Updated August 23, 2026
Texas Roadhouse vs Outback SteakhouseFull Price, Menu & Value Breakdown (2026)
Prices, portions, the Cactus Blossom vs the Bloomin' Onion, steak quality, atmosphere, deals, and delivery, every category compared so you know exactly which steakhouse to pick.
Price Comparison, Every Category
Prices pulled from real Texas Roadhouse menu data across 47 states. Outback prices are typical US reference ranges, actual pricing varies by location and market.
| Menu Category | Texas Roadhouse | Outback | Better Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sirloin (6oz) | $14-$17 | $17-$20 | TR Wins |
| Ribeye (12oz) | $24-$27 | $25-$28 | TR Wins |
| Bone-In Ribeye (18oz) | Not offered | $32-$35 | Outback Wins |
| Filet (6oz) | $23-$27 | $26-$29 | TR Wins |
| Porterhouse / T-Bone | $28-$35 | $38-$43 | TR Wins |
| Half Rack Ribs | $18-$21 | $21-$25 | TR Wins |
| Full Rack Ribs | $24-$29 | $28-$32 | TR Wins |
| Grilled Chicken | $15-$18 | $16-$19 | Tie |
| Steak & Chicken Combo | $19-$23 | $26-$29 | TR Wins |
| Salmon | $16-$22 | $19-$23 | Tie |
| Signature Appetizer | $8-$12 (Cactus Blossom) | $11-$13 (Bloomin' Onion) | TR Wins |
| House Salad | $4-$6 | $6-$8 | TR Wins |
| Sides | 2 free with entree | $4-$7 each | TR Wins |
| Desserts | $7-$9 | $8-$10 | TR Wins |
| Soft Drinks | $3-$4 | $3-$4 | Tie |
| Margaritas / Cocktails | $8-$12 | $9-$13 | TR Wins |
| Kids Meal | $6-$9 | $8-$10 | TR Wins |
| Avg. Dinner for 2 (no drinks) | $38-$52 | $44-$64 | TR Wins |
* Prices are ranges reflecting variation across US locations. See our full menu for your state's exact prices.
Portion Sizes, Who Gives You More?
Bigger isn't always better, but when you're paying steak prices, portion size matters. See Texas Roadhouse steak options in full.
| Item | Texas Roadhouse | Outback | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ribeye Steak | 12oz / 14oz Standard portions | 12oz / 14oz / 18oz bone-in Bone-in option for bigger appetites | Outback |
| Sirloin Steak | 6oz / 8oz / 11oz Renegade Sirloin option | 6oz / 8oz / 9oz Center-Cut Sirloin | TR |
| Filet | 6oz / 8oz Dallas Filet | 6oz / 9oz Victoria's Filet | Tie |
| Baby Back Ribs | Half / Full rack ~900 / 1450 cal | Half / Full rack ~750 / 1400 cal | Tie |
| Side Dishes | 2 included free Two sides with every entree | A la carte only Sides ordered and priced separately | TR |
| Bread | Unlimited fresh-baked rolls Baked every 5 min, honey cinnamon butter | Bread basket, limited refills Honey wheat bread | TR |
| Appetizer Portions | Large, shareable Cactus Blossom feeds 3-4 | Large, shareable Bloomin' Onion feeds 3-4 | Tie |
Signature Items, Head to Head
Both chains built their identity around a handful of standout dishes. Here's how the icons match up.
Both are a whole battered, deep-fried onion with a spicy dip, this is the single most iconic menu overlap between the two chains.
Texas Roadhouse rolls are unlimited and made in-house every few minutes, Outback's bread is a fixed basket per table.
Outback's Alice Springs Chicken (bacon, mushrooms, melted cheese, honey mustard) is one of its best-selling entrees.
Both are warm brownie-based desserts served with ice cream, priced similarly.
Both chains lean on a strong, consistent restaurant theme across every location.
Steak Quality, A Real Breakdown
Both chains hand-cut their steaks in-store daily. The difference shows up more in price and portion than in raw quality.
| Quality Metric | Texas Roadhouse | Outback | TR Score | Outback Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beef Grade | USDA Choice | USDA Choice | ||
| Hand-Cut In-Store | Yes, daily | Yes, daily | ||
| Dry-Aging | No | No | ||
| Seasoning / Marinade | Signature spice blend | Proprietary steak seasoning | ||
| Cooking Method | Char-grill | Char-grill | ||
| Sides Quality | Made from scratch daily | Made in-house | ||
| Consistency Across Locations | Very consistent | Consistent |
Atmosphere & Experience
Your experience goes beyond the steak. The right choice depends on why you're going and who you're bringing.
| Factor | Texas Roadhouse | Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Level | Loud / Lively Country music, line dancing | Moderate Casual background music |
| Best For | Families, groups, fun nights Casual celebrations | Casual dinners, small groups Everyday casual dining |
| Dress Code | Casual Jeans & t-shirt fine | Casual Jeans & t-shirt fine |
| Wait Times | 30-60 min (peak) Long waits on weekends | 20-45 min (peak) Call-ahead seating available |
| Reservations | Call-ahead seating only No true table reservations | Call-ahead seating only No true table reservations either |
| Bar Area | Limited / small bar Margaritas are the star | Full bar Wider cocktail and beer menu |
| Peanuts on Tables | Yes (free) Free peanuts & peanut shell floor | No No table snacks |
Deals, Discounts & Loyalty Programs
Both chains run loyalty apps, but TR has more standing discount programs. See our full Texas Roadhouse savings programs and Early Dine specials.
| Deal / Program | Texas Roadhouse | Outback | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birthday Reward | Free Entree | Varies by promotion | TR Wins |
| Military Discount | 10% off | Varies by location | TR Wins |
| Senior Discount | Some locations | Not standard | TR Wins |
| Early Bird / Dine Special | $5-7 savings (3-6PM) | No standard equivalent | TR Wins |
| Loyalty / Rewards Program | TR VIP Club | Dine Rewards (Bloomin' Brands) | Tie |
| Curbside Takeout | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| Delivery (third-party apps) | Select locations | Widely available | Outback Wins |
Delivery note: Outback Steakhouse has broader third-party delivery coverage than Texas Roadhouse, whose delivery availability depends heavily on the individual location. If delivery matters more than dine-in value, Outback is the safer bet.
Locations & Availability
Texas Roadhouse runs 680+ US locations, Outback Steakhouse runs roughly 650-680. Coverage is broadly similar nationwide, though the two chains skew differently by region, Texas Roadhouse has deeper coverage in the South and Midwest, while Outback has historically strong coverage in Florida and the Southeast.
Find your nearest Texas Roadhouse →Our Verdict, Which Should You Choose?
Choose Texas Roadhouse When...
- You want the best value for money
- You're dining with family or kids
- You want unlimited rolls & 2 free sides
- You're using Early Dine, coupons, or discounts
- You want a loud, fun, casual atmosphere
- You're on a budget ($38-52 for two)
- You want state-specific local prices
Choose Outback Steakhouse When...
- You want the biggest possible cut (18oz bone-in ribeye)
- You're craving the Bloomin' Onion specifically
- You want delivery through a third-party app
- You prefer a slightly quieter dining room
- You're near an Outback but not a Texas Roadhouse
- You want Alice Springs Chicken
- A la carte sides work better for your order
Want the Outback side of this comparison in full? Our sister site keeps the complete Outback Steakhouse menu with current prices, including the Bloomin' Onion, Aussie 3-Course deals and Walkabout Wednesday.
Outback Official Site ↗Texas Roadhouse vs Outback, Common Questions
Is Texas Roadhouse cheaper than Outback Steakhouse?
Yes. A dinner for 2 at Texas Roadhouse averages $38-$52 before drinks and tip, while the same meal at Outback Steakhouse runs $44-$64. Texas Roadhouse also includes 2 free sides with every entree, Outback prices sides separately, which widens the real gap further.
Bloomin' Onion or Cactus Blossom, which is better value?
Both are a whole onion, hand-battered and deep-fried, served with a spicy dipping sauce, and both feed 3-4 people. Texas Roadhouse's Cactus Blossom is typically $2-4 cheaper than Outback's Bloomin' Onion for a comparable portion.
Does Outback Steakhouse have unlimited bread like Texas Roadhouse rolls?
Not quite. Outback serves a honey wheat bread basket per table, refills are possible but not automatic or unlimited the way Texas Roadhouse's fresh-baked yeast rolls are. Texas Roadhouse rolls are baked in-house every few minutes throughout service.
Which has bigger steaks, Texas Roadhouse or Outback?
Outback offers a larger maximum cut, an 18oz bone-in ribeye, which Texas Roadhouse doesn't carry. For sirloins and filets the two chains are close, within an ounce of each other on comparable cuts.
Which is better for a family dinner?
Texas Roadhouse is generally better for families: it has a louder, livelier atmosphere, 2 free sides per entree, unlimited rolls, and a cheaper kids menu ($6-$9 vs Outback's $8-$10). Outback tends to be a bit quieter and better suited to everyday casual dinners.
Which steakhouse has better deals and discounts?
Texas Roadhouse wins on recurring discount programs: Early Dine specials, a 10% military discount, senior discounts at many locations, and a free birthday entree. Outback runs seasonal promotions and its Dine Rewards program, but has fewer standing discount programs than Texas Roadhouse.
Does Outback Steakhouse offer delivery?
Yes, Outback Steakhouse delivery is widely available through third-party apps in most markets. Texas Roadhouse delivery is more limited and depends on the individual location.
Which is healthier, Texas Roadhouse or Outback Steakhouse?
Both post nutrition information for their menus and offer grilled protein options under 500 calories, like grilled chicken and salmon. Neither chain is meaningfully lighter than the other overall, appetizers like the Cactus Blossom and Bloomin' Onion are both well over 1,000 calories when shared.
How many Outback Steakhouse and Texas Roadhouse locations are there?
Texas Roadhouse operates 680+ locations across the US, Outback Steakhouse operates roughly 650-680 locations. Coverage is broadly similar nationwide, though exact counts shift as locations open and close.
More From Texas Roadhouse Menu & Prices
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