Texas Roadhouse is famous for its line‑dancing servers, scratch‑made sides and hand‑cut steaks. Prices can climb quickly when the entire family orders steaks and ribs, but the chain’s Early Dine special offers a way to enjoy the same food for less. By arriving during late afternoon hours on weekdays, you can order full‑sized entrées at a discount, complete with two sides and the restaurant’s fresh‑baked rolls.
Independent reports and diners note that the Early Dine deal typically runs on weekdays from 3 p.m. until about 5 p.m. or 6 p.m., with most meals priced around $12.99. This guide demystifies Early Dine, highlighting when to go, what you can order, how much you’ll save and how to get the most value in 2026.
What Is the Early Dine Special?
Early Dine is Texas Roadhouse’s version of an early‑bird dinner. The program offers a handful of full‑size entrées—such as 6 oz sirloin steak, half‑rack ribs, country‑fried chicken, grilled salmon, pulled pork and grilled BBQ chicken—served with two sides and warm rolls.
These meals are the same size as regular dinners but cost about $3–$5 less. Most locations run the special Monday through Thursday during late‑afternoon hours (typically 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. or 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.). Prices start around $12.99 and vary by location—some West Coast restaurants charge a few dollars more—yet diners still consider it a good value given rising food costs.
Menu Items and Prices
While exact offerings depend on the restaurant and season, several entrées consistently appear on Early Dine lists. The table below summarises the typical Early Dine options with their discounted price, regular dinner price and calorie estimates based on 2026 menu data. Remember that side dishes and bread are included, so the calorie counts below reflect the entrée only.
6 oz. USDA Choice Sirloin Steak
- $10.99/per steak
(50 Quantity)
Grilled BBQ Chicken
- $13.49 | 300 Cal
Country Fried Chicken
- $14.49 | 780 Cal
Grilled Salmon
- $18.49 | 410 Cal – 5oz
- $22.99 | 560 Cal – 8oz
| Entrée (full dinner) | Early price (USD) | Regular price (USD) | Approximate calories | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USDA Choice Sirloin (6 oz) | $10.99 | $13.99 | ~280 calories | Lean hand‑cut steak; served with two sides |
| Half Rack of Ribs | $13.99 | $16.99 | ~520 calories | Slow‑cooked St. Louis‑style ribs basted in barbecue sauce |
| Grilled BBQ Chicken | $11.99 | $14.99 | ~340 calories | Chicken breast glazed with signature BBQ sauce |
| Country‑Fried Chicken | $12.99 | $15.99 | ~580 calories | Breaded chicken breast topped with cream gravy |
| Pulled Pork Dinner | $9.99 | $12.99 | ~460 calories | Slow‑smoked pork with tangy BBQ sauce |
| Grilled Salmon (8 oz) | $14.99 | $17.99 | ~380 calories | Wild‑caught Atlantic salmon grilled with herbs |
| Country‑Fried Sirloin | $13.99 | $16.99 | ~710 calories | Hand‑battered sirloin steak topped with cream gravy |
When and Where to Go
Early Dine availability depends on the day of the week and the local franchise. Multiple sources agree that the special is offered at most locations Monday through Thursday. Some restaurants also run an Early Dine service on Friday during lunch hours, but this is less common.
Typical hours are 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. or 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.. A 2025 dining guide urges guests to arrive well before the cutoff—ideally by 4:30 p.m.—to ensure they are seated in time, as seating after the cutoff reverts to regular dinner pricing. Because each franchise sets its own schedule, it’s wise to call ahead or check the restaurant’s social media pages before visiting.
Value and Benefits
Beyond the obvious price break, Early Dine delivers the same generous entrées, sides and rolls you’d get at dinner for a few dollars less. Diners appreciate the variety of steak, chicken, pork and seafood options and that lean choices like the 6 oz sirloin and grilled salmon sit alongside indulgent fried chicken or ribs. Eating in the late afternoon also means shorter waits and a more relaxed atmosphere than the busy dinner rush.
Maximising Your Savings
To make the most of Early Dine, plan to arrive about 30 minutes before the cutoff (around 4:30 p.m. for a 5 p.m. end) and verify hours for your local restaurant. Pick value entrées such as the pulled pork dinner, 6 oz sirloin or grilled salmon to stretch your dollar, and choose lighter sides like steamed broccoli or a salad to balance heavier dishes. Joining the VIP Club or employer discount programs can yield coupons that stack with Early Dine pricing, and many diners pair their discounted meal with Happy Hour drinks when times overlap.
Early Dine vs. Happy Hour
Early Dine discounts entrées with sides and bread, while Happy Hour focuses on drinks and snacks. Happy Hour times vary widely (often 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.), but many overlap with Early Dine, letting you pair a cheap steak dinner with a discounted beer or margarita. Check your local restaurant for exact times and beverage specials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. until about 5 p.m. or 6 p.m.; some locations also offer Friday lunch.
One full‑size entrée (steak, chicken, pork, seafood or salad) with two scratch‑made sides and unlimited warm rolls.
Most Early Dine meals run about $12.99 in 2026, though some markets charge up to $14.99; the pulled pork dinner can be under $10.
Policies vary. Many locations honour Early Dine pricing for takeout ordered during qualifying hours, while others limit the deal to dine‑in guests. Call your restaurant to confirm.
Conclusion
Early Dine remains one of the easiest ways to enjoy Texas Roadhouse’s steaks and BBQ for less. It runs most weekdays in the late afternoon, offers full entrées with sides and rolls, and still costs just a few dollars more than it did years ago. With flexible menu choices and the chance to pair your meal with discounted drinks, the deal is a smart way to beat the dinner rush and save money. Call ahead for hours and enjoy this 2026 bargain while it lasts. Check Texas Roadhouse Chicken Critters