Bites Nearby: Texas Roadhouse

I’ve been trying to welcome spring and summer with open arms since early February. I’ve been painting my nails pink and buying short-sleeve shirts and sandals in hopes that if I want the weather to change badly enough, then it probably will.

So this week, now that we’ve finally been graced with a temperature above 65 degrees, I decided to celebrate by indulging in some of my favorite summer foods.

Specifically, anything that involved fries and barbecue sauce. Luckily, I didn’t have to go far. feels like summer all year ‘round, with its rustic interior and delicious menu.

I had only been to Texas Roadhouse once before, but returned because I knew they let you have unlimited peanuts, which I think is already a good enough reason to visit. But I was pleased with the rest of my meal, too, and I know that the next time I go back, it won’t be just for the peanuts.

The Dishes: Grilled Barbecue Chicken entrée and the Pulled Pork Dinner.

What’s on the Plate: My chicken dinner was served with a choice of two sides and I opted for the loaded baked potato and green beans. The pulled pork dish was served with steak fries and a side of vegetables. If you’ve ever been to Texas Roadhouse before, you know you'll also get a complimentary bread basket with cinnamon butter and a big bucket of peanuts to munch on while you’re waiting for your meal.

How’s it Taste:  I know that it’s nothing special to get a complimentary bread basket at restaurants nowadays, but something about the one at Texas Roadhouse makes it better than everywhere else. The bread was sweet and served with cinnamon butter and it never comes out stale. When you approach the host stand to be seated, they grab the basket from underneath a heat lamp in the kitchen to make sure it’s warm and fresh. Also waiting at the table? One pail of peanuts and another to discard the shells.

My grilled chicken was half a breast basted in sweet barbecue sauce. If I’m being honest, I would have to say that it might not be something I would re-order (a little bit too much sauce for me) but it was a reasonably-sized portion and came with two delicious sides. Choosing sides was probably the most difficult part of the meal. You would think choosing two sides would be enough, but their menu had me wanting three or four. I definitely recommend the loaded baked potato, which was topped with sour cream, cheddar cheese and bacon, none of which they skimp on.

My fellow diner was having a little difficulty choosing what to get, but eventually settled on the pulled pork dinner. I have to admit I had a serious case of food envy when our meals were delivered, and after trying a bite of hers, I realized it was completely justified food envy. The pork was covered in the restaurant’s signature barbecue sauce and tasted just right atop a crispy bun.

Eat This Because: Texas Roadhouse is well-known for its steaks, ribs and burgers. If you’re looking for the perfect way to celebrate the end of Lent and the no-meat-on-Friday rule, this is it.

The Tab: $22.22.

Etc: Texas Roadhouse offers a deal for early-bird diners Monday through Thursday until 6 p.m., choosing from a special menu and for just $7.99 per person. Don’t worry – it’s not the kind of menu that has all the meals you don’t want to eat. The Early Dine deal features both entrees included in this review and other dishes including 6 oz. steaks and Country Fried Chicken.