5 Budget Steakhouse Chains From the ’80s That Are Still Grilling Today
The budget steakhouse was in its prime during the 1980s. From buffet-style steakhouses to affordable sit-down eateries, the wallet-friendly steakhouse concept appealed to the masses. While a few big names from that era, including Steak and Ale and Mr. Steak, disappeared, a handful of nostalgic 1980s steakhouses are still operating. Here are 5 budget steakhouse chains from the 1980s that are still grilling today.
Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouse
Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouse, owned by the same parent brand, has served classic, affordable buffet steaks since the 60’s, “and our mission has stayed the same: to provide wholesome family dining at a fair price,” they say. Their buffet offers many meats and sides, including salad and dessert. It includes meatloaf, wings, fried chicken, chicken pot pie, and more. You may also find prime rib, roast beef, ham, or turkey at the carving stations.
Golden Corral
Golden Corral thrived during the 1980s, opening hundreds of buffet-style steakhouses around the country. It still remains a bargain for red meat and all the fixings. “I have been to many steak houses and have had a many of great steaks. However, the best steak I have ever had was at a Golden Corral,” one Redditor says. The baked potato bar is also a hit.
Sizzler
“Steak. Seafood. Salad. Sizzler.” was Sizzler’s go-to slogan during my childhood in the 1980s, when the salad bar was always a main draw. The restaurant still offers its nostalgic “unlimited salad bar,” and hot bar with unlimited wings, a taco bar, a pasta bar, and a dessert bar. While most locations have closed, several still operate on the West Coast.
Western Sizzlin’
Western Sizzlin’ was wildly popular in the 1980s and 1990s, opening hundreds of locations nationwide. Today, the chain has around 30 locations. The chain made a name for itself for its FlameKist steaks cooked on both sides at once, seasoned with “Gold Dust”, and paired with hot food and salad buffets. You can find the restaurant in southern and mid-Atlantic states, such as Arkansas, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and North Carolina.
Sirloin Stockade
Sirloin Stockade is a smaller chain in Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kentucky that thrived during the 1980s. It still serves big, juicy steaks that come with a salad bar and a hot bar, perfect for a Sunday night dinner. “They had a carving station with ham, roast and turkey,” a TripAdvisor diner confirms.