16079 N. Arrowhead Fountains Center Dr
Peoria, AZ 85382
It never fails. I start a diet and then have an opportunity to try a new place. And I was doing so well too. Oh well, there’s always tomorrow right? Well that’s what I tell myself…tomorrow. Besides, I do this for you. You need to know the best places. I provide that service. And my daughters were hungry so what was I to do? Okay, now I feel justified and can share my opinion with you. The Texas Roadhouse is legit.
A couple of days ago I was having a discussion with a couple about food. The topic was steaks. The wife told me that when it came to steaks, there was only one place she would go. The Texas Roadhouse. In fact she offered the opinion that they had the best rib eye she had ever tried. Strong claim I thought. So later that night, when the girls said they were hungry, I jumped at the chance to try this place.
First impressions are everything to me and I couldn’t have been more pleased. The decor and atmosphere were absolutely fitting. I almost expected to see Patrick Swayze walking around the place. The hostesses were friendly and focused. They said twenty minutes and they were spot on. Neither myself nor my girls minded the wait as they have an endless supply of peanuts (In the shell) to tide you over and there is a TV in the staging area that also doubles as the “carry-out” window.
At our table, we found more peanuts and were promptly greeted by our server (Tori) and given a basket of hot, homemade rolls along with this addictive honey-cinnamon butter. I couldn’t help but get that warm fuzzy feeling. Tori, although swamped, was very attentive and thorough and never missed a beat. I told her that we were “first-timers” and that I had been sent for the ribeye. That was enough for her as she proceeded with a more than appreciated tutorial on the company’s policies that included, much to my surprise, hand cut meat. They actually have their own meat cutter on staff. Something unheard of with restaurant chains. Add to that they make everything from scratch right down to the freshly baked rolls we were eating. Only the proprietary seasonings were of the cookie cutter mold.
So by now you know that I ordered the ribeye (“Big Hoss Ribeye” to be exact). But what you don’t know (unless you have had the pleasure) is that the cut is “bone-in”. Something rare, if not nonexistent, with steak houses. It adds a bit of flavor as well as a uniqueness and was it ever good. I found it reminiscent of the steak houses I frequented in Europe that, to date, serve the best steaks I have ever had. Needless to say, I was very impressed. Smothered with grilled onions and mushrooms and served with, what else, the beloved and loaded baked potato. I opted for green beans that were prepared with bacon and their “proprietary” seasonings. They charged $1.99 for the “smothering” and another dollar for the “loading”. Final cost for my dinner was $24.00 which is not bad for the quality received.
My oldest daughter (10) followed her old man and ordered the sirloin steak ($7.49) off the kids menu and loved it. A USDA cut served with, shocking, french fries. My younger daughter (5) chose, no surprise here, chicken strips. She is still a work in progress and has yet to branch out with regards to variety and I fear that the roadhouse has ultimately made my work more difficult because they were the best chicken strips I have ever tried probably due to the delicate batter used. With fries the cost was $5.99.
A proper review wouldn’t be complete without dessert however since I am on a diet (I have to maintain the sexiness that is me), I gave the choice to my daughters. They both selected the strawberry cheesecake. I took a bite for review purposes and found it to be a bit dry but tasty nonetheless. A piece can be had for $5.79.
I can’t comment on the bar much except to say it was a very busy area and i was disappointed with their limited draft selection. If memory serves, the only drafts they had that could be considered beer were two Sam Adams creations (Boston Lager and Octoberfest). Bud Light and Coors Light were also available but it should be noted that I have never considered these offerings contenders by any stretch of the imagination.
I will undoubtedly revisit the roadhouse either in a solo capacity or with some friends. I want to further investigate the bar scene. From the view I had at our table, it did appear to be an ideal place to catch a game or just socialize. They claim to have “Legendary” margaritas which, to me, is a challenge of sorts and I will probably have to accept. I fear though, that the term “legendary” will be matched with a “legendary” price. I will let you know.
The final tally for the night, tip included, was $70. As the title suggests, the Texas Roadhouse is legit and I would highly recommend it. The food and service were top notch and the atmosphere was very child-friendly. I usually comment on the amount of eye-candy encountered with regards to the staff and all I can offer is that this place is not a target-rich environment. However in the roadhouse’s defense, I suggest that their focus is one of more wholesome, family qualities. They let the experience speak for itself and don’t require the need for sexual lures. Having said that, I would like to offer an opinion to the management. A few lures would not be a bad thing. Just saying.
Regards
Man Ratings: FF
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