Posted on 08/23/2013 2:25:11 PM PDT by Sopater
There comes a time in just about everyone’s life when they feel the urge to eat some red meat. Sure, a supermarket steak cooked in a frying pan might suffice, but there’s nothing quite like the experience of going to one of those big chain steakhouses. We’ve come to depend on these places for a good steak and a cold beer, enjoyed in a comfortable and just-boisterous-enough atmosphere, with an overall experience that leaves you full and content. From sea to shining sea, it’s our right to have unrestricted access to chain steakhouses, darn it, and for that reason we set out to find out which are the country’s best.
There are two very different types of chain steakhouses, and for today’s purposes we’re ranking only one of them: the casual chains. While both Outback and Ruth’s Chris specialize in steak, they couldn’t be more different otherwise, so comparing the two is like comparing apples to oranges. Comparing Outback to LongHorn, on the other hand, well that’s something worth exploring.
So when you think "chain steakhouse," what comes to mind? Odds are it’s a rustic, masculine, most likely wooden building, emblazoned with an eye-catching, brightly lit logo. Inside, there’s a bar with some TVs, plenty of comfortable seating, maybe some cattle paraphernalia on the walls (or boomerangs, in the case of Outback), neon beer signs, and a steak-heavy menu, obviously. But there are plenty of subtle differences, and no chain is exactly like any other.
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Yeah, but don’t wear a tie....
Outback used to be good but has definitely declined in recent years.
Of the ones on the list, I’ve only been to Black Angus (well, technically “Stuart Anderson’s Cattle Company”, but I think they are basically the same company). I’ve also been to a place called Ryan’s that is sort of in this “casual chain” niche. It was okay, though the ones in my town are in kinda dive-y areas.
I’m kind of weird about steak anyway. As crazy at it sounds, I’d rather have a really good bone-in pork chop most times than a steak. And when I do order steak, I’d rather have a ribeye than some of the fancier cuts (porterhouse, etc.).
What they do to a chop is a crime. Somebody should go to jail. They must have a big machine in the back with a giant needle that injects gristle into the meat.
This, FTW.
Longhorn has always been great as far as I am concerned. Never tried Ruths or the others except for out Outback which didn’t impress me anytime I went.
Besides I am the guy who gets hamburgers and chicken at steak places. Steak never excited me very much.
A Texas Roadhouse was built right across the street from an Outback in our neighborhood. The Outback went out of business while people waited in line for up to an hour to eat at the Roadhouse.
I used to go to the Ponderosa when they had “all you can eat shrimp”.
Isn’t that an off-shoot or part of the same chain as Sizzlers/Western Sizzlin?
They’ve gone outta business here locally, but back in the day - I’d eat there. A 12 oz. steak for like $4.99.
Ya got what ya paid for. lolol
That's the place that cuts off your tie if you show up there wearing one. At least they used to.
>>Pinnacle Pete’s in Scottsdale, Arizona. You select the steak you want and then tell them how you want it cooked.<<
I am holding out for a restaurant where you select the cow/steer you and they butcher it and get your steak from that.
BJ’s Brewhouse has some excellent steaks. In fact I’m heading there tomorrow for a ribeye and a Jeremiah Red Ale.
>>A 12 oz. steak for like $4.99.<<
I hear you can get a lobster for a dollar in Vietnam...
you can't live on your reputation of blooming onions forever..
Around here, they'll go through periods when they'll work on quality, but then they'll really slip again. Their cooks mess up the steak seasoning, leave the sweet potatoes swimming in something awful, and will occasionally cut quality with getting lousy veggies to steam.
The one that is consistant is Ruby Tuesday.
Should add ‘affordable’ to the steakhouse title category
I’m into teppanyaki, , Kobe steak, if your gonna blow the dough, otherwise wifey likes black Angus, I like bloom in’ onions.
Wish we had longhorn or corral,, heck sonic would be nice.
I agree with the Ruth's Chris but like every chain, some locations are better than others.
The Ruth's Chris is Beverly Hills is superb, the one here in Vegas SUCKS!
Fogo de Chao is a fantastic culinary experience, but it’s a churrascaria rather than an American steakhouse.
It’s an experience to fast all day for.
Smack in’ myself in the forehead.. Claimjumpers is a three day meal.,, and desserts, Oh my.
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