.
Creating Your Own Texas Roadhouse Family Meal: Tips and Tricks
Since Texas Roadhouse doesn’t have set family meals, you’ll need to be strategic in putting together your own. Here are some helpful tips to create a satisfying and budget-friendly family dinner.
Planning Your Order: Consider Everyone’s Preferences
The first step is to consider everyone’s preferences. What are your family members’ favorite Texas Roadhouse dishes? Are there any dietary restrictions or allergies to consider? Make a list of must-have items and then supplement with sides that everyone will enjoy.
Thinking about portion sizes is also crucial. A good rule of thumb is to order enough protein for each person and then add extra sides for sharing. This ensures everyone gets their fill without overspending.
Strategically Ordering Sides: Maximizing Value
Sides are where you can really maximize value and variety. Texas Roadhouse offers a wide range of sides, from classic mashed potatoes and gravy to green beans and corn. Order a few different sides to provide options and cater to different tastes.
Consider ordering larger portions of sides that are particularly popular. For example, if your family loves the mashed potatoes, order a larger portion to ensure there’s enough for everyone. Don’t forget the rolls and cinnamon butter!
Utilizing Online Ordering: Streamlining the Process
Texas Roadhouse’s online ordering system makes it easy to create your family meal. You can browse the menu, customize your order, and pay online. This streamlines the process and saves time.
Online ordering also allows you to see the total cost of your meal before you place the order, helping you stay within your budget. Plus, many locations offer online-only deals and promotions, so be sure to check for those.
Consider the Price: Budgeting for Your Family Meal
Texas Roadhouse can be a relatively affordable option for a family meal, especially when compared to other steakhouse chains. However, the cost can add up quickly, so it’s important to budget accordingly.
Setting a budget beforehand helps you make informed decisions about what to order. Consider focusing on value-oriented items, like chicken dishes or sharing appetizers, to keep the cost down. Check for coupons or promotional deals that can help you save money.
The Texas Roadhouse App
Consider downloading the Texas Roadhouse app. This often provides exclusive deals, a rewards program, and an easier way to track your orders. It’s a great way to potentially save money on your family meal.
Alternatives to Texas Roadhouse Family Meals
If you’re looking for pre-packaged family meal deals, Texas Roadhouse might not be the best choice. But, there are alternatives to consider.
Other Restaurant Chains with Family Meals
Many other restaurant chains offer dedicated family meal deals. These often include a main course, sides, and sometimes even dessert, all packaged together for a set price. Consider exploring these options if you’re looking for convenience and a guaranteed price.
Popular options include chicken chains that offer buckets of chicken with sides, or Italian restaurants that offer pasta dishes with salad and breadsticks. Researching local restaurants can also reveal hidden gems with family-friendly deals.
DIY Family Meals: Cooking at Home
Of course, the most affordable option is often to cook at home. While it requires more effort, you have complete control over the ingredients and portion sizes. Plus, it can be a fun family activity.
Consider making a simplified version of your favorite Texas Roadhouse dishes. For example, you could grill some steaks at home and serve them with mashed potatoes and green beans. There are countless recipes available online for recreating restaurant-style meals.
Maximizing Your Texas Roadhouse Experience for Families
Even without formal family meals, there are ways to maximize your Texas Roadhouse experience for a family setting.
Ordering Ahead for Large Groups
If you’re planning on picking up a large order, call ahead. This is especially helpful during peak hours. Calling ahead will allow the restaurant to better prepare your order and ensure that everything is ready when you arrive.
Splitting Larger Entrees
Some of Texas Roadhouse’s entrees are quite generous. Consider ordering a few larger entrees and splitting them amongst family members. This is a great way to save money and reduce food waste. It also allows everyone to sample a wider variety of dishes.
Don’t Forget the Extras
Remember to add all the extras to your order, like extra rolls, cinnamon butter, and sauces. These small additions can really enhance the dining experience. Don’t be afraid to ask for extra butter for your rolls!
Consider Dietary Needs
Texas Roadhouse has a variety of options to accommodate different dietary needs. If someone in your family has a gluten allergy, vegetarian preference, or other dietary restriction, review the menu carefully and ask the staff for recommendations.
While Texas Roadhouse might not have pre-set family meal options, its extensive menu, convenient takeout services, and potential catering options allows you to easily create your own customized family feast. By planning ahead, considering everyone’s preferences, and utilizing online ordering, you can enjoy a delicious and affordable Texas Roadhouse family dinner at home. Remember to explore alternative options if you are set on pre-packaged deals. Ultimately, the best approach is to find what works best for your family’s needs and budget.
Texas Roadhouse: A Family-Friendly Atmosphere (Even for Takeout)
While this article focuses on the logistics of creating a family meal for takeout from Texas Roadhouse, it’s important to acknowledge the restaurant’s general family-friendly atmosphere. This culture extends to their takeout service. The friendly staff is usually happy to help customize orders and ensure you have everything you need for a successful meal at home.
Texas Roadhouse often hosts events and promotions geared towards families. While these are primarily in-restaurant experiences, knowing about them can contribute to your overall positive perception of the brand. Look for local events or special offers that might make your Texas Roadhouse experience even more enjoyable, whether you’re dining in or taking out.
Does Texas Roadhouse have specific family meal deals or packages available?
Texas Roadhouse doesn’t typically advertise dedicated “family meal deals” in the way some other restaurants might. You won’t find a pre-packaged set meal explicitly labeled as a family bundle on their menu. Their focus is more on individual entrees and customizable sides that allow families to build their own meals based on everyone’s preferences and appetites.
However, while there aren’t formal “family meals,” the larger portion sizes of many of their entrees, combined with the availability of family-sized sides, make it relatively easy to create a satisfying meal for a family. Consider ordering a few of their signature steaks or chicken dishes and complementing them with a large mashed potatoes or mac and cheese to share.
What are some menu items at Texas Roadhouse that are good for sharing with a family?
Several items on the Texas Roadhouse menu are well-suited for sharing. The ribs, especially a full rack, are a popular choice and can easily feed multiple people. Similarly, the steak options, particularly the larger cuts like the Porterhouse or Ribeye, can be divided amongst family members.
Beyond the main entrees, consider ordering family-sized portions of their sides. The mashed potatoes, green beans, mac and cheese, and rice are all available in larger quantities, making them ideal for sharing around the table. This allows everyone to get a taste of different flavors and contribute to a diverse family meal.
Can I order catering from Texas Roadhouse for a large family gathering?
Yes, Texas Roadhouse does offer catering services that are perfect for large family gatherings or events. Their catering menu typically includes a variety of their most popular entrees, sides, and appetizers, allowing you to create a customized spread that caters to your family’s tastes. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a convenient and delicious way to feed a crowd.
To explore their catering options, it’s best to contact your local Texas Roadhouse directly. They can provide you with a catering menu, pricing information, and details on how to place your order. Keep in mind that catering orders often require advance notice, so it’s always a good idea to plan ahead.
Are there any kid-friendly options available on the Texas Roadhouse menu?
Absolutely! Texas Roadhouse has a dedicated “Ranger Meals” section specifically designed for children. This menu features smaller portions of popular dishes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The options are typically classic kid-friendly fare, prepared with the same quality and attention to detail as their adult menu.
Some examples of Ranger Meals might include mini cheeseburgers, chicken critters (chicken tenders), mac and cheese, and steak bites. These meals usually come with a choice of side dish, like applesauce, steak fries, or a vegetable, and a beverage. It’s a comprehensive and affordable way to ensure the little ones in your family are well-fed and happy.
Does Texas Roadhouse offer online ordering for takeout and family meals?
Yes, Texas Roadhouse generally offers online ordering for takeout, which can be a convenient way to create a family meal at home. This allows you to browse the menu at your leisure, customize your order to everyone’s preferences, and schedule a pick-up time that works for you. It’s a time-saving option for busy families.
The online ordering system typically features the full Texas Roadhouse menu, so you can select individual entrees, sides, and appetizers to build your own family meal. Be sure to check the portion sizes and quantities to ensure you have enough food for everyone. Some locations may also offer curbside pickup for added convenience.
Are there any gluten-free options at Texas Roadhouse for family members with dietary restrictions?
Texas Roadhouse does offer a selection of gluten-free options, making it easier to accommodate family members with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. They have a dedicated gluten-free menu that clearly lists the dishes that are safe to consume. This is incredibly helpful for those needing to avoid gluten while dining out.
While the specific offerings may vary slightly by location, you can typically find gluten-free steaks, grilled chicken, and certain side dishes like steamed vegetables and salads with modifications. It’s always a good idea to inform your server about your dietary restrictions, so they can assist you in making the appropriate choices and ensure your meal is prepared safely.
How does the cost of a family meal at Texas Roadhouse compare to other restaurants?
The cost of a family meal at Texas Roadhouse is generally considered to be moderate compared to other casual dining restaurants. While they may not offer specific discounted family meal packages, the individual menu items are competitively priced, especially considering the generous portion sizes. Building your own family meal from the regular menu can be a cost-effective option.
Compared to higher-end steakhouses, Texas Roadhouse is definitely more affordable. And, when considering the quality and quantity of food you receive, it often provides better value than some fast-food chains when feeding a larger family. You can control the overall cost by carefully selecting entrees and sides that fit your budget.