Why Is the Texas Roadhouse Steak Complaint Trending? Filet vs. Sirloin and How to Tell
Updated October 26, 2026
Quick answer: "Texas Roadhouse steak complaint" is trending because an Illinois diner, Kenneth Card, says the Texas Roadhouse in Forsyth, Illinois served him an 8-oz. sirloin (about $19.49) instead of the 8-oz. Dallas Filet (about $29.99) he ordered, on three separate visits. Texas Roadhouse confirmed one mix-up and says it fixed it on the spot, but says it could not confirm it happened three times.
What happened?
Card says he ate at the Forsyth location about once a week for over a year. In an early-October TikTok, he described ordering the filet and getting a sirloin instead:
- Visit 1: He told the staff he thought he got the wrong steak, and they brought him a filet.
- Visit 2: He says it happened again, but he ate it without complaining.
- Visit 3: He asked for a manager. Staff took the steak back for a "second opinion" and confirmed it was not a filet. He took the replacement to go and posted his video that night.
Card, who previously worked in hotel and restaurant kitchens cutting steaks, says he can tell the cuts apart by texture: the filet "melts in your mouth," while the sirloin is chewier. His video passed 30,000 views, and the story was picked up by Fox News, People, Parade and others over the weekend.
What Texas Roadhouse says
A company spokesperson said the chain looked into the claims. It confirmed that one mix-up happened and that management corrected it by serving a filet, but said it has not been able to confirm that it happened on three occasions. The company added that staff double-check plates for quality and accuracy as they leave the kitchen, and it asked guests to tell their server right away if they think they got the wrong steak or were charged incorrectly.
Bottom line: one mistake is confirmed. The claim that it happened three times comes from Card and has not been independently verified.
Why is everyone talking about it?
- The price gap is real. At that location, the filet costs about $10.50 more than the sirloin of the same weight. That is a 54% markup for a cut many diners can't identify.
- "Would I even notice?" Many commenters admitted they would not know the difference, which turned a single complaint into a nationwide question.
- Restaurant prices are a sore spot. With menu prices up, people are paying closer attention to whether they get what they pay for.
Filet mignon vs. sirloin: how to tell the difference
Both cuts are fairly lean, which is why they can be confused once they are cooked and sauced. Here is what to look for.
| Filet mignon (tenderloin) | Top sirloin | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it comes from | The tenderloin, a muscle along the spine that does very little work | The rear of the animal, behind the ribs, a muscle that works harder |
| Shape | Small, round and thick, often 1.5 to 2 inches tall, like a "puck" | Flatter and wider, usually about an inch thick, more irregular in shape |
| Grain | Very fine, hard to see | Visible, coarser muscle fibers |
| Texture | Very soft; a steak knife glides through it | Firmer, with more chew |
| Flavor | Mild and buttery | Beefier and stronger |
| Price at Texas Roadhouse (Forsyth, IL, 8 oz.) | About $29.99 (Dallas Filet) | About $19.49 |
Quick checks at the table
- Look at the height. A filet is usually noticeably thicker than it is wide at the edges. A thin, wide steak is more likely a sirloin.
- Cut into the middle. Look at the cut surface. Clearly visible lines of muscle fiber suggest sirloin; a smooth, almost uniform surface suggests filet.
- Feel the resistance. If you have to saw through it, it is probably not a filet.
- Taste. Filet is tender but mild. If it tastes strongly beefy and you have to chew more, ask.
None of these checks is foolproof, especially if the steak is overcooked, so if something seems off, the simplest move is to ask your server before you eat most of it.
What to do if you think you got the wrong steak
- Speak up right away, before eating much of it. Texas Roadhouse itself asks guests to tell their server at the time.
- Ask politely for a check: "Could you confirm this is the filet?" Most kitchens can tell instantly.
- Check your receipt to make sure you were charged for what you actually received.
- Keep it fair. Mix-ups happen in busy kitchens. Repeated problems at one location are worth reporting to the company, not just to social media.
FAQ
Did Texas Roadhouse admit to swapping steaks?
It confirmed one mix-up at the Forsyth, Illinois, location and said management corrected it. It said it could not confirm three incidents.
Is this happening at every Texas Roadhouse?
There is no evidence of that. The complaint is about a single location. Some commenters shared similar stories, but those are unverified.
Is sirloin a bad steak?
Not at all. Top sirloin is a popular, flavorful cut and a good value. The issue is only about being served a cheaper cut than the one you ordered.
What is a "Dallas Filet"?
It is Texas Roadhouse's menu name for its filet mignon, cut from the tenderloin.
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Sources
- Fox News: Man says Texas Roadhouse served him $20 steak instead of pricier filet multiple times
- People (via AOL): Texas Roadhouse Responds to Customer's Viral Claims
- Parade: Texas Roadhouse Customer Says He Was Served a $20 Steak Instead of the $30 Filet
- Chicago Steak Company: Filet Mignon vs Top Sirloin
The image above is an AI-generated illustration and does not show the actual meal. Menu prices are from the Forsyth, Illinois, location as reported and may vary by location.
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