Save Your Money At Texas Roadhouse With This Genius Steak Order Hack

Texas Roadhouse locations beckon neighborhood regulars and road-weary travelers with nostalgic neon lights and the promise of plates full of steak and sides. But while beef might be what's for dinner at the vaguely Texan and Southwestern-themed eatery, customers may not find red meat's prices too appetizing.

Cattle and beef prices have been on the rise in recent years, and these prices will only continue to increase in the face of inflation, caused in part by declining cattle herd counts, continued climate change impacts, and rising production costs. Plus, the bulk of the beef and cattle trade in North America is interdependent, with the U.S. relying heavily on Canada and Mexico for beef imports. As that trade relationship continues to shift drastically under the impact of new tariffs – as well as retaliatory tariffs – chances are good prices will only continue to go up.

This leaves Texas Roadhouse fans, and frugal diners alike, curious and concerned over the potential cost of their steaks. With that said, there is at least one genius steak ordering trick you should try the next time you're belly up at a Texas Roadhouse booth — ordering the medallions instead. In fact, this little steak order hack just might keep both your belly and wallet full.

When hungry for a steak, your stomach might be convinced that bigger means better. However, diners can enjoy mouth-watering savings at Texas Roadhouse when they opt for the filet medallions, rather than the more traditional, and popular, filet mignon. While filet mignon isn't exactly the biggest cut of steak Texas Roadhouse serves up — with the priciest and portliest Texas Roadhouse steak belonging to the restaurant's 23 ounce porterhouse T-Bone for $34.99 – it is still a considerable dish on the menu, appearing as the Dallas filet.

The standard six ounce Dallas filet costs $24.49, while the eight ounce portion costs $28.49. Meanwhile, an order of three filet medallions, which amounts to nine ounces of meat total, is priced at $24.49. All of that is to say you can get more for the same price. These medallions are circular, slightly thicker cuts taken from the larger filet mignon beef cut — which is cut from the tenderloin. Diners on a budget might find more bang for their beefy buck by ordering up this hack.

Frugal shoppers might be used to finding clever ways to save on groceries, and using that same creative spirit can lead to better deals when dining out. Savvy diners looking to save might as well take a page from the Texas Roadhouse book (or menu) when it comes to saving big on a night out. In addition to swapping medallions for mignon, diners can try their luck with ordering a Texas Roadhouse kids' meal — even if they're only a kid at heart. Andy's Steak is a six ounce kids' portion of sirloin, sold for only $11.99. Similarly, you might consider the Lil' Dillo steak bites, a small order of grilled steak pieces for only $8.49.

Also worth considering is the old-fashioned tradition of dressing up smaller, or cheaper, cuts of meat with big flavor additions. The cheekily named Road Kill dish is a grown-up portion of chop steak covered with sautéed onions, mushrooms, and jack cheese, all for $14.49. Ultimately, diners' tastes for cuts of beef, and their subsequent sides, will vary when it comes to value. But if you keep an open mind, and a Texas-sized grip on your wallet, you might find some deals on steak you're willing to hitch your wagon to.