Okay, so the other day I was craving some serious Texas Roadhouse goodness, but you know, gotta watch out for that gluten! So I decided to dive deep and figure out what’s safe to eat on their menu. It was a whole mission, but totally worth it. Let me tell you how it went down.
First things first: Research time!
I started by hitting up the Texas Roadhouse website, hoping they had a clear gluten-free menu. Well, they don’t exactly have a dedicated GF menu posted. That’s strike one. So, I started digging through their allergen information and reading a bunch of blog posts and forums about other people’s experiences. Gotta get the intel, right?
What I learned from my deep dive:
- Steaks are generally safe: Most of their steaks are naturally gluten-free, which is awesome. But you HAVE to make sure they don’t slather them in anything sketchy.
- Sides are tricky: This is where it gets complicated. Some sides are naturally GF, others can be modified, and some are just a no-go.
- Cross-contamination is a concern: You gotta be super clear with your server about your gluten allergy or intolerance to minimize the risk.
Putting it to the test: My Texas Roadhouse adventure
Armed with my research, I headed to Texas Roadhouse. I was ready! I made sure to tell our server right away that I needed gluten-free options. Honesty is the best policy, y’know?
Here’s what I ordered (and what I learned):
- Steak (obviously): I went for the sirloin. I specifically asked for it to be cooked plain, with no seasoning except salt and pepper. They were cool with that.
- Baked potato: This seemed like a safe bet. I asked for it plain with butter and sour cream. Nailed it!
- Salad with ranch dressing: I made sure to double-check that the ranch was gluten-free. Some ranch dressings can be sneaky!
The potential pitfalls:
- The rolls: Yeah, those amazing rolls everyone raves about? Totally off-limits. So sad, but gotta be strong!
- Margaritas: Some of their margaritas might contain gluten, so always ask about the ingredients. I stuck with a simple glass of wine to be safe.
The verdict:
Overall, my Texas Roadhouse experience was a success! The steak was delicious, the baked potato hit the spot, and I didn’t get sick. Woohoo!
My tips for a gluten-free Texas Roadhouse experience:
- Do your research beforehand: Know which menu items are likely to be safe or can be modified.
- Be clear with your server: Explain your dietary needs and ask about ingredients. Don’t be afraid to be “that person.”
- Stick to simple dishes: The more ingredients a dish has, the higher the chance of gluten sneaking in.
- Double-check everything: Even if something seems safe, it’s always a good idea to confirm.
So, there you have it! My gluten-free adventure at Texas Roadhouse. It takes a little planning and communication, but it’s totally possible to enjoy a delicious meal there without getting glutened. Now, go forth and conquer that steak!