17 Texas Roadhouse Favorites You May Sadly Never See Again
Remember those good old days at Texas Roadhouse? The moment you walked in, the smell of sizzling steaks and warm, buttery rolls hit you like a delicious tidal wave.
As a frequent diner—and proud Texas Roadhouse superfan—I’ve spent years enjoying their hearty, flavor-packed dishes. But if you’ve been paying attention, you might’ve noticed something… missing.
Over time, a few beloved menu items have quietly vanished, leaving loyal fans (like me!) wondering where our favorites went. Whether it was a juicy entrée, a killer appetizer, or a dessert that hit all the right notes, these dishes earned a spot in our hearts—and stomachs. Let’s take a nostalgic bite into the Roadhouse classics we miss most.
1. Smothered Chicken
Oh, that glorious mountain of melted jack cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and onions cascading over a perfectly grilled chicken breast! The first time I ordered this beauty, my server warned me I might need extra napkins – boy, was she right.
The juicy chicken paired with those caramelized onions created a flavor explosion that had me scraping the plate clean. Many regulars would specifically request extra mushrooms, creating an unofficial secret menu variation.
While similar chicken dishes remain on the menu, this particular combination of toppings and preparation style disappeared during one of their menu revamps, leaving a cheese-shaped hole in many hearts.
2. Roadhouse Ribs & Chicken Combo
Indecision never tasted so good! This perfect pairing featured fall-off-the-bone ribs alongside a juicy chicken breast, solving the eternal ‘I want both’ dilemma. My dad always claimed it was the ultimate test of a restaurant’s cooking skills.
The combo came with two sides, typically those legendary seasoned rice and buttery corn. What made this dish special was how they managed to give equal attention to both proteins – neither overshadowed the other.
Rumor has it this combo disappeared when they streamlined their menu during the pandemic, though you can technically order components separately – but trust me, it’s not quite the same experience.
3. Portobello Mushroom Chicken
Mushroom lovers, prepare to shed a tear. This earthy delight featured a marinated grilled chicken breast topped with Portobello mushroom slices, jack cheese, and a rich mushroom sauce that I still dream about.
During my college years, this was my go-to splurge meal. The umami flavor from those meaty mushrooms complemented the tender chicken perfectly, creating a sophisticated dish that stood out among the more traditional steakhouse fare.
The mushroom sauce had a hint of garlic and herbs that elevated the entire dish. When they quietly removed it from the menu, several servers told me it was one of their most requested “can you still make this?” items.
4. Roadhouse Cheesesteak Sandwich
Steak sandwich lovers unite in mourning! Their cheesesteak sandwich was a Texan twist on the Philly classic – thinly sliced steak smothered with sautéed onions, mushrooms, and peppers, all hugged by melted cheese in a toasted hoagie roll.
Last summer, I ordered this beauty before a concert and nearly missed the opening act because I couldn’t stop savoring every bite. The meat was always tender, never chewy, and they weren’t stingy with the toppings.
What made it special was their signature steak seasoning that gave it that unmistakable Roadhouse flavor. When it disappeared from the menu, my lunch options felt significantly less exciting.
5. Grilled Shrimp & Ribeye Combo
Surf and turf perfection that won’t break the bank! This magical pairing featured their hand-cut ribeye alongside skewered grilled shrimp with a zesty seasoning that complemented the steak’s rich flavor.
My anniversary dinner tradition for three years straight, this combo made special occasions feel truly special without the hefty price tag of most surf and turf options. The contrast between the smoky, juicy steak and the light, slightly spicy shrimp was culinary harmony.
When they removed it during menu simplification, the manager at my local Roadhouse confessed it was his personal favorite too. You can still order components separately, but the specific seasoning blend on those combo shrimp seems lost to history.
6. Teriyaki Chicken
Sweet, savory, and sadly gone! The teriyaki chicken was a welcome change of pace from the usual steakhouse offerings – a marinated chicken breast grilled to perfection and glazed with a house-made teriyaki sauce that struck the perfect balance between sweet and savory.
During my low-carb phase, this dish was my salvation. The chicken was always juicy, never dry, and that glaze had a hint of ginger that made it stand out from typical teriyaki dishes.
Served over rice with steamed veggies, it offered a lighter option that still delivered on flavor. When they removed it from the menu, several servers mentioned it was particularly popular with their health-conscious regulars.
7. Roadhouse Sliders
Tiny burgers, massive flavor! These mini-masterpieces featured three hand-formed beef patties topped with caramelized onions and a slice of American cheese on sweet, toasted mini buns. The perfect happy hour companion!
My softball team would demolish these by the dozens after games. What made them special was the quality of the meat – these weren’t your typical frozen slider patties, but miniature versions of their premium burgers.
The sweet buns created a perfect contrast to the savory beef and onions. When they disappeared from the appetizer menu, our post-game celebrations were never quite the same. Some locations would make them off-menu if you asked nicely, but even that accommodation seems to have faded away.
8. Prime Rib Sandwich
Lunch break royalty has left the building! This magnificent creation featured thin-sliced prime rib piled high on a toasted bun with horseradish sauce that cleared your sinuses in the most delightful way.
During my stint working near a Roadhouse location, this sandwich was my Friday reward. The prime rib was always tender and flavorful, never tough or dry like some other places’ attempts. The horseradish sauce had just enough kick without overwhelming the meat’s natural flavor.
Served with au jus for dipping and those legendary steak fries, it was a complete meal that satisfied without putting you into a food coma. Its disappearance left a prime rib-shaped hole in the lunch menu.
9. Pulled Pork Dinner
Slow-smoked heaven on a plate! Their pulled pork dinner featured tender, smoky pork shoulder slow-cooked until it practically melted in your mouth, then lightly tossed in their signature BBQ sauce that had the perfect sweet-to-tang ratio.
My Southern grandmother actually gave this her seal of approval – no small feat for a chain restaurant BBQ! The meat had that authentic pink smoke ring and those delicious crispy edges that BBQ aficionados treasure.
Served with coleslaw that provided the perfect cool, crisp counterpoint to the rich meat, this dish satisfied serious BBQ cravings without having to find a dedicated smokehouse. Its quiet removal from the menu broke many a BBQ lover’s heart.
10. Grilled BBQ Chicken Salad
Healthy-ish never tasted so good! This magnificent creation topped mixed greens with grilled chicken breast glazed in BBQ sauce, corn, tomatoes, cheese, and those addictive crispy tortilla strips that I’d always ask for extra of.
During my “trying to eat better but still enjoy life” phase, this salad was my compromise. The smoky-sweet chicken paired with the fresh vegetables created a satisfying meal that didn’t feel like punishment.
The dressing – a slightly spicy ranch variation – tied everything together perfectly. When it disappeared from the menu, many health-conscious Roadhouse fans found themselves staring longingly at the remaining salad options, none quite measuring up to this perfect balance of healthy and indulgent.
11. Steak & Shrimp Kabobs
Skewered perfection that left too soon! These colorful kabobs alternated chunks of marinated steak with jumbo shrimp, bell peppers, and onions, all flame-grilled to caramelized perfection and served over seasoned rice.
My summer go-to for years, these kabobs delivered that backyard BBQ flavor without having to fire up the grill myself. The marinade had hints of garlic and citrus that infused both the steak and vegetables with mouthwatering flavor.
The presentation always impressed – those grill marks and vibrant colors made it as beautiful as it was delicious. When they removed this from the menu, servers would often suggest separate steak and shrimp orders, but the special marinade and presentation made the original impossible to replicate.
12. Grilled Pork Chops
Thick, juicy, and criminally underrated! These bone-in beauties were marinated in a sweet and savory blend, then grilled until they had those perfect char marks while staying tender and juicy inside.
My grandfather, a pork chop connoisseur if there ever was one, declared these “restaurant pork chops that actually taste like pork chops should.” High praise indeed! The marinade penetrated deep into the meat, ensuring flavor in every bite, not just on the surface.
Served with cinnamon apples that complemented the slightly sweet notes in the marinade, this dish offered a homestyle comfort that stood out among the steaks and burgers. Their quiet departure from the menu left pork enthusiasts with significantly fewer options.
13. Grilled BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Backyard BBQ bliss between two buns! This handheld delight featured a grilled chicken breast basted with their house BBQ sauce, topped with melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles on a toasted bun that soaked up all those delicious juices.
After moving to a new city, finding this familiar favorite on the menu made me feel instantly at home. The chicken was always tender, never dry, and that sauce had the perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and a hint of smoke.
The addition of pickles might seem unusual to some, but they provided a perfect acidic counterpoint to the sweet BBQ sauce. When this sandwich vanished, lunch at Roadhouse was never quite the same for chicken sandwich enthusiasts.
14. Strawberry Cheesecake
Sweet dreams are made of this! Their cheesecake was the perfect balance of rich and light – a creamy New York-style cheesecake on a graham cracker crust, topped with a generous layer of strawberry sauce that wasn’t overly sweet or artificial tasting.
My best friend and I would split this after every finals week as our celebration tradition. The cheesecake had that perfect slight tang that contrasted beautifully with the sweet strawberry topping.
What made it special was the fresh whipped cream they’d add tableside – not from a can! While they still offer other desserts, this particular cheesecake vanished from the menu, leaving sweet-toothed diners with fewer options to satisfy their post-steak sugar cravings.
15. Grilled Pineapple Side
Tropical vacation on a side plate! This unique offering featured thick slices of fresh pineapple caramelized on the grill, creating a sweet-smoky flavor combination that made even vegetable-avoiders reach for a fork.
During a family dinner years ago, my picky-eater nephew tried this on a dare and ended up ordering a second portion! The grilling process intensified the natural sweetness while adding a subtle smokiness that elevated it beyond just fruit.
The slight char marks added both visual appeal and flavor complexity. When this side option disappeared, many diners lost their favorite way to add something sweet to balance out the savory main courses. Some locations would still make it upon request, but even this accommodation has largely faded away.
16. Catfish Dinner
Southern comfort that swam away too soon! Their catfish dinner featured farm-raised catfish fillets in a cornmeal coating that was light and crispy, never greasy or heavy, served with tartar sauce that had just the right amount of pickle relish.
During my first Texas road trip, this dish convinced me that good catfish doesn’t need a dedicated fish shack. The fish was always fresh and flaky, and that cornmeal coating had a perfect seasoning blend with a hint of cayenne.
Served with creamy coleslaw and steak fries, it offered a taste of Southern cooking that stood out on a predominantly beef-focused menu. Its disappearance left seafood lovers with significantly fewer options beyond the standard shrimp offerings.
17. Texas Blueberry Margarita
Blue heaven in a salt-rimmed glass! This vibrant cocktail combined their signature margarita with blueberry puree, creating a sweet-tart flavor profile and that Instagram-worthy electric blue color that turned heads across the dining room.
My sister-in-law, who claims to hate tequila, accidentally ordered this thinking it was a non-alcoholic specialty drink and ended up loving it so much she got a second. The blueberry flavor balanced the tequila perfectly, making it approachable even for non-tequila drinkers.
Garnished with fresh blueberries and a lime wedge, it was as pretty as it was delicious. When it disappeared from the cocktail menu, many happy hour regulars found themselves reluctantly ordering the standard margarita instead.
18. Roadhouse Cheese Fries
Potato perfection that vanished too soon! These legendary fries were loaded with melted cheddar and monterey jack cheeses, crispy bacon bits, and green onions, served with a side of ranch dressing for dipping or drizzling – your choice!
Game days at my place weren’t complete without these bad boys. The fries underneath stayed miraculously crispy despite the blanket of gooey cheese, a textural feat that deserves culinary recognition.
What made them special was the quality of the bacon – thick-cut and crispy, not those sad little bits some places use. Their disappearance from the appetizer menu created a void that regular cheese fries simply cannot fill, no matter how hard they try.