Last Updated on April 19, 2024 by Shari Mason
Texas Roadhouse and Outback Steakhouse have both demonstrated their success in the fiercely competitive world of steakhouse dining, as their offerings continue to attract returning customers.
Both are known for their steak, but there’s something more than meets the eye when comparing the major differences between the two steakhouse chains.
In this Texas Roadhouse vs Outback Steakhouse comparison, we dined in to find out which has the better food and service.
Comparing Texas Roadhouse & Outback Steakhouse
Texas Roadhouse and Outback Steakhouse are both America’s favorite restaurant chains serving good steak, and both were established hundreds of miles from their respective locations.
Indiana is where the rowdier-themed Roadhouse [1] was established, while the Outback was established in Florida, Australia, and is known for its Australia-like theme.
Australian Outback Steakhouse and Texas Roadhouse make their major difference in price, presentation, and seasoning techniques.
“Life may not always be perfect, but your steak can be.”
– Eat Pallet Restaurant & Food Advice
While Texas Roadhouse Steakhouse chain serves more southern Texas cuisine, Outback Steakhouse chains serve casual American-style steaks.
Also, as observed, you might have to spend a little more in Outback Steakhouse chains.
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Main Differences
Dining Theme & Atmosphere
We’ve visited some Australian Outback Steakhouse locations and noticed that it falls somewhere between fast-food chains and upper-class restaurants.
Outback’s motif is warm and romantic with a casual atmosphere, and the interior gives off an Australian theme and vibes.
On the other hand, Texas Roadhouse’s theme has a rowdier, more rural atmosphere, like you are dining in the Lone Star State.
It exudes active party feelings, with birthday guests riding on top of saddles, country music blasting, and the floor covered in peanut shells. But what time does Texas Roadhouse close?
Menu Selection
When it comes to the menu offerings of the two steakhouse chains, they have few major differences.
Texas Roadhouse menu items are impressive, and we ordered the salmon that we could eat daily with salad and honey cinnamon butter rolls as side dishes.
Its Rattlesnake Bites, made of fried Jalapeño poppers, fried pickles, and a selection of cheese and salads, are among well-liked appetizer options. They also have baked potato and Cactus Blossom.
The Outback Steakhouse has many famous dishes you can choose from, other than steaks. They also have salad and bread rolls.
Their menu items are filled with delicious Bloomin Onion, Victoria’s, Filet with Lobster Tail, Chocolate Thunder From Down Under, and many more.
But what kind of bread does Outback Steakhouse offer?
Drinks Menu
Fifteen margarita flavors are available at Texas Roadhouse. Mango, Kenny’s Cooler, Minute Maid Lemonade, sweet and sour, Monin Blue Curacao, and Strawberry were our top three margarita flavors.
On the other hand, Outback Steakhouse offers its most popular cocktail–the fruity frozen Wallaby Darned. Gold Peak Tea and Country Style Lemonade make Aussie Palmer.
Signature Dishes
Outback offers classic dishes and appetizers like the Bloomin’ Onion and brown bread that are hard to stop eating. The restaurant chain is known for its Aussie-style meals.
Texas Roadhouse is known for its t-bone hand-cut juicy steaks, filet mignon, ribs that fall off the bone, sides made from scratch, fresh rattlesnake bites, and honey cinnamon butter bread.
Texas Roadhouse’s Cactus Blossom resembles the Outback’s signature side, Blooming Onion, but according to a recent survey, people prefer the latter.
Complimentary Items
The two steakhouses, Texas Roadhouse and Outback, offer complimentary items for the guests to enjoy.
We are impressed by Outback’s free, crispy honey-oat bread. It was cooked tremendously and served hot alongside simple whipped butter.
Roadhouse has a free refilling bucket of peanuts served at each table. Texas Roadhouse also has free buns that come in a plain basket.
The free food had been seated near the entrance beneath the heat lamps of the steakhouse chain.
Value & Price Point
Texas Roadhouse offers delicious steaks in sizes of 12oz New York Strip and 8oz Filet for about $27, making it the best value for those on a budget.
The Outback Steakhouse’s Ribeye is the flavor-king steak cut and a favorite among steak lovers worldwide. The ribeye’s marbling, which combines lean protein with even fat distribution, gives steak its rich flavor. [2]
The 12-ounce boneless ribeye, which sells for roughly $25.49, is a filling and popular dish to split.
Working Hours & Serving Time
Lunch shifts at Outback Steakhouse run from 10 am to 2 pm and terminate at 6 pm. Dinner shifts go from 3–6 pm and end around 11 pm. The day shift ran from 9 am to 8:30 to 9:00 pm.
To promote work-life balance, Texas Roadhouse closes most stores during weekday lunchtime. Some will stay open to give consumers and staff more time off.
Store Locations
The Outback Steakhouse restaurant opened its first location in South Tampa, but it now has more than 1,000 locations nationwide. [3]
Although the Bloomin’ Onion and steaks are among their most well-liked offerings, they also serve seafood, mixed greens, salads, and other chain foods.
An American restaurant franchise is called Texas Roadhouse. Their principal office is located in Louisville, Kentucky. The chain has 600 stores in the US and 30 stores internationally.
Best Points for Texas Roadhouse
Many food critics have said that Texas Roadhouse’s steaks are some of the best they have ever had in a taste test.
The 6-ounce USDA Choice Sirloin always sells the most. You shouldn’t be afraid to try their T-Bone, Filet, Ribeye, or New York Strip.
Best Points for Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse only uses high-quality and top-notch steaks; that’s why all their meat and steak dishes are tender and marbled.
“I know once people get connected to real food, they never change back.”
– Alice Waters, American Chef
All their beef is USDA Choice-Certified—”Choice” refers to one level below “Prime.” Prime is the highest level of steaks with the fattest and marbling. [4]
FAQs
u003cstrongu003eIs Texas Roadhouse more expensive than Outback?u003c/strongu003e
No, Texas Roadhouse isn’t more expensive than Outback. Texas is cheaper than the Outback, especially their steak.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eTexas steak prices remain consistently cheaper than its competitors to attract more foot traffic.
u003cstrongu003eWhich is best to dine in with kids, Texas Roadhouse or Outback?u003c/strongu003e
Texas Roadhouse is the best restaurant chain to dine in with kids because of its lively atmosphere that kids will enjoy during birthdays or simply dining.
u003cstrongu003eWho has better steaks, Texas Roadhouse or Outback?u003c/strongu003e
TTexas Roadhouse has the better steaks in terms of taste and seasoning quality, which favors food critics. However, both restaurant chains use the same beef quality, the USDA-Choice.
u003cstrongu003eAre Outback and Texas Roadhouse owned by the same company?u003c/strongu003e
No, Outback and Texas Roadhouse are owned by different companies. The Aussie restaurant is owned by OSI restaurant partners under Bloomin’ Brands.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eJBS Swift and Smithfield Foods own Texas Roadhouse.
Final Verdict
The clear winner in the Outback Steakhouse vs. Texas Roadhouse face-off is the Texas Roadhouse because of its cheaper steaks. These two steakhouses offer the same quality of meat.
However, they offer different prices and values. Texas Roadhouse’s steak is more flavorful and tasty because of its seasoning techniques.
The cheese, bacon, veggies, and other sides complimented their steak meal. This chain is cheaper, suitable for kids, and offers the same quality of steaks.
References:
- https://www.texasroadhouse.com/about-us
- https://meat.tamu.edu/beefgrading/
- https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/outback-founders-celebrate-the-first-location-in-south-tampa/2108566/
- https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2013/01/28/whats-your-beef-prime-choice-or-select
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