US Steakhouse Chains, Ranked Worst To Best
Steakhouses are a popular type of restaurant in the U.S., and for good reason: Steakhouses transform standard beef into something mouth-watering and irresistible. Add on comforting, delicious sides like mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese, and steakhouses make the perfect place for date night, special celebrations, or just a night out. Because steakhouses are so popular, there are hundreds of steakhouses across the country, including several chains. Not everyone loves chain restaurants, but they have their benefits, as the menu and food quality is generally fairly consistent across the brand. However, not all steakhouse chains are equal, and the key to a successful steak meal is knowing which steakhouses are top-quality and which ones fall short.
We've taken a look at the most popular steakhouse chains from across the country and ranked them from worst to best based on customer ratings. If you're looking to make a reservation for a nice steak dinner, but aren't sure which chain to choose, we've got you covered: Discover the steakhouses that are a "must try" and the ones you're better off avoiding.
Logan's Roadhouse
Logan's Roadhouse is a chain of casual steakhouses with over a hundred locations in the U.S. Most of the chain's locations are in the southeast, but there are a handful of locations in California as well. The restaurant chain was first founded in 1991 and describes itself as "serving quality steaks, a kickin' bar and upbeat dining experience." An upbeat dining experience is exactly what guests get with vintage Southern decor and an endless supply of bread and peanuts.
Some of the most popular Logan's Roadhouse menu items include The Logan, the restaurant's signature 11-ounce sirloin, as well as the Roadhouse 'Shroom and Swiss Burger, the Grilled Meatloaf, and the Mesquite-Grilled Pork Chops. Desserts like the Big Ole Cheesecake and Mississippi Brownie are also fan favorites.
Unfortunately, not everyone enjoys their experience at Logan's Roadhouse. The majority of reviews on Google rate the restaurant less than four stars, with an average of 3.86 out of five. Frequent complaints include slow service and mediocre meals, with many mentioning that their food appeared overdone or burnt and they were stuck waiting for a long time.
Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse is the largest steakhouse chain in the country, with just under 700 locations across the U.S. In fact, the only states in the U.S. without an Outback Steakhouse are Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Rhode Island, and Vermont, and the chain also has international locations in over 20 countries worldwide.
The restaurant's name is a play on its Australian theme, and diners can expect a casual, laid-back atmosphere when they visit. Despite being a steakhouse, the best-known menu item is probably the Bloomin' Onion, a deep-fried onion appetizer. Other signature menu items include the Kookaburra Wings, the Alice Springs Chicken, and the Chocolate Thunder From Down Under dessert.
On average, Outback Steakhouse locations were rated just over 4.1 stars on Google. Favorite steak options of reviewers include the prime rib and ribeye steaks, and of course, the Bloomin' Onion is frequently mentioned. Reviewers were generally unimpressed with the seafood, especially the lobster but also the shrimp and salmon. Complaints about service mistakes were common, but many reviewers agreed that their experience was decent for what they paid.
Morton's The Steakhouse
Morton's The Steakhouse is a smaller, more upscale restaurant chain. Based in Chicago, Morton's has over 50 locations in 23 states as well as branches in Canada, China, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, and Taiwan. Stunning chandeliers, mirrored columns, and leather chairs furnish most locations, wrapping guests in an aesthetic that's part modern, part Roaring 20s inspired.
The ribeye steaks and filet mignon are common choices but know that the steaks at Morton's will cost a little more than what you'd pay at Outback or Texas Roadhouse. The real reason why Morton's Steakhouse is so expensive is multifaceted, but it includes using USDA prime beef that is often dry-aged. The restaurant also has a variety of seafood options, including popular menu items like the Lobster Bisque, the Lobster Macaroni and Cheese, and the Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops.
While many of Morton's locations have an average rating of 4.3 to 4.5, several locations dragged down the overall score with ratings at or below 4.0, creating an overall average of 4.17. A common complaint at these locations was slow service, with many diners feeling like their servers had forgotten about them. Others mentioned they didn't feel like their meals were worth the high prices.
Saltgrass Steak House
Saltgrass Steak House is based in Houston, and it brings that Texas charm to over 80 locations across the U.S. The truth of Saltgrass Steak House is that the name is based on an old Texas legend, and unsurprisingly, most locations are in Texas. However, there's also a smattering of other restaurants across the south, the plains, and the Rockies, from Nevada to North Carolina.
The restaurant serves a variety of steaks, including sirloins, T-bones, ribeyes, New York strips, and porterhouses. The restaurant also offers ribs, chicken, and seafood, as well as classic appetizers and sides. Popular dishes include appetizers like the Crab Cakes and Fried Mushrooms, the Country Fried Steak entree, and the Brussels Sprouts for a side.
Most Saltgrass Steak House locations have an average rating of around 4.2, with a chain average of just under 4.18. Most of the low reviews are based on service, with customers frustrated that they waited a long time for their food, that their food was cold when they received it, and that the overall experience was not what they expected. That being said, there are plenty of positive reviews from those who enjoyed the food and service.
Texas Roadhouse
The second-largest steakhouse chain in the U.S. is Texas Roadhouse. Despite falling behind Outback by about 80 locations, it beats its competitor by over a billion dollars in sales annually. A relaxed, southwestern vibe, never-ending supply of peanuts, and insanely delicious cinnamon butter rolls all contribute to making Texas Roadhouse one of the highest-grossing restaurant chains in the country.
Aside from the free rolls and butter, some of the more popular Texas Roadhouse menu items include appetizers like the Cactus Blossom, their version of Outback's Bloomin' Onion, as well as the Rattlesnake Bites (jalapeno bites) and the Fried Pickles. The Fall-Off-the-Bone-Ribs, Grilled Salmon, and various ribeye steaks are popular options for entrees.
The majority of reviews for Texas Roadhouse locations range between 4.2 and 4.4, with an average rating of just under 4.3. Food quality seems to vary by location, with some reviewers raving that their food was cooked perfectly, while others complained that their food was overcooked or bland. Service seems to vary as well, with customers at some locations expressing frustration at the service they received and customers at other locations thrilled with the staff.
Longhorn Steakhouse
Longhorn Steakhouse is another massive U.S. chain, with over 550 locations nationwide. Like Outback and Texas Roadhouse, Longhorn Steakhouse offers a casual atmosphere and a varied surf-and-turf menu. The restaurant uses fresh, custom-trimmed steak and one-of-a-kind seasonings to give customers "the steak they deserve."
Visitors can choose from several signature LongHorn Steakhouse steaks, including Flo's Filet, the Outlaw Ribeye, and the LongHorn Porterhouse. The restaurant also offers several items made with their Signature Parmesan Crust, including the highly popular Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Other popular menu items include the Grilled Chicken and Strawberry Salad, Fresh Steamed Asparagus, and the Loaded Baked Potato.
Similar to Texas Roadhouse, most ratings for LongHorn Steakhouse locations varied between 4.2 and 4.4 with an average of just under 4.3. Because it's a large chain, experience generally depends on location. Some customers complained about slow service or bad food, while others enjoyed their experience and were happy with the food quality, service offered, reasonable prices, and overall atmosphere.
Texas de Brazil
Texas de Brazil is a chain of Brazilian steakhouses, also called churrascarias. These restaurants work a little differently than traditional steakhouses; diners typically pay a flat fee and different cuts of grilled meat are brought around and sliced fresh at the table. Texas de Brazil is one of just a handful of Brazilian steakhouse chains, and it operates over 50 locations nationwide.
The restaurant offers over a dozen meat options, including chicken, lamb, ribs, and steak. Guests particularly love the flank steak, bacon-wrapped chicken, and leg of lamb, as well as the lobster bisque as a side. The salad bar is included in the meal and offers a variety of options, from fresh and roasted vegetables to imported cheeses.
Most Texas de Brazil locations have an average rating between 4.3 and 4.6, but a few lower ratings brought the overall average to a 4.35. The majority of complaints are in regards to service, with guests frustrated that they had to wait a while or that the meats they requested never made it to their table. Despite that, most visitors are happy with the never-ending rotation of meats and the wealth of choices at the salad bar.
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Ruth's Chris Steak House is an upscale steakhouse chain named after its founder, Ruth Fertel. The chain was founded in 1965 in New Orleans, and today includes over 120 locations across the U.S. as well as restaurants in Canada, Mexico, and Asia. Most locations deliver a warm but elegant atmosphere with dark paneled walls and leather seats, making it a great choice for those who want something elevated but not pretentious.
An array of steaks are available, including New York strips, filets, ribeyes, T-bones, and porterhouse, as well as specialty cuts. Other popular menu items at Ruth's Chris include the Lobster Bisque, Creamed Spinach, Stuffed Chicken Breast, Lobster Mac & Cheese, and the Bread Pudding. The restaurant also offers gluten-friendly, vegetarian, and keto options.
The average rating for most Ruth's Chris restaurants ranged from 4.3 to 4.6, with a few outliers above and below. On the whole, the chain averaged a 4.2 rating from Google. Most who left negative reviews mentioned that their experience wasn't what they expected from the chain, with complaints of poorly cooked food or lackluster service. There are far more positive reviews, however, with customers raving about the atmosphere, service, and food.
Mastro's Steakhouse
Mastro's Steakhouse is a steakhouse chain known for its elegance- which comes with high prices and a posh clientele. The chain has 21 locations in some of the largest cities in the country, including Boston, Chicago, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. With sparkling chandeliers and shimmering gold curtains, Mastro's is the pinnacle of sophistication. Just be sure to follow the restaurant's "strict upscale dress code."
Mastro's offers traditional steak options, like filets, strips, and ribeyes, but also premium options like Japanese A5 Wagyu beef and true A5 Kobe beef, "the most exclusive beef in the world." Diners also rave about menu items like the Lobster Mashed Potatoes, White Cheddar Mac and Cheese, Creamed Corn, and for dessert, the butter cake.
All Mastro's Restaurants had a rating between 4.2 and 4.6, for an average Google rating of 4.44. Of course, with a restaurant like this, the bar is a little higher, but most commonly, complaints revolved around poor service. A few people weren't thrilled with the quality of the food, and more than one review across the chain mentioned possible food poisoning. Regardless, overall, many reviewers are thrilled with the atmosphere, service, and food.
Perry's Steakhouse and Grille
Continuing the trend of high-end steakhouses is Perry's Steakhouse and Grille, an upscale steakhouse chain based in Houston. It currently has 22 locations, primarily throughout Texas but also in Birmingham, Chicago, Denver, Nashville, Raleigh, and Richmond. Dark paneling and stunning chandeliers evoke elegance, but the brand doesn't forget its root with longhorn imagery scattered tastefully throughout most locations. Guests are asked to adhere to a business casual dress code, which means no gym or beachwear, exposed undergarments, excessively baggy clothes, or clothing with offensive language or graphics.
The restaurant uses USDA-aged prime beef and its Perry's Signature Steak Seasoning to create unforgettable files, strips, and ribeyes. The Lamb Chops are another popular menu item, as are the Sweet Sriracha Brussels Sprouts, Perry's Signature Fried Asparagus, Crab Cakes, and Bananas Foster. Perry's "off-the-menu features" include Akaushi Wagyu beef and Koji-aged steaks.
Most Perry's Steakhouse and Grilles were rated between 4.4 and 4.6, with a couple of outliers with a Google rating of 4.1 and 4.2. This gave the chain an overall average of 4.48. Most of the low reviews were about the service, with customers feeling like their servers were rude or aloof, or just left them waiting far too long. That being said, many had the opposite experience, with reviewers saying that service was outstanding and the food was excellent.
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse is a chain committed to bringing guests "an unparalleled steak and wine experience." They do this by offering not only stellar service but also USDA prime beef prepared with their signature method as well as an eclectic collection of California-inspired wines. The chain is based in California and has 65 locations across 25 states. Decor varies by restaurant, but all offer a high-end, elegant atmosphere.
The Prime Tomahawk is a popular choice from the prime cuts, which also includes ribeyes and a New York strip. Of the classic cuts, reviewers rave about the filet mignons. Other favorites include the Lobster Bisque, Crab Cakes, Crispy Brussels Sprouts and Bacon, and the Chocolate Lava Cake. The chain also offers a 3-course meal for children.
Every location of Fleming's Prime Steakhouse had an average Google rating of either 4.5 or 4.6 for an overall average chain rating of 4.55. Low reviews aren't particularly common, but are most often about the food, with some complaints that the food wasn't good or wasn't cooked to order, with one person mentioning possible food poisoning. On the whole, however, most reviewers thought the food and service were fantastic.
Fogo de Chão
Fogo de Chão is another Brazilian steakhouse chain, and it's one of the best Brazilian steakhouses in the U.S. The chain was founded in Brazil in 1979, and today has nearly 70 locations across the U.S. as well as in Central America, South America, and the Middle East. Warm wood and eclectic lighting give the restaurant an elegant but welcoming vibe for those who want a dining option that's upscale but not aloof.
The restaurant's churrascaria menu includes cuts of fire-roasted steak, chicken, lamb, and pork. The filet mignon, ribeye, and bottom sirloin are common favorites, as are the bacon-wrapped chicken and steak and the lamb chops. Fogo de Chão also offers the option to add cuts of Wagyu beef or entrees like the Pan-Seared Salmon. An expansive salad bar offers fresh vegetables, imported meats and cheeses, and artisan breads.
Generally, Fogo de Chão locations have an average Google rating between 4.5 and 4.7, with a few lower outliers. This gives the chain an average rating of 4.57. The most common complaint about negative reviews was in regard to service, with some customers frustrated that service was slow or that they never got a chance to try certain cuts of meat. Most reviews are positive, though, with reviewers gushing about an excellent experience thanks to attentive service and fantastic food.
The Capital Grille
The very best steakhouse chain in the U.S. is The Capital Grille, a fine dining restaurant with over 70 locations across the country. Each exudes classic elegance with mahogany paneling, Art Deco chandeliers, and rich leather seating, and some locations offer exceptional architecture or finishing touches that make them truly unique. There is a dress code, but it's relatively mild as they simply request no athletic clothing, excessively revealing clothing, or clothing with offensive language or images.
Steaks at The Capital Grille are "meticulously dry aged on premises for 18-24 days to achieve incomparable flavor and texture." The Filet Mignon, Bone-In Ribeye, and Dry Aged NY Strip steaks are common favorites. Other popular dishes include the Lobster Mac 'N' Cheese, Soy-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Lobster and Crab Cake with Lemon Basil Aioli, Lobster Bisque, New England Clam Chowder, and The Capital Grille Cheesecake.
Every Capital Grille location reviewed had an average of 4.6 or 4.7 stars, for an average of 4.65 stars across the chain. Poor reviews aren't terribly common, but several reviewers mentioned they felt rushed or that their food was overcooked. Some also had frustrations with the to-go system and the reservation system. However, thousands of reviewers have enjoyed their experience at The Capital Grille, with many stating the food was delicious and the service beyond excellent.
How Did We Rank the Best US Steakhouse Chains?
While I would have loved to visit every single chain on this list myself, that simply wasn't feasible (nor was it in the budget). Instead, to create this list, I started by finding the largest steakhouse chains in the United States. Next, I went through and looked at their Google reviews in order to rank them. For chains that had dozens, even hundreds of locations, I chose locations near the largest cities in each state that the chain was present in, averaging out those reviews to determine an overall rating. For chains with less than 50 locations, I averaged out the ratings from all locations. Restaurant reviews on Google are typically based on three things: service, food quality, and atmosphere, although things like pricing and accessibility also factor in. To determine popular and favorite dishes at each chain, I went through reviews to find the dishes that were most commonly mentioned in a positive way.