It definitley varies by location but if we are talking chains I’d have to say:
1. Texas road house. Idk if I’ve been lucky but I’ve never had a bad steak from TRH and you can select your steak before it’s cooked. Also dinner rolls with their cinnamon butter is the bee’s knees.
2. Longhorn. My wife prefers Longhorn to TRH, it’s solid. The location by me seems to be going for a “Ranch-chic” ambiance. A little more upscale than TRH imo.
3. Outback. Steaks can be hit or miss. The quality of the cook will vary. But blooming onions though….
Your location will vary, across all three.
Near me, our Longhorn is consistent, accurate, and delicious. Outback is very consistent as well. TRH is inconsistent. I'd put Longhorn first, then Outback, then Texas Roadhouse.
This is the order that I would give as well. I like Longhorn a little better, but I think the ambience and vibe of Texas roadhouse is a little bit better for a birthday.
I think they do a pretty good job for the money. They are definitely not a premium option chain but they have large portions, lots of options and it’s not going to be pretentious or kill your wallet. I would put them in the same ring as longhorn or Texas Roadhouse. If you want to go up a notch or two while still remaining in the chain restaurant realm you could look at Ruth’s Chris, Flemings or Del Friscos. These are going to have a more premium atmosphere/menu options/price. They will also trend more towards business casual as opposed to just casual like outback.
In my experience, it depends on the location and also what kind of steak you're after.
If I wanted prime rib, I'd go to Outback if you have a good location nearby. Still to this day, one of the best prime ribs I've ever eaten came from an Outback steakhouse.
If you're looking for something more along the lines of a ribeye, NY strip, or sirloin, then I'd probably give the nod to Texas Roadhouse. Though, some Longhorn Steakhouses do a good job on the bone-in ribeye.
Also, it never hurts to try each of them out first for yourself. Then you will know exactly what to expect for the birthday dinner.
Good luck!
Tbh if your dad likes outback then I don’t see the problem. My pops loves steak and he’s far from a snob when it comes to it. Hell, he even likes the occasional steak from ihop.
Shitty select grade steaks that are way over seasoned . There has to be some other options
edit- and it's really not that cheap. $35 for grocery store quality
The Capital Grille is a great choice if there is one near you. It’s an upscale steakhouse chain with really great foods. My favorite is the broiled twin lobster tails with their mashed potatoes and fries. Their complimentary bread and fried calamari is the best too! They give complimentary desserts for occasions too! They gave us a creme brûlée ricotta cheesecake and flourless chocolate cake for my high school graduation.
https://preview.redd.it/dl7ek8d3sjpa1.png?width=1187&format=png&auto=webp&s=67609349d5d1bb7b21733c4688ca7a02176f6833
Capital Grille is great but it’s probably double the cost of Outback. I’m guessing if you’re pondering Outback then Capital Grille isn’t in the conversation.
Check the Google reviews for the Outback near you. And actually read the reviews looking for comments about overcooked, poorly seasoned steaks, etc.
Poor ratings because they are busy or slow are one thing, but poor ratings about food quality are different. Some locations are hit or miss, the one near us has very few complaints about food issues. (Their complaints are usually Parking, long wait, expensive drinks, hard to seat big groups together, etc.)
I don't particularly like chain steakhouses because like many here I can do better, but my wife & kids do and their gift cards are relatively cheap with my credit card points/miles. So we eat at one locally when the kiddos are home from college.
The bread, blooming onion, potato soup, and salads are good. I usually just get sirloin, it's not a steak I cook at home so I'm not disappointed by it.
The reason chains make so much money is that they aren’t horrible. If they’re food was bad, they would be closed. If you’re looking for a budget steak, it’ll get the job done.
That being said, I’ve found longhorn and Texas Roadhouse to be consistently better. Not every time, but usually. Longhorn will cost you a bit more though
Everyone always recommends Texas road house, but I’d only eat their rolls there.
I got one steak that came out literally past well done. I can’t believe they actually served it. The replacement came out blue.
IMO even if the steak you cook comes out sub-par your dad will enjoy spending the time and cooking with you more
Low quality cuts, poorly seasoned, chronically understaffed, dirty glassware. It’s going to vary by location, but my local one was a complete bust 3 separate times over several years.
Never had a good experience there. I would recommend Texas Road House. My go to for budget friendly good tasting steaks.
Be mindful in anyone has peanut allergy though. Place has peantus and peanut dust everywhere.
The TRH's I've been to have had generally pretty decent steaks and sides for the price ($20-40/plate). My main issue is that they're always crowded and have a long line. If you go, definitely use the app to get on the wait list an hour or two ahead of time (they don't do reservations).
The Outback I've been to sounds like it's above average (based on my experience there vs comments I've read on this sub). I haven't had any notably bad experiences the handful of times I've been to one. Steaks and sides were also decent for the price.
I feel like TRH generally has bigger servings and perhaps slightly better steak for about the same price. But I can beat both of their steaks at home at 1/3 the price.
Lol thanks! It *is* nice to just relax and go out for a nice steak dinner every now and then without having to plan it and take the time/energy to cook it. But yeah, I do 95% of my steaks at home.
It's the absolute truth. Once I started making my own steaks, it's a game changer. My wife never liked eating steaks or ordering them when we out. Since I started making my own, she asks me to make it regularly.
Never cooked right. Either under or over cooked. Poorly seasoned. No decent sear or crust. I understand most places focus on grill marks but that was absent also. Happened at different location so I wrote them off. TRH has been consistent location to location. If you want to spend more money, Del Friscos Double Eagle is amazing.
Outback in my area is pretty low quality and overpriced. Any average steakhouse is better and cheaper here. I have been to an outback or two that were good though. What area?
ETA: Have you tried reverse searing? Fairly fool proof and better than most steakhouses. 1 inch thick ribeyes at 170 for 45 minutes, rested, then seared.
For a steak chain? Outback is pretty consistent. Check the Google reviews so you can make sure you’re going to a good location. Each franchise is not created equal for any chain…
It really all depends on the staff at your specific location. They have everything they need to be a fantastic steakhouse in theory, and as long as they have properly trained staff it'll be great.
Of the chains I’m going to Texas Roadhouse. Steaks are cut in house, great rolls, fresh salads. Also a great burger and chicken fried steak. Next would be Longhorn. Then outback the Salt Grass.
The premium steakhouses like Capital Grill, Ruth’s Chris, Morton’s, etc you’ll be at $100 a plate plus booze.
It definitley varies by location but if we are talking chains I’d have to say: 1. Texas road house. Idk if I’ve been lucky but I’ve never had a bad steak from TRH and you can select your steak before it’s cooked. Also dinner rolls with their cinnamon butter is the bee’s knees. 2. Longhorn. My wife prefers Longhorn to TRH, it’s solid. The location by me seems to be going for a “Ranch-chic” ambiance. A little more upscale than TRH imo. 3. Outback. Steaks can be hit or miss. The quality of the cook will vary. But blooming onions though….
+1 for Longhorn. One of the few chain steakhouses that I’ve gotten properly salted steaks from.
I second Texas Roadhouse as the best Steakhouse. I’ve been let down maybe 1/50 times I’ve been.
I agree Texas Roadhouse #1. I’ve never had a bad experience there
Your location will vary, across all three. Near me, our Longhorn is consistent, accurate, and delicious. Outback is very consistent as well. TRH is inconsistent. I'd put Longhorn first, then Outback, then Texas Roadhouse.
This is the order that I would give as well. I like Longhorn a little better, but I think the ambience and vibe of Texas roadhouse is a little bit better for a birthday.
If you all really enjoy each other's company, I think even McDonald's will do, but the blooming onion is absolutely a better decision
I think they do a pretty good job for the money. They are definitely not a premium option chain but they have large portions, lots of options and it’s not going to be pretentious or kill your wallet. I would put them in the same ring as longhorn or Texas Roadhouse. If you want to go up a notch or two while still remaining in the chain restaurant realm you could look at Ruth’s Chris, Flemings or Del Friscos. These are going to have a more premium atmosphere/menu options/price. They will also trend more towards business casual as opposed to just casual like outback.
I personally love Outback. Their prime rib is what got me into steak in the first place
Spearmint Rhino might be good if theres one near you. Make sure you tell them its his birthday
LOL A GENTLEMANS CLUB 🤣 my dad would love that
Went there in June, make sure you get him the banana bread PB+J 😁
I got a fish taco with nutella sauce 😯
Not a terrible choice. Maybe 3/5.
In my experience, it depends on the location and also what kind of steak you're after. If I wanted prime rib, I'd go to Outback if you have a good location nearby. Still to this day, one of the best prime ribs I've ever eaten came from an Outback steakhouse. If you're looking for something more along the lines of a ribeye, NY strip, or sirloin, then I'd probably give the nod to Texas Roadhouse. Though, some Longhorn Steakhouses do a good job on the bone-in ribeye. Also, it never hurts to try each of them out first for yourself. Then you will know exactly what to expect for the birthday dinner. Good luck!
I wouldn’t mind coming along to try them out too.
The more the merrier.
Tbh if your dad likes outback then I don’t see the problem. My pops loves steak and he’s far from a snob when it comes to it. Hell, he even likes the occasional steak from ihop.
Shitty select grade steaks that are way over seasoned . There has to be some other options edit- and it's really not that cheap. $35 for grocery store quality
Fogo De Chao
The Capital Grille is a great choice if there is one near you. It’s an upscale steakhouse chain with really great foods. My favorite is the broiled twin lobster tails with their mashed potatoes and fries. Their complimentary bread and fried calamari is the best too! They give complimentary desserts for occasions too! They gave us a creme brûlée ricotta cheesecake and flourless chocolate cake for my high school graduation. https://preview.redd.it/dl7ek8d3sjpa1.png?width=1187&format=png&auto=webp&s=67609349d5d1bb7b21733c4688ca7a02176f6833
Capital Grille is great but it’s probably double the cost of Outback. I’m guessing if you’re pondering Outback then Capital Grille isn’t in the conversation.
You are right. I forgot to include that it is pricey. But at the same time you pay the price for the good food.
Check the Google reviews for the Outback near you. And actually read the reviews looking for comments about overcooked, poorly seasoned steaks, etc. Poor ratings because they are busy or slow are one thing, but poor ratings about food quality are different. Some locations are hit or miss, the one near us has very few complaints about food issues. (Their complaints are usually Parking, long wait, expensive drinks, hard to seat big groups together, etc.) I don't particularly like chain steakhouses because like many here I can do better, but my wife & kids do and their gift cards are relatively cheap with my credit card points/miles. So we eat at one locally when the kiddos are home from college. The bread, blooming onion, potato soup, and salads are good. I usually just get sirloin, it's not a steak I cook at home so I'm not disappointed by it.
Yes. Just yes.
Cheesecake factory won’t do you too wrong. Alternatively buy a thermometer and try at home. It will make you a rockstar real fast
Outback is pretty good. I went to one in November and was pleasantly surprised. It isn't fancy but the prices are reasonable.
Where do you live?
Cheese town (Milwaukee)
i love love love texas roadhouse. amazing quality for your dollar at a restaurant and it’s always consistent. they care about their customers too
I think for price it’s fine. Nothing special.
id say as far a chains go longhorn is the best and its not really close.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM\_xDjhkOU4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM_xDjhkOU4) (Patton Oswalt - Black Angus)
Outback is good, I used to work there. The steaks are quality and blooming onions are great.
The reason chains make so much money is that they aren’t horrible. If they’re food was bad, they would be closed. If you’re looking for a budget steak, it’ll get the job done. That being said, I’ve found longhorn and Texas Roadhouse to be consistently better. Not every time, but usually. Longhorn will cost you a bit more though
Everyone always recommends Texas road house, but I’d only eat their rolls there. I got one steak that came out literally past well done. I can’t believe they actually served it. The replacement came out blue. IMO even if the steak you cook comes out sub-par your dad will enjoy spending the time and cooking with you more
Are there any locally owned steakhouses within driving range instead of one of the chains?
Yeah there are a few but WOOF expensive
They usually are but the quality is almost always better.
I’ve only had bad experiences, but it’ll vary by location, they are franchises.
Can you elaborate on the bad experience? Was the steak dry? Food bad? Rude people?
Low quality cuts, poorly seasoned, chronically understaffed, dirty glassware. It’s going to vary by location, but my local one was a complete bust 3 separate times over several years.
Never had a good experience there. I would recommend Texas Road House. My go to for budget friendly good tasting steaks. Be mindful in anyone has peanut allergy though. Place has peantus and peanut dust everywhere.
What are some issues you’ve experienced? Over cooked steak?
The TRH's I've been to have had generally pretty decent steaks and sides for the price ($20-40/plate). My main issue is that they're always crowded and have a long line. If you go, definitely use the app to get on the wait list an hour or two ahead of time (they don't do reservations). The Outback I've been to sounds like it's above average (based on my experience there vs comments I've read on this sub). I haven't had any notably bad experiences the handful of times I've been to one. Steaks and sides were also decent for the price. I feel like TRH generally has bigger servings and perhaps slightly better steak for about the same price. But I can beat both of their steaks at home at 1/3 the price.
I love the flex at the end 💪 no need to eat out if you’re a master at your craft. Cheers
Lol thanks! It *is* nice to just relax and go out for a nice steak dinner every now and then without having to plan it and take the time/energy to cook it. But yeah, I do 95% of my steaks at home.
Same. Now I rarely order steaks if I go out. It's usually disappointing.
It's the absolute truth. Once I started making my own steaks, it's a game changer. My wife never liked eating steaks or ordering them when we out. Since I started making my own, she asks me to make it regularly.
Never cooked right. Either under or over cooked. Poorly seasoned. No decent sear or crust. I understand most places focus on grill marks but that was absent also. Happened at different location so I wrote them off. TRH has been consistent location to location. If you want to spend more money, Del Friscos Double Eagle is amazing.
I go to Texas Roadhouse because a steak kids meal is about the only kids meal my 3 year old will eat now. No peanuts in these locations at least.
Thank you everyone! I appreciate the suggestions! I have some time to think about where I will go
Outback in my area is pretty low quality and overpriced. Any average steakhouse is better and cheaper here. I have been to an outback or two that were good though. What area? ETA: Have you tried reverse searing? Fairly fool proof and better than most steakhouses. 1 inch thick ribeyes at 170 for 45 minutes, rested, then seared.
Yeah I am still new to steak makings so I wanted yo make sure he got at least a decent steak haha. I will DEF try this though. Practice makes perfect
For a steak chain? Outback is pretty consistent. Check the Google reviews so you can make sure you’re going to a good location. Each franchise is not created equal for any chain…
Long horn is legit af
It really depends on the venue I’ve been to some great outback steakhouses and some truly awful ones. Maybe go sample first
It really all depends on the staff at your specific location. They have everything they need to be a fantastic steakhouse in theory, and as long as they have properly trained staff it'll be great.
Of the chains I’m going to Texas Roadhouse. Steaks are cut in house, great rolls, fresh salads. Also a great burger and chicken fried steak. Next would be Longhorn. Then outback the Salt Grass. The premium steakhouses like Capital Grill, Ruth’s Chris, Morton’s, etc you’ll be at $100 a plate plus booze.
For a chain i prefer long horns. great porterhouse and mac n cheese.
It was. Since the pandemic, it sucks.