The debate over which steakhouse reigns supreme has been a longstanding one, with two popular chains often at the forefront of the discussion: Texas Roadhouse and Longhorn Steakhouse. Both restaurants have their loyal followings, but which one truly deserves the title of best steakhouse? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of both restaurants, their menus, prices, and overall dining experiences to help you decide.
A Brief History of Texas Roadhouse and Longhorn Steakhouse
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of each restaurant, let’s take a brief look at their histories.
Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse was founded in 1993 by Kent Taylor in Clarksville, Indiana. The restaurant quickly gained popularity for its hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and made-from-scratch sides. Today, Texas Roadhouse has over 600 locations across the United States and abroad.
Longhorn Steakhouse
Longhorn Steakhouse, on the other hand, was founded in 1981 by Brian and George McKerrow Jr. in Atlanta, Georgia. The restaurant was originally called Longhorn Steaks Restaurant & Saloon and was known for its Western-themed decor and steaks. In 2007, Longhorn Steakhouse was acquired by Darden Restaurants, Inc., the same company that owns Olive Garden and other popular chains. Today, Longhorn Steakhouse has over 500 locations across the United States.
Menu Comparison
When it comes to the menu, both Texas Roadhouse and Longhorn Steakhouse offer a variety of steaks, including ribeye, sirloin, and filet mignon. However, there are some key differences in their offerings.
Steak Options
Texas Roadhouse is known for its hand-cut steaks, which are cut in-house every day. They offer a variety of steak options, including:
- Ribeye: a rich, tender cut with a lot of marbling
- Sirloin: a leaner cut with a slightly firmer texture
- Filet Mignon: a tender and lean cut with a buttery texture
Longhorn Steakhouse also offers a variety of steak options, including:
- Renegade Sirloin: a leaner cut with a slightly firmer texture
- Outlaw Ribeye: a rich, tender cut with a lot of marbling
- Flo’s Filet: a tender and lean cut with a buttery texture
Non-Steak Options
In addition to steaks, both restaurants offer a variety of non-steak options, including chicken, pork, and seafood. Texas Roadhouse is known for its fall-off-the-bone ribs, while Longhorn Steakhouse offers a variety of chicken and pork dishes, including their popular Chicken Fried Steak.
Sides and Desserts
Both restaurants offer a variety of sides and desserts, including mashed potatoes, green beans, and cheesecake. However, Texas Roadhouse is known for its made-from-scratch sides, including their popular bucket of peanuts, which are served complimentary with every meal.
Price Comparison
When it comes to price, both Texas Roadhouse and Longhorn Steakhouse offer competitive pricing. However, there are some key differences in their pricing structures.
Steak Prices
Texas Roadhouse is known for its affordable steak prices, with most steaks falling in the $15-$25 range. Longhorn Steakhouse, on the other hand, tends to be slightly more expensive, with most steaks falling in the $20-$35 range.
Non-Steak Prices
In addition to steak prices, both restaurants offer competitive pricing on their non-steak options. Texas Roadhouse tends to be slightly more affordable, with most non-steak options falling in the $10-$20 range. Longhorn Steakhouse, on the other hand, tends to be slightly more expensive, with most non-steak options falling in the $15-$30 range.
Dining Experience
When it comes to the dining experience, both Texas Roadhouse and Longhorn Steakhouse offer a unique and enjoyable atmosphere.
Atmosphere
Texas Roadhouse is known for its rustic, country-themed decor, complete with wooden booths and peanut shells on the floor. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, with a focus on providing excellent customer service.
Longhorn Steakhouse, on the other hand, has a more upscale, Western-themed decor, complete with stone walls and wooden accents. The atmosphere is slightly more formal than Texas Roadhouse, but still relaxed and welcoming.
Service
Both restaurants are known for their excellent customer service, with friendly and attentive servers. However, Texas Roadhouse tends to have a more energetic and lively service style, with servers often singing and dancing along to music.
Conclusion
So, which steakhouse is better: Texas Roadhouse or Longhorn Steakhouse? Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference. If you’re looking for a more affordable, rustic dining experience with a focus on hand-cut steaks and made-from-scratch sides, Texas Roadhouse may be the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a more upscale, Western-themed dining experience with a focus on high-quality steaks and excellent customer service, Longhorn Steakhouse may be the better choice.
| Restaurant | Steak Options | Non-Steak Options | Sides and Desserts | Price Range | Atmosphere | Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Roadhouse | Hand-cut steaks, including ribeye, sirloin, and filet mignon | Fall-off-the-bone ribs, chicken, pork, and seafood | Made-from-scratch sides, including mashed potatoes and green beans | $15-$25 (steaks), $10-$20 (non-steaks) | Rustic, country-themed decor | Energetic and lively service style |
| Longhorn Steakhouse | High-quality steaks, including ribeye, sirloin, and filet mignon | Chicken, pork, and seafood, including Chicken Fried Steak | Upscale sides and desserts, including cheesecake | $20-$35 (steaks), $15-$30 (non-steaks) | Upscale, Western-themed decor | Excellent customer service, slightly more formal |
In conclusion, both Texas Roadhouse and Longhorn Steakhouse offer a unique and enjoyable dining experience, with high-quality steaks and excellent customer service. While Texas Roadhouse may be the better choice for those looking for a more affordable, rustic dining experience, Longhorn Steakhouse may be the better choice for those looking for a more upscale, Western-themed dining experience.
What is the main difference between Texas Roadhouse and Longhorn Steakhouse?
The main difference between Texas Roadhouse and Longhorn Steakhouse lies in their atmosphere and service style. Texas Roadhouse is known for its lively, rustic atmosphere and exceptional customer service, often featuring line dancing and a bucket of peanuts on every table. On the other hand, Longhorn Steakhouse has a more subdued, Western-themed atmosphere and focuses on providing a more relaxed dining experience.
In terms of food, both restaurants offer high-quality steaks, but Texas Roadhouse is famous for its hand-cut steaks and made-from-scratch sides, while Longhorn Steakhouse is known for its signature steak seasoning and extensive menu options. Overall, the choice between the two restaurants depends on the type of dining experience you prefer.
Which steakhouse has a wider variety of menu options?
Longhorn Steakhouse has a wider variety of menu options compared to Texas Roadhouse. Longhorn Steakhouse offers a range of steaks, including ribeye, sirloin, and filet mignon, as well as non-steak options like chicken, fish, and pork chops. They also have a variety of appetizers, salads, and desserts to choose from. In addition, Longhorn Steakhouse often features seasonal menu items and promotions, which can add to the variety of options available.
In contrast, Texas Roadhouse has a more limited menu, but it is known for its high-quality steaks and made-from-scratch sides. Texas Roadhouse also offers non-steak options like chicken and pork chops, but the selection is not as extensive as Longhorn Steakhouse. However, Texas Roadhouse is famous for its unlimited bread and peanuts, which can be a major draw for some customers.
Which steakhouse is more budget-friendly?
Texas Roadhouse is generally more budget-friendly than Longhorn Steakhouse. Texas Roadhouse is known for its affordable prices, with most steaks falling in the $15-$25 range. They also offer a variety of combo meals and specials that can help customers save money. Additionally, Texas Roadhouse offers unlimited bread and peanuts, which can be a great value for customers who enjoy these items.
In contrast, Longhorn Steakhouse tends to be pricier, with most steaks falling in the $20-$35 range. However, Longhorn Steakhouse often offers promotions and discounts, especially for loyalty program members. Overall, while both restaurants offer high-quality steaks, Texas Roadhouse is generally the more budget-friendly option.
Which steakhouse has better customer service?
Texas Roadhouse is known for its exceptional customer service. The restaurant is famous for its friendly, attentive servers and hosts, who often go above and beyond to ensure that customers have a great dining experience. Texas Roadhouse also has a reputation for being very accommodating to special requests and dietary needs.
In contrast, Longhorn Steakhouse also has good customer service, but it is not quite as exceptional as Texas Roadhouse. Longhorn Steakhouse servers are generally friendly and attentive, but the service can be slower and less personalized than at Texas Roadhouse. However, Longhorn Steakhouse is still a great option for customers who value good service and a relaxed dining atmosphere.
Which steakhouse has a more extensive wine list?
Longhorn Steakhouse has a more extensive wine list than Texas Roadhouse. Longhorn Steakhouse offers a wide selection of wines from around the world, including red, white, and sparkling options. They also have a variety of wine flights and wine pairings available, which can be a great option for customers who want to try different wines with their meal.
In contrast, Texas Roadhouse has a more limited wine list, but it still offers a variety of options to pair with their steaks. Texas Roadhouse is more known for its beer selection, which includes a variety of domestic and craft options. However, for customers who prefer wine, Longhorn Steakhouse is generally the better option.
Which steakhouse is more family-friendly?
Texas Roadhouse is generally more family-friendly than Longhorn Steakhouse. Texas Roadhouse has a lively, rustic atmosphere that is well-suited to families with kids. They also offer a variety of kid-friendly menu options, including burgers, chicken tenders, and mac and cheese. Additionally, Texas Roadhouse often features line dancing and other family-friendly activities, which can be a lot of fun for kids.
In contrast, Longhorn Steakhouse has a more subdued atmosphere that may not be as appealing to families with young kids. However, Longhorn Steakhouse still offers a variety of kid-friendly menu options and can be a great option for families with older kids who are looking for a more relaxed dining experience.
Which steakhouse is more convenient for takeout and delivery?
Both Texas Roadhouse and Longhorn Steakhouse offer takeout and delivery options, but Texas Roadhouse is generally more convenient. Texas Roadhouse has a user-friendly online ordering system and offers curbside pickup for takeout orders. They also partner with a variety of delivery services, including DoorDash and UberEats, to make it easy for customers to get their favorite steaks delivered to their doorstep.
In contrast, Longhorn Steakhouse also offers takeout and delivery options, but the process can be a bit more complicated. Longhorn Steakhouse has an online ordering system, but it is not as user-friendly as Texas Roadhouse. They also partner with delivery services, but the options may be more limited depending on the location. Overall, Texas Roadhouse is generally the more convenient option for takeout and delivery.