A few weeks ago, I dined at the newly opened Texas Roadhouse in Ayala Center Cebu with friends, and from the moment we walked in, it was clear that this wasn’t just a meal—it was an event.
First Impressions: Southern Hospitality and Fun Vibes
Walking into Texas Roadhouse, we were immediately hit with the cozy, rustic charm of the place. The warm wooden interiors, paired with the aroma of grilled meats, made it feel like we’d just stepped into a lively Southern roadhouse. The staff greeted us with big smiles and that signature Southern hospitality, which was a great start to the evening.
One thing that set the tone for the night was the complimentary bread basket that arrived at our table almost immediately. The warm, freshly baked rolls, paired with cinnamon butter, were dangerously addictive—soft, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet. Another unique touch was the bucket of peanuts on the table, perfect for snacking while we decided on our orders.
And just when we thought the night couldn’t get any more fun, the staff broke out into a line dance! It was such an unexpected and delightful surprise that added to the lively, down-home vibe of the place. The upbeat energy of the dance really set the mood for the feast that was to come.
Starting Strong: Combo Starter to Share
We began with the Combo Starter (₱1,095), which featured Buffalo Wings, Cheesy Jalapeño Bites, and Potato Skins. It was the perfect way to kick off the meal. The wings were mildly spicy and crispy, just the way I like them. The Cheesy Jalapeño Bites had a great balance of heat and creaminess, and the Potato Skins were golden and loaded with cheesy goodness. The two made-from-scratch dressings—Bleu cheese and ranch—were excellent accompaniments, though I found myself leaning more towards the ranch.
Fresh, Flavorful Salad
For a lighter option, we went for the California Chicken Salad (₱795). It was a colorful and refreshing mix of crisp greens, sweet mango, juicy grapes, and marinated grilled chicken, all tossed in a zesty honey lime vinaigrette. The addition of shredded jack cheese and pico de gallo gave it an extra punch of flavor. It was a salad that didn’t just taste good, but made you feel good eating it.
Ribs That Fall Off the Bone
The Full Slab of Ribs (₱1,950) was next, and let me tell you, these ribs were everything I hoped they would be. They were slow-cooked to perfection with a unique blend of seasonings, and the signature BBQ sauce was the cherry on top. The meat was so tender, it practically fell off the bone with just a nudge of the fork. Paired with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, it was comfort food at its finest.
Seafood and Steak: The Best of Both Worlds
We couldn’t resist trying the Texan Seafood Platter (₱1,895), which included Texas Fried Fish, Grilled Shrimp, and Fried Calamari. Each element was cooked just right—the fish was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, the shrimp had a nice char, and the calamari was light and crispy. The platter was a great choice for those who want to indulge in a bit of surf and turf.
Speaking of turf, the 16 oz. Fort Worth Ribeye (₱3,495) was the highlight of the meal. This steak was juicy, well-marbled, and packed with flavor. It was cooked to a perfect medium-rare, just as we ordered, and was paired with steak fries and steak rice. It was everything you’d want from a ribeye and then some—rich, tender, and absolutely delicious.
Sweet Ending to a Hearty Meal
To wrap things up, we indulged in the Cookie ala Mode (₱225). This warm, gooey cookie was drizzled with caramel fudge and topped with pecans and almonds, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was the perfect sweet ending to our hearty meal—simple, comforting, and utterly satisfying.
Drinks to Match the Feast
As for drinks, we went with the Watermelon Frozen Margarita (₱395), which was as refreshing as it was fun. We also ordered Fresh Dalandan (₱195) and Fresh Cucumber Lemonade (₱195), both of which were light and refreshing, providing a nice contrast to the rich flavors of our meal.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Visit for a Flavorful and Fun Dining Experience
Dining at Texas Roadhouse Cebu was more than just a meal—it was an experience filled with good food, great vibes, and memorable moments. From the warm bread and peanuts that welcomed us, to the lively line dance, to the hearty and flavorful dishes that filled our table, every aspect of our visit was top-notch. Whether you’re there for the ribs, the steak, or just to soak in the fun atmosphere, Texas Roadhouse Cebu is definitely worth a visit.
Texas Roadhouse Cebu
Level 1, The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu