LongHorn Steakhouse vs Saltgrass: My Honest Review After Dining at Both

When it comes to a satisfying steakhouse dinner that won’t empty your wallet, two names often rise to the top: LongHorn Steakhouse vs Saltgrass Steak House. Of the two, LongHorn Steakhouse clearly stood out during my visits. 

From the moment I walked in, everything from the ambiance to the perfectly cooked steak felt thoughtfully executed. While Saltgrass had its charm and Texas-style flair, the inconsistencies in flavor and service couldn’t match LongHorn’s well-rounded experience. 

The steak at LongHorn was juicy, flavorful, and served with well-prepared sides at a better price. In the end, LongHorn delivered the meal I’d gladly return for.

LongHorn Steakhouse & Saltgrass Brand Background

LongHorn Steakhouse

• Founded 1981 in Atlanta; now ~596 U.S. locations.
• Known for its Western‑inspired décor, signature cuts like Flo’s Filet, Wild West Shrimp & Texas Tonion.
• Owned by Darden Restaurants — same group as Olive Garden, Capital Grille, and Ruth’s Chris .

Saltgrass Steak House

• Born 1991 in Houston; ~82 locations, primarily in southern states.
• Leverages Texas heritage and mesquite grilling; part of Landry’s Inc.

The Meal Setup: Going All In

To make things fair, I ordered a similar meal at each restaurant: their most expensive steak, a side of Brussels sprouts, and a salad. I wanted to see how each chain treated its premium offering and whether the upgrade was worth it.

I didn’t go in with a favorite. But by the end of the second dinner, I knew exactly where I’d be going back.

LongHorn Steakhouse: A Hidden Gem Near the Hotel

My LongHorn visit happened somewhat by accident. I originally planned to order from Saltgrass, but their website crashed, and after being put on hold for 10 minutes, I gave up and drove down the road to LongHorn instead.

That turned out to be a happy accident.

I ordered their 22-ounce porterhouse steak—a beautiful cut of both NY strip and filet—and paired it with a garden salad and chargrilled Brussels sprouts. The total? About $20 less than what the same order would’ve cost me at Saltgrass.

From the first bite, I knew I’d made the right call. The steak was thick, juicy, and gristle-free. Mine was a Cattleman’s Ribeye, well-seasoned and seared just right, with a generous filet side that melted in the mouth. The outside had a savory crust that gave way to a perfectly pink interior.

The Brussels sprouts were charred but not burnt, and their smoky flavor played beautifully with the richness of the meat. The garden salad came in a full box—not a handful of wilted greens—and was surprisingly fresh. Their house-made blue cheese dressing had real chunks of cheese and tasted like something you’d get at a fine-dining restaurant, not a chain steakhouse.

To top it off, the meal portions were so generous, I actually saved half and reheated it the next morning. It still tasted great.

Saltgrass Steak House: All Sizzle, Not Enough Steak

Saltgrass has that authentic Texas roadhouse vibe—wooden booths, Lone Star décor, and the smell of mesquite in the air. On paper, it should be an ideal spot for a hearty steak dinner.

I ordered their Pat’s Ribeye, a 21-ounce cut that promises bold flavor and thickness. It came with their signature house salad and sautéed Brussels sprouts.

While the steak looked good on the plate, the execution fell short. The filet side was smaller than expected, and the ribeye had uneven thickness that made it difficult to cook properly. Parts of it were slightly dry, and there were two visible veins of gristle running through the center. That made it a chore to cut and chew in spots.

The salad was serviceable, but definitely smaller than what I got at LongHorn. And the Brussels sprouts? They looked roasted but tasted oddly sweet—almost like someone had added sugar or syrup during prep. A few bites were overly bitter too, which ruined the balance.

To add salt to the wound (pun intended), the final bill was higher than LongHorn’s, and I left with no leftovers.

Atmosphere & Service

Here’s where things took a surprising turn. LongHorn was quieter and more polished than expected. The interior had Western accents but wasn’t cheesy. Our server didn’t push any unnecessary add-ons and even asked if I wanted salt left off my side of fries—something small, but thoughtful.

Saltgrass, on the other hand, was louder and less organized. Our server was juggling too many tables and forgot to bring our extra napkins twice. The ambiance felt more chaotic, and not in a fun, lively way.

Value for Money

• LongHorn Steakhouse: 22 oz porterhouse for $30.99
• Saltgrass Steak House: Comparable ribeye was priced closer to $50

LongHorn gave me better steak, more balanced sides, and a noticeably lower bill. The portions were bigger, too.

Customer Reviews & Consistency

I spent some time browsing through Reddit threads and Facebook groups where steak lovers share their honest opinions. From longtime fans to first-time visitors, people had plenty to say about LongHorn Steakhouse and Saltgrass Steak House. Here are some of the most interesting takes I came across.

Loyalty Programs & Deals

• LongHorn participates in Darden’s broader rewards (no specific chain loyalty). Specials include seasonal promotions and fixed‑price bundles.
• Saltgrass runs Landry’s Select Club — members earn rewards, birthday gifts, and exclusive offers (common among Landry’s chains).

Final Thoughts

I didn’t expect it, but LongHorn Steakhouse beat Saltgrass in almost every category that mattered. The steak was flavorful and tender, the sides were thoughtfully prepared, and the price was right.

Saltgrass wasn’t terrible, but for the price they charge, the experience didn’t hold up. While their reputation in Texas is strong, the consistency just didn’t match LongHorn’s execution that night.

If you’re also weighing other popular chains like LongHorn Steakhouse vs Texas Roadhouse or even LongHorn Steakhouse vs Outback, my experience suggests that LongHorn continues to be a surprisingly strong contender, especially when it comes to steak quality and overall value.

FAQS:

Q. Is Saltgrass more expensive than LongHorn Steakhouse?

Yes, Saltgrass is slightly more expensive than LongHorn, positioning itself as a step above in pricing. Saltgrass targets diners seeking a casual yet elevated steakhouse experience, ideal for special occasions without fine-dining formality.

Q. Is Saltgrass owned by Texas Roadhouse?

No, Saltgrass is owned by Landry’s, Inc., not Texas Roadhouse.

Q. What is LongHorn Steakhouse comparable to?

LongHorn Steakhouse is comparable to Outback Steakhouse, offering quality steaks at affordable prices.

Q. What is Saltgrass known for?

Saltgrass is known for thriving in salty, alkaline environments by excreting excess salt through its leaves.