You know the feeling. It’s 6:15 PM on a Tuesday in South Dakota. You’re driving down Empire Mall way, and the parking lot at Texas Roadhouse Sioux Falls SD looks like a sold-out concert. It’s wild. Why? In a city with no shortage of steakhouses—from the high-end vibes of Morrie’s to the quick-service spots—this specific location on West Empire Place has become a local institution. It's not just about the meat. Honestly, it's the noise, the yeast rolls, and that weirdly addictive cinnamon butter that people would probably buy by the gallon if they could.
People show up. They wait. Sometimes they wait an hour for a booth.
The Reality of Eating at Texas Roadhouse Sioux Falls SD
If you haven't been lately, the Sioux Falls location operates like a well-oiled machine, but it’s a loud one. Don't go there for a quiet first date where you want to whisper sweet nothings. You won't hear them. You’ll hear line dancing. You’ll hear "Happy Birthday" shouted by a dozen servers. You’ll hear the sizzle of a ribeye hitting a plate.
The Sioux Falls spot, officially located at 4307 W Empire Pl, manages a volume of customers that would break most smaller kitchens. What’s interesting is how they maintain the "hand-cut" promise. Most people don't realize there is an actual butcher on-site. We aren't talking about pre-packaged steaks shipped in plastic from a central warehouse. There is a human being in a cold room in Sioux Falls cutting those steaks every day. That matters. It’s why the 6oz sirloin doesn't taste like a hockey puck.
The Rolls are the Real Main Character
Let’s be real for a second. You aren't just there for the steak. You're there for the bread. Those legendary yeast rolls are baked every five minutes. The smell hits you the second you walk through the double doors. It’s a smart business move, really. Fill people up on carbs and sugar-loaded butter so they're happy before the check even arrives.
But there’s a trick to the Sioux Falls location. Because it’s so close to the mall and the I-29 interchange, the "roll turnover" is faster than almost any other restaurant in town. You’re never getting a stale roll. They don't have time to get stale.
How to Actually Get a Table Without Losing Your Mind
If you just roll up to Texas Roadhouse Sioux Falls SD at 6:30 PM on a Friday without a plan, you’ve already lost. You’ll be standing in that crowded entryway for forty minutes, staring at the peanut buckets.
- Use the App: This isn't a suggestion; it’s a survival tactic. The "Waitlist" feature on their mobile app is the only way to go. You check in from your house, or while you're finishing up shopping at Target across the street, and you get a text when your table is nearly ready.
- The "Early Dine" Window: If you’re looking to save money—and let’s be honest, who isn’t in 2026?—they usually run specials for those who eat before 6:00 PM. The prices are lower, and the crowd is slightly thinner. Slightly.
- The Bar Top: If it’s just two of you, skip the hostess stand and head straight for the bar. It’s full service. You get the same menu, the same rolls, and usually faster drinks.
What to Order (And What to Skip)
I’ve spent a lot of time talking to folks in the local food scene. The consensus on the Sioux Falls Roadhouse is pretty consistent.
The Bone-In Ribeye is arguably the best value on the menu. It’s 20 ounces of marbled fat and protein. If you want something leaner, the Dallas Fillet is surprisingly consistent. It’s rare to get a bad cut here, which is impressive given the sheer number of cows they go through in a week.
Avoid the salads as a main meal. I mean, they're fine, but you're at a steakhouse. Ordering a salad at Texas Roadhouse is like going to a rock concert and asking them to turn the volume down. It defeats the purpose. Also, the "Cactus Blossom" is a literal salt bomb. It’s delicious, sure, but share it with four people or you’ll be drinking water for three days straight to recover.
The Local Impact
This specific franchise is a massive employer in the Sioux Falls area. On any given shift, there are dozens of staff members—cooks, prep, servers, hosts, and those poor souls who have to sweep up the peanut shells.
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Wait, I should mention the peanuts.
Post-2020, some locations shifted away from the "throw them on the floor" model for various reasons, but the vibe remains. It’s supposed to be messy. It’s supposed to be unpretentious. In a city like Sioux Falls, which is growing rapidly and getting "fancier" by the day, there is something deeply comforting about a place where you can wear a seed cap and a flannel shirt and nobody looks at you twice.
Dealing with the Crowds and the Noise
Some people hate the noise. I get it. Every hour or so, the music cranks up and the staff does a choreographed line dance. It’s cheesy. It’s very "corporate Midwest." But for kids, it’s the highlight of the night. If you’re looking for a spot for a kid’s birthday in Sioux Falls, this is the default setting for a reason. They make a big deal out of it. They bring out the saddle. They hoot and holler. It’s an experience, not just a dinner.
But what if you want the food without the chaos?
Texas Roadhouse Sioux Falls SD has mastered the "To-Go" game. They have dedicated parking spots for pickup. You can order a "Family Meal" which basically includes a massive tray of meat, several sides, and a big bag of those rolls. It’s often cheaper than buying individual entrees and you don't have to hear "Cotton Eye Joe" for the four-thousandth time.
Why It Beats the Competition
Sioux Falls has Outback. It has Logan’s. It has high-end spots like Crawford’s downtown.
Roadhouse wins on consistency.
You know exactly what that steak is going to taste like. You know the service will be fast—sometimes too fast, like they’re trying to flip the table (because they are). But in an era where dining out has become incredibly expensive and often disappointing, there is a certain "expert" level of comfort in knowing you won't leave hungry or ripped off.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Visit
If you're planning to head over to the Empire Place location soon, keep these specific points in mind to make the most of it:
- Check the Map: Traffic near the mall is a nightmare around 5:00 PM. Approach from the south or use the back entrance by the theater to avoid the main mall intersection.
- Ask for "Extra Seasoning": If you like a crust on your steak, ask for "heavy lemon pepper" or "extra seasoning." Their house rub is mostly salt and sugar, but it creates a great sear if they apply it heavily.
- The Loaded Sweet Potato: It’s basically a dessert. They put marshmallows and caramel sauce on it. If you want a vegetable, this isn't it. If you want a treat, it's the best side on the menu.
- The "Snake Bite" Appetizer: If you like jalapeños, these are better than the Cactus Blossom. They’re smaller, easier to eat, and pack a decent punch.
Texas Roadhouse Sioux Falls SD isn't trying to be a Michelin-star restaurant. It’s trying to be a loud, fun, reliable place to get a decent steak for a fair price. In South Dakota, that's a winning formula every day of the week.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Download the Texas Roadhouse app at least two hours before you plan to eat.
- Monitor the wait time starting at 4:30 PM to see how fast the queue is moving.
- Clear a spot in your fridge for leftovers; the portions at the Sioux Falls location are notoriously difficult to finish in one sitting.