LongHorn vs Outback: Menu, Prices & Which Is Better? (2026)
LongHorn Steakhouse and Outback Steakhouse are the two giants of casual-dining steak — both smell like grilled beef from the parking lot, both are everywhere, and both will happily sell you a ribeye on a Friday night. But they cook differently, price differently, and win on different things. Here’s the honest 2026 breakdown, category by category, with real prices. Prices vary by location.
Price: LongHorn wins (narrowly)
Across head-to-head comparisons, LongHorn comes out a few dollars cheaper on most items:
| Item | LongHorn | Outback |
|---|---|---|
| 6 oz sirloin entrée | ~$16.79 | ~$17.99 |
| Full rack ribs | ~$27.49–$30.49 | ~$30.99–$36.99 |
| Fried shrimp appetizer | ~$12.79 | ~$14.99 |
| Fountain drink | ~$3.59 | ~$3.99 |
| House margarita | ~$6.49 | ~$8.00+ |
LongHorn also tends to give you more food per dollar — its sirloin-and-shrimp combo comes with eight shrimp to Outback’s four at nearly the same price. A typical dinner for two runs $60–$85 at LongHorn before tip.
Steak quality: LongHorn wins
This is where the chains genuinely diverge. LongHorn fire-grills over real open flame, producing an authentic smoky char and crust. Outback uses flat-top griddles with heavy butter basting and a proprietary 17-spice seasoning. Both approaches have fans, but grill purists consistently give LongHorn the edge on sear, seasoning boldness, and doneness consistency. All LongHorn steaks are USDA Choice, fresh and never frozen, hand-cut in-house daily. See our ranked LongHorn steak guide for the cut-by-cut breakdown.
Menu variety: Outback wins
Outback’s menu is bigger and more varied — the Bloomin’ Onion is a cultural icon, and its cheesecake and broader appetizer lineup give it an edge for groups with picky eaters. LongHorn’s menu is more steak-focused, which is a strength if you came for beef but a limitation if you didn’t. One food-writer taste test actually gave Outback the overall crown on menu breadth and their steak head-to-head — so this one’s genuinely close and taste-dependent.
Bread service: toss-up
LongHorn serves warm honey-wheat loaves with whipped butter; Outback serves its sweet dark Bushman bread. Both are complimentary, both are beloved, and both have fierce loyalists. Call it a draw — you’ll be happy either way.
Drinks: LongHorn wins on price
LongHorn’s drinks run cheaper across the board — sodas ~$3.59 vs ~$3.99, house margaritas ~$6.49 vs ~$8+. LongHorn’s Prime Time Happy Hour (Mon–Fri, 4–7 PM) with $3–$5 appetizers and drink specials is also the stronger happy hour program.
Atmosphere: depends on your mood
LongHorn leans into a relaxed Western steakhouse vibe — warm wood, ranch touches, feels like a steakhouse. Outback leans into Aussie-themed kitsch — fun and casual, but more theme-restaurant energy. For a date night or business dinner, LongHorn feels easier to take seriously; for a loud family night out, Outback’s energy fits.
Locations
LongHorn operates 600+ locations across the US (plus Puerto Rico and Guam). Outback has a larger footprint overall. In most markets where one exists, the other is nearby — so this rarely decides it. Find your nearest: LongHorn locations near me.
Verdict
- Choose LongHorn if: steak quality and value matter most — better sear, bolder seasoning, lower prices, cheaper drinks.
- Choose Outback if: menu variety matters most — bigger menu, iconic appetizers, more locations.
Prices are close enough that if you already have a favorite, stick with it. But if you’re choosing purely on value — especially for steak — LongHorn is generally the better buy in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LongHorn or Outback?
LongHorn is generally cheaper — a few dollars less on sirloin, ribs, appetizers, and drinks, with larger portions on several comparable items.
Which has better steak, LongHorn or Outback?
LongHorn gets the edge for open-flame grilling, bolder seasoning, and doneness consistency. Outback’s butter-basted, 17-spice style has its own loyal fans — one major taste test actually preferred Outback’s steak.
Does Outback or LongHorn have more locations?
Outback has the larger overall footprint. LongHorn operates 600+ US locations.
Which is better for families?
Outback’s bigger, more varied menu suits picky eaters; LongHorn’s kids menu includes a real fire-grilled Kid’s Sirloin. Both are family-friendly.
Related: LongHorn Steakhouse Menu With Prices (2026) · Best Steak at LongHorn · Best Thing to Eat at LongHorn · Home
