Texas Roadhouse Waitlist Skip the Line and Get Seated Faster 2025
If you’ve ever tried to eat at Texas Roadhouse on a weekend, you probably had to wait. That’s where the Texas Roadhouse waitlist comes in. It’s a tool that helps you save time by holding your place in line before you arrive. Many customers don’t know this option exists, but it can be a big help when the restaurant is busy. With this feature, you can enjoy your evening without standing around for hours.
About Texas Roadhouse Waitlist
The Texas Roadhouse waitlist is an online check-in system that lets you join a virtual line. You don’t have to call or wait at the door anymore. Just go to the official website or use the mobile app to enter your party size and name. After that, the restaurant sends you a message with an estimated wait time.
The system helps both the restaurant and guests. It keeps the dining room flowing smoothly and allows customers to plan ahead. By the time you arrive, your table is nearly ready. For service members, planning ahead also means checking for perks like the Texas Roadhouse Military Discount, which offers savings to veterans and active-duty personnel at many locations.
How to Join the Texas Roadhouse Waitlist?

Joining the waitlist is very easy. Anyone can do it using a smartphone or computer. Below is a simple table showing the steps to follow:
Step | Action Description |
---|---|
1. Open the Website | Visit texasroadhouse.com |
2. Choose a Location | Type in your zip code to find the nearest restaurant |
3. Join Waitlist | Click “Join Waitlist” under your selected location |
4. Enter Details | Add your name, party size, and contact number |
5. Wait for SMS | The restaurant sends you a message with your wait time and further instructions |
Once you get the message, you must arrive at the location on time and check in at the host stand. They will guide you to your table when it’s ready.
When to Use the Texas Roadhouse Waitlist?
The best time to use the waitlist is during peak hours. That includes weekends, holidays, or special promotions. Most people eat out between 5 PM and 8 PM. If you want to skip long waits, join the list before you leave your house.
On Fridays and Saturdays, some restaurants get full very fast. Even if you join the waitlist, you might still have to wait 20–30 minutes. But that is still better than a 90-minute wait with no reservation.
Here’s a quick overview of peak vs. non-peak times:
Time Period | Waitlist Recommended? | Typical Wait Time |
---|---|---|
Mon–Thu (Before 5PM) | No | 5–15 Minutes |
Mon–Thu (After 6PM) | Yes | 20–40 Minutes |
Fri–Sun (Before 5PM) | Yes | 15–30 Minutes |
Fri–Sun (After 6PM) | Yes | 45–90 Minutes |
Texas Roadhouse Waitlist Rules
The Texas Roadhouse waitlist system isn’t a reservation—it’s a call-ahead or virtual seating queue. You can add your name before arriving via the website, app, phone, or in person. After joining, you’re expected to check in on arrival using the app or by replying “HERE” to your confirmation text. If you’re late or fail to check in, you risk losing your spot. Groups larger than six usually must call ahead for coordination . Hosts seat parties based on table availability, party size, and arrival order. Being polite and prompt helps you stay on track .
Texas Roadhouse Waitlist Time
Wait times vary widely: during off-peak hours, waits may be just a few minutes; during peak hours like evenings and weekends, expect at least a 30-minute wait—and sometimes much longer . For example, Fridays and Saturdays between 6–8 PM often mean 30–60+ minutes, while weekdays before 5 PM typically mean just 5–15 minutes . Even joining the waitlist doesn’t eliminate waiting entirely—but it does get you ahead of walk-ins. To explore more about what’s on the table, learn more about Menu at Texas Roadhouse Menu.
Texas Roadhouse Reservations Online
Strictly speaking, Texas Roadhouse does not offer traditional timed reservations. Instead, it offers a call-ahead seating or online waitlist option. Here’s how it works:
- Visit the official waitlist page or open the mobile app
- Choose your nearest location and input your party size, name, and contact info
- Submit and receive an estimated wait time via SMS or app .
- Check in when you arrive—via app, host stand, or text.
- Wait for your notification and then get seated
Joining online lets you save time and cut through the door crowds, but you still must be punctual and check in to hold your place.
Texas Roadhouse Reservation Benefits
While Texas Roadhouse doesn’t have classic reservations, its online waitlist offers many reservation-like perks:
- Reduced wait times compared to walk-ins
- Convenient digital check-in options via app or text
- Better planning, as you can avoid peak hours and wait at home or in your car
- Accommodations for larger parties (6+) when you call ahead
- Priority seating over walk-in guests once you’ve checked in
- Flexible adjustments, including canceling or modifying your spot
- Combined with the VIP Club, you enjoy perks like free appetizers, while using the waitlist.
Reviews from Real Customers
Many diners have used the waitlist and shared their thoughts. Some love how easy it is to use, while others had minor complaints. Here’s a small table summarizing real experiences:
Reddit (Columbia, MO)
“I have tried to use the waitlist on the website… they entirely forgot about us… people walking in were being seated shortly after they had arrived.”
2. Reddit (Columbia, MO)
“I’ve joined the waitlist, texted ‘HERE’ once I arrived… still had to wait as several parties get sat ahead of you… only to never get called.”
3. Reddit (Columbia, MO)
“If you use the App/Website, you can join a virtual waitlist that theoretically puts you in front of anyone walking in after you join.”
4. Reddit (Columbia, MO)
“They do open seating at the bar, I’m normally able to walk right in — 5‑10 mins is the most I’ve ever waited.”
5. Facebook (waitlist success)
“We were seated within 10 minutes!! Service was great, food came out quickly and our waitress was very friendly!! Great job Logan’s!”
6. Facebook (TripAdvisor repost)
“We got on the waitlist at 3:07 pm and the text said it would be a 0‑10 minute wait… We proceed to wait for 30 minutes.”
7. Yelp Forum
“They only have the waitlist. If it’s 30 minute wait you need to be there within that 30 minutes and reply back to text to confirm you have arrived.”
8. TripAdvisor
“Call ahead or use the TR app to get on a waitlist. Very easy to do!! Service by Steven … was above and beyond!! Took care of us.”
9. TripAdvisor FAQ
“You cannot call for a ‘reservation’ but you can call before you leave and get put on the list so the wait time is less. Works well.”
10. Trustpilot (negative)
“After being on the waitlist for 50 minutes… When we got there it was going to be 20‑30 more minutes… they would not accommodate a high chair.”
Final Thoughts
While Texas Roadhouse doesn’t offer traditional timed reservations, its online waitlist acts as a flexible, digital alternative. You can join ahead, check in easily, and skip the crowd at the door. Wait times depend on busy periods but using the waitlist still beats showing up blind. For larger parties or special events, calling ahead adds a layer of assurance. Couple it with the VIP Club and you’ll not only skip lines—you’ll enjoy perks, too.