7 Steakhouse Chains Shoppers Say Are Worth Every Penny
I love a good steak. I also love a decent steak that doesn’t break the bank. The bottom line? I want to get what I pay for, and I don’t want to compromise taste. Luckily, there are a wide variety of options ranging from budget-friendly but tasty steaks served in a casual and fun environment to gourmet, top-of-the-line meat in an elegant setting. Whether you want a meal to impress or a quick steak dinner with the family, here are seven steakhouse chains shoppers say are worth every penny.
Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse, the Aussie-themed meatery and home of the famous Bloomin’ Onion, offers great value for the price. The restaurant prides itself on serving fresh, never-frozen USDA Choice beef, aged to perfection. In case you aren’t well-versed in grades of meat, USDA Prime is the highest grade with more marbling and superior flavor and tenderness. USDA Choice, although more affordable, is still good, but not quite as tender or as tasty, according to meat connoisseurs. “Outback used to be the gold standard chain steak house (growing up, it was Steak and Ale). Now it’s not bad for a work lunch but not worth going to for a ‘good steak,'” one person said.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse offers high-end steaks comparable to more expensive steakhouses for a more affordable price. This is where I will take the kids when I want a good steak, but don’t feel like paying Ruth’s Chris or Capital Grille prices. Your steak also comes with excellent service. “Fleming’s is my go to” one Redditor says.
Longhorn Steakhouse
Longhorn Steakhouse is one of the most adored places for a good cut of meat at an affordable price. There is a Longhorn right down the street from my house, and the kids and I are regular customers. I always joke that while it isn’t the best steak I’ve ever had, I’ve definitely paid twice as much for steak that isn’t nearly as good. I usually order the 6-ounce filet, which comes with two sides for under $25. “I got the 20 oz outlaw ribeye at Longhorn and was shocked at the quality and how well it was prepared,” one Redditor wrote. “Huge baked potato and great Caesar salad all for $32. Big fan!” It is also super consistent in terms of quality. “My local longhorn nails it every time,” another says.
Texas Roadhouse
Diners maintain that out of all the chains, Texas Roadhouse is the best place to go for a budget-friendly steak. Not only are the steaks tasty, but the portions are huge and the service is fantastic. “Our local Roadhouse is extremely well managed. It’s shows from the service to the food,” one person said. Another said it is “pretty good for the price,” adding they “really recommend going there.”
The Capital Grille
The Capital Grille isn’t cheap, but it’s the best chain to go for a great steak. I’ve never had a bad steak at the fine dining restaurant, and even when a steak isn’t cooked to my liking, it is corrected immediately because the chain has the best customer service. “Best steak I’ve ever had,” writes one Redditor. The sides and desserts are also fantastic, and the portion sizes are generous enough for two or three people to share.
Fogo de Chão
Not your traditional steakhouse, Fogo de Chão specializes in Brazilian churrasco-style cooking. If you have a hearty appetite, the all-you-can-eat restaurant offers unparalleled value – but come hungry. They serve various types of fresh, never-frozen meat, grilled over an open flame and carved tableside. Every meal also comes with unlimited sides, a salad bar, and a hot buffet. The upscale chain offers guests a surf-and-turf upgrade option with seafood offerings, including butter-bathed lobster tail, jumbo lump crab cake, black truffle butter, and sides like lobster mashed potatoes and oscar crab asparagus, for an added cost.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Ruth’s Chris is another example of “you get what you pay for.” The steakhouse has been an institution since its opening in New Orleans in 1965, primarily because it offers high-quality steaks. While steaks aren’t cheap, the restaurant only serves USDA Prime and higher, utilizing a wet-aging process to ensure tenderness and flavor without resorting to freezing. The brand earns the top spot due to several factors, including its devotion to high-quality beef, consistency, and high-class service.
