Texas T-Bone Menu Items and Current Prices for Steak Lovers

Texas T-Bone Steakhouse represents a specific segment of the American dining landscape where portion size meets the rustic charm of a family-owned establishment. Since its inception in 1994, this chain has carved out a niche in Colorado, Nebraska, and Kansas by focusing on in-house, hand-cut steaks and a dining atmosphere that encourages hearty appetites. What distinguishes their menu from typical national chains is the sheer scale of the cuts—often referred to as "Texas-sized"—and a unique partnership with Famous Dave’s BBQ at specific locations, allowing for a dual-concept dining experience.

Signature Appetizers and Starters to Kick Off the Meal

Starting a meal at Texas T-Bone often involves navigating a list of "shareables" that are designed to complement the heavy protein of the main course. The appetizers here are characterized by their breaded, deep-fried nature, consistent with traditional Midwestern steakhouse culture.

The Whiz Bang Shrimp Phenomenon

One of the most talked-about items on the appetizer menu is the Whiz Bang Shrimp. Priced around $8.45 to $10.99 depending on the location and portion size, these are small, fresh shrimp that are lightly battered and fried to a crisp. The "Whiz Bang" factor comes from the sauce—a sassy, sweet, and spicy Thai-style chili sauce that provides a much-needed acidic and heat-based counterpoint to the richer steak dishes later in the meal. In many locations, you can find this served on a bed of fresh lettuce, which helps soak up the extra sauce.

Haystack Onions and Fried Classics

The Haystack Onions are another staple. Unlike traditional thick-cut onion rings, these are thinly sliced onions, lightly floured and fried until they resemble a golden pile of straw. They are typically priced around $8.99 to $9.00. The texture is delicate and crunchy, making them an excellent topping for steaks if you have leftovers or a perfect communal starter.

Other notable starters include:

Fried Pickles: Usually priced at $9.00, these are breaded spears or chips fried to a golden brown and served with ranch dressing.
Prairie Poppers: These are jalapeño peppers stuffed with cream cheese and fried. At roughly $11.99, they offer a significant kick for those who enjoy heat.
Texas Sampler: For those who cannot decide, the sampler (around $12.45 to $15.99) usually combines half-portions of cheese sticks, fried mushrooms, poppers, and onion straws.

The Art of the Create Your Own Salad

A standout feature of the Texas T-Bone menu is the "Create Your Own Salad" system. Many steakhouses offer a standard house salad or a buffet-style salad bar, but Texas T-Bone leans into a customizable, served-at-the-table approach.

Customization Options

When you order an entree, the salad is often included. If ordered separately as a meal, it typically costs around $9.45 to $12.99. The "Create Your Own" aspect allows diners to choose five "throw-ins," one type of cheese, and one dressing.

The throw-ins usually include:

Fresh vegetables (cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, bell peppers).
Crunchy elements (croutons, sunflower seeds).
Proteins (for an additional fee, you can add 7 oz salmon, grilled chicken, or even top sirloin tips).

The salad is served in a chilled bowl, ensuring the greens remain crisp. This level of customization is particularly valuable for diners with specific dietary needs or those who want to balance the heavy caloric intake of a 20 oz ribeye with a nutrient-dense starter.

Analyzing the Steak Selection and Portions

The heart of the menu lies in the "Texas Sized Steak Dinners." The restaurant takes pride in its in-house cutting process. By cutting steaks daily, they maintain control over the thickness and trimming of each piece of meat.

The T-Bone and Porterhouse Hierarchy

The T-Bone is the restaurant's namesake and most popular cut. It provides the best of both worlds: a flavorful New York Strip on one side of the bone and a tender Filet Mignon on the other.

18 oz T-Bone: This is the standard cut, usually priced between $26.99 and $31.00.
24 oz Porterhouse: A larger version of the T-Bone with a bigger filet portion, often priced around $36.00.
30 oz Texas-Sized Porterhouse: This is a flagship item. Priced at approximately $41.00 in locations like Grand Island, it is a massive cut of beef designed for the most dedicated steak enthusiasts.

Ribeye and New York Strip Options

For those who prefer a higher fat content and more marbling, the Ribeye is the go-to choice.

15 oz Boneless Ribeye: Roughly $31.00.
20 oz Boneless Ribeye: Known as the Texas-Sized version, priced near $36.00.
18 oz Bone-In Ribeye: The bone adds an extra layer of flavor during the grilling process, usually priced around $31.00.

The New York Strip is leaner but still offers a robust beefy flavor. Prices for the 15 oz boneless cut hover around $30.00, while the massive 20 oz "Texas-Sized" version can reach $35.00.

The Bacon-Wrapped Filet

For diners who prioritize tenderness over size, the bacon-wrapped filet is the premium choice. The bacon adds fat and saltiness to the lean tenderloin.

6 oz Filet: $27.99.
10 oz Filet: $32.00.
14 oz Filet: $38.00.

Famous Dave’s BBQ Integration and Specialized Entrees

In certain markets, specifically Colorado Springs, Texas T-Bone shares its kitchen and menu with Famous Dave’s BBQ. This partnership creates a "dual-concept" menu that is rare in the steakhouse industry.

BBQ Favorites on the Menu

If you are at a participating location, you can bypass the steaks for classic slow-smoked meats:

Texas Beef Brisket: Rubbed with a secret blend of spices and smoked for up to 12 hours.
St. Louis-Style Spareribs: These are basted with a sweet and zesty BBQ sauce and are available in half or full racks ($20.99 to $26.99).
Georgia Chopped Pork: A staple for those who prefer pulled meat sandwiches or platters.

Combination Plates

The most strategic way to navigate this dual menu is through "Combination Plates." You can pair an 8 oz top sirloin or prime rib with a half rack of ribs or BBQ chicken for a price range of $18.45 to $22.45. This offers immense variety for diners who want to experience both the grill and the smoker.

Burgers, Sandwiches, and Steak Trimmings

Texas T-Bone utilizes the high-quality trimmings from their hand-cut steaks to create their burger patties, which sets them apart from establishments that use standard ground chuck.

The Lone Star Burger Series

The burgers are generally 8 oz (half a pound) and served on brioche buns.

Lone Star Cheeseburger: A classic burger with your choice of cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion ($12.99).
The Cowboy Burger: A more aggressive flavor profile featuring BBQ sauce, cheddar, bacon, and fried jalapeño slices ($14.99).
The Willie Bacon Burger: Focused on the smoky flavor of added bacon ($13.99).

Specialized Sandwiches

Beyond beef, the menu includes:

Prime Rib Sandwich: Using shaved, slow-smoked prime rib meat with Swiss cheese and au jus on a hoagie bun ($14.99).
Philly Cheesesteak: A variation using the same high-quality prime rib meat with sautéed peppers and onions.

Seafood and Chicken Alternatives

While "Steak" is in the name, the menu caters to those looking for lighter or different proteins.

Seafood Offerings

Honey-Grilled Salmon: A 7 oz or larger fillet basted with a honey lemon sauce. It provides a sweet glaze that caramelizes on the grill ($17.99 to $21.00).
Fried Catfish: A southern favorite, hand-breaded and served with tartar sauce ($16.99).
Golden Fried Shrimp: Available as a 10-piece dinner or as part of a "Whiz Bang" style entree.

Chicken Entrees

Chicken Fried Chicken: A massive 8 oz portion of chicken breast, hand-breaded and smothered in white cream gravy. This is a comfort food staple on the menu ($18.00).
Smothered Chicken: Two marinated breasts topped with sautéed mushrooms, bacon, and melted Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses ($16.99 to $19.00).

Understanding the Value: Sides and Extras

Every steak dinner at Texas T-Bone typically includes a choice of a side dish and the famous freshly baked yeast rolls served with cinnamon honey butter.

Side Dish Options

The side dishes stay true to steakhouse traditions:

Baked Potato: Can be "loaded" with butter, sour cream, cheese, and bacon for a small upcharge (usually $1.50).
Steak Fries: Thick-cut fries that hold up well against steak juices.
Mashed Potatoes: Often served with gravy.
Vegetables: Options usually include steamed broccoli or a seasonal vegetable medley.

The Rolls

One of the most cited reasons for the restaurant’s high repeat-customer rate is the complimentary rolls. These are soft, warm, and the cinnamon honey butter provides a sweet contrast that many diners find addictive. You can even buy extra rolls (6 for $3.50) to take home.

Location-Specific Menu Variations

It is important to note that the Texas T-Bone menu is not identical across all three states.

Colorado Springs (CO): This location is the primary hub for the Famous Dave’s BBQ crossover. You will find a much heavier emphasis on ribs, brisket, and pulled pork here.
Grand Island (NE): This location often features "Dinner for Two" specials ($54.00), which include two large steaks (like 15 oz Ribeyes or 18 oz T-Bones), two salads, and two sides, representing significant savings.
Hutchinson (KS): This menu frequently showcases specific "Other Favorites" like the Road Kill (a ground steak patty smothered in mushrooms and cheese) at a lower price point ($14.99).

Prices in Colorado locations tend to be slightly higher than the Nebraska and Kansas counterparts due to regional economic factors.

How to Get the Best Value from the Texas T-Bone Menu

For diners looking to maximize their experience without overspending, there are several strategies to consider:

The Early Bird/Lunch Factor: While primarily a dinner destination, checking for early-bird specials before 5:00 PM can often lead to discounted sirloin or chicken dinners.
Combination Add-ons: Adding a skewer of grilled shrimp or a half-rack of ribs to a steak is often cheaper than ordering them as separate entrees. For example, adding 5 oz of grilled chicken is usually only around $6.99.
Sharing the "Texas Sized" Cuts: A 30 oz Porterhouse is more than enough for two people. Many locations allow for a "split plate" for a small fee, which includes an extra salad and side, making it a cost-effective way to enjoy a premium cut.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does Texas T-Bone have a Kid’s Menu?

Yes, the menu includes several options for children, typically priced under $10.00. Popular items include the Kid’s 6 oz Sirloin, cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, and chicken tenders. These meals usually come with a side and a drink.

Are the steaks fresh or frozen?

Texas T-Bone emphasizes that their steaks are hand-cut in-house. This means they start with whole subprimals that are fresh, not frozen, and are sliced into individual steaks by the kitchen staff to ensure quality and freshness.

Is Prime Rib available every day?

Typically, Prime Rib is treated as a specialty item. In many locations, it is only available on Friday and Saturday evenings because it is slow-roasted over several hours. It is recommended to call ahead to confirm availability if you are visiting specifically for the Prime Rib.

Does the menu offer gluten-free options?

While they do not have a dedicated gluten-free menu, many items are naturally gluten-free or can be modified. Unseasoned grilled steaks, baked potatoes (without certain toppings), and customized salads are generally safe, but diners should always alert their server to any allergies.

What is "Road Kill" on the menu?

"Road Kill" is a playful name for a very popular dish. It consists of a 10 oz or 12 oz chopped steak (ground steak trimmings) that is grilled and smothered with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and melted jack and cheddar cheeses. It offers the flavor of a high-end steak at the price of a burger.

Summary of the Texas T-Bone Dining Experience

The Texas T-Bone menu is built on the philosophy that a steakhouse should be accessible, generous, and straightforward. By focusing on in-house butchery, they are able to offer 20 oz and 30 oz cuts that would be prohibitively expensive at high-end metropolitan steakhouses. Whether you are visiting the Colorado Springs location for a BBQ-Steak hybrid meal or heading to Grand Island for a "Dinner for Two" Porterhouse special, the core appeal remains the same: high-quality meat, customizable salads, and those signature honey-butter rolls. While prices have seen a general upward trend in line with the beef market, the restaurant remains a high-value destination for families and steak aficionados in the Midwest.