You know the smell. It hits you the second you pull into the parking lot off Empire Place or 26th Street. It’s that heavy, sweet scent of yeast rolls and smoked fat. Honestly, if you’re looking at the Texas Roadhouse menu Sioux Falls locations serve up, you aren't there for a light salad. You’re there because you want a steak the size of a hubcap and a basket of bread that could probably cure a bad mood in three bites.
Sioux Falls is a meat-and-potatoes town. We have high standards for beef because, well, we live in the heart of cattle country. People here can tell the difference between a steak that was frozen three weeks ago and one that was hand-cut that morning in a 34-degree meat locker. That’s why the two spots in town—one on the west side and one near the mall—stay packed even on a random Tuesday night when the wind is howling at 40 miles per hour.
The Legendary Rolls and Why They Matter
Let's talk about the bread first. It’s the elephant in the room. Or rather, the warm, pillowy cloud in the room. Most places give you a basket of hard, cold sourdough and call it a day. Not here. The rolls are baked every five minutes. They are served with honey cinnamon butter that is basically frosting. It is high-calorie. It is sugary. It is perfect.
I’ve seen people in the Sioux Falls Facebook food groups argue about whether it’s socially acceptable to just order rolls for dinner. It basically is. The trick, though, is not to fill up on them before your 6-ounce sirloin arrives. Most folks fail at this. They eat four rolls, feel a sugar crash coming on, and then wonder why they can't finish their loaded sweet potato.
Breaking Down the Texas Roadhouse Menu Sioux Falls Favorites
The core of the menu is the "Hand-Cut Steaks" section. In Sioux Falls, the 6oz Sirloin is the workhorse. It’s affordable, lean, and consistent. But if you want to actually taste what the kitchen can do, you go for the Ft. Worth Ribeye.
The Ribeye has more marbling. That’s just a fancy way of saying it has more fat, which equals more flavor. When that fat hits the grill, it melts into the meat. It’s messy and glorious. If you’re feeling particularly hungry after a long shift or a day out at Falls Park, the 16oz version is the way to go.
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Beyond the Beef
Not everyone wants a steak. Sometimes you want something that feels slightly less heavy, even if it’s still Texas-sized. The "Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs" are a legitimate contender. They use a proprietary dry rub and slow-cook them for hours.
- The Grilled BBQ Chicken is surprisingly moist for a chain restaurant.
- The Pulled Pork Dinner is a sleeper hit, piled high on toasted Texas toast.
- Portobello Mushroom Chicken is the go-to for people who want the "Roadhouse experience" without a massive slab of red meat.
Then there are the sides. The "Legendary Sides" are almost as important as the mains. You have the standard fries, but the real ones know you order the Loaded Baked Potato. It comes topped with cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and sour cream. Or, if you want to feel like a kid again, the buttered corn. It’s simple, sweet, and reminds you of a backyard BBQ.
The Early Dine Deal: A Sioux Falls Staple
If you're looking to save some cash, you have to hit the Early Dine window. Usually, this runs Monday through Thursday before 6:00 PM. You get a smaller selection of the Texas Roadhouse menu Sioux Falls favorites for a significantly lower price.
It’s the busiest time of day for a reason. You’ll see everyone from retirees catching an early dinner to families trying to feed three kids without breaking a hundred-dollar bill. The 6oz Sirloin, the Country Fried Sirloin, and the Single Grilled Pork Chop are usually on this list. It’s the best value in town, hands down. Just be prepared for a wait even at 4:45 PM.
Why the Atmosphere Works (And Why It Doesn't)
It is loud. Let’s be real. If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic spot to propose, this isn't it. Between the line dancing every hour and the birthday shouts, the decibel level is high. But that’s the charm. It feels alive.
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The servers are moving fast. They’re juggling heavy trays of "Cactus Blossoms"—that giant fried onion that looks like a flower and contains enough calories to power a small village for a week. The floors are often covered in peanut shells, though that tradition has faded a bit in some locations for safety reasons. In Sioux Falls, the vibe is "come as you are." You'll see guys in muddy work boots sitting next to people in suits. Nobody cares.
Navigating the Drinks and Appetizers
Don't skip the Rattlesnake Bites if you like a little heat. They are basically fried balls of diced jalapeños and jack cheese. They are addictive.
As for drinks, the "Legendary Margaritas" are the big draw. You can get them frozen or on the rocks. Most people go for the "Kicker," which is a little tube of extra tequila and Triple Sec you can add in. It’s a bit of theater, but it works. The Kenny's Cooler is another popular choice, mostly because it’s bright blue and tastes like a tropical vacation, which is a nice escape during a South Dakota winter.
Specifics for the Sioux Falls Locations
We have two main spots:
- Empire Mall Area: This one is a madhouse on weekends. If there’s a sale at Scheels or a big movie release, expect a two-hour wait. Use the "Call Ahead" seating on the app. It doesn't guarantee a table the second you walk in, but it moves you up the list.
- East Side (26th and Sycamore): This location tends to feel a bit more "neighborhoody." It still gets packed, but it’s often the preferred choice for locals who want to avoid the mall traffic.
Both locations maintain the same standard for the Texas Roadhouse menu Sioux Falls diners expect. The kitchen staff goes through rigorous training to ensure that a medium-rare steak in Sioux Falls tastes the same as one in Dallas or Nashville.
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Nuance in the Cooking: How to Order Your Steak
People argue about steak temperatures constantly. At Roadhouse, they tend to be pretty accurate, but here is a tip: if you like a warm red center, order Medium Rare. If you want it pink throughout but no "blood," go Medium.
If you order Well Done, don't complain that it takes 25 minutes. You're basically asking them to cook all the moisture out of a thick cut of meat. It takes time. The cooks there are working a high-volume line; they have a rhythm. Respect the rhythm.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Visit
To get the most out of your experience, stop thinking of it as just another chain restaurant and start treating it like a system.
- Download the App: Seriously. The "Waitlist" feature is the only way to survive a Friday night. Join the list while you're still at home.
- Check the Meat Display: There is a glass case right when you walk in. You can actually pick out your specific steak if you see one that looks particularly good.
- Custom Sides: You can swap your sides for a small upcharge. Want a Caesar salad instead of coleslaw? Just ask.
- The Seasoning: If you find the steaks a bit too salty, you can ask for "No Seasoning" or "Light Seasoning." They use a heavy hand with their signature salt/sugar/spice rub.
The Texas Roadhouse menu Sioux Falls offers is about consistency. It isn't fine dining, and it doesn't pretend to be. It’s about getting a decent piece of meat, a cold beer, and enough bread to make you regret your life choices in the best way possible. Whether you're heading to the West 26th Street location or the one by the mall, the play is always the same: get on the app early, go for the ribeye, and don't forget the extra cinnamon butter.
Next time you're there, try the "Roadkill." It's a chop steak smothered in sautéed onions, mushrooms, and jack cheese. It’s one of the cheapest items on the menu but packs more flavor than some of the more expensive cuts. It’s the ultimate "insider" order for when you want the steak flavor on a burger budget. Take the leftovers home; it reheats surprisingly well in an air fryer the next morning with an egg on top. That’s the real Sioux Falls breakfast of champions.
Immediate Next Steps: * Open the Texas Roadhouse mobile app at least 45 minutes before you plan to eat to join the virtual waitlist.
- Request the "Early Dine" menu if you arrive before 6:00 PM on a weekday to access the $10.99-$12.99 specials.
- Ask for a side of "Texas Red Chili" instead of a standard vegetable side for a more filling, high-protein meal.