LongHorn Steakhouse's Best Selling Steak Isn't Filet Mignon Or New York Strip

If you've ever been to LongHorn Steakhouse, odds are you went to get a steak. As its name would imply, the restaurant is best known for its steak offerings, which have a pretty good reputation when it comes to affordability. Tasting Table enjoyed nearly every one we tried when we ranked a selection of LongHorn's steaks. However, the most popular steak cut at the chain may not be what you expect. Rather than the cheap sirloin, juicy filet, or iconic New York strip, the best-selling LongHorn steak was the ribeye.

On the LongHorn Steakhouse site, the brand writes, "Our Guests love this steakhouse classic so much, they've made it our top selling steak." With a 12-ounce LongHorn ribeye steak, side, and salad currently going for $27.49 in the Cincinnati area, the combination has probably made LongHorn a ton of money. While you may think a less pricey steak would prove more popular than the ribeye, there are a few reasons why it takes the top spot.

To understand the popularity of LongHorn's ribeye, we must first examine what a ribeye steak is and how it differs from other cuts of steak. Ribeye steaks are pulled from the rib of a cow (hence their name) and are beloved for their tender and juicy nature. It's more fatty than other cuts like the New York strip, giving it a rich fat marbling on the interior and making it hard to ruin by overcooking. This makes it one of the most popular cuts even outside of LongHorn Steakhouse, and its taste is hard to beat.

While LongHorn's ribeye is over $10 more than its cheapest steak (the sirloin, which goes for $16.79 in the Cincinnati area), its premium nature and delicious taste mean that many people find it worth the splurge. Also, LongHorn's ribeye is not all that expensive. If you do the math, it costs about $36.65 per pound, while Walmart sells a ribeye for about $15.97 per pound. Factor in the cost of two sides and paying the staff, and you'll find that the upcharge is not too egregious.

In addition, when you're already splurging on eating out, many people will go ahead and spend the extra money for a tastier meal. It's not the most expensive steak on the menu, and customers may find the price more reasonable when comparing it to the chain's $36.29 Porterhouse.