It’s Not Texas Roadhouse or LongHorn: The Steakhouse Chain Boomers Prefer
Texas Roadhouse and LongHorn Steakhouse are in serious competition for older American diners’ attention, and the winner might surprise you. According to YouGov’s third-quarter 2026 popularity rankings, Outback Steakhouse earned a positive opinion from 70% of baby boomers, giving the Australian-themed chain an advantage in favorability over its familiar steakhouse rivals.
That number is especially interesting as Americans become more selective about restaurant spending. YouGov’s 2025 dining survey found that 37% of Americans ate out less frequently than the previous year, and 69% of those cutting back blamed rising restaurant prices.
Outback Steakhouse earns strong approval from boomers
Outback Steakhouse has served American diners since 1988, when it opened its first restaurant in Tampa, Florida. Despite its Australian theme, it has entirely American origins.
The chain’s 70% popularity score among baby boomers placed it sixth among all dining brands measured in YouGov’s third-quarter 2026 rankings, not just steakhouses. That’s a noteworthy result in a category that includes fast-food restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops and casual dining establishments.
However, the distinction matters: YouGov’s popularity rating measures positive opinions, not visit frequency or which restaurant customers choose for their next dinner.
Outback’s result shows that the brand has earned considerable goodwill among older consumers. It doesn’t establish that most boomers eat there more frequently than at competing steakhouses.
Why the distinction matters when comparing steakhouses
Texas Roadhouse and LongHorn Steakhouse remain significant competitors, and another YouGov survey paints a different picture of where older Americans might actually spend their money. In YouGov’s 2026 restaurant brand rankings, Texas Roadhouse recorded a 28.2% consideration score among adults ages 65 and older, compared with 22.1% for Outback Steakhouse. The question measured which restaurants people would consider buying food or drinks from next, rather than which brands they viewed positively.
That means Outback’s higher favorability doesn’t automatically translate into more customers or higher sales.
For everyday diners comparing these chains, both measures are useful. One shows how warmly consumers view a brand, while the other indicates where they might choose to eat.
Nearly four decades of familiar steakhouse favorites
Outback’s Australian-inspired menu is one of its most recognizable features. The restaurant was founded by Chris Sullivan, Robert Basham, Tim Gannon, and Trudy Cooper. Its casual dining concept featured steaks, generous portions, and an Australian theme that set it apart from conventional American steakhouses.
Then there’s the Bloomin’ Onion.
Co-founder Tim Gannon created the signature appetizer in 1988, and it became an important part of the restaurant’s identity. According to Outback, customers order more than 8 million Bloomin’ Onions annually, representing approximately one-quarter of its appetizer orders.
That’s an impressive number for a single menu item.
Could familiar dishes and decades of brand recognition contribute to Outback’s positive ratings among boomers? Possibly, although the YouGov popularity figures don’t establish why respondents gave the chain favorable opinions.
Related: Chicago Stole New York’s Steakhouse Crown And Meat Lovers Are Booking Flights to the Windy City
Outback is making changes to its steak menu in 2026
Outback’s latest steak initiative gives customers another reason to compare the chain with its competitors. On October 6, 2026, the company announced an initiative called Best Steaks Ever, highlighting changes to steak specifications, trimming, seasoning, and preparation.
The updated lineup includes the Down Under Delmonico Ribeye, New York Strip, Victoria’s Barrel-Cut Filet Mignon, Center-Cut Sirloin and Rockhampton Ribeye. Pat Hafner, president of Outback Steakhouse, said the company wanted to improve its signature product by focusing on steak-preparation details.
Chef Efrem Cutler, whom Outback named its chief steak officer, also emphasized the importance of selecting, trimming, seasoning, and cooking different cuts. “The cut matters, but so do the marbling, trimming, seasoning and how you cook it,” Cutler said in the company’s announcement.
These are changes the company describes, not independent evidence that Outback now serves better steaks than Texas Roadhouse or LongHorn.
Still, they provide a concrete development for customers who haven’t visited the restaurant recently.
Restaurant prices remain an important consideration
Value for money has become a major talking point across American restaurants. YouGov’s 2025 research found that 82% of surveyed Americans believed restaurant prices had increased over the previous year. Only 28% considered restaurant prices fair for the quality received.
The survey also found that 54% changed how they dined out to cut costs. Among that group, choosing cheaper restaurants and using discounts or coupons were common strategies.
Nora Hao, senior sales director at YouGov America, explained the situation in the company’s report:
“Americans still enjoy dining out, but value has become the deciding factor shaping where and how they choose to eat.”
Outback is responding with promotions alongside changes to its steak-focused menu. Its official website currently advertises an Aussie three-course meal featuring a six-ounce sirloin, starting at $15.99, with prices and participation varying by location.
Customers should compare the full meal and local pricing, rather than assuming one restaurant chain will always be cheaper.
What local diners should know before visiting
Outback Steakhouse offers online menus, restaurant-specific pricing, takeout ordering, and a location finder. Customers can search by city, state, or ZIP code to find participating restaurants. Lunch options, hours, and menu prices vary by location, so check the specific restaurant before you go.
The chain also offers delivery and curbside takeaway at participating locations. For people deciding between Outback, Texas Roadhouse, and LongHorn, the latest ratings offer a useful starting point, but they’re only part of the comparison. Menu selection, restaurant availability, advertised promotions, and personal experience are worth considering alongside consumer survey results.
Outback may have the edge with boomers, but the best steakhouse for your next dinner still depends on what you want from the meal.
