Calling all carnivores! Do you enjoy your meat a little too much and with a side of indulgence? Do you have an affinity for all things Southern – from the music, to the food? Does the thought of peanuts and fresh baked bread excite you to your very core? It’s all there at Texas Roadhouse, and this casual yet quality steakhouse expands, adding to their existing branches in Grand Avenue and Arabella by opening one up in the scenic Sidra Complex in Mahboula. Upon walking into the restaurant, you’re greeted by the attentive staff with a welcoming “Hi, friend!” and feel as though you’re about to sit down for an authentic Texan neighborhood barbecue. With fresh cuts of US beef that are 100% Halal and made-to order, to their made-from-scratch sides and warm, buttery, baked fresh from the oven every five minutes bread, you know you’re about to experience a meal you won’t forget.
The ambiance at Texas Roadhouse boasts of southern fare – completely country from the music to the staff’s entertaining line dancing routines every hour, on the hour, inside and outside. If you’re lucky enough to be walking into Texas Roadhouse during one of their routines, the charming image of the staff dancing vehemently to Southern line dancing music is enough to entice you to go in for some good ol’ fashioned, traditional Texan barbecue.
As we were seated, we noticed a big bucket of peanuts in the shell placed on our table with an empty bucket for shelling. Alongside the complementary peanuts is a basket of warm, freshly home baked bread rolls with a pot of silky cinnamon butter, ready to spread and melt in your mouth.
Pulling ourselves away from the bread, we ordered thirst quenching Cowboy Coolers- a delightful concoction consisting of lemonade, strawberry and cranberry juice. This tart, refreshing drink is a hit with fellow diners at Texas Roadhouse, and preps your palate for the delectable savories to be indulged in.
When we asked for a recommendation regarding appetizers, we were given the hot-off-the-fryer Rattlesnake Bites, made with jack cheese, red pepper and jalapeno. Warning: if you don’t want to fill up on appetizers, eat this one with a large group because they’re highly addictive, and absolutely amazing.
For our main course, because this was a steakhouse, we already knew what we were getting. The staff kept insisting we try their Fall-Offthe-Bone Ribs; an excellent fatty cut of rib that is so tender and succulent it breaks juicily upon even touching it with your fork. Paired with a perfectly marbled, fatty, juicy Rib Eye Steak, this combo is literally to die for. If you want to avoid fatty meats, you can find that at Texas Roadhouse as well. The attentive staff are also well educated with their cuts of meat. They interrogate your preferences to produce a customized cut piece of perfect steak to suit your taste buds.
And the sides – don’t even get us started on the amazing sides! With a choice of two sides with most of your meals, the options are endless – from potatoes of your choice: Mashed,Fried or Baked (and loaded!), to Seasoned Veggies and Sweet Butter Corn. Other sides include Seasoned Rice, Honey Glazed Carrots, and crisp, fresh, made in frozen bowls Caesar and House Salads – the perfect accompaniments to your meal. Even though we were stuffed, the kind staff insisted that we try their beef brisket – tender, pulled, and just asking to be smothered in their signature barbecue sauce or gravy – which also goes amazingly with everything else on your plate.
For the brave, or for those who can’t wait to have dessert, the Big Ol’ Brownie is the way to go. This fudge-packed round cake topped with a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzled in homemade chocolate sauce is absolutely sublime. With each bite, you feel like you’re in heaven! Another dessert on offer is the Custard Brownie Puddin’ – described as a rich creamy custard, filled with chunks of brownie and topped with whipped cream and chocolate sauce. Decadent and tempting as it was, we were too stuffed to try it. There’s always next time though, and believe us when we say our filled tummies are looking forward to returning and enjoying more cuts of meats, dishes, sides and desserts on the menu. Y’all come back now, y’hear?
Howdy, folks! Texas Roadhouse is located in Grand Avenue- The Avenues; Arabella, Albida’a, Al-Ta’awn Street and Sidra Restaurants, Mahboula, Coastal Road. Call their Avenues branch at 2228 3117, their Arabella branch at 2221 4993, and their Sidra Branch at 2208 1302. Yee-Haw!
