6 Steakhouse Chains I Avoid and 6 I Go to Instead

If you’ve recently dined at some of the most well-known steakhouse chains, you may have enjoyed the familiarity of the experience and even felt a bit of nostalgia. Many steakhouse chains, such as Outback Steakhouse and Texas Roadhouse, opened in the late ’80s or early ’90s, making them an integral part of every millennial’s childhood. There’s something about the inside of Outback Steakhouse that takes me straight back to my childhood.

Even though nostalgia is a good thing sometimes, the benefit of dining at these popular steakhouse chains often stops at familiarity. The good thing about them is you typically know what to expect, but if you’re looking for the best steaks out there or even more exotic menu items, there are many better alternatives. It’s not cheap to eat out nowadays, so you have to spend your money wisely.

Some restaurants on this steakhouse chain list have struggled to stay open over the years. Most of them started as popular restaurants, but they haven’t adapted to the changing restaurant industry.

Even with the decline of steakhouse chains such as Ponderosa and Sirloin Stockade, there are many great alternatives out there that offer a more diverse menu. For the more upscale steakhouses that cost a bit more, the quality of your meal makes it worth the splurge.

To create this list of steakhouse chains I avoid, I consulted used my personal experience regarding some of the most well-known steakhouse chains in the country. We also consulted several news publications to determine the economic status of certain steakhouse chains. (There are also some rules on what to never eat at restaurants — click here for 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. I’ll admit I’m a sucker for the Bloomin’ Onion, but the Australian theme of the restaurant is pretty misleading. If you’re looking for something more diverse, there are better alternatives out there.

Best alternative to Outback: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse

Source: Courtesy of Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse via Yelp

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

Source: Courtesy of Jen S via Yelp

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 across the country.

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. Rarely do I go to a steakhouse and after finishing my plate, wish that I could fill it up two or three more times.

Best alternative to Sirloin Stockade: The Capital Grille

Source: Courtesy of The Capital Grille via Yelp

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

Source: Courtesy of Kerry R via Yelp

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 rolls, which are pretty delicious. However, if you’re not going for the sides, there are better alternatives out there.

Best alternative to Texas Roadhouse: LongHorn Steakhouse

Source: Courtesy of Chris O via Yelp

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

Source: Courtesy of Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse via Yelp

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 not only a unique dining experience but also 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’s the upscale restaurant chains customers like the most.)