LongHorn Steakhouse, known for its hearty portions and Texas-inspired flair, is a popular dining destination for many. While most experiences are positive, leading to repeat visits, some menu items don’t always live up to the chain’s reputation. This guide aims to shed light on dishes and aspects of the LongHorn menu that might not provide the best value, taste, or overall experience, helping you make informed choices on your next visit. It is important to note that taste is subjective, and experiences may vary depending on location and preparation.
Considering Cuts of Steak: Beyond the Hype
LongHorn’s core offering is steak, but navigating the menu requires careful consideration. Not all steaks are created equal, and understanding the differences can significantly impact your satisfaction.
The Sirloin Situation: Balancing Cost and Quality
Sirloin is often promoted as a leaner, more affordable option. However, the trade-off can sometimes be in tenderness and flavor. While a perfectly cooked sirloin can be enjoyable, it’s often more prone to being tough or dry, especially if overcooked. Unless you specifically prefer a very lean cut, consider spending a little more for a ribeye or filet, which are generally more consistent in their quality. Consider ordering the sirloin with a marinade or sauce to help improve the moisture and flavor.
The Ribeye Risk: Fat is Flavor, But…
Ribeyes are celebrated for their rich marbling, which translates to a flavorful and juicy steak. However, the quality of the marbling can vary considerably. A poorly marbled ribeye can be excessively fatty in certain areas, while being tough in others. Look for visual cues – a well-marbled ribeye will have thin streaks of fat evenly distributed throughout the meat. Don’t hesitate to ask your server for their recommendation and if possible, view the steak before it’s cooked.
Filet Mignon Fantasies: Price vs. Performance
Filet mignon is typically the most expensive cut on the LongHorn menu, marketed for its tenderness. While it certainly delivers on tenderness, some diners find it lacking in the robust flavor found in other cuts. If you prefer a melt-in-your-mouth texture above all else, the filet is a solid choice. However, if you’re looking for a bolder, more pronounced beef flavor, you might find better satisfaction with a ribeye or even a properly prepared sirloin. Consider adding a topping like blue cheese crust or a peppercorn sauce to enhance the flavor of the filet.
Navigating the Appetizer Aisle: Proceed with Caution
Appetizers are designed to whet the appetite, but some at LongHorn can leave you feeling disappointed or overly full before your main course even arrives.
The Wild West Shrimp Warning: Calorie Overload
The Wild West Shrimp, while undeniably tasty, is often considered a calorie bomb. Deep-fried shrimp coated in a sweet and spicy sauce can be surprisingly heavy, packing a significant caloric punch before your steak even arrives. If you’re watching your calorie intake, consider opting for a lighter appetizer like the Firecracker Chicken Wraps (shared, of course). Be mindful of the portion size.
Over-Hyped Onion: The Texas Tonion Dilemma
The Texas Tonion, LongHorn’s take on the blooming onion, is a visually impressive appetizer. However, the execution can sometimes be inconsistent. The onion can be unevenly cooked, with some parts being overly crispy and others undercooked and soggy. The sheer size of the Texas Tonion can also be overwhelming, leaving you feeling overly full before your main course. If you’re set on trying it, consider sharing it with a large group.
Questionable Queso: The Cheesy Conundrum
Queso dips are a popular appetizer choice, but the quality and flavor profile of LongHorn’s queso can be underwhelming. It can sometimes taste processed or artificial, lacking the authentic cheesy flavor that many diners expect. Consider trying a different appetizer altogether, or asking your server for a sample before ordering the full portion.
Side Dish Disasters: Not All Sides Are Created Equal
Sides are an integral part of the LongHorn experience, but some options are more satisfying than others.
The Creamed Spinach Controversy: Texture Troubles
Creamed spinach can be a delightful accompaniment to a steak, but LongHorn’s version often suffers from textural issues. It can be excessively watery or conversely, overly thick and gluey. The flavor can also be bland, lacking the richness and depth that characterizes a well-made creamed spinach. If you’re a creamed spinach enthusiast, consider trying a different side dish altogether.
Mac and Cheese Missteps: Beyond the Basics
Mac and cheese is a comfort food staple, but LongHorn’s offering often falls short of expectations. It can be bland, lacking in cheesy flavor, or overly dry. The texture of the pasta can also be inconsistent, with some noodles being overcooked and mushy. Consider opting for a different side dish, or customizing your mac and cheese with extra cheese or toppings.
Loaded Potato Letdowns: The Topping Trap
A loaded baked potato can be a satisfying side dish, but LongHorn’s version can be inconsistent. The toppings can be unevenly distributed, with some bites being overloaded and others lacking in flavor. The potato itself can sometimes be dry or undercooked. Inspect your loaded potato when it arrives and request additional toppings if necessary.
Dessert Doubts: End on a High Note, or Not?
Desserts are meant to be a sweet ending to your meal, but some of LongHorn’s options might leave you wanting more.
Chocolate Stampede Stumbles: Too Much of a Good Thing?
The Chocolate Stampede is a visually impressive dessert, but the sheer size and richness can be overwhelming. It’s a towering layered cake that can be excessively sweet and heavy, even for the most dedicated chocolate lover. Consider sharing the Chocolate Stampede with a large group, or opting for a lighter dessert option.
Caramel Apple Goldrush Grief: Flavor Fails
The Caramel Apple Goldrush, while appealing in theory, can be disappointing in execution. The apples can be mushy or lacking in flavor, and the caramel sauce can be overly sweet and artificial. The overall combination can be cloying and unsatisfying. Consider trying a different dessert option, or skipping dessert altogether.
Beyond the Food: Service and Ambiance Considerations
Beyond the specific dishes, other factors can impact your overall dining experience at LongHorn Steakhouse.
Inconsistent Service: Hit or Miss
Service quality can vary considerably depending on the location, time of day, and server. Some diners report attentive and friendly service, while others experience long wait times, inattentive servers, and order errors. Be prepared to communicate your needs clearly and politely to your server.
Ambiance Ambivalence: Noise Levels and Crowds
LongHorn Steakhouses can often be noisy and crowded, especially during peak hours. This can make it difficult to have a conversation and can detract from the overall dining experience. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds and noise.
Making Informed Choices: A Summary of Recommendations
Here’s a recap of the items you might want to think twice about ordering at LongHorn:
- Sirloin Steak (without modification): Risk of toughness and dryness.
- Poorly Marbled Ribeye: Excessive fat and inconsistent texture.
- Filet Mignon (without added flavor): May lack robust beef flavor.
- Wild West Shrimp: High in calories.
- Texas Tonion: Inconsistent cooking and overwhelming size.
- Queso Dip: Can taste processed and artificial.
- Creamed Spinach: Potential texture issues (watery or gluey).
- Mac and Cheese: Can be bland or dry.
- Loaded Potato (inconsistently topped): Uneven topping distribution.
- Chocolate Stampede: Excessively sweet and heavy.
- Caramel Apple Goldrush: Can be mushy and overly sweet.
Ultimately, your dining experience at LongHorn Steakhouse is a matter of personal preference. However, by being aware of the potential pitfalls and making informed choices, you can significantly increase your chances of having a satisfying and enjoyable meal. Remember to consider your own tastes, preferences, and dietary needs when making your selections. Don’t hesitate to ask your server for recommendations or clarification on any menu items.
What appetizer should I skip at LongHorn Steakhouse and why?
Avoid the Wild West Shrimp. While it might sound tempting, the excessive amount of breading and the heavy, sugary sauce contribute to a high calorie and fat content, diminishing the appeal of the actual shrimp. It’s often described as overwhelmingly sweet and not a healthy or particularly flavorful way to start your meal.
Instead, opt for a simpler appetizer like the Firecracker Chicken Wraps (shared, of course) or a classic side salad. These choices offer a lighter start that won’t fill you up before your main course, allowing you to better enjoy your steak or other entrée. They also provide a better balance of flavors and nutritional value.
Which steak cut at LongHorn Steakhouse is generally considered the least worth the price?
The Outlaw Ribeye, despite its imposing name and size, can sometimes be disappointing. Its thickness can lead to inconsistent cooking, resulting in a steak that’s either overcooked on the outside or undercooked in the middle. This inconsistent cook undermines the potential for the rich, marbled flavor that a good ribeye should deliver.
If you’re looking for a reliable and flavorful steak, consider the Flo’s Filet or the Renegade Sirloin. These cuts tend to be more consistently cooked and offer better value for their price point, especially considering the risk of uneven cooking associated with the significantly thicker Outlaw Ribeye.
Are there any sides at LongHorn Steakhouse that are surprisingly unhealthy?
Yes, the Loaded Baked Potato can be a nutritional minefield. While a baked potato itself is relatively healthy, the additions of butter, sour cream, cheese, and bacon bits significantly increase the calorie, fat, and sodium content. It can quickly become more of an indulgence than a complementary side dish.
For a healthier alternative, consider ordering a plain baked potato with a side of steamed vegetables or a house salad with light dressing. This allows you to control the toppings and overall nutritional value of your side, making it a more balanced addition to your meal.
Should I avoid any particular cocktails or alcoholic beverages at LongHorn Steakhouse?
Be cautious with overly sugary cocktails, such as the LongHorn Strawberry Margarita. These drinks often contain a high amount of added sugars, which can contribute to a significant calorie intake and a rapid blood sugar spike. This can lead to an energy crash later on and isn’t ideal for those watching their sugar intake.
Instead, opt for simpler drinks like a glass of wine, a light beer, or a cocktail with less added sugar, such as a vodka soda with lime. These options generally contain fewer calories and are less likely to leave you feeling sluggish. You can also ask your server for the sugar content of different drinks to make an informed decision.
Is there a dessert item at LongHorn Steakhouse that’s best to avoid if I’m watching my weight?
The Chocolate Stampede dessert is a definite indulgence to avoid if you’re mindful of your weight. Its rich layers of chocolate cake, mousse, and icing pack a significant caloric punch. Sharing this dessert is crucial, but even then, the high sugar and fat content make it a very calorie-dense option.
If you’re craving something sweet, consider ordering a smaller, lighter option, such as a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fruit sorbet. These choices offer a satisfyingly sweet ending without the overwhelming caloric load of the Chocolate Stampede. You could also skip dessert entirely and opt for a cup of coffee or tea.
Are the bread loaves served at LongHorn Steakhouse something I should limit?
Yes, the honey wheat bread served before the meal, while delicious, can contribute significantly to your overall calorie intake. It’s tempting to keep reaching for slices, especially when paired with butter, but the carbohydrates and calories can add up quickly before your main course even arrives.
Consider limiting yourself to one or two slices of bread and focusing on enjoying your entrée. You can also ask your server to remove the bread basket after you’ve had a reasonable portion. This helps to avoid unnecessary calorie consumption and allows you to savor your main meal more fully.
What’s one ingredient or preparation method I should be wary of when ordering at LongHorn Steakhouse?
Be mindful of dishes described as “creamy” or “smothered.” These descriptions often indicate a high fat and calorie content due to the use of heavy cream, cheese sauces, or butter. While these preparations can be flavorful, they can also significantly increase the unhealthy aspects of your meal.
Instead, look for dishes that are grilled, baked, or steamed. Opt for sauces and dressings on the side, allowing you to control the amount you consume. Paying attention to the preparation method and ingredients can help you make healthier choices without sacrificing flavor.