NYC Man Takes On a Massive 40-Ounce Steak at Texas Roadhouse. Then People Say It Doesn’t Look Real
Unbothered.
A New York City man just turned a Texas Roadhouse steak into the internet’s latest food debate, and it’s all thanks to a 40-ounce cut that some viewers swear looks fake. Content creator Austin, known online as @liftwithaustn, posted a TikTok video of himself tackling the massive steak with his bare hands, and the clip has since racked up over 2 million views. The reactions? A mix of awe, skepticism, and straight-up disbelief.
Austin’s video shows him lifting the steak with both hands, taking big bites without utensils, and thoroughly enjoying his meal. His caption sums it up perfectly: “i ordered a 40oz steak from texas roadhouse. took me a little bit to finish it but it was SOOO delicious!!” The on-screen text simply reads “ordering a 40oz steak from texas roadhouse,” but the real story is in the comments.
Viewers flooded the video with jokes about the steak’s authenticity, comparing it to “a science lab” or “3D printed” meat. One commenter even quipped, “Thats one of them pre frozen with the lines printed in them steaks,” while another said, “Next week’s lesson: How to use a knife and fork!”
The skepticism isn’t entirely surprising
Texas Roadhouse is famous for its hearty portions, but a 40-ounce steak is next-level, even for the chain. The video’s viral success highlights how food challenges and oversized portions have become a staple of social media entertainment. Mukbang videos, where creators showcase massive meals, have exploded in popularity.
Austin’s fitness-focused audience adds another layer to the spectacle. His followers know him for workout content and high-protein eating, so seeing him devour a steak this size feels like a natural extension of his brand. It’s indulgent, but it’s also performance art – food as entertainment, served with a side of internet drama.
Some viewers were genuinely impressed, praising the steak’s size and Austin’s enthusiasm. Others, though, couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. “That’s the most artificial looking steak I’ve ever seen,” one user wrote, while another joked, “I think I’m gonna have to start eating steak with my hands. According to these comments, it’ll piss off more than half of the restaurant customers, and that’s absolutely hilarious.”
Austin’s response to the skepticism? He’s clearly unbothered. In another video, he is seen eating a burger patty with his hands, and his laid-back attitude suggests he’s used to the internet’s love-hate relationship with food challenges.
Texas Roadhouse is no stranger to viral moments
The chain has built a reputation for its casual, fun atmosphere and generous portions, and it’s become a favorite subject for food content creators. Whether it’s the legendary rolls, the massive margaritas, or the steaks that seem too big to be real, the restaurant chain knows how to play into the spectacle. And with 20 new locations opening this year, including a brand-new 8,000-square-foot spot in Bastrop, Texas, it’s clear the chain is doubling down on its growth.
According to The Sun, the Bastrop location, which reportedly cost $2 million to build, hosted a soft opening recently, and early reviews are glowing. Bastrop Chiropractic posted on Facebook that the food was “delicious,” the staff “welcoming,” and the atmosphere “fantastic.” The new location is part of a larger push from Texas Roadhouse’s parent company, which also oversees sister brands like Bubba’s 33 and Jaggers.
Mayor Pro Tem John Kirkland emphasized the impact, saying, “For the city of Bastrop, it’s more than restaurants and rooftops. It also means new jobs. It means tax revenue. It’ll help fund our parks, our streets and our city services, and it meets a future where Bastrop families don’t have to leave town to eat out, run errands or enjoy a night out with friends. So today we celebrate progress.”
Austin’s video is the latest example of how social media has turned dining into performance
The comments about the steak looking “3D printed” or “pre-frozen” might seem nitpicky, but they’re part of a larger trend. People love to debate the authenticity of food, especially when it’s presented in an extreme way. Is the steak real? Does it taste good? Does it even matter if the video is entertaining? For Austin, the answer is clear. He enjoyed the steak, he shared the experience, and now he’s part of the internet’s never-ending conversation about food.
For Texas Roadhouse, the viral moment is free publicity. The chain has always embraced its reputation for big portions and a fun atmosphere, and videos like Austin’s only reinforce that image. Whether you’re a skeptic or a fan, there’s no denying that the 40-ounce steak has become a symbol of how food, fitness, and social media collide.
(Featured images: Austin Miller @liftwithaustn on TikTok)
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