Eating at Texas Roadhouse is synonymous with buttery rolls, juicy steaks and a lively atmosphere. However, those generous portions can hide significant calories, fat and sodium. Whether you’re tracking macros, watching your sodium intake or simply curious about what’s on your plate, this guide breaks down Texas Roadhouse calories for 2026. We reference nutrition data compiled from Texas Roadhouse’s published information and credible nutrition databases to provide a comprehensive overview.
Why knowing Texas Roadhouse calories matters
Portion sizes at Texas Roadhouse are large by design, making it easy to underestimate your intake. For example, the Cactus Blossom appetizer – a deep‑fried onion – packs 2,250 calories and 135 g of fat. Pairing it with ranch or Cajun sauce adds even more fat and sodium. Likewise, the full slab of fall‑off‑the‑bone ribs delivers 1,450 calories and 102 g of fat. Understanding these numbers helps you make informed choices and decide when to share, swap sides or choose lighter options.
How this nutrition guide is organized
We’ve grouped texas roadhouse menu items by category—appetizers, salads, steaks, ribs, combos, chicken specialties, country dinners, dockside favorites, kids meals, burgers, sides, sauces, desserts and beverages. Within each section you’ll see typical calorie ranges plus standout items. For detailed macros (fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbs, fiber, sugar, protein) you can consult the Texas Roadhouse nutrition calculator.
Appetizers: big flavors, big calories
Appetizers at Texas Roadhouse often rival entrées in calorie load. Here are some highlights:
| Appetizer | Calories | Fat (g) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cactus Blossom | 2,250 | 135 | Deep‑fried onion with Cajun dipping sauce; extremely high in calories and sodium. |
| Cheese Fries (regular) | 1,240 | 65 | Fries topped with cheese and bacon; splitting with friends is sensible. |
| Tater Skins | 1,320 | 88 | Loaded with cheese and bacon; heavy on saturated fat. |
| Rattlesnake Bites | 560 | 36 | Fried jalapeño‑filled cheese bites; moderate calories but high fat. |
| Grilled Shrimp | 370 | 19 | Lighter starter; grilled shrimp offers lean protein. |
Tips: Share high‑calorie appetizers to reduce individual intake or choose grilled shrimp or a cup of chili (210 calories) for a lighter start.
Salads: not always low‑calorie
While salads sound healthy, some Texas Roadhouse salads exceed 1,000 calories. The Steakhouse Filet Salad contains 1,340 calories and 103 g of fat because it includes eight ounces of filet, cheese, croutons and dressing. In contrast, a House Salad has 230 calories and offers a light accompaniment. Opting for oil and vinegar or limiting dressing can save up to 480 calories.
| Salad | Calories | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Steakhouse Filet Salad | 1,340 | High due to steak, cheese and creamy dressing. |
| California Chicken Salad | 970 | Large portion with avocado, chicken and dressing. |
| Chicken Caesar Salad | 1,100 | Combines fried chicken critters with Caesar dressing. |
| House Salad | 230 | Light choice; watch dressing and croutons. |
| Grilled Shrimp Salad | 660 | Lower calorie but still high sodium. |
Hand‑Cut Steaks: from lean to lavish
Texas Roadhouse is known for hand‑cut steaks. Calories vary by cut and size:
- USDA Choice Sirloin: ranges from 250 calories (6 oz) to 670 calories (16 oz). The 6 oz sirloin contains 46 g of protein and just 6 g of fat, making it one of the leanest choices.
- Dallas Filet: 6 oz has 270 calories; the 8 oz version has 360. Its tenderness comes without excessive fat.
- Ft. Worth Ribeye: ranges from 960 calories (12 oz) to 1,280 calories (16 oz). Ribeyes are marbled with fat, so calories and saturated fat are high.
- Bone‑In Ribeye: a 20 oz bone‑in cut can reach 1,480 calories.
- Porterhouse T‑Bone: 1,040 calories for a 23 oz steak.
- Prime Rib: 12 oz has 950 calories, while 16 oz climbs to 1,260.
Healthy steak tips: Choose leaner cuts like sirloin or Dallas filet and avoid “smothered” toppings. Ask for steak grilled without butter to reduce fat. Share a ribeye or order a half portion to keep calories in check.
Fall‑Off‑the‑Bone Ribs: delicious but dense
Ribs are a Texas Roadhouse specialty. A full slab weighs in at 1,450 calories with 102 g of fat. The half slab reduces the total to 900 calories but still provides a hefty 63 g of fat. Pairing ribs with a side salad or steamed vegetables can help balance your meal.
Texas‑Size Combos: double the indulgence
Combo meals pair steak, chicken or ribs with another protein. For example:
- 6 oz Sirloin & Ribs: 800 calories.
- Dallas Filet & Grilled Shrimp: 680 calories.
- 12 oz Ribeye & Ribs: tops 1,510 calories.
Combos are satisfying but energy‑dense. Consider sharing or choosing a combo with grilled shrimp for fewer calories.
Chicken Specialties: grilled vs. fried
Chicken dishes range widely in calories:
- Grilled BBQ Chicken: only 300 calories and 3.5 g of fat.
- Herb Crusted Chicken: 260 calories, 4 g fat, 47 g protein—a lean, flavorful choice.
- Chicken Critters (fried tenders): 480 calories; combos with ribs raise this to 820 calories.
- Smothered Chicken: 330–430 calories depending on gravy or cheese topping.
- Sierra Chicken Pasta: 1,200 calories due to creamy sauce and pasta.
Opt for grilled versions and avoid creamy sauces to keep calories low.
Country Dinners & Pork Choices
Country‑style entrées tend to be heavy:
- Country Fried Sirloin: 1,170 calories and 75 g fat.
- Beef Tips with Mashed Potatoes: 960 calories.
- Grilled Pork Chops: a single chop has 440 calories, while the double portion jumps to 730.
- Pulled Pork Dinner: 890 calories.
When ordering country dinners, watch portion sizes and consider sharing. Choose the single grilled pork chop or lean sirloin for a lighter option.
Dockside Favorites: seafood calories
Seafood can be lighter, but preparation matters:
- Grilled Salmon (5 oz): 410 calories.
- Grilled Salmon (8 oz): 560 calories.
- Grilled Shrimp Dinner: ranges from 660–700 calories depending on portion size.
- Fried Catfish (4 pieces): 1,170 calories.
Choose grilled salmon or shrimp and avoid fried fish to keep calories lower.
Kids & Ranger Meals
Texas Roadhouse offers smaller portions for kids:
- Kid’s Grilled Chicken: only 110 calories; a protein‑rich choice for young diners.
- Lil’ Dillo Steak Bites: 170 calories.
- Mini Cheeseburgers: 670 calories, comparable to an adult entrée.
- Ranger Rib Basket: 550 calories.
Encourage kids to choose grilled options and pair them with vegetables rather than fries.
Burgers & Sandwiches
Burgers and sandwiches deliver calorie counts typical of American diners:
- Smokehouse Burger: 1,080 calories.
- Bacon Cheeseburger: 980 calories.
- BBQ Chicken Sandwich: 640 calories.
- Pulled Pork Sandwich: 870 calories.
- Country Fried Pork Sandwich: can reach 1,040 calories.
To lighten your meal, ask for no mayo or cheese, remove the top bun or choose the grilled chicken sandwich.
Sides & Extras: choose wisely
Texas Roadhouse sides vary widely. A fresh‑baked bread roll contains 200 calories and 8 g of fat, while a tablespoon of whipped butter adds 90 calories. Mashed potatoes have 260 calories, and seasoned rice is 360 calories with high sodium. For lighter sides, consider green beans (100 calories) or fresh vegetables (190 calories).
Sauces & Toppings: hidden calories
Dressings and toppings add calories quickly. Three ounces of ranch dressing contributes 430 calories and 47 g fat, and bleu cheese dressing packs 430 calories. Instead of heavy dressings, ask for them on the side or choose oil and vinegar. Texas Roadhouse barbecue sauce contains 120 calories per 3 oz.
Desserts & Drinks
Desserts are indulgent treats. A Big Ol’ Brownie clocks in at 1,200 calories and more than 40 g of saturated fat. Granny’s Apple Classic has 1,110 calories. Even Strawberry Cheesecake packs 800 calories. Share desserts or opt for fruit.
For beverages, stick with water or unsweetened iced tea (5 calories). Regular soft drinks add 130–280 calories per 20 oz serving.
Healthy ordering tips at Texas Roadhouse
- Select lean proteins: Choose grilled chicken, salmon or a 6 oz sirloin to minimize calories and saturated fat.
- Skip fried appetizers: The Cactus Blossom and cheese fries can exceed your daily calorie goal before the main course.
- Watch your sides: Swap fries or rice for green beans, steamed broccoli or a house salad.
- Limit sauces and toppings: Ask for dressings on the side; just three ounces of ranch adds 430 calories.
- Share entrées and desserts: Portions are large; splitting a steak or dessert reduces calorie intake while still allowing you to enjoy the flavors.
- Hydrate wisely: Choose water or unsweetened iced tea; avoid sugary cocktails and margaritas.
- Use the nutrition calculator: Texas Roadhouse’s official calculator (hosted by Nutritionix) lets you customize your order and see exact calories and macros. Use it before you dine.
FAQs
The leanest option is the 6 oz USDA Choice sirloin with 250 calories and 6 g fat. It delivers 46 g of protein, making it a high‑protein, low‑fat choice.
Each fresh‑baked roll has about 200 calories, and a tablespoon of whipped butter adds 90 calories. Two rolls with butter can easily exceed 500 calories.
The Cactus Blossom is the most calorie‑dense appetizer at 2,250 calories. Cheese fries and tater skins also exceed 1,200 calories.
Yes. Grilled BBQ Chicken has 300 calories, and Herb Crusted Chicken has 260 calories. These dishes are much lighter than fried options like Chicken Critters (480 calories).
Stick to grilled proteins, avoid creamy sauces, choose steamed vegetables, request dressings on the side, and share high‑calorie dishes. Use the nutrition calculator to plan your meal ahead and keep portion sizes reasonable.
Conclusion:
Texas Roadhouse offers legendary food and legendary service, but many menu items are calorie‑dense. By understanding the calorie breakdown of steaks, ribs, salads, sides and desserts, you can make informed choices that fit your dietary goals. Opt for lean cuts like the 6 oz sirloin, choose grilled chicken or salmon, and swap heavy sides for vegetables. Remember that portion control and smart substitutions—such as ordering dressing on the side or sharing a dessert—allow you to enjoy the Texas Roadhouse experience without derailing your nutrition plan.
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