You generally can’t make a traditional reservation at Texas Roadhouse , but you can use their call‑ahead / online waitlist system to cut your wait time at most locations.

Can You Make a Reservation at Texas Roadhouse?

Texas Roadhouse is famously busy, especially on weekends and evenings, and most locations do not offer standard, guaranteed-time reservations like fine‑dining restaurants.

Instead, they use:

  • Call-ahead seating by phone.
  • An online or app-based “Join Waitlist” feature for many locations.

These options put you in line before you arrive, but they usually do not guarantee a specific table or exact seating time.

How Their System Actually Works

1. No classic reservations (in most places)

  • Most Texas Roadhouse locations operate first‑come, first‑served.
  • Guides about the chain explicitly state there are no traditional reservations , just waitlists and call‑ahead seating.
  • Some locations may have exceptions for special cases or VIP programs, but that’s not the norm chain‑wide.

2. Call-ahead seating by phone

You can usually call the specific restaurant 30–60 minutes before you plan to arrive and ask to be added to their call-ahead list.

Typical steps:

  1. Call your local Texas Roadhouse.
  2. Ask to use call-ahead seating or be put on the waitlist.
  3. Give your name, party size, and approximate arrival time.
  1. They add you to the list, so when you show up, you’re ahead of walk‑ins who arrived after you called.

Important nuance:
Being on the list reduces your wait but doesn’t guarantee you sit down instantly when you walk in.

3. “Join Waitlist” on the website or app

Many locations support an online waitlist system:

  • Go to the official Texas Roadhouse site or app.
  • Choose Waitlist / Join Waitlist.
  • Enter your ZIP code or allow location to find your nearest restaurant.
  • Select the location, then enter:
    • Name
    • Phone/email
    • Party size (often capped at 6 online)
* Extras like highchair or accessibility needs if available.
  • Submit and you’ll see an estimated wait time , plus possible text updates.

Again, this is a waitlist , not a reservation with a fixed time, but it can dramatically shorten how long you stand inside the lobby.

What About Large Groups?

Handling big parties is a bit different:

  • Online waitlists often limit parties to around six people ; bigger groups have to call the restaurant directly.
  • Some locations use an internal schedule-style system for 7+ guests , where they plan to have tables ready near your requested time, but they still may not “hold” a table in the strict reservation sense.
  • Hosts often stress that everyone must be present before seating large parties to avoid backing up the line for others.

So for birthdays, team dinners, or family gatherings, calling ahead and speaking to a host is usually the best move.

When Should You Use Call-Ahead vs Just Walk In?

Use call-ahead / online waitlist when:

  • It’s a peak time (Friday night, weekend dinner, holidays).
  • You’re driving from a bit away and want to avoid a 45–90 minute lobby wait.
  • You have kids, elderly guests, or a tight schedule.

Walk in if:

  • It’s a slower time (weekday lunch or early afternoon).
  • Your plans are flexible and you don’t mind waiting.

Many guides recommend joining the waitlist 30–60 minutes before leaving home on busy days so your arrival lines up with the estimate.

Quick FAQ

  • Can you make a reservation at Texas Roadhouse?
    • In most cases, no traditional reservation with a fixed time, but yes to call-ahead / waitlist systems that put you in line early.
  • Is the website “Join Waitlist” the same as a reservation?
    • No, it gives you a spot in the queue , not a guaranteed seating time.
  • Do all locations offer online waitlists?
    • Many do, but not all; the option appears only if that location supports it.
  • Can big groups reserve?
    • Some locations will pre‑plan for large parties if you call ahead, but tables are still subject to availability and full party arrival.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.