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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I'm familiar with numbers 2, 3, and 5. Texas Roadhouse is definitely my favorite for it's quality and value, Black Angus is probably my second, and I don't much care for the Outback Steakhouse...
Ruth Chris—for the best. sides. ever. My once-every-couple-of-years treat.
Without a doubt, Flemings is the best.
Without a doubt, Flemings is the best.
When they say "chain" do they mean midrange chain restaurants only?
Where are the 1% supposed to eat. Certainly not Texas Roadhouse! ;-)
“Claim Jumper” is pretty darn good for a small chain.
They serve up some of the best beef ribs *anywhere*.
Seattle has a Ruth Chris but we also have The Metropolitan Grill which has sort of a 30’s/40’s motif. And their steaks are to die for.
I can live with Longhorn being Number 1, and have had nothing but satisfactory experience with Texas Roadhouse.
I think Outback is overrated. The last two steaks I had there were marginal.
The worst chain steak restaurant has to be Ponderosa.
Fire Mountain might have the best value, just because of the buffet
Pinnacle Pete’s in Scottsdale, Arizona. You select the steak you want and then tell them how you want it cooked.
Longhorn’s:
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“...the restaurants are energy-efficient, they give back to the community...”
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That’s just not something that even crosses my mind when I want a good steak.
Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse. An experience to savor.
It's a titty bar with steaks.
I can't say much for the steaks, but the "cheesecake" is awesome!
Longhorn
Outback
There are others?
Garlic marinated steak is awesome.
America’s best Steak House is...My House!
The same group that owns Outback owns Bonefish.
Don’t forget TLC.
Texas Land and Cattle.
And Outback? I’ve never liked their stakes.
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