When it comes to steakhouses, there are few cuts as satisfying as the bone-in ribeye. This cut is a primal choice, combining tenderness with rich flavors and enhanced by the bone’s natural juices.
While there are many cuts of beef to enjoy at steakhouses, the bone-in ribeye stands apart. It’s for those who enjoy a deeper flavor and a slightly dramatic presentation, almost like a Fred Flintstone-sized meal.
Two of the leading names in American steakhouses, Texas Roadhouse and LongHorn Steakhouse, both offer their take on this indulgent dish.
Both establishments have legions of fans, thanks to their commitment to USDA Choice-grade meats, casual dining atmospheres, and affordability. However, the real question is: Which of these two chains serves the best bone-in ribeye?
To settle the debate, I’ve compared the 20-ounce bone-in ribeye offerings from Texas Roadhouse and LongHorn Steakhouse. Let’s dive into the details and explore how they stack up against one another, in terms of both taste and value.
LongHorn Steakhouse: The Outlaw Ribeye
LongHorn Steakhouse’s signature Outlaw Ribeye is a 20-ounce bone-in ribeye that makes a big impression both visually and flavor-wise. Priced at $32.99, this steak is available at LongHorn’s nationwide.
On my visit, the steak arrived grilled to medium-rare perfection and was around 1.5 inches thick post-cooking.
The presentation was classic LongHorn style—bold char marks adorned the juicy steak, with the bone clearly visible, extending from the rear.
Look
The Outlaw Ribeye was visually impressive. The grill marks were evident, and the juicy texture glistened under the restaurant’s lights.
The steak looked substantial, with a generous bone and a thick, meaty center. It was an attention-grabbing dish that certainly made a great first impression.
Taste
In terms of flavor, this steak did not disappoint. LongHorn’s grilling expertise was apparent with each bite—offering smoky, charred notes that elevated the meat’s natural flavors.
The seasoning was minimal but sufficient, allowing the beefy richness to shine through. What stood out most was the tenderness of the meat, coupled with the melt-in-your-mouth fat.
The Outlaw Ribeye was a substantial, hearty dish that left a lasting impression, though it bordered on being a bit under-seasoned for my taste.
Nutrition (Per 20 oz Outlaw Ribeye):
- Calories: 1,250
- Fat: 87 g (38 g saturated fat)
- Sodium: 1,670 mg
- Carbs: 2 g
- Protein: 94 g
Texas Roadhouse: The 20-Ounce Bone-In Ribeye
Texas Roadhouse is known for its casual and no-frills approach to steakhouse dining, which includes steaks that are hand-cut daily.
Their 20-ounce bone-in ribeye, priced at $29.99, comes with two sides, making it a fantastic value proposition. While it’s typically a top-seller at Roadhouse locations, the demand can sometimes lead to the steak being unavailable later in the day—a testament to its popularity.
Look
When my steak arrived, it was slightly smaller than LongHorn’s. It measured in at around 1 inch thick, weighing 15.97 ounces cooked.
The steak was presented on a simple plate, without much fanfare, accompanied by the restaurant’s signature wood-handled steak knife, which felt a bit rustic compared to LongHorn’s modern tools. However, that lack of pretense is part of the charm at Texas Roadhouse.
Taste
The flavor profile was the true highlight here. Texas Roadhouse’s bone-in ribeye was perfectly seasoned with a salty, savory crust, accentuating the juicy tenderness of the beef.
The fatty portions melted in my mouth, creating a rich and decadent taste with every bite. Despite the smaller portion size, the taste experience was remarkable.
This steak was a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth indulgence, and it had an undeniable robust flavor that made it stand out, even when compared to LongHorn’s more sophisticated offering.
Nutrition (Per 20 oz Ribeye):
- Calories: 1,480
- Fat: 101 g (44 g saturated fat)
- Sodium: 1,720 mg
- Carbs: 20 g (4 g fiber, 4 g sugar)
- Protein: 143 g
Side-by-Side Comparison
Flavor & Juiciness
- Winner: Texas Roadhouse. While both steaks were tasty, Texas Roadhouse offered a more robust flavor and was juicier, with a perfectly seasoned crust. LongHorn, while flavorful, leaned more heavily on the smoky grilled notes.
Size & Value
- Winner: LongHorn Steakhouse. LongHorn’s Outlaw Ribeye was bigger in both appearance and weight after cooking. Though the $32.99 price tag is slightly higher, the portion size makes up for it.
Tenderness
- Winner: Texas Roadhouse. Texas Roadhouse’s ribeye was more tender and featured fat that melted seamlessly into the meat. LongHorn’s ribeye, while tender, was slightly less so in comparison.
Sides & Overall Value
- Winner: Texas Roadhouse. Priced at $29.99, with two side dishes included, Texas Roadhouse offers a great value. LongHorn Steakhouse’s version comes at $32.99 with two sides (or $29.99 at lunchtime with one), but the overall value feels more substantial at Roadhouse given the price difference.
Presentation
- Winner: LongHorn Steakhouse. The Outlaw Ribeye looked like a work of art—perfectly grilled with attractive char marks and a visually stunning presentation. Texas Roadhouse’s presentation was more laid-back, which some may enjoy, but LongHorn’s extra care with plating elevates the dining experience.
Verdict: The Best Bone-In Ribeye
It’s hard to pick a clear winner between Texas Roadhouse and LongHorn Steakhouse, as both offer excellent ribeyes that deliver on flavor and value.
However, if you prefer a juicier, more tender steak with a seasoned crust, then Texas Roadhouse’s bone-in ribeye edges ahead.
On the other hand, if you prioritize portion size and a more refined presentation, LongHorn Steakhouse’s Outlaw Ribeye is the steak for you.
Ultimately, Texas Roadhouse claims the slight edge in this bone-in ribeye showdown, thanks to its juicy, flavorful cut, affordable price, and the restaurant’s overall casual and inviting atmosphere.
But if you’re in the mood for a slightly bigger, bolder cut with an impressive presentation, LongHorn may satisfy your craving just as well.