Additional Coverage:
- I ordered the cheapest steak meal at Outback, Texas Roadhouse, and LongHorn Steakhouse — there was one clear winner (businessinsider.com)
Steakhouse Showdown: Where to Get the Best Budget-Friendly Sirloin
With restaurant prices on the rise, finding a satisfying and affordable steak dinner can feel like a challenge. I recently visited three popular steakhouse chains – Outback Steakhouse, LongHorn Steakhouse, and Texas Roadhouse – to see if a good, cheap steak was still within reach.
I ordered the 6-ounce sirloin, mashed potatoes, broccoli, and the complimentary bread at each location. Here’s the lowdown on my steakhouse spree:
LongHorn Steakhouse: A Middle-of-the-Road Meal
My experience at LongHorn was underwhelming. The honey wheat bread was dry, the butter was too cold to spread, and the broccoli was overcooked.
The mashed potatoes, however, were creamy and well-seasoned. The oddly shaped sirloin was cooked a bit past medium-well and slightly tough, though the seasoning was tasty.
At just over $23 after tax and tip, the price was reasonable, but the meal itself didn’t stand out.
Texas Roadhouse: Rolls Worth the Trip
Texas Roadhouse’s legendary rolls, served warm with honey cinnamon butter, are a highlight. While I found the butter a bit too sweet, the rolls themselves are delicious.
The mashed potatoes were a bit gummy, and the broccoli was overcooked. The sirloin, while a tad tough, was flavorful and incredibly priced at just $14 for the lunch special (my total was under $20).
Even the regular dinner price of $16 makes this a budget-friendly option. I’d return just for the rolls and the value.
Outback Steakhouse: A Surprise Winner
Outback Steakhouse impressed me the most. While the honey wheat bread was unremarkable, the butter was better than LongHorn’s.
The sirloin was perfectly cooked, tender, and well-seasoned. The sides were also a step up, with perfectly cooked broccoli and rich, flavorful mashed potatoes.
At $23.54 after tax and tip, it was the priciest of the three, but the quality made it worth the extra few dollars.
The Final Verdict
While all three chains offer decent, affordable steak dinners, Outback Steakhouse was the clear winner for the quality of the steak and sides. Texas Roadhouse offers unbeatable value and those irresistible rolls.
LongHorn Steakhouse, though not a standout, is still a reasonable option. Considering the cost of buying the ingredients and cooking at home, all three meals offer good value in today’s market.