Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Travel&Dining > DiningBuzz
Reload this Page >

Best CHEAP chain steakhouse?

Community
Wiki Posts
Search

Best CHEAP chain steakhouse?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 1, 2007, 2:28 pm
  #1  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: About 45 miles NW of MCO
Programs: Acapulco - Gold, Panama - Red, Timothy Leary 8 Mile High Club
Posts: 29,300
Best CHEAP chain steakhouse?

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.

Last edited by BamaVol; Feb 1, 2007 at 8:47 pm
BamaVol is offline  
Old Feb 1, 2007, 2:36 pm
  #2  
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Programs: Chick-Fil-A Red, Wawa, Red Cross blood donor
Posts: 4,828
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'.
bitburgr is offline  
Old Feb 1, 2007, 2:43 pm
  #3  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Summer at the Jersey Shore AAAH
Posts: 11,294
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.
Dugernaut is offline  
Old Feb 1, 2007, 3:22 pm
  #4  
Original Member
 
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Portland OR Double Emerald (QF and AA), DL PM/MM, Starwood Plat
Posts: 19,589
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.
number_6 is offline  
Old Feb 1, 2007, 4:43 pm
  #5  
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: ORD, MKE, MDW
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Platinum, AAdvantage Gold, Air Canada Elite, Avis Pref Select, Hertz Gold,
Posts: 1,844
Originally Posted by number_6
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.
cyberdad is offline  
Old Feb 1, 2007, 4:48 pm
  #6  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: About 45 miles NW of MCO
Programs: Acapulco - Gold, Panama - Red, Timothy Leary 8 Mile High Club
Posts: 29,300
Originally Posted by bitburgr
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.
BamaVol is offline  
Old Feb 1, 2007, 5:15 pm
  #7  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: Landry's President's Club, Marriott Silver, Awesomeness EXPLT
Posts: 20,458
Tads ^
stockmanjr is offline  
Old Feb 1, 2007, 8:22 pm
  #8  
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, Earth (PIT)
Programs: Airline/TSA Avoidance Platinum, Hotel Disloyalty Silver, Hertz 1.7*
Posts: 5,277
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.
CrazyOne is offline  
Old Feb 1, 2007, 8:30 pm
  #9  
In Memoriam
 
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Easton, CT, USA
Programs: ua prem exec, Former hilton diamond
Posts: 31,801
Outback and Longhorn, given that group of restaurants. I would probably choose something else if it was available.
cordelli is offline  
Old Feb 1, 2007, 8:35 pm
  #10  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Grazie Gold Lounge
Programs: UA-2MM; GalacticXpress-Irridium
Posts: 10,332
Originally Posted by BamaVol
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.
kingalien is offline  
Old Feb 1, 2007, 8:41 pm
  #11  
In memoriam
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: DAL
Programs: SWA A list preferred and CP, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Hertz President's club
Posts: 9,803
Texas Roadhouse....even if you don't like the steak the stuffed sweet potatoes (with marshmallow and caramel) will get you through!
Lehava is offline  
Old Feb 1, 2007, 8:43 pm
  #12  
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SNA
Programs: AAdvantage Gold, AS Mileage Plan, SPG Gold
Posts: 343
Lone Star!

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.

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
stevechin is offline  
Old Feb 1, 2007, 9:14 pm
  #13  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: PDX
Programs: On a collision course with Kettledom
Posts: 25,550
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?
opus17 is offline  
Old Feb 2, 2007, 4:38 am
  #14  
In memoriam
 
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: IAD, BOS, PVD
Programs: UA, US, AS, Marriott, Radisson, Hilton
Posts: 7,203
A friend whose palate and nose for a good deal I trust recommended
the Texas Roadhouse, and I find it beats Outback cold.
violist is offline  
Old Feb 2, 2007, 11:16 am
  #15  
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: UA 1K and PP, AA PPro (3MM, former CK), Marriott Ambassador and LTT, Uber One
Posts: 1,350
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.
ikwia is offline  


Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.