The Texas Roadhouse Ordering Tip For A More Affordable Meal

Ordering out on a budget can be tough, and finding the right balance between affordable and filling may take some careful research in advance. TikTok has been an unexpected resource for finding excellent restaurant deals and ordering hacks, and it seems the social media platform has come through yet again with this Texas Roadhouse tip. Several users on TikTok have shared videos of them dining off the Texas Roadhouse kids menu for a fraction of the price of a full-size dinner.

Based on an Illinois Texas Roadhouse location's pricing, the adult-sized Chicken Critters is $15.99 and comes with two sides. The kids menu Jr. chicken tenders meal comes with just one side, but also includes a drink for just $7.49. That's an $8.50 difference for an extra tender or two and one more side. As for steaks, the adult filet costs $24.99 while the kids' steak bites are just $8.49 — a savings of $16.50, albeit for a different cut.

There are a few things to consider before trying this hack yourself, the first being that not all Texas Roadhouse locations will let adults order from the kids menu in person. It's a much safer bet if you order ahead on the app or website. Second, not all pricing is the same nationwide, but ordering from the kids menu is still a universally good deal. The kids menu allows diners to choose between options like the mini cheeseburgers, macaroni and cheese, grilled chicken, and an all-beef hot dog. There are also three Ranger Meals that have slightly bigger portions and come with a choice between the Chicken Critters Basket, Ranger Rib Basket, or our pick for the absolute best meal on the Texas Roadhouse kids menu, the $11.99 Andy's Steak meal.

Texas Roadhouse is known to be one of the most affordable steakhouses and for having legendarily delicious dinner rolls, and the third-best dinner rolls in the game, according to our rankings. The kids meals are all served with a choice between 16 different sides (some of which come with a small upcharge), a full-size drink, and two delicious rolls. That is more than enough food to be considered a satisfying meal, and at a truly unbeatable price, with most of the regular kids entrees averaging around $8 to $9.

If you're looking to feed more than one or two people, you like to meal prep, or you just want extra food, the Family Packs at Texas Roadhouse are another great pick for a more affordable meal. The Family Sized Sirloins meal, for example, comes with two 8-ounce and two 6-ounce sirloins, a family-sized salad, two 16-ounce sides, and a basket of rolls for just $54.99. If four people are eating, that works out to about $13.75 per person — further proof that Texas Roadhouse is an excellent option for those looking to eat out on a budget.