Most of us don’t have the option of going to fine dining establishments like Peter Luger’s or Del Frisco’s for a nice steak dinner partly because they aren’t easily accessible. Many of the top steakhouses are typically in large cities and not everyone lives in or near a large city. But there are still plenty of options to choose from, as well as others that you should avoid.
Steakhouses have been popular in the United States for quite some time but it was the addition of the chain steakhouse that made the steak dinner more convenient and accessible. Many steakhouse chains, like Outback Steakhouse and Texas Roadhouse, opened in the 1980s and 1990s, although upscale chain brands like Morton’s got their start in the 1970s. Some of the steakhouses listed here started as popular restaurants but due to their lack of adaptability in a changing restaurant industry, have struggled to stay open.
To create this list of chain steakhouses to skip and where to choose instead, we used some of the most well-known steakhouse chains in the country and consulted several news publications to determine the economic status of certain steakhouse chains. (When dining out, see what 12 restaurant menu items to avoid.)
Outback Steakhouse
SKOKIE, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 02: A sign marks the location of an Outback Steakhouse restaurant on November 02, 2021, in Skokie, Illinois. Shares of Bloomin’ Brands, the parent company of Outback Steakhouse, closed down 10% today after the company said it expects $170 million in additional costs next year due to inflation. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Even though Outback Steakhouse is one of the most popular steakhouse chains, it’s not as exotic as it sounds. The Bloomin’ Onion might be enticing, but the Australian theme of the restaurant is pretty misleading. If you’re looking for something more diverse, there are better alternatives.
Best alternative to Outback: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
If you aren’t familiar with Bloomin’ Brands, you might not know they own both Outback Steakhouse and Fleming’s Steakhouse. If it feels like you’ve been to Outback a million times, try Fleming’s next time you’re craving steak.
Sizzler
Sizzler was one of the first steakhouse chains in the country, but they filed for bankruptcy in 2020. The chain has managed to stay afloat, but most of the stores across the country have closed.
Best alternative to Sizzler: The Palm
If you don’t want to visit Sizzler, The Palm is a great choice if you’re looking for high-quality steak. Even without excessive toppings or seasonings, the quality of meat at The Palm speaks for itself. Since the first restaurant opened in 1926, The Palm has grown to 30 locations nationwide.
Sirloin Stockade
When the first location opened in 1966, the steakhouse and buffet combo available at Sirloin Stockade was a novelty. However, all-you-can-eat buffets aren’t as popular as they used to be. It’s not as common to go to a steakhouse, finish a plate, and return to fill it up two or three more times.
Best alternative to Sirloin Stockade: The Capital Grille
The Capital Grille is reasonably priced considering the quality of their food. They also offer more variety than Sirloin Stockade. The Capital Grille is praised not only for its steak but also for its seafood and wine selection.
Ponderosa
Ponderosa is similar to Sirloin Stockade in design since they share the same all-you-can-eat buffet and steakhouse combination. While this type of restaurant may have been popular when it first opened, this chain has gone from hundreds of locations to 16.
Best alternative to Ponderosa: Ruth’s Chris
You can count on Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse for excellent steak, every time. With 147 steakhouse locations worldwide, customers appreciate the consistency from one location to another. If you’re in the mood for surf and turf, Ruth’s Chris has top-tier steak and seafood.
Texas Roadhouse
There’s no doubt Texas Roadhouse is one of the most well-known steakhouse chains. You might choose to visit simply because of their famous honey-cinnamon butter that comes with the pretty delicious rolls. However, if you’re not going for the sides, there are better alternatives.
Best alternative to Texas Roadhouse: LongHorn Steakhouse
LongHorn Steakhouse is similar to Texas Roadhouse, but there’s more of an emphasis on the quality of steak. Whether you choose the porterhouse steak or the Delmonico, the steaks at LongHorn are perfectly cooked and seasoned.
Steak 48
Steak 48 has many of the qualities of an upscale steakhouse, especially when it comes to the price. You may not choose to avoid it because of the food, but the restaurant has been criticized for some of the rules they’ve implemented. The strict dress code and $100 minimum was not well-received by the community.
Best alternative to Steak 48: Fogo de Chão
Fogo de Chão is a Brazilian steakhouse chain with delicious steaks and a dining experience that far exceeds the experience at most other steakhouses. They offer a unique dining experience and a top-notch salad bar, known as the Market Table. In addition to their steak, they also have a wide range of chicken, pork, and seafood. (Here are the upscale restaurant chains customers like the most.)