Texas Roadhouse in Deer Park New York: Photo by Brian Kachejian
As someone who hails from one of the biggest cities in the world, where there are easily some of the most excellent restaurants on the planet, going to chain restaurants sometimes feels rather ridiculous. For the most part, chain restaurants aren’t that much cheaper than the privately owned, really good restaurants, so why do it? Of course, I’m not here to lay any hate on chain restaurants; it’s just that when you have the best in the world, why settle for just the average? Nonetheless, some chain restaurants are pretty good, offering unique dishes, fair prices, and a somewhat enjoyable atmosphere. The problem is that these types of chain restaurants usually get quite crowded, and the wait times can be pretty long. So, as a New Yorker, you need to know when to go, what time of day, and what day of the week. On my recent visit to Texas Roadhouse, we went on a Monday at 3:30 p.m. It wasn’t crowded, but there were still people there. When we left, it was jam-packed, even on a Monday.
There are many reasons to visit Texas Roadhouse, but ask anybody who is a frequent visitor and they will tell you one of the main reasons begins at the start of a meal, and that is those delicious cinnamon butter rolls. It’s interesting, though, I’ve been to a few different Texas Roadhouses, and while you would think that a chain would have the same recipe, they do taste different at various locations. The one I visited on Monday was in Deer Park, New York, situated on Long Island. I have to say, though, the best rolls I’ve ever had at a Texas Roadhouse were at the one all the way up in Plattsburgh, Upstate New York, which is only about twenty minutes from the border of Canada. I don’t know what it is about it up there, but those rolls at that particular Texas Roadhouse were to die for.
If you’re going to Texas Roadhouse, don’t make the mistake that I made, although I have to say it really wasn’t a mistake, because I don’t particularly like red meat, or I should say my heart doesn’t particularly like red meat. But if you’re visiting a Texas Roadhouse, you should probably get a steak. Steakhouses can be pretty expensive, and a lot of times they’re just not worth the price, but at Texas Roadhouse, you can get a steak at a reasonably good price that is simply fantastic. I’ve had them before, and they are always excellent. I don’t know why I didn’t get one this time, but like I said, I’m in my sixties now and have to be careful with red meat. Nonetheless, my son went all in, and he was pretty happy about it.
On this particular visit, I ordered the smothered chicken, which was a piece of sautéed chicken covered with cheese, onions, and mushrooms. I must admit, I was a little disappointed with it. The chicken was rather tough, and the onions and mushrooms didn’t taste the freshest. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t good either. Nonetheless, the meal was saved by the loaded baked potato with cheddar cheese, chives, and bacon, although it was a little bit cold. I shouldn’t really blame them for it being cold because I was talking a lot, doing my review, and filming video, as you can see in the video below. That was my fault.
