LongHorn Steakhouse vs Texas Roadhouse: Which One Truly Stands Out?
When it comes to the battle of casual steakhouse giants, LongHorn Steakhouse vs Texas Roadhouse is a question many steak lovers ask. Both chains are known for their hand-cut steaks, hearty portions, and inviting atmospheres—but if you’re seeking a more refined experience with consistently high-quality meat, LongHorn takes the lead.
Founded in 1981 and now boasting nearly 600 locations, LongHorn delivers superior tenderness in key cuts like the Outlaw Ribeye and Flo’s Filet, paired with a bold yet balanced seasoning profile. While Texas Roadhouse wins on value—offering sirloin meals under $15 and allowing guests to hand-pick steaks from the display case—LongHorn excels in flavor, ambiance, and consistency, especially for those seeking a quieter, polished dining setting.
Texas Roadhouse averages ~$164K in weekly sales vs LongHorn’s ~$106K, but reviews frequently highlight LongHorn’s better char, seasoning, and tenderness. In short, if you’re after unbeatable deals and family fun, Roadhouse is great—but for top-tier steak quality in a calmer setting, LongHorn Steakhouse is the better choice.
LongHorn Steakhouse and Texas Roadhouse Overview
LongHorn Steakhouse
- Founded: 1981, Atlanta, GA; part of Darden Restaurants (which also owns Olive Garden.
- Locations: ~596 across the U.S. and a few international spots (e.g., Philippines)
- Theme: Upscale yet casual Western décor, oil paintings, rustic accents
Texas Roadhouse
- Founded: 1993, Clarksville, IN; now Louisville-based, publicly traded
- Locations: ~655 in the U.S. plus numerous international locations
- Theme: High-energy, family-friendly with line dancing, peanuts on the floor, big-screen TVs
Texas Roadhouse vs. LongHorn Steakhouse: Who Serves the Better-Quality Steak?
If you’re looking for a flavorful, juicy steak without booking a high-end reservation, Texas Roadhouse and LongHorn Steakhouse are two of America’s favorite casual dining spots. Both restaurants serve a variety of cuts, season them with house blends, and prepare them to order. But when it comes to quality, flavor, tenderness, and value—who really does it better? Let’s explore how each steakhouse stacks up by comparing individual cuts side by side in the table below.
New York Strip Comparison
| Feature | Texas Roadhouse | LongHorn Steakhouse |
| Sizes Available | 8 oz (thick cut), 12 oz (traditional cut) | 12 oz only |
| Price Range (as of Mar 2025) | $20 – $26 | Just over $27 |
| Flavor & Tenderness | Well-seasoned, more tender than expected | Flavorful but slightly less tender |
| Verdict | Better value and tenderness | Pricier, less tender |
Ribeye Comparison
| Feature | Texas Roadhouse | LongHorn Steakhouse |
| Sizes Available | 12, 14, 16 oz (Fort Worth); 20 oz (bone-in) | 12 oz (standard), 20 oz (Outlaw ribeye) |
| Price Range | $26 – $33 | $28 (12 oz), $34 (20 oz Outlaw) |
| Flavor & Tenderness | Slightly salty, grilled flavor | Super tender, minimal gristle, bold char |
| Verdict | More options, cheaper prices | Superior tenderness and flavor |
Sirloin Comparison
| Feature | Texas Roadhouse | LongHorn Steakhouse |
| Sizes Available | 6, 8, 11, 16 oz | 6, 8 oz |
| Price Range | $15 – $27 | $16.50 – $19.50 |
| Flavor & Tenderness | Slightly less seasoned, flavorful | Better seasoning, similar tenderness |
| Verdict | Great budget value | Slight edge in flavor but pricier |
Filet Comparison
| Feature | Texas Roadhouse | LongHorn Steakhouse |
| Names | Dallas Filet | Flo’s Filet |
| Sizes Available | 6, 8 oz | 6, 9 oz |
| Price Range | $25 – $29 | $26 – $31.50 |
| Flavor & Tenderness | Very tender, good marbling | Extra tender, excellent seasoning |
| Verdict | Soft and satisfying | Even more tender, better seasoning |
Porterhouse / T-Bone Comparison
| Feature | Texas Roadhouse | LongHorn Steakhouse |
| Cuts Available | 23 oz Porterhouse T-Bone | 22 oz Porterhouse, 18 oz Fire-Grilled T-Bone |
| Price Range | $36 | $36 (Porterhouse), ~$31 (T-Bone) |
| Flavor & Tenderness | Tenderloin section was a standout | Fire-grilled flavor with tender texture |
| Verdict | Hearty and satisfying | More cut options, great char |
Prime Rib Comparison
| Feature | Texas Roadhouse | LongHorn Steakhouse |
| Sizes Available | 12, 14, 16 oz | Not available |
| Price Range | $27 – $32 | N/A |
| Flavor & Tenderness | Very tender but more fat than expected | N/A |
| Verdict | Only choice for Prime Rib lovers | Does not offer Prime Rib |
Overall Quality & Experience
| Category | Texas Roadhouse | LongHorn Steakhouse |
| Tenderness | Good across the board | Excellent, especially ribeye and filet |
| Seasoning | Bold, salt-forward | More balanced and nuanced |
| Steak Selection Process | Guests can choose their steak visually | Kitchen-selected cuts |
| Customization | Thickness can be adjusted to doneness | Same flexibility available |
| Verdict | Interactive selection, wide variety | Higher quality in key cuts like filet & ribeye |
Overall Value
| Category | Texas Roadhouse | LongHorn Steakhouse |
| Price Range | Generally lower | Slightly higher |
| Portion Options | More variety (e.g., 6 to 16 oz cuts) | Fewer sizes for some cuts |
| Notable Deals | Sirloin meals under $15 with sides | Great flavor, but slightly pricier |
| Verdict | Budget-friendly and flexible | Flavor-packed, worth the extra few dollars |
Atmosphere & Dining Experience
Texas Roadhouse thrives on high-energy fun. From peanut shells on the floor to spontaneous line dances, the atmosphere is loud and lively. Bon Appétit called it a “mini light show,” comparing the vibe to a family reunion. It’s perfect for groups, kids, and anyone craving upbeat, rustic entertainment.
LongHorn Steakhouse offers a more subdued, refined experience. With its Western-inspired décor and polished service, the setting is ideal for relaxed meals or date nights. There’s no dancing or shouting—just a quiet, comfortable ambiance with a touch of class. It’s best suited for couples, professionals, or quieter family outings.
Which fits you? For kids and groups, Roadhouse’s show and bustle are ideal; for quieter, date-night vibes, LongHorn delivers.
Service & Consistency
- Business performance: Roadhouse sees ~$164K/week revenue vs LongHorn’s $106K/week.
- Growth: Roadhouse sales rose ~14–16% in 2023–24, surpassing LongHorn’s ~7%.
Customer Feedback:
I checked Reddit to see what real customers were saying, and here are some of the honest reviews I came across. I noticed a mix of opinions—some really loved it, while others pointed out things that could be better. Here’s what I found.
- Some Redditors praise LongHorn’s consistent quality: “Steak is always perfect and service is good too…it’s worth it.”.
- Others cite bad service at LongHorn: Roadhouse preferred for speed and friendliness.
- Chowhound highlights LongHorn’s hand-cut steaks but suggests Roadhouse’s steak selection method (choose from case) is more transparent.
- A 2019 Insider piece said Roadhouse “distinguished itself with…memorable hospitality…and its steak was by far the best”.
Experience Beyond the Steak
Atmosphere
- Roadhouse: Offers an energetic, line dancing, large TVs, celebratory culture (birthdays, groups) as per bonappetit.com.
- LongHorn: Offers a sophisticated and calmer, better for quiet date nights or business dinners as per businessinsider.com.
Extras & Kids
- Roadhouse offers more side options in kids’ meals and a family-friendly atmosphere.
- LongHorn’s menu features elevated salads and soups appealing to adult diners.
Health & Nutrition
- Roadhouse tends toward higher-calorie items (e.g., cheeseburger sliders = 670 cal) versus LongHorn (580 cal), per Chowhound.
- Neither chain markets as health-focused—both revolve around large, meat‑centric portions.
Business Snapshot & Popularity
Texas Roadhouse became the top U.S. casual dining chain in 2024, overtaking Olive Garden by generating approximately $5.5 billion in sales compared to Olive Garden’s $5.2 billion. This milestone marks a significant moment in the dining industry, showcasing Roadhouse’s growing dominance and appeal among American consumers across multiple demographics.
In 2023, Texas Roadhouse ranked as the 19th-largest restaurant chain in the U.S., bringing in around $4.8 billion—beating competitors like Outback and LongHorn Steakhouse. This rapid rise reflects its strong brand loyalty, operational efficiency, and ability to attract families and casual diners consistently nationwide and in global markets.
LongHorn Steakhouse, while still benefiting from a healthy 7.2% increase in sales, remains smaller in scale than Texas Roadhouse. Its steady performance underscores its strong customer base and consistent food quality, but it has yet to match Roadhouse’s momentum or massive revenue footprint in the casual steakhouse sector.
Final Verdict
LongHorn Steakhouse edges out Texas Roadhouse for its superior steak quality—well-marbled, flavorful, and consistently tender across all cuts, from sirloin to Flo’s Filet and the smoky Outlaw Ribeye. Every steak impressed.
However, Texas Roadhouse remains a strong choice for variety, offering more menu options, steak selection flexibility, and their famous honey butter rolls. If steak quality is your top priority, go with LongHorn. But if you value broader choices and extras, Texas Roadhouse is a satisfying and crowd-friendly alternative.
FAQs
Q. Which is better, Texas Roadhouse or LongHorn Steakhouse?
LongHorn is often preferred for steak quality and a polished experience, while Texas Roadhouse stands out for its lively vibe and broader menu.
Q. Why is LongHorn Steakhouse so good?
LongHorn stands out for its fresh, never frozen steaks, generous portions, and consistently great flavor.
Q. What is the difference between Texas Roadhouse and LongHorn ribs?
Texas Roadhouse uses a signature rib seasoning sold in stores, while LongHorn uses a secret blend and different cooking techniques.
