We all love to enjoy a wholesome dinner at our favorite chain restaurant from time to time, whether it's buttery garlic shrimp at Red Lobster or a tried and true pancake stack from IHOP. But there's just something so special about Texas Roadhouse. Despite the enticing meals offered at other restaurants across the country, Texas Roadhouse rises above the rest for these 10 reasons:

1. The down-south country vibe

I'm a Midwest girl with an eye for the west coast, but that doesn't mean that I don't enjoy southern vibes every now and then. I love sweet tea, obnoxiously loud Jason Aldean music, and greasy fried chicken. Don't tell me that those features don't appeal to you, because I know you'd be lying.

2. The Texas Roadhouse birthday routine

I'll admit, the whole "Happy Birthday" copyright issue seems very strange to me, but I think Texas Roadhouse has handled it really well. For every in-house birthday celebration, Texas Roadhouse employees recite a birthday greeting exclusive to the restaurant. And if your mouth isn't full of food when they announce it, you can even chime in by yelling "YEE HAW!" to help celebrate someone else's birthday.

3. Barbecue ribs, fried chicken tenders, and juicy steak, oh my!

Texas Roadhouse is the one exception to my general policy of consuming minimal amounts of meat during meals. I actually crave their baby back ribs and fried chicken tenders, which is quite remarkable considering I'm more of a sweets person than anything. You can find me shamelessly downing half a rack of barbecue ribs at TR in my free time.

4. Free carbs via the famous Texas Roadhouse rolls

Raise your hand if you dislike free bread. Oh that's right—bread is amazing. Even better than free bread is receiving a basket of free buttery rolls from TR (as my husband likes to call it) with every visit, complete with melty cinnamon butter.

5. Everyone is friendly, welcoming, and non-judgmental

Texas Roadhouse is the one place where I always feel safe while enjoying what is perhaps the most tasty food on the planet. There's just something so comforting about the friendly staff and workers. I'm never judged for my eating habits or my repeated requests for more ranch dressing. Texas Roadhouse is like your home away from home at dinnertime, and that's why it is my unofficial favorite restaurant of 2018.