I realize that there are many contenders for worst. I'm 100 miles from a Ruth's, Morton's, Palm, etc.

We have Outback, Longhorn (just opened), Lone Star, Logan's, Ryan's (shudder) and I've eaten in a few others while travelling; Ponderosa, Bonanza, Black Angus.

I don't find any of them worth a visit, but steak isn't my favorite food either.

I'll put in a vote for Lone Star for one thing and one thing only...the steak sandwich (which is not a Philly style steak sandwich but rather a piece of sirloin over toasted bread). A little A1 on top and that's some good eatin'.

In no way shape or form should the phrase Steakhouse and Bonanza/ Ponderosa be used in the same sentence.:(

If those are your options, then you have to go local and avoid the chains.

Sizzler has gotten a lot better since it imploded. The few remaining locations might be a good bet. And if the steak isn't good, there is always the salad bar.

Sizzler has gotten a lot better since it imploded. The few remaining locations might be a good bet. And if the steak isn't good, there is always the salad bar.


My experience is that one can sometimes find lots of good menu items at "low cost" steak houses....but a good steak isn't one of them.

Sizzler (if you can ever find one) may well be the best example of this dynamic.

I'll put in a vote for Lone Star for one thing and one thing only...the steak sandwich (which is not a Philly style steak sandwich but rather a piece of sirloin over toasted bread). A little A1 on top and that's some good eatin'.

Mrs BamaVol judges a chain steakhouse on the quality of their chicken quesadillas.

I used to order the steak sandwich at Carl's Jr. I think it was the sauce that made me do it. I'm pretty sure there's still a piece or two stuck in my aorta.

Tads ^

Of that chain mix, probably Outback and maybe Longhorn, best of a mediocre bunch. Lone Star has gotten progressively worse over the years. Used to go there every once in a while (because there's one nearby), then the last time a couple years ago I vowed never again. Used to be on par with Outback, many menu items almost the same. But Outback has remained a little more consistent. (I realize, not saying much.) Ponderosa/Bonanza/etc of that ilk are another step down even from Lone Star.

Outback and Longhorn, given that group of restaurants. I would probably choose something else if it was available.

I realize that there are many contenders for worst. I'm 100 miles from a Ruth's, Morton's, Palm, etc.

We have Outback, Longhorn (just opened), Lone Star, Logan's, Ryan's (shudder) and I've eaten in a few others while travelling; Ponderosa, Bonanza.

I don't find any of them worth a visit, but steak isn't my favorite food either.

I'll take Lone Star over the others without hesitation.

Texas Roadhouse....even if you don't like the steak the stuffed sweet potatoes (with marshmallow and caramel) will get you through!

I've been very pleased with Lone Star my last several visits. One nice surprise is their ribs. They seem to be more tasty, tender and "falling off the bone" than other rib joints. I always order a combo that includes their ribs now. I also love their warm bread and honeybutter and their sweet potatoes! Mmmm...makes me hungry just thinking about it.:p

I'd rate Outback just behind Lone Star. Outback does have good steak for the price.

On the other hand, Stuart Anderson's has gotten progressively worse and worse over the years, especially with their new menu.

Sizzler has always been a dump.



Steve:)

In my younger days, I used to go to York Steak House. The steaks were bad, but they had a nice dinner salad with good dressing. As for the steaks -- pile on the onions, drown it in steak sauce & ketchup, and who cares?

A friend whose palate and nose for a good deal I trust recommended
the Texas Roadhouse, and I find it beats Outback cold.

Texas Roadhouse! You can pick your own steak (I mean you can actually pick your specific slab of meat), chili is to die for, and if you're a steaksauce guy/gal, they have one of the best.

Here in GTA we have plenty of "The Keg". If you mean "Cheap" as in low quality as oppose to "Low Priced", then I would rate "The Keg" as average at best for quality and would seldomly patronize this establishment.

In the US, I would add Black Angus as total ripoff!

Claim Jumper... though this is mainly out West.

Perhaps Houstons?

My favorite is Salt Grass Steak House. Reasonable priced and steaks as good as the top tier!

Perhaps Houstons?

I knew Houston's from its rotisserie restaurant (called
Rutherford Grill) in Napa, so I took my various family
to the one in Rockville, MD today. It's not really a
steakhouse, though I got the Thai noodle salad with
beef that included about 8 oz of pretty respectable
filet in pieces buried among the noodles. My uncle
SY's French dip was an interesting variation - the
usual 5 or 6 oz of beef with some very tasty debris
hidden beneath: quite nice.

I think that Outback is the most consistent and the best. The rack of lamb is very good and reasonably priced. It costs about what I could buy it at the grocery store raw. At Outback it is cooked with one vegie and salad. Also, some Outbacks have prime. I like Outback the best because it is thick (NY strip). I hate getting thin steaks.

For a good affordable steak dining in a chain restaurant, I would recommend Apple Bees though of course their menu extends from offering many other alternatives and not just steak.

Longhorn

I don't think Outback is cheap.

I LOVE prime rib from Black Angus. I need to steal their secret spice rub :D Seriously though, having been to more upscale steak houses like Shula, Palms, Chris Ruth's, Houston's, Bandera, and some independent ones in LA/BH, I still like Black Angus' prime rib the most.

I LOVE prime rib from Black Angus. I need to steal their secret spice rub :D Seriously though, having been to more upscale steak houses like Shula, Palms, Chris Ruth's, Houston's, Bandera, and some independent ones in LA/BH, I still like Black Angus' prime rib the most.

You haven't been to Lawry's yet, have you?

I also love the prime rib at the Paris Las Vegas buffet... and all you can eat to boot :D

I guess Longhorn would take top honors.

You haven't been to Lawry's yet, have you?

I also love the prime rib at the Paris Las Vegas buffet... and all you can eat to boot :D

I have, there's one at South Coast Plaza....I still like Black Angus more :D

You haven't been to Lawry's yet, have you?

I

Lawry's is neither cheap nor a steak house....but it is Superb for prime rib!

Lawry's is neither cheap nor a steak house....but it is Superb for prime rib!

Nope! Definitely not cheap... but since Blissworld threw in Ruth's Chris I'd thought I mention it. The benefit to Blissworld ... there's always 2-for-1 coupons for Black Angus/Cattle Company prime rib :)

Never been to Black Angus what does a 8oz Filet run?

Never been to Black Angus what does a 8oz Filet run?


A search at www.blackangus.com found that it's $21.99 at my nearby location.

There's usually a coupon for 2 for $35, including the appetizer plate, salad, 2 filets, and a big chocolate cake.

[Quote of now-deleted material removed by the moderator]

A search at www.blackangus.com found that it's $21.99 at my nearby location.

There's usually a coupon for 2 for $35, including the appetizer plate, salad, 2 filets, and a big chocolate cake.
I guess I could have googled it. Never thought that they would post a menu with prices online. Most of the menu's I have seen online have not included prices. I consider a cheap steak house to be in the 15-20 range. I would call this mid level pricing in the 20-28 range. 29 and above I consider high.

I like Outback and think their prices are very reasonable.

I opt for Outback

I know it's not near the OP, but down in Texas a place called Texas Land and Cattle is really good. They have great steaks, good appetizers, and I love their warm rolls.

Sizzler has gotten a lot better since it imploded. The few remaining locations might be a good bet. And if the steak isn't good, there is always the salad bar.Barf-o-rama.

I will take Outback any day.

As the OP, I will point out that BamaVol Jr #3 contracted food poisoning at the local Outback about a year ago. There's a post here somewhere. It is high on the list of places I will never enter again. I might consider an Outback elsewhere, but cetainly not if I am accompanied by BamaVol Jr #3.

As the OP, I will point out that BamaVol Jr #3 contracted food poisoning at the local Outback about a year ago. There's a post here somewhere. It is high on the list of places I will never enter again. I might consider an Outback elsewhere, but cetainly not if I am accompanied by BamaVol Jr #3.

Use to defend restaurants on food poisoning cases. If #3 got sick either right a way (with in an hour) of consuming or 12 plus hours later, then it is Outback. Most people actually get food poisoning at home and most food poisoning takes 12 plus hours even upto a few days before you get sick.

Salt Grass Steakhouse is great, although not in many areas (a few just opened up in Colorado).

I've been to Outback a few times, but I've never been too impressed with it.

A great "local" option is The Mint Steakhouse (http://www.mintsteakhouse.com/) in Silverthorne, CO. All-you-can-eat prime rib for about $30, which really hits the spot after a day of skiing. If you don't want prime rib, you pick out a steak from the meat display and cook it yourself on their grills. In addition, they also have a "Locals Day" special a few days after most of the ski resorts close. Almost any cut of steak is about $8. You have to show up about an hour before they open to guarantee a seat.

The other "slightly upscale" option in Denver is Aurora Summit Steakhouse (http://www.aurorasummit.com/) in Aurora, CO. Wonderful steaks topped with sizzling melted butter for about 1/2 the price of Ruth's Chris.

Use to defend restaurants on food poisoning cases. If #3 got sick either right a way (with in an hour) of consuming or 12 plus hours later, then it is Outback. Most people actually get food poisoning at home and most food poisoning takes 12 plus hours even upto a few days before you get sick.

It took about 16-18 hours to make its presence felt. The ER MDs were pretty certain about the source and called Outback to alert them.

It took about 16-18 hours to make its presence felt. The ER MDs were pretty certain about the source and called Outback to alert them.

Sounds like Outback. What did #3 eat?

Sounds like Outback. What did #3 eat?

Steak. Knowing him, NY strip. Not meaning to be vague here. He was with his sister, brother-in-law and brother. I wasn't there. Whatever cut it was, he was the only one at the table to order it. Everything else he ate was on someone elses plate as well (salad dressing, appetizer, fries, coke).

I wish I could remember where I posted the original story. I can't find it here or in OMNI. It was late January 2006.

No way you get food poisoning from a steak at Outback. They sear the outside (too much for my taste). It had to be something else.

No way you get food poisoning from a steak at Outback. They sear the outside (too much for my taste). It had to be something else.

As I understand it, the steak was barely cooked. Since the wait had been so long and others at the table had theirs, he ate it almost raw.

And don't tell me anything with 100% certainty. You know bacteria can get beyond the surface. The process of elimination points to the steak.

I tried Applebees on a recent trip to Portland and was pleasantly surprised with the steak they serve. Its one of the most tender and flavorful steaks I have eaten at a moderately priced restaurant. Try it.

Generally speaking, I dislike just about everything at Applebee's, except their "Bourbon Street Steak". Though not a dish for steak purists, it's enjoyable on its own merits.

I knew Houston's from its rotisserie restaurant (called
Rutherford Grill) in Napa, so I took my various family
to the one in Rockville, MD today. It's not really a
steakhouse, though I got the Thai noodle salad with
beef that included about 8 oz of pretty respectable
filet in pieces buried among the noodles. My uncle
SY's French dip was an interesting variation - the
usual 5 or 6 oz of beef with some very tasty debris
hidden beneath: quite nice.

Next time try the ribs, those things are delicious.

Saltgrass and Texas Roadhouse get my votes.

I LOVE prime rib from Black Angus. I need to steal their secret spice rub :D Seriously though, having been to more upscale steak houses like Shula, Palms, Chris Ruth's, Houston's, Bandera, and some independent ones in LA/BH, I still like Black Angus' prime rib the most.

Remind me to take you to Taylors some weekend!

Outback is decent. I was raised on K-Bob's, which had pretty high quality steaks (and the salad bar is a wagon! :D ). The chain appears to be slowly shrinking, but I recommend it if you're ever in random small towns in OK, NM, TX, or CO. I've never been to Texas Land & Cattle but have heard good things.

Wow, haven't thought of K-Bob's in years! :D

Spent two years in Monahans, Texas (I'll bet there are very few who know it!) and it was indeed decent. The thing I remember most, though, is walking into it on a 110 degree summer day and loving the cool and air-conditioned dark.

I have only been to Applebees once. I went there for lunch and ordered a grill chicken sandwich. The chicken was pressed meat-gross (even fast food restaurants have real chicken breast).

So I can never go in one again, but the ravings on its steaks has spiked my curiousity. It it really that good?

K-Bobs is ok but there is not a lot of competition where it is located. In Fort Stockton, Texas it is either McD's, Dairy Queen, K-Bobs, a horrible truck stop, or the Best Western.

It does bring back good memories. When I went to Highschool in Roswell, New Mexico, our away games were pretty far away. New Mexico is fairly spread out. We would stop at K-Bobs for a pre game meal. It was a big treat, because otherwise the food at my HS was really bad, plus we never got steak. So it was a big treat to eat there. The school paid so we would gorge (probably why we went 1-9).

Steak N Ale is great and they are not that much higher than the others listed here and cheaper than some.

I have only been to Applebees once. I went there for lunch and ordered a grill chicken sandwich. The chicken was pressed meat-gross (even fast food restaurants have real chicken breast).

So I can never go in one again, but the ravings on its steaks has spiked my curiousity. It it really that good?


Wow. How long ago was that? I've never seen anything but real boneless skinless chicken breast at Applebees. My kids order steak at Applebees and keep ordering it. They're not gourmets, but they know tough and flavorless when it's placed in front of them.

I honestly don't get all the anti-raves for Applebee's/Olive Garden and the other moderate chains. I'm never amazed and thrilled, but also never disappointed with what I get there.

I think it was 1998 or 1999 in Laredo, Texas. They had just opened their location there. It was more of chicken pattie than breast. I bit into it, and it fell apart. Gross.

I honestly don't get all the anti-raves for Applebee's/Olive Garden and the other moderate chains. I'm never amazed and thrilled, but also never disappointed with what I get there.

For me, Applebee's and its kind represent the same level of mediocrity, no matter where you are, right down to the memorabilia on the wall. In most places where Applebee's exists, you can go to a nearby local restaurant, spend the same amount of money, and eat something new and different that is likely to taste better.

On the other hand, if the people you're with aren't as gastronomically adventurous as you (this happens to me a lot), there are worse lowest common denominators :)

I made the mistake of eating at the Times Square Applebee's once. Paid far more than the usual prices and the food was even worse.

K-Bobs is ok but there is not a lot of competition where it is located. In Fort Stockton, Texas it is either McD's, Dairy Queen, K-Bobs, a horrible truck stop, or the Best Western.

It does bring back good memories. When I went to Highschool in Roswell, New Mexico, our away games were pretty far away. New Mexico is fairly spread out. We would stop at K-Bobs for a pre game meal. It was a big treat, because otherwise the food at my HS was really bad, plus we never got steak. So it was a big treat to eat there. The school paid so we would gorge (probably why we went 1-9).

Wow, didn't think that anyone else on these boards had grown up with K-Bob's. Leave it to FT.

I grew up in Las Vegas, NM and all the high school sports teams we played ate there while they were in town. Maybe we need to thank K-Bob's for that year we almost became AAA State Football Champions! :D :p

I don't see Sizzler around anymore....but of the list, I'd pick Outback.

Texas Roadhouse....even if you don't like the steak the stuffed sweet potatoes (with marshmallow and caramel) will get you through!

Yeap... Great steak... And lots of peanuts too... lol....

Hey, anyone know the name of the steakhouse that cut off your necktie if u wear one to the restaurant??? I went to one in San Diego...

Wow, didn't think that anyone else on these boards had grown up with K-Bob's. Leave it to FT.

I grew up in Las Vegas, NM and all the high school sports teams we played ate there while they were in town. Maybe we need to thank K-Bob's for that year we almost became AAA State Football Champions! :D :p


We played you in Football and lost (bad). I also have been to Las Vegas, NM is part of the Spanish Club. We went to ENMU(I think) to debate in Spanish with HS from all over NM. I remember a good Mexican Food restaurant by the campus.

I went to NMMI (prison).

Hey, anyone know the name of the steakhouse that cut off your necktie if u wear one to the restaurant??? I went to one in San Diego...

There's a chain in Colorado called Trail Dust where they do that.
The walls are covered with half neckties; apparently some people
go there wearing ties just to get the attention ...

So none of the NATIONAL chains are that good and reasonable?

I like the filet at Outback and the coconut shrimp, also the salads with meat or seafood are good.

I like the filet at Outback and the coconut shrimp, also the salads with meat or seafood are good.

I was just about to mention Outback.

I always go with their Outback Special 11oz. which is affordable and great tasting. If you have a problem with your steak they are usually more than happy to get you another one.

I love my red meat. I am a thirty five year habitue and low credit card holder at Peter Lugers, and a satisfied customer at the Palm (but only in New York City). But for a chain, I believe that only Outback qualifies as a very satisfactory steak (their extra charge Prime is not worth it however). The three sizes of Prime Rib are quite tender and tasty, and since I am also a lamb lover, I find their rack of lamb (some locations now serve it only cut into chops, and this is a mistake) extraordinarily good, especially for the price. The Caesar salad that accompanies these dishes is quite good. No contest among the chains.

I love my red meat. I am a thirty five year habitue and low credit card holder at Peter Lugers, and a satisfied customer at the Palm (but only in New York City). But for a chain, I believe that only Outback qualifies as a very satisfactory steak (their extra charge Prime is not worth it however). The three sizes of Prime Rib are quite tender and tasty, and since I am also a lamb lover, I find their rack of lamb (some locations now serve it only cut into chops, and this is a mistake) extraordinarily good, especially for the price. The Caesar salad that accompanies these dishes is quite good. No contest among the chains. I have never had a house manager or waitperson who would not immediately take back and replace a piece of meat that I felt was either under- or over- cooked. They aim to please, and do very well.

The Keg steakhouse is by far the best for value/quality!

$25.95 gets you a 8oz sirloin, it comes with a caesar salad to start and your choice of side.

They used to be pretty good but have not seen one in a long time

Hey, anyone know the name of the steakhouse that cut off your necktie if u wear one to the restaurant??? I went to one in San Diego...

I think it's called Pinnacle Peak. Out on Mission Gorge Road somewhere. I was in it once, but didn't eat. Interesting place and quite popular.

I like the Keg, Saltgrass and Outback if you are talking cheap chains for steak.

Hey, anyone know the name of the steakhouse that cut off your necktie if u wear one to the restaurant??? I went to one in San Diego...

I think it's called Pinnacle Peak. Out on Mission Gorge Road somewhere. I was in it once, but didn't eat. Interesting place and quite popular.


There are three still open in Southern California: Santee, Colton, San Dimas

http://www.pinnaclepeaksteakhouse.com/frameset.html

The original Pinnacle Peak is in the northern reaches of Scottsdale.

They used to be pretty good but have not seen one in a long time

There's still a Western Sizzlin' open near me. I haven't eaten there, but Mrs BamaVol attended a birthday party there. IIRC, the average steak on their menu was about $7. I wouldn't expect much at that price, but maybe it's the best $7 steak ever?

I have had great luck with steak served at the Texas Roadhouse chain. I would encourage everyone to try. The roll they serve are awsome!

The Keg steakhouse is by far the best for value/quality!

$25.95 gets you a 8oz sirloin, it comes with a caesar salad to start and your choice of side.

I was reading down this thread waiting for some Canadian to mention the Keg. In the past I never was a huge fan of red meat but last time in Toronto for business I went to the Keg in Brampton and was pleasantly suprised. I ordered the 8OZ sirloin as well. It's awesome with a Caesar salad and twice baked potato with a nice draft!

For me, Applebee's and its kind represent the same level of mediocrity, no matter where you are, right down to the memorabilia on the wall. In most places where Applebee's exists, you can go to a nearby local restaurant, spend the same amount of money, and eat something new and different that is likely to taste better.

On the other hand, if the people you're with aren't as gastronomically adventurous as you (this happens to me a lot), there are worse lowest common denominators :)

I made the mistake of eating at the Times Square Applebee's once. Paid far more than the usual prices and the food was even worse.


Well put! I feel the same way. I'd much rather eat at a one of a kind restaurant, especially when I'm traveling. I'm no food snob, but it's sad that these chain restaurants serving overpriced, poor quality food are taking over.

That being said, I did just get a $100 gift card to outback for test driving a Maseratti and I'm not about to turn down free food. Or ridiculous offers to test drive cars worth more than my apartment and its contents...

I can't say I'd consider Lone Star or Outback cheap for my budget, though certainly in comparison to a Morton's or a Ruth's Chris.

What's happened with ones like Western Sizzlin, Golden Corral and Ryan's is that they've morphed into feeding troughs for the blue hairs where you're an oddity if you just order a steak plate. Given that, it's hard to see how they can keep focused on what they were originally about. It's like MTV no longer playing music videos.

I like the idea of a Brazilian steakhouse, but it seems you've gotta have a monster appetite to make it come out.

Hopefully more independents will be tried now that review sites and actual menus are available over the Internet. Locals might know a good place or two, but travelers need assurance over quality and price range.

Honestly, though, I think I do best in Las Vegas by reading the reviews of the better buffet deals.

I'd have to go with Outback. I think the filet is only like $18 and it is quite tasty. While it'll never compare to a $40 cut at Ruth's Chris, if you're hungry and in the mood for steak it certainly does the job.

I don't think I would consider Houston's or The Keg in the "cheap" category. I would say they are in a slightly more upscale category(i.e. no "flair" on the servers). Plus you are far less likely to find one unless you are in a big city.

I like the Keg, but I never get out of there spending less than $40. I tend to end up at them in July on vacations, and I'm always a sucker for their lobster au gratin appetizer. Another good place in that range used to be Mountain Jacks/Hungry Hunter, but it's been at least 7-8 years since I've been to one (are there any left)?

In the $20-$25 all-in range (steak, salad, starch, diet coke, tip), I usually don't order the steaks except maybe on a salad. I used to hit an Outback across the street from our hotel outside of Albany, and usually did chicken or salad. Lone Star is meh, Logan's is ok but again I'm more likely to get a sandwich or a salad. Houston's was good but they've closed the Nashville location so I haven't been at one in a few years.

Texas Roadhouse is much better than Outback in my opinion.

In my geographic area, Texas Roadhouse and Outback are the better of the low end steakhouses. Obviously YMMV...

I kind of suffer from a little Cheaposteakophobia, but I like Texas Land and Cattle. But, I think you have to be in....well, Texas. Saltgrass, that's not too bad in a pinch.

I kind of suffer from a little Cheaposteakophobia,

Thanks for the :D

I like the Keg, but I never get out of there spending less than $40.

Yeah, I think I mentioned them earlier in this thread. Decent steak, decent value, but they arent exactly cheap. When I'm North of the Border (or for that matter, in Seattle), I like their Teriyaki or their Prime Rib sandwich.

I don't go as freqently since they took out what used to be a fantastic salad bar.

They are ALL YOU CAN EAT and usually well above average. Fago de Chao is TOP of the line and lunch is a steal at @ $25. Includes a gourmet salad bar. Dinner is about twice that.

They are ALL YOU CAN EAT and usually well above average. Fago de Chao is TOP of the line and lunch is a steal at @ $25. Includes a gourmet salad bar. Dinner is about twice that.

Do you mean Fogo de Chao? If so, there are barely a handful of locations so most people would never see one in their normal travels. Plus $25 for lunch is more than what people on this thread are looking to spend on their dinner.

However, I will say that their food is A+. ^
Living less than 2 miles away from one, I can attest that this is probably the best restaurant to drive by, just for the smell of all that meat roasting on the huge fire pit they have.

Having been to restaurants such as Donovan's San Diego, Smith & Wollensky and Delmonico in Vegas, and others, my recommendation for San Diego area (if it still exists) is Carvers Steak and Chops in Rancho Bernardo. It's actually a small chain restaurant owned by the same company that runs Hunter's or Hungry Hunter's.

Priced around $20-25 and locals often get coupon in the mail, you get very close to top quality steak at a fraction of the price. Here are some qualities I think regular chains such as Outback cannot compete on:

1. Taste great without seasoning or sauce; what properly aged beef should be
2. You order a medium or medium-rare, you get exactly that
3. Dark wood interior and classier atmosphere with no noisy families
4. Decent wine offerings that are devoid of cheap sub $10 rotguts
5. Take reservations, well-dressed and mannered staff