You Need To Stop Making This Rookie Mistake At Texas Roadhouse

We've previously discussed one word to avoid using when ordering at a steakhouse, but dare we say that, when at Texas Roadhouse, the two words to swear off are "more rolls?" Look, we get it. Like you, we adore Texas Roadhouse — it's not a coincidence that it dethroned Olive Garden for the title of America's top casual restaurant in 2025 — and we share your mouthwatering enthusiasm when the host walks you by the window laden with baskets of pillowy rolls and sweet cinnamon butter. Yes, they smell amazing. Yes, they taste like yeasty clouds of carbohydrate heaven when you take a bite. But we're here to tell you that you gotta pump the brakes. Filling up on rolls is a noob mistake that can stop you from fully enjoying your dinner at Texas Roadhouse.

You know how, when you were a kid, your mom might have told you that you couldn't have dessert unless you ate your vegetables? Think of the inverse of that: if you fill up on bread (which does, you must admit, have a way of sitting heavy in your stomach), you won't save room for your juicy steak and house-made sides. A proprietary, often-duplicated seasoning makes Texas Roadhouse steaks taste so, so good, and you can't take down even the most petite sirloin if you stuff yourself with two baskets of rolls. Yes, the waitstaff will keep them coming, and, again, we fully get the temptation. But you probably didn't come to dinner to eat free bread.

What we eat is often tied closely to our emotions, and it's hard not to feel swayed by the magnetic pull of buttery rolls. Take a moment, however, and listen to logic: it just makes sense to indulge only lightly in the bread course and make sure you stay hungry for the food you actually ordered. Not only is your main dish more nutritious than rolls alone, but you can always ask for an extra side of rolls to go home, and they can reheat beautifully. Your steak (or chicken, or pork), on the other hand, won't ever taste quite as delicious as leftovers. This can, in a way, be a waste of money, even if you ultimately end up eating everything. Enjoy the food you paid for when it's hot and fresh.

This is not to say that you shouldn't treat yourself to a roll or two when they arrive at your table! Just be realistic about your personal digestive capacity. If you are a light eater and are probably going to struggle to finish your dinner by itself, take just a single roll. If you have a heartier appetite, you might be able to (cautiously) ask for seconds. No matter what you do, resist the urge to stuff yourself with rolls until you hit your personal "full point!" You want to be able to savor the many delights on the Texas Roadhouse menu, from a crispy Cactus Blossom all the way through a succulent ribeye, and maybe even dessert. Pacing yourself is of the essence.