Craving a juicy steak but can’t decide between Texas Roadhouse and LongHorn Steakhouse? While both restaurants serve up delicious cuts of beef, they offer surprisingly different dining experiences. From their signature bread to their steak preparation methods, these popular chains have unique features that set them apart. Let’s explore what makes each steakhouse special so you can pick the perfect spot for your next dinner out.
1. Customize Your Spuds at Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse puts you in control of your baked potato experience. Servers bring your potato with a side cart of toppings, allowing you to add exactly what you want—butter, cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, and fresh scallions. LongHorn takes a different approach, serving their baked potatoes already dressed with a standard combination of sour cream, bacon, cheddar, butter, and scallions. No customization station here! For potato purists who like to control their toppings or those with specific preferences, this difference might influence where you choose to dine.
2. Gluten-Free Dining Options
At Texas Roadhouse, gluten-sensitive diners enjoy a wider selection of entrée options. Their kitchen prepares numerous gluten-free steaks, burgers without buns, and even modified sandwiches that cater to those avoiding gluten. LongHorn Steakhouse takes a more limited approach. While they offer several gluten-free sides and salads, their entrée options for those with gluten sensitivities are fewer in number. This distinction makes Texas Roadhouse potentially more accommodating for diners with celiac disease or gluten intolerance seeking a full meal experience.
3. Fancy vs. Straightforward Sides
LongHorn elevates the steakhouse side dish experience with sophisticated offerings. Their fire-grilled corn comes adorned with crema and Parmesan, while their steakhouse mac and cheese features four cheeses topped with crispy bacon bits. Texas Roadhouse keeps things uncomplicated with straightforward sides. Think simple buttered corn, plainly steamed vegetables, and sautéed mushrooms without fancy additions. This contrast reflects each restaurant’s overall approach—LongHorn aims for a more upscale dining experience, while Texas Roadhouse embraces a no-frills, hearty meal philosophy.
4. Appetizer Selection Size
Hungry groups find more starter options at Texas Roadhouse. With approximately ten different appetizers—ranging from loaded cheese fries to grilled shrimp and their famous fried pickles—there’s something for every palate. LongHorn keeps their appetizer menu more focused with about seven options. Their selection includes specialties like firecracker chicken wraps and steakhouse wings. The difference isn’t just in numbers but approach—Texas Roadhouse offers more crowd-pleasing comfort foods, while LongHorn’s smaller selection features more distinctive flavor combinations.
5. Lamb Lovers Have One Clear Choice
Fancy a juicy lamb chop? Head to LongHorn Steakhouse. Their menu features perfectly grilled lamb chops served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach—a sophisticated option for diners seeking something beyond beef. Texas Roadhouse diners won’t find any lamb dishes on the menu. Their protein focus remains firmly on beef, chicken, and pork options. This menu distinction highlights LongHorn’s broader approach to steakhouse dining, offering more diverse protein options compared to Texas Roadhouse’s more traditional American steakhouse fare.
6. Sandwich Selection Showdown
Sandwich enthusiasts find more choices at Texas Roadhouse. Their menu boasts multiple burger varieties, including classic cheeseburgers and pulled pork options, plus several chicken sandwich variations to satisfy diverse cravings. LongHorn keeps it simple with just two sandwich offerings on their menu. Diners can select either a basic burger or a crispy chicken sandwich—that’s it. This difference highlights Texas Roadhouse’s appeal to casual diners seeking variety beyond traditional steak dinners, while LongHorn maintains a more focused approach centered on their signature steaks.
7. Kid-Friendly Meal Creativity
Parents appreciate Texas Roadhouse’s thoughtful children’s menu. Their kid-friendly options include fun mini cheeseburgers, grilled chicken strips, and even hot dogs—all served with sides that appeal to younger palates. LongHorn’s children’s menu lacks the same creative touch. Their offerings stick to basic items like Kraft macaroni and cheese or standard chicken tenders and burgers without much imagination. For families dining out with children, Texas Roadhouse’s more engaging kids’ menu might make the difference between a smooth family dinner and picky-eater problems.
8. Parmesan Crust Enhancement Option
LongHorn elevates ordinary dishes with their signature Parmesan crust option. Diners can add this savory, crispy topping to steaks, chicken, or even appetizers like mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Texas Roadhouse doesn’t offer this customization. Their menu items come as described, without the option to add special crusts or toppings to enhance the standard preparation. This distinction showcases LongHorn’s focus on customizable flavor enhancements that allow guests to personalize their meals beyond the basic preparation techniques.
9. Cocktail Menu Diversity
Thirsty for something beyond margaritas? Texas Roadhouse delivers with their extensive cocktail selection. Their drink menu features numerous non-margarita options including whiskey cocktails, rum drinks, and various specialty concoctions. LongHorn’s bar program takes a different approach. Their cocktail menu heavily emphasizes margaritas, with fewer alternative mixed drink options for those seeking something different. For groups with diverse drinking preferences, Texas Roadhouse provides more choices, while tequila lovers might appreciate LongHorn’s focus on perfecting their margarita recipes.
10. Dietary Restriction Accommodation
Diners with food allergies or dietary restrictions often find Texas Roadhouse more accommodating. Beyond their extensive gluten-free entrée options, they’re known for willingness to modify dishes for various dietary needs. LongHorn offers some accommodations but with less variety. Their gluten-sensitive menu features several sides and salads but fewer modified entrée choices compared to their competitor. This difference matters significantly for diners with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or other dietary restrictions who want to enjoy a full steakhouse experience without compromising their health needs.
