A steakhouse dinner is supposed to be a sure thing. Yes, it’s supposed to be this big, juicy cut, with buttery sides, and maybe with a loaded baked potato sleeping next to it. According to most Yelp reviews, Reddit threads, and every steakhouse ranking out there, some steakhouse chains get it every time wrong, so much so that you leave wishing you had just ordered a burger instead.
Here are five steakhouse chains in America that aren’t worth the effort or the sizzle. Let us know if your favorite steakhouse chain is on this list and if you had a different experience with them!
Outback Steakhouse
First, let’s get one thing straight. Outback Steakhouse has really nothing to do with Australia, no matter the boomerangs on the walls or the crocodile-themed decor. It was founded in Tampa, Florida, and even if it were the largest steakhouse chain in the United States with almost 700 locations, there are zero in the land Down Under.
What’s even more important is that diners stated it has nothing to do with an actually good steak, either. Moreover, a 2021 Mashed poll discovered that 23% of voters called Outback’s steak the worst one in America.
That might have had something to do with the fact that the chain uses USDA Choice beef instead of the Prime one, which automatically means less marbling, less flavor, and a higher chance of ending up with a tough and dry cut. Somehow, people still go there, and we couldn’t help but think it’s most definitely for the Bloomin’ Onion.
Sizzler
Nostalgia is a very funny thing. As a kid, a night at Sizzler felt just like fine dining at a fancy restaurant. These days, it’s more of a last resort. At its peak, the family steakhouse chain owned more than 600 locations.
Nowadays, it is down to about 70, mostly residing in California, and better known for its salad bar and cheese toast than anything that actually comes off the grill. For a place with a “steakhouse” in its name, the menu doesn’t actually go all out, since there are only three cuts available, and that is ribeye, New York strip, and tri-tip sirloin.
Logan’s Roadhouse
The Kentucky-born roadhouse wants to be as appreciated as Texas Roadhouse. However, diners say it’s more similar to Outback. And as far as the steak goes, that’s not that much of a compliment. Logan’s uses USDA Choice, which is quite a step down in marbling and flavor.
This also explains why the chain’s steaks have been dragged for being extremely bland, rubbery, and inconsistent across different review sites. The ribs and yeast rolls still have some fans out there. Also, the Margarita Cheesecake is quite appreciated, but for a place selling itself on steak, it doesn’t actually impress.
Claim Jumper
Claim Jumper is a West Coast thing, so it’s not that widely known. However, those familiar with it have plenty of things to say about it. One thing definitely keeps coming up, and that’s the fact that the menu jumps your wallet.
The SoCal-born chain, initially inspired by the California Gold Rush, offers Old West vibes and huge portions. The only issue is that, according to many, those portions are unimpressive, as far as the flavor and prices go.
Sirloin Stockade
Well, unless you are Southern-born and raised, there are slim chances to have heard of Sirloin Stockade. Moreover, according to many patrons, that’s probably for the best. Before, the chain had around 80 locations.
Now, it has shrunk to a handful of struggling outposts across the South and Midwest. The concept is quite muddled, since a steakhouse that leans harder into a lowbrow all-you-can-eat buffet than the beef itself. Dinners also compare it to a lousier version of Golden Corral. Some might say even “Meh Corral,” and they’re still being nice!
Best steakhouses: Buckhorn Exchange
If you are looking for a hearty and homestyle steakhouse experience without dealing with all the frills and fuss, Buckhorn Exchange in Denver, Colorado, is the right pick for you. The steaks are huge, made for sharing, and full of bold flavors. Besides, since the server cuts your steak tableside, all of those nice juices stay locked inside the seared crust until the last bite.
If you want to make the most out of your dining experience, it’s also advised to come with a big group of hungry meat lovers. Up to five guests can split one of their colossal 4-pound steaks, topped with delicious oodles of sautéed onions and mushrooms.
B& B Butchers & Restaurant
B&B Butchers & Restaurant has this on-site steakhouse and a butcher shop in one place, so it’s quite apparent that they know their way around it. With two locations in Fort Worth and Houston, Texas, B&B Butchers & Restaurant is the definition of Lonestar State dining, featuring beef that’s dry-aged to perfection.
You can easily get Japanese or North American Wagyu beef for a very special treat. It’s also good to stick to the basics when you are dealing with a steakhouse of such caliber. B&B Butchers & Restaurant does the nastiest filet mignon, as well as a heavenly beef Wellington.
The beef Wellington is cooked medium-rare, then carefully enwrapped in flaky pastry (yum!), dripping in decadent sauce. Believe it or not, the portion is big enough for two hungry patrons. The filet mignon is astounding, cooked precisely to your liking with a crispy crust and a melt-in-your-mouth interior. If you want to get a bit fancier, you can easily top it with some truffle butter or savor it Oscar-style.
Doe’s Eat Place
In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Doe’s Eat Place is a local, extremely famous spot that dishes up amazing steaks in a classic atmosphere. The meats you will try at Doe’s Eat Place are no less than tasty and hand-cut with plenty of marbling for the perfect ratio of decadent beef to fat.
Besides, they don’t skimp on the portions. Their porterhouse is a wonderful cut of meat, rich and decadent all on its own or with one of Doe’s Eat Place’s amazing sides. Trust me, after dining here, you will be an asparagus lover!
Their grilled asparagus takes the meaty edge off the steak, offering a little texture. However, if you want to go full decadent, you can get the macaroni and cheese. It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and wonderfully homemade. If you’re not as hungry, but just want to sample some of Doe’s Eat Place’s fine fare, their filet mignon is quite a solid option.
4 Charles Prime Rib
4 Charles Prime Rib is a New York City institution that exudes elegance and sophistication. From its ornate chandeliers all the way to the handsome dark wood decor, it’s by far one of the best spots in the city to grab a wonderful steak.
There are a few things that 4 Charles Prime Rib does very well, including serving amazing renditions of traditional cocktails and grilling up huge servings of premium steak. But reservations are definitely needed because it is such a well-known gem!
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