Why Some Customers Say Texas Roadhouse's Food Quality Isn't What It Used To Be - Tasting Table

"If you've sat down for a meal at Texas Roadhouse recently, only to walk away feeling like the food isn't what it used to be, you aren't alone. Far from it, in fact. Discerning diners have taken to the Internet to sound off their testimonials, sharing dining experiences that range from disappointing to totally unappetizing. Even worse than the infamously long wait times to get a table - one of the worst things about Texas Roadhouse, according to customers - is the chain's inconsistent food quality."

"One viral TikTok with over 673,000 likes is a video of a to-go steak from Texas Roadhouse, that (instead of meat) is a weirdly liquefied, semi-solid paste, which the poster likens to "mashed potatoes or pâté." The post's over-43,000 comments postulate that the steak has an abscess - great quality control, T.R. Other patrons noted excess gristle on the New York strip steak, and even Texas Roadhouse employees advised skipping the porterhouse T-bone (it isn't hand-cut as advertised)."

"Local Oklahoma radio station Z94 reported that multiple patrons noted that the rolls seem tougher and less flavorful in recent years than in fans' memories. Customers suspected lower quality control (that is, sitting out under the heat lamp for a long time), among various other cost-cutting tactics, impacted the food. Although it's worth noting that Texas Roadhouse raised its menu prices a whopping four times between 2023 and 2024. If inflation-induced higher operating costs are gettin"

Customers report declining food quality at Texas Roadhouse, with many saying dishes that once pleased diners now disappoint. Steaks receive frequent criticism, including a viral TikTok showing a to-go steak described as a liquefied, semi-solid paste and reports of excess gristle and misrepresented porterhouse cuts. Iconic warm bread rolls are also criticized for becoming tougher and less flavorful. Patrons suspect reduced quality control and cost-cutting practices, such as holding items under heat lamps. The chain raised menu prices four times between 2023 and 2024, prompting debate about inflation-driven operating costs and ingredient or service changes.

Read at Tasting Table