When asking yourself about something to do near me in Ann Arbor with a group of friends or family, consider
Texas Roadhouse
Why Texas Roadhouse is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Texas Roadhouse is a vibrant casual dining restaurant chain known for its hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and made-from-scratch sides, making it a fantastic place to meet up with friends. Established in 1993, Texas Roadhouse combines hearty American cuisine with a welcoming, cowboy-themed atmosphere that is both family-friendly and fun. Guests are treated to freshly baked bread served with cinnamon butter upon seating, setting the tone for a legendary dining experience. The restaurant’s focus on large portions ensures excellent value, and the menu is complemented by ice-cold beers and their famous Legendary Margaritas. Beyond the food, Texas Roadhouse is celebrated for its lively environment featuring line dancers, jukebox tunes, and friendly, attentive service, which adds to the memorable experience. With over 790 locations across the United States and internationally, it has become a go-to spot for casual dining that delivers both great food and a festive atmosphere.
Here's what people think of Texas Roadhouse
As of recent, Texas Roadhouse holds a 4.3-star rating based on 3511 reviews.
Customer reviews for Texas Roadhouse highlight a mix of positive and negative experiences. Positive feedback often praises the quality of the food, particularly the steaks and fresh sides, as well as the large portion sizes and relatively good pricing. Many enjoy the restaurant’s fun ambiance, friendly servers, and family-centric environment, which make it an enjoyable place to relax and socialize. On the other hand, some reviews criticize inconsistent customer service, dismissive behavior from staff, and occasional issues with food accuracy or order errors. A portion of the customer base expressed dissatisfaction that led to requests for refunds and discouragement of repeat visits. While the atmosphere and food quality tend to score well, service shortcomings have impacted some patrons' experiences. Overall, Texas Roadhouse maintains a strong following for its hearty American fare and lively setting, despite some service-related critiques in its reviews.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Ryan M
Had dinner here during the week with the family. Busy, but wait was quick. As soon as we were called up we were asked if we wanted some fresh bread and pick our own cut of meat. Bread with cinnamon butter was incredible and provided a generous amount. Manager overheard it was our first time at Texas Roadhouse and provided us with a free appitizer voucher which was awesome of them. Menu options are good, prices are fair, and drink menu was great. Steaks cooked as requested and everything tasted amazing. Staff were super friendly. Place had a great atmosphere, everyone appeared to be enjoying themselves. Will return!
J D
Our take out was 20 minutes late which isn't that big of a deal. My steak was cooked perfect but cold. The girlfriend's steak was burnt to a crisp cooking it well done. Take a look at the 30 dollar steak cooked well done. I can't believe this steak was sent out looking like this but I'm not a chef.
Jake Walsh
Genuinely one of the worst dining experiences I’ve ever had. I did not want to cause any problems, but I ordered a rare steak and they brought out a blue rare to raw, so I anxiously asked to have it redone. They brought out a medium at best. I felt terrible and worked up the courage to ask for a new one. It was also raw on half of it. I’m talking, blue, entirely cold meat. The manager was rude to me and was only willing to take $5 off my meal’s $35 bill. I really needed this as a pick-me-up and now I’m left feeling worse than I did at the start—plus I’m out $30 + tip for a terrible experience. My waiter was amazing though. Very understanding and helpful.
Bill Christoffers
We have always enjoyed TR and usually find the locations consistent in food quality and service. While the service was fine in this last visit, the prime rib and baked potatos were just warm and not cooked as we asked. We are always reluctant to send food back and that’s our fault. We will return to the chain but perhaps not the one in Ann Arbor even though it’s the nearest to us.
Ann Jastrzembowski
It used to be you could go to a Texas Roadhouse and get a good meal. Not so, at the location on Ann Arbor Saline Road. You'd expect, when going to a steakhouse, they would be capable of cooking your steak as you order it. Today I went for an early dinner and ordered my steak medium. When it was brought out, it was well done. I sent it back so they could correct it, and the picture is what they brought me. I think it would have been mooing if it was any more rare. In addition to it being practically raw, they didn't season it a bit, so it was raw and bland. We've experienced this issue the last three times we've dined there. Never again. Our server was wonderful and the visit before this one, the manager comped one of our meals when we waited about 30 minutes for a replacement steak that was also cooked wrong. They really need to train their cooks. Do yourself a favor and go somewhere else.
How to reach Texas Roadhouse
None
Website: None
Why Texas Roadhouse may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Texas Roadhouse with your friends? Texas Roadhouse stands out as an exceptional venue for gathering with friends because it offers a unique blend of lively atmosphere, delicious food, and friendly service that makes any meetup feel special. With a well-earned rating of 4.3 across over 3,500 reviews, it’s clear that many patrons enjoy the welcoming environment designed to foster fun and connection. The restaurant’s roots in Texas-style hospitality combined with a casual, laid-back vibe create the perfect backdrop for socializing. Guests are greeted with warm, freshly baked bread and cinnamon butter right at the table, setting a comforting tone from the moment you arrive. Whether your group is large or small, Texas Roadhouse’s spacious seating and energetic cowboy-themed decor add to the excitement and energy of the gathering, making it a memorable spot for friends to "rally" and enjoy quality time together.
Moreover, Texas Roadhouse’s focus on legendary food and legendary service elevates the experience beyond typical casual dining. The menu’s variety of hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and made-from-scratch sides appeal to diverse tastes, ensuring every friend finds a favorite dish. Fun elements like line dances and a vibrant bar area add layers of entertainment without distracting from the conversations and moments you want to share. It’s a place where the joy of eating, laughter, and camaraderie come naturally, making Texas Roadhouse a top destination to host your next friend or family meetup. With consistently positive reviews highlighting its food, atmosphere, and friendly staff, this restaurant reliably lives up to the promise of creating shared memorable experiences.
What activities are available at Texas Roadhouse for group meetups? Texas Roadhouse offers a variety of engaging activities and features that make it a fantastic venue for groups. First, the restaurant’s unique tradition of tossing hand-cut peanuts on the floor invites a playful, communal experience among diners, sparking casual conversations and laughs. The setting also often includes a lively bar where friends can enjoy cocktails, beers, and specialty drinks, perfect for kickstarting a gathering or relaxing after a long day. The waitstaff typically embodies Texas Roadhouse’s friendly service culture, often engaging in line dances and hearty calls, bringing energy to the dining room that groups can enjoy together.
Additionally, Texas Roadhouse frequently hosts themed nights and events that are ideal for groups seeking a fun outing with a little extra entertainment. Their family-friendly environment allows children to enjoy their meals while adults catch up and celebrate comfortably. The spacious layout is conducive to hosting larger gatherings without feeling cramped or rushed, with rooms that can accommodate celebrations or casual meetups alike. Moreover, their menu’s variety caters well to groups, offering flexible sharing options like ribs, appetizers, and salads alongside hearty main courses. This makes the dining experience both convenient and enjoyable, allowing everyone at the table to customize their meal while still sharing favorite dishes. The combination of delicious food, interactive traditions, and lively entertainment decisions makes Texas Roadhouse perfectly suited for group-oriented socializing.
Why is Texas Roadhouse perfect for hosting a group meetup? Texas Roadhouse excels as a meetup location because it balances a vibrant atmosphere with comfort and quality service, ensuring each group member feels valued and satisfied. The spacious dining area and diverse seating arrangements allow groups of all sizes to gather easily, whether you're planning a casual get-together or a celebration. Its casual, Western-inspired decor creates a relaxed environment where people can unwind, talk, and enjoy each other’s company without distractions. The restaurant’s reputation for consistently great food, particularly its famous hand-cut steaks and fall-off-the-bone ribs, means your group will have a memorable culinary experience together.
Furthermore, Texas Roadhouse’s dedication to hospitality makes guests feel like part of their extended family, with staff going above and beyond to meet group needs — from accommodating dietary preferences to quick, friendly service. The fun and interactive ambience, including the waitstaff’s line dances and communal peanut shelling on the floor, builds a jovial environment that fosters bonding. This pairing of good food and good times is enhanced by the ability to enjoy a broad drink menu, suitable for casual to more festive occasions. Such features help ensure that attendees not only enjoy a meal together but actively engage in shared experiences, making Texas Roadhouse a top choice for anyone looking to rally their friends or family for a heartfelt, lively meetup.
What kind of food and drinks will satisfy a group at Texas Roadhouse? The culinary offerings at Texas Roadhouse are designed to please a broad range of tastes, which is crucial when dining with a group. Their menu emphasizes freshly prepared, high-quality American cuisine, including juicy steaks hand-cut daily, tender fall-off-the-bone ribs, grilled chicken, and seafood options. Each entrée is often complemented by made-from-scratch sides like creamy mashed potatoes, fresh vegetables, baked sweet potatoes with cinnamon butter, and crispy seasoned fries, enabling guests to tailor their meals to individual preferences. The restaurant also offers a variety of appetizers perfect for sharing, including loaded potato skins, fried pickles, and combo platters, encouraging a communal, tapas-style dining approach that groups enjoy.
On the drinks front, Texas Roadhouse features an extensive selection of beers, cocktails, and wines that cater to varied preferences and occasions. From ice-cold draft beers to signature margaritas and specialty cocktails, there’s something for everyone to raise a glass to good times. Their bar area serves as a great spot for pre-dinner socializing or celebratory toasts. Non-alcoholic beverages are also plentiful, with fresh-brewed tea, soft drinks, and lemonades providing refreshing alternatives. This broad menu and beverage variety make Texas Roadhouse a seamless choice for groups who want both variety and quality under one roof.
How does Texas Roadhouse create a welcoming environment for families and friends? Texas Roadhouse creates an inviting and warm atmosphere through a combination of intentional design, attentive staff, and engaging traditions that appeal to groups of all ages. The restaurant’s décor draws inspiration from Texas cowboy culture, featuring rustic wood, Western artwork, and murals that give the place character and charm. This thematic setting adds excitement and a sense of adventure for guests, while still feeling cozy and approachable. Upon arrival, groups are greeted with complimentary baskets of warm, freshly baked rolls served with their signature cinnamon butter, a welcoming gesture that immediately sets a hospitable tone.
The staff’s dedication to excellence in service also plays a large role in making guests feel comfortable and cared for. Servers are known for their friendly demeanor, attentiveness, and even entertaining guests with line dances and good-natured banter, which encourages a lively but relaxed mood that aids in group bonding. Families appreciate the availability of a children’s menu and the family-friendly noise level that allows kids to be themselves without worry. Meanwhile, groups of friends benefit from the high-energy ambiance and communal experience, including the playful peanut-shelling tradition. These elements combine to make Texas Roadhouse more than just a restaurant—it’s a destination where families and friends come together, eat great food, and enjoy shared memories.
What makes Texas Roadhouse stand out in the casual dining industry? Texas Roadhouse has risen to prominence as a top casual dining chain through a mix of strategic growth, quality food, and a dedication to customer experience. Having surpassed major competitors, it is now the largest casual-dining restaurant chain in the U.S., thanks to its rapidly expanding footprint with over 770 locations nationwide and internationally. This expansion has been driven by sustained consumer demand for high-quality steakhouse fare and a strong brand identity rooted in Texas-style hospitality. The company’s commitment to keeping prices reasonable while investing heavily in operational efficiency and staffing has helped it maintain customer loyalty in a competitive market.
Their signature approach combines made-from-scratch meals with lively service and a fun, Western-themed environment, distinguishing Texas Roadhouse from other casual dining options. This unique identity, backed by consistently positive customer reviews, highlights their successful formula of balancing quality, value, and atmosphere. Moreover, Texas Roadhouse’s focus on legendary food and legendary service creates a virtuous cycle of customer satisfaction, word-of-mouth referrals, and repeat visits. For groups looking to share an experience that’s as much about connection as it is about great food, Texas Roadhouse offers a consistent, crowd-pleasing choice in the competitive casual-dining landscape.
Why do guests keep returning to Texas Roadhouse? Guests keep returning to Texas Roadhouse because it delivers a dependable combination of delicious food, friendly service, and a fun, engaging atmosphere. Many diners appreciate the tradition of being welcomed with fresh, warm rolls and cinnamon butter, a small but meaningful ritual that starts every meal on a positive note. The quality of the food, especially the hand-cut steaks and ribs, consistently meets or exceeds expectations, attracting both new and repeat customers. The restaurant’s staff are notably welcoming and lively, often participating in line dances that add unique entertainment value and a sense of community to the dining experience.
The restaurant also accommodates a wide variety of preferences and group sizes with a varied menu and ample seating, making it a versatile destination for everything from casual dinners to special occasions. Reviews frequently highlight Texas Roadhouse's ability to provide a warm, inviting space where friends and families can reconnect over memorable meals. The consistent delivery on its promise of "Legendary Food and Legendary Service," combined with the enjoyable Western-themed environment, ensures guests return because they know they’ll have a great time every visit. This strong reputation sustains Texas Roadhouse as a favored place for meetups, celebrations, and shared experiences.
How can Texas Roadhouse enhance your group’s meetup experience beyond dining? Beyond its well-regarded food and lively atmosphere, Texas Roadhouse enhances group meetups through thoughtfully crafted experiences that encourage bonding and enjoyment. The restaurant’s celebratory spirit is evident in its interactive service style; servers frequently engage guests with informal line dances and friendly interactions that create memorable moments beyond the meal itself. This atmosphere fosters communal fun, making each gathering more than just about eating—it becomes a shared event full of laughter and connection.
Texas Roadhouse also offers ample space and flexible seating arrangements that accommodate groups of various sizes comfortably, reducing stress over finding a venue that suits everyone. The option to book or arrange larger table settings can be particularly beneficial for birthdays, reunions, or other celebrations. Specialty promotions and seasonal menus provide additional reasons to bring groups together for special occasions or casual hangouts with a twist. In short, Texas Roadhouse goes beyond serving food by curating an experience that nurtures fellowship and leaves guests eager to return, making every group meetup enjoyable and meaningful.