Brian Nagele
LongHorn Steakhouse prides itself on taking no shortcuts when it comes to its food. They always pick the best cuts of meat, the freshest produce, and have been making mouth-watering steaks for over 40 years, so the LongHorn menu has plenty to offer.
With humble roots in Atlanta, Georgia, LongHorn Steakhouse first fired up in August 1981, making food for steak lovers – by steak lovers.
I have been a fan of LongHorn Steakhouse for years. In my younger years, their impeccable vibe was the perfect place for happy hour with friends, and now it’s a go-to for my family.
It’s a mix of casual but exciting atmosphere, and of course, the amazing food makes it perfect for any occasion.
LongHorn is best known for its finely crafted steaks, but over the years I’ve discovered some hidden gems elsewhere on the menu, from appetizers through dessert.
If you’re looking to supplement your steak next time, or maybe try something new, read on for 15 of the best LongHorn Steakhouse menu items.
LongHorn Salmon
If you’re looking for steakhouse flavor without the saturated fat and calories of actual steak, the LongHorn Salmon cannot be beaten.
You might not gravitate towards fish at a LongHorn Steakhouse, but I can promise you this hand-cut, fresh Atlantic salmon will surprise you in the best way.
It’s flaky and light but maintains the indulgent buttery flavor of a good cut of salmon.
This salmon sticks out on the menu because it’s marinated in LongHorns’ signature bourbon sauce and grilled to perfection just like their famous steaks.
LongHorn Salmon is served over flavorful but subtle rice, and you can choose your vegetable side.
Baby Back Ribs
The master grillers who make LongHorn’s perfectly cooked steaks use their talents for other meats as well, like these fall off the bone tender Baby Back Ribs.
In my opinion, nothing quite hits the spot like a good rack of sweet, yet savory ribs. These ribs are slow-cooked, seasoned, and then fire-grilled, making them perfectly tender without losing flavor.
Brushed with sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, the half-rack comes with two sides. You can choose between a range of potatoes, roasted vegetables, and salad.
My favorite accompaniments are the mashed potatoes and Cesar salad.
Flo’s Filet and Lobster Tail
Nothing is more indulgent than surf and turf, and Flo’s Filet and Lobster Tail is the perfect meal for any special occasion, or just to treat yourself–you deserve it!
This mouth-watering plate balances LongHorn’s signature 6 oz. center-cut filet with a cold-water lobster tail dripping with melted butter.
I daydream about this combination and look for any excuse to order this treat.
If this succulent combination doesn’t sound amazing enough as is, you also get to choose two sides to accompany the meal.
With so much food, you might not be able to finish it all, but that just means delicious leftovers to enjoy the next day!
Chocolate Stampede
You’ve heard of triple chocolate cake, which is itself a treat and a half, so wait until you hear that LongHorn’s Chocolate Stampede has six kinds of chocolate in one decadent dessert.
I usually need a couple of friends to help me finish this plate, but if you’re a motivated chocolate fanatic, take up the challenge of finishing it all yourself.
While the recipe for this stampede is carefully guarded, the combination of chocolate cake, mousse, shell, and syrup accompanied by vanilla bean ice cream is so good you won’t think to question what’s in it.
Grilled Chicken and Strawberry Salad
If you’re on a health kick, you might be unsure about accompanying a steak lover to LongHorn because they are so famous for their indulgent meats.
But, LongHorn has many healthier options, including four entree salads.
My favorite is the Grilled Chicken and Strawberry Salad, which combines crunchy and fresh romaine lettuce with multiple fruits and juicy grilled chicken.
Strawberries are the star of the show here, but this salad also has grapes and mandarin slices. This aromatic sweetness is complemented by perfectly crunchy candied pecans and offset by salty and creamy feta crumbles.
Loaded Potato Soup
Potato soup is always a crowd-pleaser, and I think this Loaded Potato Soup is one of the best out there.
This soup starts with a creamy bechamel sauce, with blended Yukon gold potatoes and a splash of heavy cream.
Creamy, yet simple, and topped with delicious bacon bits and shredded cheddar, it’s a bowl of warm comfort. While it has a smooth texture, there are still chunks of potatoes to liven things up and provide variety.
The mix of the bacon, cream, and cheddar would normally be a bit too rich for my pallet, but the added fresh spring onions give a perfect balance.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken
As a major cheese fan, anything Parmesan-crusted is an automatic “yes” in my book.
However, I often find that when chicken is crusted, it can become dry or too salty. That’s not the case with LongHorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken, which is unbelievably crunchy on the outside while still perfectly juicy on the inside.
I think the key is that this chicken has a combination of a creamy parmesan sauce, which seals in moisture, while the garlic cheese crust adds an addictive crunch.
While the Parmesan sauce is certainly rich, the all-white-meat grilled breast is light enough to keep the balance, so you can indulge without overdoing it.
White Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms
Mushrooms can be a divisive vegetable, but even my friends who usually don’t like them can’t resist the White Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms at LongHorn.
While you can still taste the mushroom flavor, they are roasted rather than sauteed, which takes away the rubbery texture that mushrooms often have.
Of course, the real stars of the show are the garlic herb cheese stuffing, the Parmesan crust, and the bed of creamy four-cheese sauce the mushrooms are served on.
It’s impossible to resist the combination of garlic and endless cheese, and the mushrooms balance out the richness. Plus, since it’s a vegetable, these are healthy – trust me!
Shrimp and Lobster Chowder
If you’re a fan of New England Clam Chowder, you’ll be obsessed with LongHorn’s Shrimp and Lobster Chowder.
It has the same potatoes and creamy, tangy flavor of clam chowder, but substitutes the clams for the superior seafood of shrimp and lobster. After trying this chowder for the first time, you’ll want this substitution every time.
LongHorn Steakhouse is unparalleled when it comes to making food that is rich and decadent, while still being light and not overfilling.
They do this here by adding sweet corn and red bell peppers and topping the chowder with fresh green onions.
Mac & Cheese
I consider myself something of a Mac & Cheese connoisseur, and if it’s on any menu, I’ll probably try it.
Lots of steakhouses rely on basic Mac & Cheese as a simple side, but you won’t find basic anywhere with LongHorn’s Mac & Cheese.
With a combination of gruyere, white cheddar, parmesan, and fontina, this bowl of goodness is rich, tangy, and ultra melty.
LongHorn goes even further than just the four-cheese sauce by adding some extra-crispy bacon crumbles and garlic-infused panko breadcrumbs, which gives a variety of textures that are necessary with something so creamy.
Big Sky Burger
LongHorn’s Big Sky Burger is a major commitment, but nothing beats it.
It starts with LongHorn’s signature half-pound, custom-blended American beef, but that’s not enough, because then it’s topped with succulent shaved short-rib.
That’s still not all! It’s then topped with swiss cheese, crispy onion straws, arugula, and steakhouse sauce.
This burger is decadent enough that I’d maybe recommend a side salad instead of fries, but nothing will satisfy a burger craving quite like the Big Sky.
My favorite part is the crispy onion straws, which go perfectly with the juicy patty and soft bun.
Chili Cheese Fries
LongHorn’s Chili Cheese Fries are the ultimate appetizer to share among your table since they are the perfect opening to any of LongHorn’s entrees.
I’m usually not one to recommend deluxe fries, opting for nachos instead since I find that fries usually get soggy under the toppings.
Somehow, LongHorn manages to keep their fries perfectly crispy even underneath a mountain of creamy toppings.
These Chili Cheese Fries truly have it all – rich but lean beef chili, a cheese sauce that gets into every nook and cranny, plus crunchy bacon bits and a tangy kick from sliced, pickled jalapeños.
Cowboy Pork Chops
LongHorn’s Cowboy Pork Chops are one of their original menu items, and you’ll feel the Atlanta spice when you order them.
Two juicy 8 oz. center-cut pork chops are grilled bone-in and marinated in LongHorn’s iconic Prairie Dust spice rub.
The recipe for the spice rub is a well-kept secret, but the combination of smoked paprika, turmeric, and ground coriander is immediately recognizable.
These pork chops don’t come with a sauce but don’t let that deter you. They are so juicy and well-seasoned that they don’t need anything else on them.
This entree also comes with your choice of side, and I think they go perfectly with the Loaded Idaho Baked Potato.
Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich
LongHorn Steakhouse is a classic staple for dinner, but don’t discount their lunch options, which are varied and delicious.
My favorite has to be the Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich, which is especially good as part of a combo. The sandwich is 6 oz. of perfectly crispy buttermilk fried chicken, hand-breaded, and placed in a delicious brioche bun.
The bun is topped with LongHorn’s incredibly good house-made ranch dressing, which elevates it to another level. If you get the lunch combo, you can choose a soup, salad, or side.
My favorites with this sandwich are French Onion Soup or classic Seasoned French Fries.
Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders
You might think chicken tenders are only for kids, but not at LongHorn Steakhouse (although your kids will love them too).
These Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders are made to order which makes them extra fresh and juicy.
The best part of these tenders, however, is LongHorn’s signature Honey Mustard dipping sauce, which is really out of this world.
I’ve sampled plenty of great Honey Mustard in my life, and LongHorn’s is probably the best I’ve ever had.
In this article, we’ve walked through my favorite underrated menu items at LongHorn Steakhouse.
We all know how amazing their steaks are, but now I’ve introduced you to appetizers, entrees, sides, and desserts that are good enough to compete with even the most tender ribeye.
We’ve gone over creamy soups, the most succulent ribs and burgers, and even some healthy options!
The next time you head to LongHorn with friends or family, embrace your adventurous side by trying something new and delicious that’s sure to leave you pleasantly surprised. If you have any LongHorn Steakhouse favorites that I didn’t mention, let us know below!
You failed to mention the wings .. delicious, smoky , crispy
Just the right amount of seasoning on them , they offer 2 different dipping sauces but they are so good I don’t think they need a dipping sauce.
I was disappointed you didn’t list any ribeye steak. That’s my favorite. I go as often as I can
The Firecracker Chicken Wraps are pretty amazing too. Definitely worth trying.
Bring back the prime rib
I agree with the article 100%!!! That strawberry salad is amazing!! Congratulations Longhorn for staying the course.
I love their scrimp appetizers with a baker potato for lunch or just share the appetizer then have 1 of their salads.
For an appetizer you can’t beat the Firecracker Chicken Wraps.
I love Longhorn’s! Please bring back lambchops and spaghetti squash!! Please Please Please!!
You are so correct with the Shrimp and Lobster Chowder. I always upgrade to get with my entrée.
They need to bring back the creamed spinach and the crab meat bake?! Especially the spinach!!!!!!!
Please, please, bring back your tomato bisque soup. It was the best soup and I really miss it!!! Also the short ribs were to die for good and I would love to see it back on the
Menu as well.
Always have had an excellent meal at Longhorn Steakhouse in Mays Landing, NJ.
I miss the shaved steak sandwich.
Love love love the lamb chops when in season.
I love their chicken fry steak.
Like the chicken fry steak
Do you get free dessert on your Birthday?