TIf you’re planning a family dinner and wondering what to order for your little ones, the Texas Roadhouse Kids Menu offers a surprisingly solid mix of affordable meals, kid-friendly flavors, and generous portions. From crispy chicken tenders to steak bites and mac & cheese, the menu is designed for children 12 and under, with most meals including a side dish, drink, and the restaurant’s famous fresh-baked rolls with cinnamon butter.
Texas Roadhouse has built its reputation on hearty comfort food, and the kids menu follows the same formula. Parents appreciate the reasonable prices, while kids enjoy fun favorites that don’t feel overly “babyish.” Whether your child loves burgers, ribs, or simple cheesy pasta, there’s usually something that works for even picky eaters.
What Is Included in the Texas Roadhouse Kids Menu?
Most kids meals at Texas Roadhouse include:
- One entrée
- One side dish
- One drink
- Complimentary bread rolls with cinnamon butter
The menu is generally available for children 12 years old and younger.
Popular side options often include:
- Steak fries
- Applesauce
- Mashed potatoes
- Fresh vegetables
- Buttered corn
- Green beans
Drink choices typically include:
- Milk
- Chocolate milk
- Juice
- Lemonade
- Fountain sodas
Texas Roadhouse Kids Menu Prices (2026)
Prices vary slightly by location, but these are the most commonly reported averages across U.S. restaurants.
| Kids Meal Item | Average Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Mini Cheeseburgers | $6.99 – $7.49 | 430–670 |
| Jr. Chicken Tenders | $6.99 – $7.49 | 360 |
| Grilled Chicken | $6.99 – $7.49 | 110–220 |
| Lil’ Dillo Steak Bites | $7.99 – $8.49 | 170–330 |
| Macaroni & Cheese | $5.49 – $6.49 | 300–340 |
| All-Beef Hot Dog | $5.49 – $6.49 | 270–580 |
| Kids Ribs | $5.99 – $6.99 | 460–520 |
| Ranger Meal Chicken Critters | $9.49 – $10.99 | 340–500 |
| Ranger Rib Basket | $10.99 – $12.99 | 550+ |
| Ranger Andy’s Steak | Around $11.99 | 500+ |
Best Picks on the Texas Roadhouse Kids Menu
Not every kids meal delivers the same value. Some options are better for picky eaters, while others are ideal for older kids with larger appetites. Here are the standout choices.
1. Lil’ Dillo Steak Bites – Best Overall
If your child enjoys steak, the Lil’ Dillo Steak Bites are easily one of the best-value items on the Texas Roadhouse Menu. These tender steak pieces are flavorful, protein-packed, and feel more “grown-up” than standard fast-food-style kids meals.
Why parents love it:
- Better meat quality than many chain restaurants
- High protein and relatively low carbs
- Great introduction to steak for younger kids
Pair it with mashed potatoes or applesauce for a balanced meal.
2. Jr. Chicken Tenders – Best for Picky Eaters
Chicken tenders remain the safest choice for many families, and Texas Roadhouse does them well. The tenders are crispy, juicy, and portioned appropriately for younger children.
Best features:
- Familiar flavor kids already love
- Consistently popular
- Works well with fries or corn
This meal is especially ideal for children trying Texas Roadhouse for the first time.
3. Macaroni & Cheese – Best Budget Option
At roughly $5–$6, mac & cheese is one of the cheapest meals on the kids menu. (Texas Menu)
Why it stands out:
- Very affordable
- Creamy and kid-friendly
- Great for smaller appetites
For toddlers or younger children, this is often the easiest meal to finish.
4. Mini Cheeseburgers – Best Value Meal
The mini cheeseburgers are filling enough that some parents split them between siblings. They come with classic flavors most children already recognize.
Why families order it:
- Generous portion size
- Good meat-to-bun ratio
- Easy to customize
If your child enjoys burgers from places like Five Guys or Shake Shack, this is probably the best Texas Roadhouse choice.
5. Grilled Chicken – Healthiest Pick
Parents looking for a healthier option usually go with grilled chicken. It’s lower in calories and fat than fried items while still delivering solid flavor.
Best healthy combinations:
- Grilled chicken + fresh veggies
- Grilled chicken + applesauce
- Milk instead of soda
Texas Roadhouse also provides nutrition and allergen information for families needing dietary guidance.
6. Ranger Meals – Best for Older Kids
The Ranger Meals are designed for children with bigger appetites, usually ages 8–12. Portions are larger and more filling than standard kids meals.
Popular Ranger Meals include:
- Chicken Critters Basket
- Ranger Rib Basket
- Andy’s Steak
These meals cost more but often provide enough food to satisfy active preteens.
Does Texas Roadhouse Have a Kids Eat Free Deal?
Yes, many locations offer a “Kids Eat Free” promotion on select days. However, participation varies by restaurant.
Common rules include:
- One free kids meal per adult entrée purchased
- Dine-in only
- Usually available Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday evenings
- Kids must order from the children’s menu
Some locations also host Kids Night, featuring:
- Balloon artists
- Face painting
- Coloring activities
- Family games
- Appearances by Andy the Armadillo mascot
Calling ahead is the best way to confirm whether your local Texas Roadhouse participates.
Are Texas Roadhouse Kids Meals Worth It?
Compared to many casual dining chains, Texas Roadhouse delivers strong value for families. Portions tend to be larger, and meals include extras like sides, drinks, and fresh bread.
What makes the kids menu stand out:
Affordable Pricing
Most meals stay under $8, which is competitive for sit-down restaurants.
Better Portion Sizes
Even standard kids meals can feel generous, especially burgers and chicken tenders.
Variety
Unlike some chains that only offer fried foods, Texas Roadhouse includes grilled chicken, steak bites, and ribs.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere
The lively environment works well for families with younger children.
Tips for Ordering from the Texas Roadhouse Kids Menu
Visit During Early Dinner Hours
Restaurants are less crowded before peak dinner times, making the experience easier with younger kids.
Choose Ranger Meals for Bigger Appetites
Older children may outgrow standard kids meals quickly.
Split Larger Meals
Some Ranger Meals are large enough to share.
Ask About Local Specials
Certain locations run seasonal promotions or family nights.
Don’t Skip the Bread Rolls
The warm rolls with cinnamon butter are often the highlight for kids.
Healthiest Kids Menu Choices
If nutrition matters most, these combinations work well:
| Meal | Best Side | Best Drink |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken | Fresh Veggies | Milk |
| Steak Bites | Applesauce | Juice |
| Mac & Cheese | Green Beans | Water |
| Cheeseburger | Corn | Milk |
Avoiding soda and fries can significantly reduce calories and sugar intake.
FAQs
Current official menu examples show regular kids meals often around $6.99 to $8.99, while Ranger Meals usually run higher, around $10.99 to $13.99.
Yes, regular kids meals commonly include a kid-sized drink, juice, or milk, plus one side.
Jr. Chicken Tenders are one of the best overall picks for value and broad kid appeal. Lil’ Dillo Steak Bites are great for steak-loving kids.
They are part of the kids and family offering, but they are larger and priced separately from standard kids meals.
No. Texas Roadhouse menu prices can vary by location, so local store pricing may differ from the ranges listed here.
Final Thoughts
The Texas Roadhouse Kids Menu succeeds because it combines affordability, variety, and generous portions in a genuinely family-friendly environment. Whether your child prefers chicken tenders, steak bites, ribs, or simple mac & cheese, the menu covers a wide range of tastes without becoming overly expensive.
For the best overall value, the Lil’ Dillo Steak Bites and Mini Cheeseburgers stand out, while the Grilled Chicken is ideal for healthier eating. Families with older children should strongly consider the Ranger Meals for their larger portions and better protein options.
If possible, visit during a local “Kids Eat Free” night to maximize savings and enjoy the full Texas Roadhouse family experience. Check Also: Texas Roadhouse Catering Menu