15 Texas Roadhouse Secret Menu Favorites Praised By Fans And Staff
At Texas Roadhouse, the real flavor sometimes lives off the printed menu.
Loyal fans and in-the-know staff have quietly kept certain creations alive through word of mouth, offhand tips, and a wink to the kitchen.
From custom-loaded combos to hidden sweet treats, these secret menu gems have earned a cult following.
Whether you’re a regular or a newcomer with curiosity, these under-the-radar favorites might just become your new go-to order. Ready to dig deeper?
1. Southwest Smother Hot Dog
Forget basic ballpark franks! This beefy hot dog comes nestled in a toasted roll, then gets the royal treatment with a blanket of melted cheese, zesty chili, and crunchy fried onion straws.
A squiggle of spicy ranch dressing adds the perfect finishing touch.
Not listed anywhere on the menu, you’ll need to sweet-talk your server into convincing the kitchen to craft this flavor-packed favorite.
2. Mushroom Chili Grilled Cheese
Comfort food gets a grown-up makeover with this gooey masterpiece.
The kitchen sandwiches a generous helping of sautéed mushrooms, hearty chili, and three kinds of cheese between thick slices of their famous fresh-baked bread.
Grilled to golden perfection, each bite delivers a symphony of textures and flavors. Pro tip: Ask for a side of their house-made ranch for dipping – it’s a game-changer!
3. Smothered Blossom With Jack Cheese
Regular Cactus Blossoms pale in comparison to this indulgent creation!
Imagine the classic deep-fried onion completely blanketed in melted pepper jack cheese, then topped with crispy bacon bits and jalapeños.
The heat from the peppers cuts through the richness perfectly. You’ll need extra napkins and possibly a friend to help finish this monster.
Just whisper this request to your server – the kitchen knows exactly what to do.
4. A Smaller Salad With Protein
Health-conscious diners rejoice! This off-menu gem lets you enjoy a perfectly portioned salad topped with your choice of protein.
The kitchen happily crafts a half-size version of any signature salad, then crowns it with grilled chicken, steak, or salmon.
Fresh greens, crunchy toppings, and lean protein create the ideal light meal. Perfect when you’re craving something nutritious without the overwhelming portion sizes Texas Roadhouse is known for.
5. Steak Sliders
Miniature marvels of meaty perfection! The kitchen slices tender steak into medallions, then nestles each piece into warm dinner rolls with a smear of horseradish sauce.
Each bite-sized beauty gets topped with caramelized onions and a slice of melty cheese.
Ordered as an appetizer or light meal, these sliders pack all the flavor of their famous steaks in an adorably portable package. Just ask your server – they’ll know exactly what you’re talking about.
6. Ice Cream
Sweet surprise! While dessert menus showcase their signature cakes and brownies, vanilla ice cream hides as a secret option.
The kitchen keeps this creamy treat on hand primarily for à la mode additions. Ask nicely, and they’ll serve you a generous scoop in a chilled bowl.
Perfect after a spicy meal or when you want something sweet without the heaviness. Some locations even drizzle it with honey-cinnamon butter for an unexpected flavor twist!
7. Grilled Cheese
Nostalgia meets Texas-sized flavor in this off-menu classic! The kitchen uses their famous fresh-baked bread as the foundation, then loads it with a blend of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
Grilled to golden perfection with a brush of garlic butter on the outside, this sandwich elevates the childhood favorite to gourmet status.
While technically on the kids’ menu, servers happily prepare adult portions upon request – complete with seasoned fries on the side.
8. Chili Cheese Dog
Carnivore’s delight! This secret indulgence features a plump, juicy hot dog nestled in a toasted bun, then smothered with the restaurant’s signature Texas Red Chili and a blanket of melted cheddar.
Diced onions and a splash of hot sauce finish this messy masterpiece.
Though primarily available for staff meals, persistent regulars have discovered its existence. Fair warning: you’ll need both hands, extra napkins, and possibly a fork to tackle this beast!
9. $12 Kids’ Steak Dinner
Budget-friendly beef that doesn’t sacrifice quality! Savvy parents discovered this hidden gem – a perfectly portioned 6oz sirloin from the kids’ menu that adults can order too.
Served with two sides and those addictive fresh-baked rolls, it’s the ultimate hack for steak lovers on a budget.
The kitchen cooks it to your preferred temperature, just like the pricier cuts. Just smile and ask for the “kids’ steak, adult-sized” – most servers will happily oblige.
10. Mini Cheeseburgers
Slider heaven awaits with these palm-sized beauties! The kitchen forms smaller patties from their premium ground beef, grills them to juicy perfection, then tops each with melted American cheese and special sauce.
Served on warm dinner rolls instead of traditional buns, these mini marvels pack maximum flavor in minimum size.
Originally created for staff meals, they’ve gained a cult following among regulars who know to ask. Order them as an appetizer or light meal with a side of seasoned fries.
11. Tater Skins
Potato perfection that puts regular loaded spuds to shame! The kitchen hollows out potato halves, deep-fries them until crispy, then fills each golden shell with a mountain of melted cheese, crispy bacon bits, and green onions.
A dollop of sour cream crowns these indulgent beauties. Though similar to their regular appetizer, these super-stuffed versions contain twice the fillings and come with ranch dressing for dipping.
Simply ask for the “kitchen special tater skins” and prepare for potato paradise.
12. Steak Kebabs
Skewered satisfaction that brings steakhouse flavor in bite-sized form! The kitchen threads tender steak cubes, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms onto wooden skewers, then grills everything to smoky perfection.
A light brush of garlic butter adds the finishing touch before serving. These protein-packed flavor bombs aren’t listed anywhere but originated as a staff meal.
Servers in the know will happily relay your request to the kitchen, especially during less busy hours.
13. Filet Medallions
Tender, buttery bites of beef heaven! The kitchen slices their premium filet mignon into three medallions, then grills each to your preferred temperature.
A drizzle of peppercorn sauce and a sprinkle of crispy fried onions finish these melt-in-your-mouth morsels. Perfect for those who want the luxury of filet without committing to a full steak.
This staff favorite gradually made its way to in-the-know customers. Pair with a loaded baked potato for the ultimate steakhouse experience!
14. Chili Cheese Cactus Blossom
Appetizer innovation at its finest! Imagine their famous Cactus Blossom onion topped with a generous ladleful of Texas Red Chili, then blanketed in melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
Green onions and jalapeños add the perfect finishing touch to this mountain of deliciousness.
Created by a creative cook during a slow shift, this off-menu marvel quickly became staff favorite. Be prepared for envious stares from neighboring tables when this towering creation arrives!
15. Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Fluffy clouds of potato heaven topped with a mountain of melted cheddar, crispy bacon bits, fresh chives, and a dollop of sour cream – that’s what makes the Loaded Mashed Potatoes a staff favorite at Texas Roadhouse.
This hearty side isn’t technically listed on the menu, but servers are always happy to make it happen.
The kitchen starts with their homemade mashed potatoes, whipped to perfection with butter and cream, then transforms them into an indulgent treat.