Texas Roadhouse vs Outback Steakhouse
Texas Roadhouse vs Outback Steakhouse: Menu, Prices & More
1. Brand & Operational Snapshot
| Texas Roadhouse | Outback Steakhouse | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1993 in Clarksville, Indiana. | 1988 in Tampa, Florida. |
| Theme / Vibe | Texan‑style steakhouse with lively, fun atmosphere (line dancing, peanuts) | Aussie‑themed (Outback) steakhouse, more standard casual dining décor. |
| Latest growth / market position | Recently overtook many competitors to become a top casual dining chain. | Slower growth; different strategic focus. |
Brand & operational snapshot: While both chains are well‑established, Texas Roadhouse has more vibrant growth momentum and dining experience of the two.
Price Point & Value
As for the price point and value: Averagely, Texas Roadhouse would charge at a lower price than Outback Steakhouse. One option: As indicated by the price listing on , a 6‑oz filet with two sides at a Texas Roadhouse restaurant in New Jersey was approximately $23.49 while the 6 oz. filet in an Outback Steakhouse was nearly $31.99.
Also, note that the side dishes at Outback Steakhouse might be comparatively expensive to order a la carte. User-friendly tip: Thus, if you are to choose the most budget-friendly option, Ave’s recommendation on the Texas Roadhouse menu stands. However, one may decide on cost difference depending on the number of available sides.
Menu Variety – Steaks, Non‑Steak & Sides
Steaks & mains:
Size and quality of steak: both strong; Texas Roadhouse ribeye comparison jump to list Sub New Window “Outback’s bone-in ribeye certainly seemed thinner than Texas Roadhouse’s.
No non-steak options: Outback has more seafood options, such as lobster tails and ahi tuna as compared to Texas Roadhouse.
Appetizers and sides
Signature: The Bloomin’ Onion from Outback Steakhouse is renowned, while Texas Roadhouse has the Cactus Blossom. (tastingtable.com)
Bread & butter: Made-from-scratch yeast rolls served with honey-cinnamon butter at Texas Roadhouse, compared to whipped butter served with frozen dough loaves at Outback Steakhouse. (mashed.com)
Side dish sophistication: Outback Steakhouse offers more complicated sides (e.g. baked potato with cheese, bacon and scallions and steakhouse mac & cheese) compared to the Texas Roadhouse which offers more basic sides. (tastingtable.com)
User Friendly Tip:
If your diners focus on steak, both options will work fine.
If your diners are more diverse (seafood, burgers, salad), then consider Outback Steakhouse as it has a wider selection.
If you enjoy comfort food consistency, sides, and bread as part of your meal, then Texas Roadhouse exceeds in that regard.
Atmosphere & Dining Experience
Texas Roadhouse exemplifies high-energy, lively, and inviting spaces: enjoys, and patrons take part in line dances, and floor peanuts are part of their seating arrangement. (en.wikipedia.org)
Outback Steakhouse provides relaxed and more ordinary casual dining atmosphere. Some patrons suggest it is slightly more upscale. (reddit.com)
Compared to Outback Steakhouse, Texas Roadhouse provides a wider range of kids’ menu options (such as steak bites, mini ribs, and hot dog) catering to families. (tastingtable.com)
User-Friendly Tip: For a relaxed, more casual dining experience, choose Outback Steakhouse. For lively atmosphere and fun dining for a group, Texas Roadhouse is your best option.
Desserts & Extras
Outback Steakhouse has more sophisticated and varied dessert options compared to the simpler offerings at Texas Roadhouse (i.e., triple-layer carrot cake, salted caramel cookie skillet, and NY-style cheesecake). (tastingtable.com)
In regards to drinks, there is not much focus and value is said to vary by location for the chain: consider current deals at each chain.
Allergen & Health-Friendly Considerations
Neither chain operates exclusively as “diet-only” establishments, but each provides some lighter options and posts allergen information.
Outback’s parent company communicated commitments with regards to the improved sourcing of cage-free eggs. (en.wikipedia.org)
If you have specific dietary restrictions (gluten, dairy, nut-free), be sure to check the allergen menu for each chain; for instance, the allergen menu for Outback is linked to your site.
For User-Friendliness: Menus vary by location, and sauces and butter may contain hidden allergens. Thus, always ask in the store for the most current allergen guide.
Which Should You Choose?
| Scenario | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Looking for highest variety, seafood + steak, dessert variety | Outback Steakhouse |
| Prioritising value, upbeat lively atmosphere, big portions | Texas Roadhouse |
| Dining with kids and wanting lots of menu flexibility for them | Texas Roadhouse has slight edge |
| Seeking a somewhat quieter, more traditional dining experience | Outback Steakhouse |
Final thoughts
Both Texas Roadhouse and Outback Steakhouse deliver on what casual dining steak lovers expect — generous portions, a focus on quality cuts, sides, and a comfortable environment. The key differentiators are atmosphere, price value, breadth of the menu (especially non-steak items), and the sophistication of the desserts and sides.
If I were to boil it down:
Go Outback if you’re treating yourself, want seafood options, a dessert, or a more refined experience.
Go Texas Roadhouse if you’re after big value, a fun vibe, and great bread and rolls comfort food.