Longhorn vs Outback
While this chain had the steak with the smallest filet, it was the best-tasting of the three. The 22-ounce Melbourne Porterhouse was the thickest and had the tastiest rendered fat at the edges. The well-rested steak was not swimming in any juices. And while it wasn’t the best looking of the three, with a grayish tinge, each bit was juicy, meaty perfection, whether from the filet side or the NY strip side.
I Tried the Most Expensive Steak at Three Most Popular Steakhouses—and There Was One Clear Winner
It’s Saturday night, you and your favorite person want to go out and get an over-the-top steak dinner, but you don’t want to pay over $100 per person to get it. Enter one of the value steak chains. Outback, Texas Roadhouse, and LongHorn are the three most popular steakhouses in the country. At each, you can get a steak dinner for a fraction of the price of the high-end steakhouses. Sure, you sacrifice some ambiance and high-end flourishes, but you will still be able to pay your mortgage at the end of the month.
If you’re looking for the best experience and cost is a factor, which one should you go to? I decided to try a steak dinner at the top three bargain steakhouses and order the most expensive steak on each menu. If you want the best-tasting steak for the best price, here’s where you should go.
All about the porterhouse
The process of comparing the steakhouse chains became easier when I realized all of them have this popular steak on the menu: a 22- to 23-ounce porterhouse. The porterhouse is half NY strip and half filet mignon—a sharable cut in many high-end steakhouses. It varied slightly in price across the chains, with LongHorn’s being the cheapest and Outback’s being the most expensive. However, they all landed between $30.99 and $36.99.
Each steak included a salad and a side—which could be “upgraded.” All three salads were nearly identical: classic iceberg and mixed greens, veggies, and crunchy croutons. They had no problem splitting them for us.
In comparison, this cut of meat at Ruth’s Chris, which is 40 ounces, is about $115, and that’s without the sides. Though the chain does have a T-bone for $65. The difference between a porterhouse and a T-bone is the size of the filet, which needs to be at least 1.25 inches thick from the bone to the widest point on the filet. But, however you slice it, the bargain chains are a massive price break.
LongHorn Steakhouse
LongHorn had a lot going for it in terms of ambiance. The restaurant itself was well laid out and had nice decor. It was a lot less cowboy-themed than Texas Roadhouse and lacked the Aussie influence of Outback, making it seem less chain-like and kitschy—if that’s something that bothers you.
The server didn’t try to upsell us on every little thing, which you’ll see at Texas Roadhouse, and she was very thoughtful and left the seasoning off my daughter’s fries. She’s probably seen a 4-year-old (or a 30-year-old) freak out about it. But the steak at LongHorn just didn’t compare to Texas Roadhouse or Outback.
LongHorn’s most expensive steak was the 22-ounce porterhouse for $30.99. Since this was our first steak on our taste-testing journey, we didn’t have anything to compare it to but it seemed smaller than advertised. It was also swimming in juices, which made me think it wasn’t cooked right or was cut into at some point, since the juices ran out. No one whips out a scale at a restaurant so who was to really say that the steak was 22 ounces? If it was the right weight, it could have been just a little thin.
Overall, it was our least favorite steak. Even though it wasn’t really overcooked, the NY strip side was a bit dry. We found ourselves fighting over the filet section, which tasted a lot better, and, thankfully, was large.
The sides fell flat for us. The Brussels sprouts were untrimmed and were somehow overly sweet and bitter at the same time. The bread was just okay and wasn’t memorable. My daughter’s fries were fabulous though, hot and crispy with just the right amount of salt.
Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse is the most popular steakhouse in the United States and it is still expanding. If you’ve never been to one of its locations, it can be a shock of a place. It has great qualities and not-so-great qualities. If you’re looking for romance, this isn’t the place, with its blaring country music; but if you’re bringing a few kids along, the extra noise might be appreciated.
The Texas Roadhouse’s porterhouse weighed 23 ounces and costs $33.99. It was a nice-looking steak, with perfect grill marks. This is a good thing since Texas Roadhouse will teach you the path to perfect steak “diamonds” on your home-cooked steaks. (You could also choose your own steak from the case out front, which we didn’t do.)
It was probably the best-cooked steak of the three, with a medium rare center all the way through. This can be hard to achieve on the porterhouse because it is a super lean filet and a slightly fattier NY strip. The fat at the edges was minimal and it was rendered out nicely. There wasn’t anything bad about the steak, but it also didn’t wow us.
The rolls with cinnamon-honey butter at Texas Roadhouse are legendary. What’s even nicer is that they serve them to you as soon as you’re seated, so you have something to munch on right away. The baked potato, however, was just so-so. I couldn’t figure out what was wrong with it immediately, and then it hit me: The cheese was sprinkled on top of the cold sour cream so that it didn’t melt. Since the cheese and bacon were a sneaky upsell by the server, I would really want to get my money’s worth out of them. The bacon pile was huge and plentiful, but a bit chewy.
Outback Steakhouse
Created by a couple of businessmen who had never been to Australia, Outback seems to know a thing or two about steak (and sides). Despite being greeted by a five-foot kangaroo, Outback’s Australian theme wasn’t over the top with a few tasteful maps, artwork, and unobtrusive decorations. 6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e
While this chain had the steak with the smallest filet, it was the best-tasting of the three. The 22-ounce Melbourne Porterhouse was the thickest and had the tastiest rendered fat at the edges. The well-rested steak was not swimming in any juices. And while it wasn’t the best looking of the three, with a grayish tinge, each bit was juicy, meaty perfection, whether from the filet side or the NY strip side.
The baked potato and Brussels sprouts really put this meal over to the top. The salty, crispy-skinned potato has perfectly melted cheese. As a premium upgrade, the Brussels sprouts delivered in presentation as well as flavor. They are also served in little mini cast-iron pans, like some higher-end restaurants.
Overall, all of the chains delivered a quality steak dinner for a low price, but Outback edged out the competitors with a better-tasting steak and top-notch sides. So while it might not be your first pick for a nice steak dinner, it’s definitely worth a try!
Longhorn vs Outback
Are you having a hard time picking between Outback and LongHorn Steakhouse? Which restaurant serves a wider selection of steaks between the two? This essay will contrast these two well-known steakhouse businesses so that you can choose which one to go to next.
LongHorn Steakhouse is renowned for serving exceptional steaks at affordable pricing. 14 oz.
According to Mashed, delmonico is one of the best steaks you can get anywhere in the globe.
The steak is meticulously trimmed by LongHorn Steakhouse, then seasoned with a special blend before being properly grilled.
Salads, hamburgers, and seafood meals are just a few of the various menu items that the restaurant serves.
LongHorn Steakhouse is a terrific option if you want a casual eating experience with excellent food.
On the other side, Outback Steakhouse is renowned for its Australian-themed furnishings and food offerings.
The Outback Special and the Victoria’s Filet Mignon are just two of the restaurant’s many steak offerings.
A wide range of additional menu items are also available at Outback Steakhouse, such as appetizers, salads, and seafood meals.
Outback Steakhouse is a terrific option if you’re searching for a pleasant eating experience with a distinctive environment.
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Overview of Longhorn and Outback
Longhorn Steakhouse and Outback Steakhouse are two of the most well-liked steakhouse businesses in the country when it comes to casual dining.
Although the menus for the two restaurants’ grilled steaks, seafood, and other American delicacies are comparable, there are some significant variances between them.
Longhorn Steakhouse
A network of casual dining restaurants called Longhorn Steakhouse was established in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1981.
There are currently more than 500 Longhorn Steakhouse establishments around the US.
The chain is renowned for its Western-inspired interior design, which features wooden paneling, leather seats, and cowboy hats hanging on the walls.
The Outlaw Ribeye and the Flo’s Filet are two iconic grilled steaks on the menu at Longhorn Steakhouse.
The restaurant chain also serves fish, poultry, and salads in addition to steak.
The bread at Longhorn Steakhouse is renowned as well; it is freshly baked every day and offered with honey butter.
Outback Steakhouse
Another well-known chain of casual dining restaurants, Outback Steakhouse, was established in 1988 in Tampa, Florida.
There are more than 1,000 Outback Steakhouse outlets in the United States and other nations worldwide.
The chain is renowned for its Australian-inspired interior design, which has didgeridoos and boomerangs on the walls.
The Outback Special and the Victoria’s Filet are two of the many grilled steaks on the menu at Outback Steakhouse.
The restaurant chain also serves fish, chicken, and pasta meals in addition to steak.
The Bloomin’ Onion, a deep-fried onion appetizer that comes with a hot dipping sauce, is another specialty of Outback Steakhouse.
Overall, the menus and dining experiences at Longhorn Steakhouse and Outback Steakhouse are comparable.
Different guests might be drawn to the restaurants based on their distinctive decor and menu items, though.
Menu Comparison
Both LongHorn Steakhouse and Outback Steakhouse provide a large selection of menu choices that may accommodate a wide range of tastes and preferences.
Here is a list of some of the most significant parallels and divergences between the two eateries:
Steak Selection
Filet, ribeye, sirloin, and New York strip are among the kinds of meat that both LongHorn and Outback are renowned for serving.
However, LongHorn also has a few distinctive alternatives that are unavailable at Outback, including the Flo’s Filet and the Outlaw Ribeye.
Appetizers
Outback offers a wider variety of appetizers, including their well-known Bloomin’ Onion, which is a favorite among diners.
Although the range of appetizers at LongHorn is somewhat constrained, they do have some delectable choices, like the Wild West Shrimp and the Firecracker Chicken Wraps.
Sides
Both eateries serve traditional sides including mac and cheese, steamed vegetables, and baked potatoes.
The Parmesan Crusted Asparagus and the Loaded Idaho Baked Potato, however, are only a couple of the unusual sides offered by LongHorn.
Desserts
The dessert selection at Outback is more substantial and offers items like the Salted Caramel Cheesecake and Chocolate Thunder from Down Under.
Despite having a smaller selection of desserts, LongHorn still has some delectable choices, such the Molten Lava Cake and the Caramel Apple Goldrush.
Overall, the menus at LongHorn Steakhouse and Outback Steakhouse are both excellent and diverse.
Both restaurants have something to offer, whether you prefer a traditional steak supper or something a little more distinctive.
Price Analysis
LongHorn Steakhouse is the obvious winner in terms of pricing. Compared to Outback Steakhouse, LongHorn has a more economical menu.
At LongHorn, a steak supper will often cost you $15 to $30, whereas at Outback, it will likely cost you $20 to $40.
It’s crucial to remember that costs can change based on your order of a certain steak and your location.
The price of a steak might vary depending on its size and cut at LongHorn and Outback. Steak options range from sirloin to ribeye.
Both LongHorn and Outback have a menu that includes foods outside steak, such as appetizers, salads, and sides.
The sides at LongHorn typically cost $2 to $5 less than those at Outback. The cost of the sides at Outback, meanwhile, can range from $3 to $9.
LongHorn might be a great choice if you want a steakhouse experience that is affordable.
Outback might be the better option, though, if you’re ready to spend a bit more for a wider selection of menu options and a more upmarket eating experience.
Overall, the choice between LongHorn and Outback depends on personal desire and money because both restaurants have reasonable prices for their menu items.
Ambiance and Dining Experience
Both LongHorn Steakhouse and Outback Steakhouse provide a relaxed and welcoming ambience for the eating experience. However, there are several distinctions that might influence your choice.
Because of its Australian-themed design, dimmer lighting, and plush booths, Outback Steakhouse exudes a rustic vibe.
Images of Australian fauna and the Outback are displayed on the walls. In the background, the restaurant also plays Australian music, which enhances the mood.
LongHorn Steakhouse, on the other hand, has a more contemporary and streamlined appearance.
Large windows that let in natural light, high ceilings, and dark wood accents can all be seen in the restaurant.
Western landscapes and cowboys are shown in the artwork that hangs on the walls. Though still welcoming and easygoing, the atmosphere is more upmarket overall.
Both restaurants provide a mix of booths and tables for dining. But LongHorn Steakhouse also includes a bar area where you may order a drink and sit at the bar to eat.
Although Outback Steakhouse does not have a bar section, several of its locations do feature outdoor dining.
Both restaurants provide a pleasant dining experience with professional service. In contrast to LongHorn Steakhouse, several diners claim that Outback Steakhouse has greater wait times.
In addition, while Outback Steakhouse charges for its bread, LongHorn Steakhouse offers a gratis bread basket with honey butter.
Overall, LongHorn Steakhouse and Outback Steakhouse both provide a cozy and welcoming setting with warm service.
Personal taste for the interior design and seating arrangements may determine which of the two is preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between LongHorn Steakhouse and Outback Steakhouse?
Both LongHorn Steakhouse and Outback Steakhouse are casual dining restaurants that serve steak and other American dishes. However, there are some differences between the two.
Outback Steakhouse has an Australian theme and offers some unique dishes such as Bloomin’ Onion and Alice Springs Chicken. LongHorn Steakhouse, on the other hand, has a more traditional steakhouse feel and offers a wider variety of steak cuts.
Which one is better for families?
Both LongHorn Steakhouse and Outback Steakhouse are family-friendly restaurants with a casual atmosphere. However, Outback Steakhouse may be a better choice for families with young children because they offer a kids’ menu and crayons for coloring.
Which one has better prices?
The prices at LongHorn Steakhouse and Outback Steakhouse are similar, but they may vary depending on the location. Both restaurants offer daily specials and coupons, so it’s worth checking their websites or signing up for their email newsletters to save money.
Which one has better quality food?
The quality of the food at LongHorn Steakhouse and Outback Steakhouse is generally good, but it may vary depending on the location and the dish you order. Both restaurants use fresh ingredients and cook their steaks to order. However, some customers may prefer the seasoning and flavor of one restaurant over the other.
Which one has better service?
The service at LongHorn Steakhouse and Outback Steakhouse is generally good, but it may vary depending on the location and the time of day. Both restaurants train their servers to be friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. However, some customers may prefer the service at one restaurant over the other.
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