Two of America’s most popular casual steakhouses — LongHorn Steakhouse and Outback Steakhouse — often get compared, and for good reason. Both serve fire-grilled steaks at mid-range prices, both run lunch specials and happy hours, and both are go-to spots for family dinners and date nights. But they are not the same restaurant, and the “better” one depends on what you value most.
In this 2026 guide, we compare LongHorn vs Outback across the categories that matter: menu prices, steak quality, variety, deals, atmosphere, and family friendliness — so you can pick the right spot before you head out.
Quick Verdict: LongHorn vs Outback at a Glance
Short on time? Here is the bottom line:
- Choose LongHorn if you want bigger steakhouse portions, a Texas-style menu, generous lunch deals, and (at many locations) a slightly more upscale lodge-style atmosphere.
- Choose Outback if you love bold seasoning, the famous Bloomin’ Onion, and a fun Australian-themed vibe — plus frequent limited-time promotions.
- On price, the two chains are very close. Most dinner entrées at both restaurants fall in the same general range, and your bill will look similar either way.
Price Comparison: Which Is Cheaper?
Honestly, neither restaurant is a clear winner on price. A typical steak dinner at either chain — entrée, one side, and a drink — lands in a similar ballpark. Here is how they stack up:
- Dinner steaks: Both chains price their signature steaks (ribeyes, sirloins, strips) in roughly the same range. Outback’s sirloins and LongHorn’s Renegade Sirloin both sit at the value end, while premium cuts like LongHorn’s Flo’s Filet or Outback’s Victoria’s Filet sit at the top.
- Lunch deals: LongHorn has a well-known lunch menu with smaller portions and lower prices, making it one of the best steakhouse lunch values around. Outback also runs lunch specials, but LongHorn’s lunch program is more established.
- Happy hour: Both offer afternoon drink and appetizer specials. See our LongHorn happy hour 2026 guide for what LongHorn’s Prime Time Happy Hour includes.
Prices vary by location and change over time, so treat these as general comparisons rather than exact quotes. Always check the menu at your local restaurant.
Menu Variety: More Than Just Steak
Both menus go well beyond steak, but their personalities differ.
LongHorn leans into a Texas ranch theme: fire-grilled steaks, baby back ribs, parmesan-crusted chicken, salmon, and hearty starters like the Texas Tonion and Wild West Shrimp. Its menu feels like a classic American steakhouse with generous portions.
Outback plays up its Australian theme: steaks with bold seasoning, the iconic Bloomin’ Onion, Alice Springs Chicken, coconut shrimp, and a strong lineup of burgers and ribs. Its menu feels a bit more playful and “fun night out.”
If you are dining with picky eaters or non-steak lovers, both chains offer plenty of chicken, seafood, burgers, and salads — neither leaves anyone out.
Steak Quality: Cuts, Flavor & Cooking
This is where opinions split the hardest. Both restaurants use USDA-grade beef and cook over high heat, but their approaches differ:
- LongHorn emphasizes hand-cut, fresh (never frozen) steaks grilled over an open flame, with a signature seasoning and a focus on bold, smoky flavor. Signature cuts like the Outlaw Ribeye and Flo’s Filet have loyal followings.
- Outback is known for its heavily seasoned, “Aussie” style grilling — steaks arrive with a distinctive spice crust that fans love. Cuts like the Victoria’s Filet Mignon and the Bone-In Ribeye are the headline acts.
In blind comparisons, most diners rate the two chains very close on steak quality. LongHorn tends to win with diners who prefer a classic char-grilled steakhouse flavor; Outback wins with diners who love bold seasoning.
Appetizers & Starters
Both chains have a legendary starter:
- Outback’s Bloomin’ Onion — the battered, deep-fried onion blossom that basically invented the “shareable steakhouse appetizer” category.
- LongHorn’s Texas Tonion — LongHorn’s answer to the blooming onion, plus the Wild West Shrimp and Firecracker Chicken Wraps.
Outback arguably has the more famous appetizer lineup overall, but LongHorn’s starters hold their own — and LongHorn’s happy hour appetizer deals can make them the better value.
Deals & Value: Who Saves You More?
Both chains compete hard on value:
- Happy hour: Both run weekday afternoon specials on drinks and appetizers.
- Lunch menus: LongHorn’s lunch menu is a standout for value; Outback’s lunch specials are solid too.
- Email clubs & promotions: Both offer email sign-up perks, birthday treats, and seasonal limited-time menus.
For a full rundown of ways to cut your bill at LongHorn, see our 12 ways to save money at LongHorn in 2026.
Atmosphere & Family Friendliness
LongHorn restaurants typically have a warm, lodge-like feel — dark woods, Western décor, and a slightly more “grown-up steakhouse” atmosphere. Outback leans casual and energetic, with Australian-themed décor and a livelier bar scene.
Both are genuinely family-friendly: kids menus, booster seats, and a relaxed attitude toward noisy tables. Neither is a quiet fine-dining room, so families with kids will feel comfortable at both. LongHorn’s kids menu is a strong pick for families watching the budget.
Watching your calories? Our LongHorn nutrition guide breaks down calories across the menu.
Which Should You Pick?
Here is our recommendation by diner type:
- Steak purists: LongHorn — classic fire-grilled flavor, hand-cut steaks.
- Flavor adventurers: Outback — bold seasoning and the Bloomin’ Onion.
- Budget lunch: LongHorn — the stronger lunch value program.
- Family dinner: Either — both are kid-friendly; compare the kids menus.
- Date night: LongHorn — slightly more upscale lodge atmosphere at most locations.
- Fun group night: Outback — livelier bar and theme.
The real answer? Try both and decide for yourself — your taste buds are the final judge.
FAQs: LongHorn vs Outback
Are LongHorn and Outback owned by the same company?
No. LongHorn Steakhouse is owned by Darden Restaurants (which also owns Olive Garden), while Outback Steakhouse is owned by Bloomin’ Brands (which also owns Carrabba’s and Bonefish Grill).
Which is cheaper, LongHorn or Outback?
They are very close. Most comparable entrées are priced within a few dollars of each other at both chains. Lunch and happy hour deals can tip the balance — check each restaurant’s current specials.
Who has better steak, LongHorn or Outback?
It comes down to taste. LongHorn is known for classic fire-grilled, hand-cut steaks; Outback is known for boldly seasoned steaks. Diners are split, and both chains have passionate fans.
Which has better deals for families?
Both offer kids menus and family-friendly pricing. LongHorn’s lunch menu and happy hour appetizer deals give it a slight edge for budget-conscious families.
Disclosure: This is an independent fan/guide site and is not affiliated with LongHorn Steakhouse, Outback Steakhouse, Darden Restaurants, or Bloomin’ Brands. Menu items and prices change by location and over time — confirm with your local restaurant.
