When it comes to casual dining and indulging in a hearty steak, two restaurant chains are often at the forefront of many diners’ minds: LongHorn Steakhouse and Texas Roadhouse. Each offers a unique take on American steakhouse cuisine, with its own charm, offerings, and atmosphere. But which one is truly better?
Are the experiences similar, or do they stand apart in more ways than one? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore all the aspects of LongHorn Steakhouse vs Texas Roadhouse. From their histories to the ambiance, menu choices, pricing, and service quality, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Whether you’re a steak enthusiast looking for your next great meal or someone wondering where to take the family for a special occasion, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive deep into the key aspects of each steakhouse and see how they compare.
History and Background
LongHorn Steakhouse
LongHorn Steakhouse was founded in 1981 by George McKerrow, Jr. in Atlanta, Georgia. It started as a small, western-themed restaurant with a focus on high-quality steaks and a casual dining experience. The restaurant’s mission has always been to provide guests with a genuine Western experience, offering food that is cooked to perfection and served in an inviting atmosphere.
Over the years, LongHorn Steakhouse grew in popularity and expanded its locations across the United States. Today, the chain operates over 500 restaurants, offering a wide range of steak options, seafood, and other American dishes. Known for its Outlaw Ribeye and Flo’s Filet, LongHorn has carved out a reputation for delivering exceptional meals with an emphasis on quality and taste.
Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse, on the other hand, was founded in 1993 in Clarksville, Indiana, by Kent Taylor. It was a concept designed to provide a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with a Texas-inspired dining experience. The restaurant aimed to offer more than just great steaks; it wanted to bring the lively, friendly, and down-to-earth spirit of Texas to every guest.
Texas Roadhouse quickly gained popularity due to its combination of generous portions, affordable pricing, and vibrant atmosphere. The chain grew rapidly, and now, Texas Roadhouse has over 600 locations across the United States. Texas Roadhouse is especially known for its fresh-baked bread with cinnamon butter, as well as its fall-off-the-bone ribs and Fort Worth Ribeye.
Atmosphere and Ambiance
LongHorn Steakhouse
LongHorn Steakhouse creates a warm and rustic ambiance. Its decor features rich wooden accents, leather seating, and stone walls, which help transport diners to a Western ranch-style setting. The restaurant is cozy and refined, ideal for a more relaxed and quiet dining experience. Whether you’re enjoying a meal with family, friends, or on a date, LongHorn’s atmosphere fosters a more intimate and laid-back vibe.
Guests will notice the large murals depicting wild landscapes and cowboys, which further contribute to the Western theme. It’s a setting that’s perfect for those who prefer a quieter, more relaxed dining experience without loud music or too much activity.
Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse takes a completely different approach to its ambiance. The restaurant is known for its lively, energetic environment that echoes the spirit of Texas. As soon as you walk into a Texas Roadhouse, you’re greeted with the sounds of country music playing and the sight of waitstaff line dancing to the beat. This adds a fun and interactive element to the dining experience.
The decor is filled with cowboy-themed elements, such as rope lighting, barn wood, and wagon wheels. There’s often a large section of the restaurant dedicated to a rowdy atmosphere. For those who enjoy a high-energy dining experience and don’t mind a bit of noise and activity, Texas Roadhouse delivers exactly that.
Menu Offerings
Steak Options
Both LongHorn Steakhouse and Texas Roadhouse are known for their high-quality steaks, but they offer different varieties and cuts to cater to their respective customer bases.
LongHorn Steakhouse
- Outlaw Ribeye: A 20-ounce bone-in ribeye steak with excellent marbling, seasoned with LongHorn’s special blend of spices, and grilled to perfection.
- Flo’s Filet: A tender and buttery 6-ounce center-cut filet mignon, one of LongHorn’s most popular options.
- Renegade Sirloin: A 6 or 8-ounce sirloin, known for its bold flavors and lean profile. Perfect for those who want a flavorful steak without excessive fat.
LongHorn also offers other steak cuts, including a New York Strip, Filet Mignon, and Porterhouse. The chain prides itself on using only the finest quality cuts, ensuring that every steak is tender and flavorful.
Texas Roadhouse
- Fort Worth Ribeye: A hand-cut 12, 14, or 16-ounce ribeye steak, grilled to perfection with a seasoned rub that gives it a robust flavor.
- Dallas Filet: A 6 or 8-ounce filet mignon, tender and buttery, and often described as the most tender cut on the menu.
- Bone-In Ribeye: A 20-ounce ribeye with a bone left in to ensure maximum flavor and juiciness.
Texas Roadhouse also features other cuts such as Sirloin, T-Bone, and Prime Rib. Their steaks are hand-cut daily and charbroiled over an open flame to bring out the rich, smoky flavors.
Non-Steak Options
LongHorn Steakhouse
LongHorn doesn’t just offer steak; they also have a variety of other options for non-steak lovers:
- Grilled White Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms: A delightful appetizer that combines savory mushrooms with creamy white cheddar.
- Parmesan-Crusted Chicken: A delicious chicken dish with a crispy Parmesan coating.
- Fire-Grilled Salmon: A healthy alternative for seafood lovers, grilled and served with fresh vegetables.
Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse offers several delicious non-steak options as well, including:
- Chicken Critters: Hand-breaded chicken tenders that are fried to a crispy golden brown.
- Grilled BBQ Chicken: A marinated chicken breast grilled with tangy BBQ sauce for a sweet and savory flavor.
- Rattlesnake Bites: A spicy appetizer made with jalapeños stuffed with cheese, breaded, and deep-fried.
Sides and Desserts
Both restaurants offer a wide range of sides and desserts that complement their main meals.
LongHorn Steakhouse
- Sides: Baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, wild rice pilaf, steamed broccoli, and seasoned fries.
- Desserts: LongHorn’s Chocolate Stampede is a must-try, a rich and decadent chocolate cake served with a generous amount of mousse and chocolate sauce.
Texas Roadhouse
- Sides: Loaded baked potatoes, steak fries, sweet potato fries, green beans, and fresh vegetables.
- Desserts: Texas Roadhouse’s signature dessert is the Big Ol’ Brownie, a warm, gooey brownie topped with ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce.
Pricing and Value
LongHorn Steakhouse
LongHorn is known for its mid-range pricing. While it’s not the cheapest steakhouse, it offers good value for the quality of food served. On average, you can expect to spend between $20-$30 per person, with steak entrees ranging from $15 to $40, depending on the cut and size. For a more premium experience, the Outlaw Ribeye or the Flo’s Filet will be on the higher end of the price spectrum.
Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse is often regarded as the more affordable option. While the quality of steaks is comparable to LongHorn, Texas Roadhouse’s prices are typically lower. Steak entrees range from $12 to $30, with several combos and budget-friendly meals, making it an ideal choice for families and those looking for an affordable dining experience without sacrificing flavor.
Service Quality
Both LongHorn and Texas Roadhouse are known for providing excellent customer service, but their approaches are distinct.
LongHorn Steakhouse
The service at LongHorn Steakhouse is professional, polite, and attentive. The waitstaff is trained to offer a more relaxed and refined dining experience, aligning with the overall vibe of the restaurant. If you’re looking for a peaceful, no-hassle meal, LongHorn is the better choice in this regard.
Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse is all about fun and energy. The service here is incredibly friendly and engaging, with staff often performing line dances, interacting with guests, and making sure everyone is enjoying themselves. If you like a more vibrant and energetic atmosphere with servers who go the extra mile to make your dining experience memorable, Texas Roadhouse delivers on that front.
Locations and Accessibility
LongHorn Steakhouse
With over 500 locations across the U.S., LongHorn Steakhouse is widely accessible, especially in suburban and urban areas. It has a strong presence in areas where traditional steakhouse dining is popular, ensuring that people in major cities have easy access to their signature dishes.
Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse operates over 600 locations and has a wider presence in rural areas, making it more accessible to a larger portion of the population. The chain’s presence in smaller cities and towns is a significant advantage for those living outside major metropolitan areas.
Conclusion
So, which steakhouse is better—LongHorn Steakhouse or Texas Roadhouse? Ultimately, it comes down to what you value in a dining experience.
- LongHorn Steakhouse is ideal for those seeking a quiet, refined atmosphere with high-quality steaks and a more traditional dining experience.
- Texas Roadhouse, on the other hand, excels for those looking for a lively, family-friendly environment with generous portions, budget-friendly pricing, and a fun-filled experience.
Both chains provide excellent food and service, but their different vibes, pricing strategies, and menu offerings cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for a special night out or a casual meal with the family, you’re sure to find something that suits your needs at either LongHorn Steakhouse or Texas Roadhouse.
Texas Roadhouse vs LongHorn Steakhouse: Who Sells The Better-Quality Steak?
When it comes to casual dining for steak lovers, two names stand out: Texas Roadhouse and LongHorn Steakhouse. Let’s dive into the various types of steaks offered at each restaurant and determine which steakhouse offers the better quality steak.
New York Strip
Texas Roadhouse New York Strip
Known for its balance of lean meat and fat, the New York Strip at Texas Roadhouse offers a tender, flavorful cut with a bit of marbling. It’s seasoned well and grilled to order, with the restaurant’s signature seasoning creating an additional layer of flavor.
LongHorn Steakhouse New York Strip
LongHorn’s New York Strip focuses more on the natural flavor of the beef. Its seasoning is not overpowering, allowing the steak to shine. It’s more tender than Texas Roadhouse’s version, making it a great choice for those who want a slightly softer bite.
Which is Better?
LongHorn Steakhouse edges out Texas Roadhouse for those seeking a more tender, less seasoned cut.
Ribeye
Texas Roadhouse Ribeye
The Ribeye at Texas Roadhouse is one of their best-sellers, known for its marbling and rich flavor. Grilled over an open flame, it has a smoky flavor that enhances the taste.
LongHorn Steakhouse Ribeye
LongHorn’s Ribeye also boasts great marbling, with a slightly firmer texture and more robust seasoning.
Which is Better?
Texas Roadhouse wins for its smoky flavor and tenderness.
Sirloin
Texas Roadhouse Sirloin
Lean and marinated for flavor, Texas Roadhouse’s Sirloin is firm and hearty, perfect for those who prefer a leaner steak.
LongHorn Steakhouse Sirloin
LongHorn’s Sirloin is tender and well-balanced, with a more subtle seasoning that lets the beef flavor shine.
Which is Better?
LongHorn Steakhouse’s Sirloin is the better choice for those looking for a tender, balanced steak.
Filet
Texas Roadhouse Filet
Texas Roadhouse’s Filet is incredibly tender with a generous seasoning, creating a bold flavor.
LongHorn Steakhouse Filet
LongHorn’s Filet has a more delicate flavor, often paired with complementary sauces like bleu cheese or garlic butter.
Which is Better?
LongHorn Steakhouse wins for its more refined, delicate Filet.
Porterhouse
Both Texas Roadhouse and LongHorn Steakhouse offer excellent Porterhouse steaks, but Texas Roadhouse wins for its smoky flavor thanks to its grilling method.
Prime Rib
Texas Roadhouse’s Prime Rib is slow-cooked for several hours, delivering a rich, tender cut. LongHorn’s version has a more subtle seasoning.
Which is Better?
Texas Roadhouse wins for its slow-roasting technique and robust seasoning.
Overall Quality
Texas Roadhouse excels in its grilling technique, while LongHorn offers a more refined dining experience.
Which is Better?
Texas Roadhouse wins for its bold flavors and grilling method.
Overall Value
Texas Roadhouse offers great value for money with generous portions and affordable pricing.
Which is Better?
Texas Roadhouse wins for overall value.
Final Verdict
After analyzing the key steak cuts, overall quality, and value, Texas Roadhouse tends to come out on top in many categories, particularly in terms of the grilling method, smoky flavors, and pricing. However, LongHorn Steakhouse offers a more refined, upscale dining experience, making it the better choice for those who prefer a quieter, more traditional steakhouse atmosphere.
If you’re looking for an affordable, lively dining experience with generous portions and bold flavors, Texas Roadhouse is the winner. If you’re in the mood for a more refined experience with tender cuts and a more intimate setting, LongHorn Steakhouse is the place to go.
Recommended
If you’re visiting Texas Roadhouse, be sure to try the Ribeye or Prime Rib, as they are fan favorites. Don’t forget to dip the fresh-baked bread in cinnamon butter, as it’s a signature treat of the restaurant!
At LongHorn Steakhouse, the Flo’s Filet and Outlaw Ribeye are popular picks. Pair your steak with a side of seasoned fries and the Chocolate Stampede for dessert to round off your meal.
