Last Updated on April 3, 2023 by Shari Mason
If you’re looking for an excellent place to have dinner and perhaps meet up with friends or family, Texas Roadhouse and Outback Steakhouse are similar restaurants.
Both are known for their steak, but there’s something more that meets the eye when comparing these two steakhouse chains.
In this Outback Steakhouse vs Texas Roadhouse comparison, let’s find out which has the better food and service.
Comparing Texas Roadhouse & Outback Steakhouse
Texas Roadhouse and Outback Steakhouse are both America’s favorite restaurants serving good steak, and both were established hundreds of miles from their respective locations.
Indiana is where the rowdier-themed Roadhouse was established. And the Outback, with its Australia-like theme, was established in Florida, Australia. [1]
Price, presentation, and seasoning techniques with salt are where Outback Steakhouse and Texas Roadhouse make their major difference.
While the latter steakhouse serves more southern Texas cuisine, the former serves casual American-style steaks. At Outback Steakhouse, you might have to spend a little bit more.
Main Differences
Dining Theme & Atmosphere
We’ve visited some Outback Steakhouse locations. It falls somewhere between fast-food chains and upper-class restaurants.
Outback’s motif is quite warm and romantic. The interior gives off an Australian theme and vibes.
On the other hand, Texas Roadhouse’s theme has a rowdier, more rural atmosphere.
The steakhouse exudes active party feelings, with birthday guests riding on top of saddles, country music blasting, and the floor covered in peanut shells.
Menu Selection
Texas Roadhouse has salmon that we could eat daily with salad as a side–it’s among the best meals we ate on our visit.
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. Steaks and chicken meals are famous and must be tried.
The Outback Steakhouse has many famous dishes you can choose from, other than steaks. They also have salad and bread rolls.
There are Bloomin Onion, Victoria’s, Filet with Lobster Tail, Chocolate Thunder From Down Under, and many more.
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 their 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 restaurant chain is known for its Aussie-style meal. It serves classic dishes and appetizers like the Bloomin’ Onion and brown bread that are very hard to stop eating.
Texas Roadhouse is known for its t-bone hand-cut steaks, ribs that fall off the bone, sides made from scratch, and freshly baked potato and 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
We are impressed by Outback’s free crispy honey-oat bread. It was cooked great and served hot. Alongside was simple whipped butter.
Texas Roadhouse has a free refilling bucket of peanuts served at each table because the restaurant wants to ensure you are full by the time you leave.
The buns at Texas Roadhouse came 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.
A 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 8:30–9:00 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 had 666 outlets as of August 2021.
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 steaks that are high-quality and top-notch that’s why all their 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
Is Texas Roadhouse more expensive than Outback?
No, Texas Roadhouse isn’t more expensive than Outback. Texas is somewhat cheaper than the Outback, especially on their steak.
Texas remained consistently being cheaper than its competitor to attract more foot traffic.
Which is best to dine in with kids, Texas Roadhouse or Outback?
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.
Who has better steaks, Texas Roadhouse or Outback?
Texas 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.
Are Outback and Texas Roadhouse owned by the same company?
No, Outback Steakhouse and Texas Roadhouse are owned by different companies. Outback is owned by OSI restaurant partners that are under Bloomin’ Brands.
JBS Swift and Smithfield Foods own Texas Roadhouse.
Final Verdict
The clear winner in 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 don’t offer the same price and value. 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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