16 Texas Roadhouse Off-Menu Favorites Loved By Customers And Workers
Texas Roadhouse may be famous for its rolls and legendary steaks, but there’s a whole world hiding just beyond the printed menu.
Regulars and employees alike have uncovered secret combos, creative tweaks, and off-menu gems that turn a great meal into something unforgettable.
From smothered surprises to sweet-tooth delights, these hidden favorites have earned cult followings for a reason.
If you thought you knew the menu inside and out, think again… there’s more flavor waiting behind the scenes.
1. Fried Pickles with Ranch
Crispy, tangy, and utterly addictive! These golden-brown pickle chips come encased in a seasoned breading that shatters with each bite.
The kitchen staff will happily prepare this Southern classic even though it’s not officially listed. Dipped in cool ranch dressing, the contrast between hot pickles and creamy sauce creates flavor magic.
Most locations keep pickle spears on hand for burgers, making this secret starter totally doable upon request.
2. Sweet Potato with Cinnamon Butter
Orange-fleshed goodness meets melty cinnamon heaven in this simple yet spectacular side. Regular customers know to ask for a sweet potato instead of the standard russet when ordering their steak.
The kitchen gladly swaps the regular honey butter for their famous cinnamon butter, creating a dessert-like experience alongside your main course.
The sweet, spiced butter pools into every crevice, transforming an ordinary tuber into something worth driving across town for.
3. Rattlesnake Bites
Don’t worry—no actual reptiles were harmed in the making of this spicy secret! These bite-sized balls of pepper jack cheese are breaded, fried to golden perfection, and served piping hot.
Longtime servers confirm these zesty morsels were once a menu staple before being officially retired.
Yet the kitchen still has all the ingredients on hand, making them a frequent off-menu request among those in the know.
4. Loaded Sweet Potato
Imagine the ultimate comfort food mashup! Regulars have discovered they can request a fully loaded sweet potato—topped with butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon bits, and green onions—just like its savory cousin.
The surprising combination of sweet and savory creates a flavor explosion that has employees sneaking this creation during their breaks.
Smart customers know to ask for marshmallows on top for an even more decadent twist that bridges the gap between side dish and dessert.
5. Chicken Caesar Salad
Fresh romaine tossed with creamy Caesar dressing isn’t officially on the menu, but it’s a frequent special request that’s never denied.
Savvy health-conscious diners have learned this lighter option is always available.
Kitchen staff simply grabs the romaine from their house salad prep, adds Parmesan cheese, croutons, and their grilled chicken breast.
The result is a protein-packed meal that satisfies without the heaviness of their signature steaks and ribs.
6. Grilled White Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms
Mushroom caps filled with bubbling white cheddar cheese create an irresistible umami bomb!
Veteran servers reveal this appetizer was briefly featured as a limited-time offering years ago, but devoted fans never stopped requesting it.
The kitchen happily accommodates by taking button mushrooms, removing the stems, and filling them with a white cheddar mixture before grilling to perfection.
A sprinkle of fresh herbs finishes this savory treat that pairs perfectly with their legendary steaks.
7. Pulled Pork Sandwich
Smoky, tender shreds of pork piled high on a toasted bun—pure barbecue bliss! Although not advertised, this sandwich exists in the culinary underground of Texas Roadhouse.
The kitchen already prepares pulled pork for their ribs and other dishes, making this secret menu item an easy request.
Topped with their signature BBQ sauce and served with a side of crispy fries, it’s a handheld delight that employees often choose for their own meals.
8. BBQ Chicken with Bacon
Juicy grilled chicken breast gets the royal treatment with a blanket of tangy barbecue sauce, melted cheese, and crispy bacon strips.
This protein powerhouse isn’t listed anywhere on the menu, but employees consider it one of their best-kept secrets.
The kitchen team simply takes their standard grilled chicken, adds their house BBQ sauce, tops it with cheese and bacon, then returns it to the grill until bubbly and caramelized.
Paired with two sides, it’s a meal that satisfies without breaking the bank.
9. Sizzling Sirloin
The dramatic tableside presentation of this steak makes everyone in the restaurant turn and look!
While fajitas get the sizzling skillet treatment on the official menu, insiders know any steak can be requested “sizzling style.”
Your choice sirloin arrives on a screaming-hot cast iron plate with caramelized onions and melted butter, creating that coveted steakhouse sizzle and aroma.
The continued cooking on the hot plate creates delicious crispy edges while keeping the center perfectly done to your liking.
10. Roadhouse Salad with Ranch
Longtime patrons have discovered a simple hack that transforms the standard house salad into something special.
By requesting grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, and extra cheese on their Roadhouse Salad, they create a protein-packed meal.
The kitchen crew is always happy to make this customization, often suggesting bacon bits as an additional topping.
Ranch dressing ties everything together, creating a hearty salad that satisfies even the most dedicated meat-lovers without the heaviness of a full steak dinner.
11. Steak Kabobs
Skewered perfection that combines the best of both worlds! Savvy customers ask for steak tips alternated with grilled vegetables on skewers for a colorful, fun dining experience not found on the standard menu.
Chefs are happy to thread sirloin cubes, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms onto metal skewers, then grill them to your preferred doneness.
The result is a rainbow of flavors with each bite offering a different combination of meat and vegetables, all enhanced by that signature Texas Roadhouse seasoning.
12. Country Fried Chicken
Crunchy, golden-brown coating gives way to juicy chicken in this Southern classic that regulars know to request.
The kitchen already has the breading mix for their country fried steak, making this a simple substitution.
Smothered in pepper gravy and served with two sides, this off-menu comfort food rivals anything on the official menu.
Employees admit it’s a frequent special request during training meals, with many considering it superior to the steak version for its juicier interior.
13. Grilled Shrimp
Seafood lovers rejoice! While Texas Roadhouse is known for beef, their grilled shrimp is a hidden gem that regular customers specifically request as a main course rather than just a steak topper.
Large, succulent shrimp are seasoned with a special blend of spices, then grilled until perfectly done with light char marks.
Served with drawn butter and lemon wedges alongside your choice of sides, it’s a lighter option that still delivers big on flavor.
14. Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
Sweet tooth satisfaction reaches new heights with this decadent dessert! Though not always listed, longtime servers confirm this rich pie makes occasional appearances as a special and can often be requested even when not featured.
A chocolate cookie crust cradles velvety peanut butter filling, topped with chocolate ganache and whipped cream.
The kitchen keeps the ingredients on hand for limited runs, making it a treasured find for those who know to ask about special desserts beyond the standard menu offerings.
15. Steak Tacos
Fusion flavor at its finest! Regulars have discovered they can request their sirloin or ribeye trimmings served as tacos instead of the traditional plated presentation.
The kitchen happily chops the steak into bite-sized pieces, then serves it with warm flour tortillas, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a side of salsa.
This handheld creation offers all the flavor of their famous steaks in a fun, customizable format that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.
16. Cactus Blossom
Bloomin’ with flavor! This spectacular appetizer features a whole onion that’s cut to resemble a flowering cactus, then battered and deep-fried until golden and crispy.
Though technically a limited-time offering that comes and goes from the official menu, insiders know most locations can still make it upon request.
Served with their special dipping sauce, it’s a showstopper that has customers pulling apart the crispy “petals” and coming back specifically to satisfy their cravings for this unique starter.