Planning a steak dinner in Licking County means looking at what's on the table, what it costs, and when you can get a seat. The local spot on West Church Street draws steady crowds for hand-cut steaks, fresh yeast rolls, and loud, high-energy dining rooms. Whether you're heading in after a shift or planning a Saturday night family meal, knowing the layout, pricing, and operating schedule helps you skip the guesswork.
You'll find the Newark location at 1200 W. Church Street, Newark, OH 43055. It sits right along a major commercial stretch, making it easy to access from downtown or nearby communities like Heath and Granville. If you need to call ahead or check on seating before you leave, the direct phone line is (740) 344-1885.
Hours and Operating Schedule
Timing matters because this location draws heavy evening rushes, especially on weekends. Operating hours stay fairly consistent throughout the week, though doors open earlier on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays to accommodate weekend crowds.
- Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday through Thursday: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Keep in mind that early dine windows or peak dinner hours (typically between 5:30 PM and 8:00 PM on weekends) mean wait times can stretch past forty minutes. Checking the online waitlist via the Texas Roadhouse Official Site before you drive over can save you a chunk of time in the lobby.
Menu Highlights and Price Breakdown
Prices fluctuate slightly by region, but the Newark restaurant aligns closely with standard Midwestern pricing. Steaks are cut daily in-house, and entrees come with two made-from-scratch sides alongside unlimited yeast rolls and cinnamon butter.
Hand-Cut Steaks and Ribs
Steaks form the core of the menu, ranging from lean cuts to heavily marbled ribeyes.
- 6 oz. USDA Choice Sirloin: Starting around $14.49, this is the most economical hand-cut option. Larger cuts like the 8 oz, 11 oz, or 16 oz increase incrementally.
- Ft. Worth Ribeye: Ranging from 10 oz to 16 oz, prices start around $24.99 for superior marbling and flavor.
- Dallas Filet: Tender and lean, the 6 oz or 8 oz cuts start at about $23.99.
- Bone-In Ribeye: A massive cut for heavy appetites, usually landing around $31.99 to $34.99.
- Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs: A half slab runs about $19.99, while a full slab costs $25.99. You can also pair ribs with grilled chicken or sirloin combos for $18.99 to $33.49.
Chicken, Burgers, and Country Dinners
If you're skipping red meat, the kitchen turns out heavy portions of poultry and comfort food.
- Chicken Critters: Hand-breaded chicken tenders served with honey mustard or BBQ sauce, priced around $15.49.
- Smothered Chicken: Grilled chicken breast topped with sautéed onions, mushrooms, and jack cheese or gravy for roughly $16.49.
- All-American Cheeseburger: A thick beef patty with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion on a toasted bun for $12.49.
- Country Fried Sirloin: Battered and fried steak covered in cream gravy, priced around $17.49.
Starters and Sides
Before the main course arrives, appetizers set the tone. The Cactus Blossom—a colossal battered and fried onion served with Cajun horseradish sauce—runs about $8.99. Rattlesnake bites (jalapeño and jack cheese bites) and combo appetizers sit between $7.99 and $13.99.
Side options included with entrees or available separately ($3.49 each) feature seasoned rice, steak fries, mashed potatoes, buttered corn, sweet potatoes with cinnamon marshmallows, and house-made chili.
Navigating the Dining Experience
The atmosphere inside the Newark restaurant is loud, lively, and unpretentious. Country music plays overhead, line dancers perform routines in the aisles every hour or so, and staff members project high energy. It's an ideal environment for families, birthday celebrations, or casual group dinners, but it's not the place for a quiet, intimate conversation.
Service moves fast once you're seated. Servers manage large sections efficiently, though kitchen backups on Friday nights can occasionally pace meals slower than normal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Showing up on a Friday night without checking the waitlist: Walking in blind during peak hours can result in a punishing wait. Use digital check-in tools before leaving your house.
- Ignoring Early Dine deals: If you can eat between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM (Monday through Thursday), select entrees drop in price significantly, offering full meals for under $13.00.
- Filling up entirely on rolls: The yeast rolls arrive piping hot with honey cinnamon butter, and it's easy to eat three before your food hits the table. Pace yourself if you want room for your actual steak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Newark location take reservations?
Traditional reservations aren't accepted, but you can join their online waitlist through their official portal before you arrive to cut down on lobby wait times.
Are there gluten-free or vegetarian options available?
Vegetarians can build meals out of side items like the house salad, baked potato, seasoned rice, and green beans. Gluten-friendly options exist, but cross-contamination is possible, so always alert your server to food allergies.
What is the dress code?
There is no formal dress code. Most diners wear casual everyday clothing, ranging from athletic wear to work attire.
Is curbside to-go available?
Yes, you can place orders online or via phone for pickup at designated to-go parking spots right outside the front entrance.
