15 Popular Steakhouse Chains, Ranked Worst To Best

From back alley beefsteaks to the Gilded Age glamor of Delmonico's, nothing in mid-1800s New York City united the classes like a steak dinner. The latter's restaurant version proved so popular that copycats sprang up in other states, as wily businesspeople sought to capitalize on demand and make their fortunes.

Although not every eatery that bore the Delmonico's name was connected to the New York original, they inadvertently provided a blueprint for the modern American steakhouse chain. In the 21st century, people who love eating steak at a restaurant are spoiled for choice when it comes to sinking their teeth into a deliciously-cooked piece of beef.

As well as independent eateries plying their local trades, there are several big-name companies that have spread across several states and, in some cases, nationwide. But are their steakhouse experiences everything they're cracked up to be? We scoured online reviews to rank some of the most popular steakhouse chains from worst to best.

This restaurant chain has come a long way since it launched in 1933. Founder Kent Taylor pledged hand-cut steaks and ribs whose meat fell off the bone. Texas Roadhouse talks a good game but, as the United States' biggest casual-dining chain with over 690 outlets nationwide, not all customers think they're getting a good deal.

Complaints on social media ranged from a lack of seasoning and finding plastic in a dish, to food being under or overcooked. Getting the required doneness was a regular problem among other online reviews, alongside cold food and slow or generally poor service. Elsewhere, long wait times were also an issue, even if the meal was good at the end of it, but for others, the price they paid was too high for what was average food.

While some diners suggested individual locations could be bad apples in an otherwise good barrel, a 2025 review of Puerto Rico's first Texas Roadhouse also left a pair of video reviewers underwhelmed. It took a dose of the house sauce to bring the steak to life, while the rest of the menu didn't enthrall them, either.

"There are no strangers at a Roadhouse, only friends," according to Logan's Roadhouse. With outlets across 22 states it might be forgiven for spreading the love for steak a little too thin. The menu offers a combination of "wood-grill steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and burgers," but if the internet is to be believed, this is one steakhouse customers are better off avoiding.

One social media commenter, speaking about a Kentucky Logan's outlet called it, "A disaster of a place," while another said their meat, "Tasted like a frozen cheap cut of steak you buy at Walmart." One diner described their ribeye steak as "underwhelming," and several customers complained their food was brought to their tables cold.

Awful service was a common thread. One customer detailed how they struggled all evening to get the attention of their server at a Florida restaurant. Another recounted how their main meal was served cold, but the manager left it until they had all-but finished to do anything about it. "For a $76 check before tip, the lack of service and follow-through was disappointing," the unhappy reviewer wrote.

For some, a steak dinner is a family friendly affair, where no one stands on ceremony. It's a different story at the fine dining end of the spectrum. Opened in 1981 and with 15 restaurants across the United States, Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse harks back to the elegance of Delmonico's — right down to the dress code. While some diners have been wowed, the overall view is more of a mixed bag.

There are positive reviews online, praising Del Frisco's food, service and atmosphere, but one diner was left infuriated. They claimed they were not told about a dish that contained peanuts, and their child was allergic. Other diners complained about dry or incorrectly cooked steaks, disappointing sides, and music that was too loud. One New York video reviewer described their evening at Del Frisco's as "the best dinner" they'd eaten in the city, but another online diner, eating at a Houston outlet, was underwhelmed by their steak. A third customer, who ordered a $60 prime ribeye to go, was happy — until they added a bourbon peppercorn sauce. "This sucks!" they complained, concluding, "This was extremely mediocre."

It calls itself "the American steakhouse," but for some, Black Angus Steakhouse is a shadow of its former self. Stuart Anderson founded the chain in 1964, trading on good value for money and a timeless Western theme. By 2001, there were more than 100 restaurants operating but, a quarter-century or so later, fewer than a third remain.

The decline in restaurant numbers hasn't gone unnoticed by social media users — nor the slump in food quality. A social media commenter who reminisced about the chain's early days, when the steaks were "twice as thick," said, "Unless you've experienced that, you have no idea how far down hill they've gone." Another in the same thread noted that Black Angus steaks have, "Gristle and both the ribeye and prime rib are pretty fatty."

Online opinions about the eatery were mixed elsewhere. Niggles included a server's bad personal hygiene and poor service to flavorless food that, for some, was also overpriced. One unhappy diner was unconvinced that their "thin, tough, overcooked" steak was filet mignon, while another wrote, "I would never recommend this place even to my enemies."

"Unforgettable," "upscale," and "elevated" are all used by the owners to describe dining at Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill. With a menu featuring dry-aged steaks that are hand cut and cooked on a wood-fired grill, it paints a mouthwatering picture — but does the reality live up to the vision? Yes and no, according to the response from diners across the internet.

Some of the positive reviews are glowing. One happy diner waxed lyrical about their meal on social media, revealing their steak "cooked to perfection." Another diner was delighted by their medium rare steak, which was a melt-in-the-mouth experience.

But not everyone was thrilled by Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill. Online reviews also included reports of mixed-up orders that put a damper on people's evenings, alongside various dishes that were served lukewarm or cold, undercooked steak, and overcooked burgers. One dissatisfied reviewer said of the thinner patties, "The cow already died once, I didn't want it to die again."

Outback Steakhouse is an Australian-inspired eatery offering "juicy steaks, spirited drinks, and Aussie hospitality." According to their customers, it's not always a winning combination. One diner's first trip to the eatery was memorable for all the wrong reasons. They were disappointed with their almost un-seared bone-in ribeye steak (not to be confused with a New York strip), and said, "It's almost like they drew these grill marks on."

Other online reviews were more scathing. One unhappy diner dubbed their steak "thin, dry, tasteless," while another said their meal was, "Disgusting and made us sick." Many diners said the level of service left something to be desired, and some felt their food was overpriced. But online opinions about Outback Steakhouse aren't all negative.

Those who did enjoy their evenings out were enthusiastic in their praise, while other customers suggested the Aussie chain had started to turn things around. A social media user sharing details of their meal said, "Everyone was firing on all cylinders," adding the steakhouse chain appeared to be "relevant again."

After establishing its first restaurant in the United States in 1997, the Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse chain has expanded across the country, bringing the traditional churrasco grilling method (the meat is cooked over an open fire and carved at diners' tables) to a — mostly — eager audience.

Busy nights can make the overall experience a frenetic one, and not all servers respect the red and green cards informing them if customers want more meat or not, according to some reviewers. Fogo de Chão offers several different types of meat but, as this online thread noted, "After like 20 minutes... it all starts tasting the same."

One commenter advised people to go in a group for lunch, rather than dinner, as it is cheaper. The speed of service, especially at peak times, and high prices were also an issue for some. What made a difference for many diners who enjoyed their visits to Fogo de Chão were the waiting staff, and several mentioned their servers in reviews.

Another restaurant exporting Brazil's churrasco dining culture to the United States is Texas de Brazil. It offers a range of meats, including Brazilian sausage, beef, chicken, pork, and lamb, carved at customers' tables, with cards to tell servers when to bring more. There can be issues with service speed and meat doneness, while those with smaller appetites struggled to justify the expense, but for the most part, it's a hit with diners.

The salad bar got a big thumbs up across social media, with many also highlighting the delicious lobster bisque and the cheesy bread. Many positive reviews also mentioned the cost of dining out at Texas de Brazil, but concluded that the quality of the food was worth it, especially for celebration events.

Other online reviews were overwhelmingly positive about the level of service and attention paid to customers, with lots of personal thanks to individual waiting staff. One satisfied diner urged anyone who liked lamb to pay a visit, while another said their experience of having different meats served at their table was "one of a kind."

With 26 outlets nationwide (and counting), Mastro's Restaurants isn't the biggest chain in the United States, but it's made a good impression among those who have dined there. It's more of a shirt-and-tie rather than come-as-you-are restaurant, while the menu includes USDA prime steaks, wet-aged for 28 days and cooked in a 1,500 F broiler. There's an array of seafood and dramatic cocktails on offer too, and customers can't get enough.

The majority of diners liked the atmosphere of Mastro's Restaurants, and appreciated the live entertainment that accompanied their evenings. There was almost unanimous praise for the quality of the food, which was described as fantastic, with the restaurant's warm butter cake a particular hit. Several diners were also surprised at the generous, shareable portion sizes.

Although one or two reviewers had bumpy experiences, many were glowing in their praise for the service at Mastro's. Those celebrating special occasions were particularly touched at being presented with surprise desserts, while another gave a shout-out to their waiter for helping them choose a tasty bone-in rib eye steak.

Founded in California in 1998, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar has expanded to 66 locations across 25 states, offering what it calls a "contemporary interpretation of the classic American steakhouse" experience. The menu includes dry and wet-aged meats, while all its USDA Prime steak cuts are aged for 21 days. While some questioned whether Fleming's offers value for money, others were more than happy with their choice.

Generously portioned sides were appreciated by many diners, with the Brussels sprouts singled out as many peoples' favorites. As for Fleming's meat, the tomahawk steak and filet mignon received several honorable mentions across reviews, while other menu items, including the mac 'n' cheese and cauliflower mash, also went down well with diners.

Fleming's California outlets can be crowded with Disneyland visitors, making the atmosphere a little noisier than the average restaurant. That made some customers looking for a quiet or elevated dining experience apprehensive, while others praised staff for their efficiency and courtesy when dealing with large groups. One delighted diner summed up their experience in a single word, "Faultless."

Although it's got a unique name, that hasn't prevented Ruth's Chris Steak House from successfully operating in more than 150 countries around the world. One of Darden Restaurants' many brands, it has earned a place in many American's hearts with the "consistency of the food and also the wonderful flavor of that prime beef," founder Ruth Fertel told Louisiana PBS in 2019.

Even when things aren't perfect, diners are full of praise for Ruth's Chris Steak House. In a lengthy social media post, one customer detailed that their potatoes were undercooked, but added, "I'll finish them off tomorrow in the microwave!" Other social media users said that Ruth's Chris was more accessible and affordable than rival chains, dismissing snobbery and praising the melt-in-the-mouth steaks and solid dining experience.

One online commenter said their local outlet was "phenomenal every time." The big plus among many customers was its consistency — a compliment that would have delighted Ruth Fertel, who passed in 2002. For some diners, knowing exactly what they were going to get for their money, as they would at McDonald's, was as comforting as it was familiar.

The majority of Saltgrass Steak Houses can be found in Texas, but its over 95 locations also stretch across 14 states, giving lots of people a chance to experience "the tantalizing flavors of the great American West." If online reviews are anything to go by, the chefs barely ever put a foot wrong.

The majority were delighted by the service they received, with descriptions including "impeccable," "cheerful," and "super friendly," peppering the glowing reviews. One customer, whose father had Alzheimer's, praised the staff for their help, while another appreciated the care shown to her 85-year-old grandmother, who was celebrating her birthday at the restaurant.

As for the food, it's a hit all round. One happy customer said, "It's hard to find a place that does medium rare to perfection!" Among the other dishes from the Saltgrass Steak House menu getting the thumbs up in social media reviews were BBQ ribs, shrimp and artichoke pasta, and char-grilled chicken. Diners also praised the early dinner menu, which offered good value for money.

"Amazing" and "excellent" crop up a lot in online reviews about Morton's The Steakhouse. It has over 50 outlets, mostly on the East and West coasts, and makes the ambitious claim to serve "The best steak... Anywhere." Custom cut and aged for 23 to 28 days, its USDA prime steak has all the ingredients to be a winner — and customers agree.

One diner said their steaks were "juicy, flavorful, and expertly seasoned," while a Cajun ribeye was "delicious," according to another customer. Those who plumped for the Lobster Indulgence were not disappointed, either. Many online reviewers also appreciated the knowledgeable and friendly staff, and while the lively atmosphere wasn't to everyone's taste, the majority of diners loved the vibe.

As for the price of a meal at Morton's The Steakhouse? Most customers said the combination of quality food with great service was good value for money. From a family evening out  to somewhere to celebrate, diners had plenty of positive things to say. "The food was good. The service was excellent; every small detail was attended to," wrote one happy customer.

It's a brave restaurant that ignores the online opinions of its diners. Social media platforms are helping people across the United States discover new and delicious places to eat, and The Capital Grille's 72 restaurants are among those benefiting from a slew of positive recommendations.

A family of four's experience at the upscale eatery, from the food to the atmosphere, was so good, they hardly cared about the almost $500 bill. Other diners praised the food for being well-cooked and flavorful, as well as being generously portioned. One satisfied customer said they would recommend The Capital Grille to "the harshest critic or for most treasured date night."

Another diner, in a witty review, said the lobster bisque was, "So good that I had naughty dreams about swimming in a pool of it," adding that the flavors of the Caesar salad "mind-meld with your brain and stick to it." Others appreciated the restaurant's "dark and moody" vibe, while a Saturday lunchtime customer said about the Capital Burger with duck fat fries: "The hype is real." Alongside all the positive food reviews, there was consistent praise across the board for excellent service.

When it comes to casual steakhouse dining, LongHorn Steakhouse tops the bill as far as online reviewers are concerned. The reason? It nails the triple whammy of good quality food, good service and good value for money. "Cooked to perfection" and "perfectly cooked" are descriptions that come up again and again in reviews, whether diners are writing about the steaks, baked potatoes, or the sides.

It's easy to understand why the chain has expanded to more than 590 outlets across the United States. Lots of reviewers praised the serving staff for their attention to detail, from putting together tables to accommodate larger parties to suggesting different levels of doneness so diners could get the most out of a steak's flavor and texture.

Those elements were another big check mark in the "good job" box for LongHorn Steakhouse. One video reviewer loved their $34 soft steak, describing it as "one of the very best bang for your buck steaks I've ever had." Other online reviews echoed the sentiment: Customers were served hot, tasty and affordable food, over and over again. As one happy diner said, "If you love steaks this is the place for you."

When putting together this list of popular steakhouses, we read hundreds of customer opinions and conversations about restaurants. We looked across several social media platforms and multiple comparison websites.

We focused on 1-star and 5-star reviews and posts that were as recent as possible, to provide the most up-to-date views. In cases where customer ratings were more evenly split between positive and negative, we offered a mixture of reviews.