Understanding "Gluten-Friendly"
Before ordering, it is crucial to understand Texas Roadhouse's policy. The restaurant chain offers a list of "gluten-friendly" suggestions, not a certified gluten-free menu. This distinction is important for diners, especially those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities. Because Texas Roadhouse prepares many items from scratch in a shared kitchen, there is an unavoidable risk of cross-contamination. Communicating clearly with your server about your allergy is the most important step to ensure kitchen staff takes precautions, such as using a freshly cleaned grill and separate utensils.
Gluten-Friendly Entrees: What to Order
Texas Roadhouse offers several main courses that can be made gluten-friendly with careful modifications. Your best bet is to stick to grilled or non-fried items and specify simple seasoning like salt and pepper only.
Steaks
Hand-cut steaks are a staple at Texas Roadhouse and a great gluten-friendly choice. Remember to order them without the standard house seasoning, which contains wheat, and request simple salt and pepper instead.
- Hand-Cut Steaks (all types, except Prime Rib): Order with just salt and pepper.
- Prime Rib: The marinade is not gluten-friendly and should be avoided entirely.
Chicken, Ribs, and Other Dishes
Beyond steak, several other entrees are suitable for a gluten-friendly meal.
- Grilled Chicken: Order without marinade and any special sauce.
- Grilled BBQ Chicken: Ensure it is made without the house marinade and confirm the BBQ sauce is gluten-friendly.
- Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs: The ribs themselves and the signature BBQ sauce are gluten-friendly by ingredients. However, cross-contamination on the grill is a risk, so inform your server.
- Grilled Salmon: A safe and delicious option, but double-check that no marinades or sauces containing gluten are used.
- Pulled Pork Dinner: Order without the accompanying toasted bread.
Side Dishes and Salads
Pair your main course with one of these side options, remembering to specify your dietary needs.
Safe Side Options
- Baked Potato: A simple, safe choice. Specify no butter or sour cream unless you can confirm they are gluten-friendly and without contamination.
- Sweet Potato: Also a safe choice, but avoid toppings unless confirmed safe.
- Fresh Vegetables: A side of steamed or grilled vegetables is a healthy and safe option.
- Green Beans: A classic gluten-friendly side.
- Corn: Another simple vegetable side that is gluten-friendly.
- Applesauce: A simple and naturally gluten-free option.
- Mashed Potatoes: Order without the brown or cream gravy.
Salads with Caution
- House Salad: Order with oil and vinegar only, and, crucially, with no croutons. Be vigilant, as cross-contamination with croutons has been reported.
A Comparison of Safe vs. Unsafe Items
| Category | Gluten-Friendly Options | Avoid These Items | Important Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrees | Hand-Cut Steaks (salt & pepper only), Grilled Chicken (no marinade), Grilled Salmon, Ribs (verify preparation), Pulled Pork (no bread) | Prime Rib (marinade), Chicken Critters (breaded), Country Fried Sirloin (breaded) | Always specify cooking on a clean surface with no cross-contamination. |
| Sides | Baked Potato, Sweet Potato, Fresh Vegetables, Green Beans, Corn, Applesauce, Mashed Potatoes (no gravy) | Rice (in kabobs), French Fries (shared fryer), Gravy (contains wheat) | Request separate utensils and preparation for sides. |
| Burgers/Sandwiches | Bun-less Burgers/Sandwiches (no fries) | All Burgers/Sandwiches on a bun, all fries | The restaurant does not offer gluten-free buns. |
| Breads/Appetizers | None | Fresh-Baked Rolls, Cactus Blossom, Fried Pickles, Rattlesnake Bites | The famous rolls are not gluten-free. All fried appetizers are a cross-contamination risk. |
The Cross-Contamination Warning
Texas Roadhouse's official guidance clearly states that cross-contact is possible in their kitchen environment. This is not a slight risk; it is an inherent part of their cooking process. Items like fries, for example, are cooked in shared fryers with breaded items, making them unsafe for those with gluten sensitivities. The famous rolls are baked fresh and handled frequently near other foods, increasing risk. For individuals with celiac disease, the potential for even trace amounts of gluten is a serious health concern, making the restaurant a high-risk dining choice. For those with milder sensitivities, it is a personal decision based on your comfort level with the acknowledged risk.
Tips for Safe Ordering
To have the best experience, proactive communication is key. When you first sit down, let your server know you have a gluten allergy and ask for the allergen guide. This is better than just asking for a dish without certain ingredients, as it signals the need for special handling. Ask the server to inform the kitchen staff and consider speaking with a manager if you are concerned. Request that your grilled food be cooked on a clean, separate part of the grill or on a new sheet of foil to reduce contamination from other items cooked on the same surface.
Conclusion
While Texas Roadhouse's kitchen is not a certified gluten-free environment, it is certainly possible to enjoy a delicious meal with many gluten-friendly options. The key is to be an informed and assertive diner. Stick to simple, naturally gluten-free foods like hand-cut steaks with salt and pepper, grilled chicken, ribs, salmon, and sides like baked potatoes and fresh vegetables. Remember to avoid the rolls, fries, and prime rib. By understanding the menu limitations and communicating clearly, those with gluten sensitivities can still enjoy a meal at this popular steakhouse. For the most up-to-date information, always refer to the official Texas Roadhouse allergen guide before your visit.
