Texas Roadhouse Vs Outback Steakhouse: Who Has The Better Deal On Ribs?

It's hard not to compare Texas Roadhouse, America's top casual restaurant, and Outback Steakhouse, another hugely-popular chain that has its origins in Florida. The two steakhouse chains are popular at the entry-to-mid level that attracts vast numbers of consumers, and they share similar menus to the point that it's impossible not to measure one against the other, particularly when it comes to pricing. On the topic of cheaper filet mignon, Texas Roadhouse beat Outback handily; how about menu prices on ribs, another commonly-ordered favorite?

Both Outback and Texas Roadhouse offer both a half-rack and full rack of BBQ-glazed beef ribs. Outback's rib plates come with complimentary brown bread and butter, along with your choice of two sides. Texas Roadhouse offers its legendary yeast rolls and cinnamon butter with every main plate, and similarly allows diners to choose two sides. 

At respective Florida locations in the same metro area, Texas Roadhouse offered its half rack of ribs for $19.99 and a full rack for $25.99. Outback, on the other hand, offers a half rack for $23.49 and a full rack for $30.99. Keep in mind that exact prices and availability may vary by location. With all other variables seeming to be the same (the two chains offer very similar options for sides), Texas Roadhouse once again beats Outback Steakhouse on pricing, especially when it comes to the full rack of ribs.

If you like ribs and have a hearty appetite, you may be interested to know that Texas Roadhouse offers several rib combo plates that Outback doesn't currently parallel on its own menu. As of this writing, if you want ribs at Outback, you are limited to a full or half rack. On the other hand, Texas Roadhouse offers plates that present a handful of pairings, like Chicken Critters (tenders) and a half rack of ribs, grilled BBQ chicken and a half rack, or your choice of sirloin, filet, or ribeye steak, again accompanied by a half rack. Even the most expensive of these options (a 12-ounce ribeye and ribs, at $33.99) is only a few dollars more than Outback's full rack of ribs, while offering a bounty of meat that should please even the hungriest guest. What's more, Texas Roadhouse ribs tend to outcompete Outback Steakhouse's version in head-to-head taste tests, though, of course, personal tastes can vary.

Overall, when it comes to the battle of the ribs, we have to give the win to Texas Roadhouse. Not only does it offer a better price on comparable rib platters than Outback Steakhouse by several dollars, but it also has menu options pairing ribs with other options that have no similar answer at Outback. If ribs are your thing, consider making Texas Roadhouse your stop for dinner, assuming you have one close to you. In this case, America's favorite casual dining spot has what you want — great ribs for a great price.