Texas Roadhouse

Ever since the Texas Roadhouse, a new steakhouse, opened on November 12, 2012, I have wanted to try it out. It doesn't open until 4:00 PM on weekdays, and at 11:00 AM on Friday and Saturday. It's located north of Winchester in the Rutherford Crossing Shopping Center on Route 11 North, at 113 Market Street.

My daughter and I arrived there at 5:30 PM and were seated immediately, although the place was already fairly busy. Our table had two small galvanized buckets with a layer of peanuts in the bottom waiting for us to shell and snack on. Our waitress was a young woman named Jess, who was quite helpful.

There were two menus; one was quite detailed, and the other offered a choice of eleven Early Dine Specials from Monday through-Thursday until 6:00 PM for only $8.99. I decided on a six-ounce sirloin, medium well, with sautéed mushrooms. Sides were a cup of chili and a house salad with blue cheese.

The chili was served first. It was good, but not with too high a degree of heat. The salad was huge, and after a few nibbles I decided not to eat it, but to take it home for the fridge. The steak was quite tender, and the serving of mushrooms was very generous. My daughter was also pleased with her selection.

The Texas Roadhouse is a large place. Most of the seating is in booths, but it had a few tables here and there for larger groups. If there were private rooms, I didn't note them. Plain wood, varnished, was used throughout. . A large, U-shaped bar was in the back. The rest room alcove was marked by a large sign reading OUTHOUSE.

I should have mentioned that a glass case near the entrance displays a tantalizing display of raw steaks. A chart next to it shows a side view of the body a steer, marked with the locations where the various cuts come from. The only complaint I have about the Roadhouse is the high noise level, making to difficult to hear the waitress and to be heard. This is also a problem I have with the Cracker Barrel on Route 522 South. Nevertheless, I consider this place as a keeper.