Not Texas Roadhouse: Dine At This Steakhouse For Sides That Rival The Main Course

When you go out for a steak dinner, you expect the steak to be the star of the meal. But a true steakhouse dining experience isn't complete without scrumptious sides. Whether you prefer steak with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or thick-cut fries, restaurants like Texas Roadhouse and LongHorn Steakhouse offer pretty delicious options. But LongHorn's sides tend to be a little more complex.

One of the main differences between Texas Roadhouse and LongHorn Steakhouse is that the latter's sides are more robust. Both offer similar versions of classic side dishes, but LongHorn seems to take things up a notch. For example, Texas Roadhouse offers Seasoned Corn, but LongHorn has a Fire-Grilled Corn on the Cob with crema and Parmesan cheese. You'll also find a side of Mac & Cheese at Texas Roadhouse, but LongHorn's version is Steakhouse Mac & Cheese with a four-cheese sauce, bacon bits, and crispy Parmesan bread crumbs. As far as its green sides go, Texas Roadhouse offers some pretty standard fare: Green Beans and Steamed Broccoli, the latter of which is tossed in a lemon pepper sauce. LongHorn's similar counterparts are a bit more premium. Smoky honey butter gives the Crispy Brussels Sprouts a savory and sweet flavor, while the Fresh Steamed Asparagus is topped with a seasoned lemon sauce.  

Of course, if simplicity is what you crave (and you prefer steak to be the focal point), Texas Roadhouse is an excellent choice. In fact, the eatery has several hidden gems worth ordering, including the Filet Medallions. But for intentional, hearty sides that could easily serve as stand-alone meals, head to LongHorn. Even if you don't like steak, you're bound to find something mouth-watering on its menu. Gooey Steakhouse Mac & Cheese, anyone?

Most LongHorn fans agree with this consensus. "My vegetarian wife loves [LongHorn] for the salads and sides," one Redditor wrote. Another said, "One of the things I like about [LongHorn] is that not only do they have good steaks, but they also have a good all around menu for somebody on a diet or who generally doesn't like steak. Also, their sides are really no contest. [Texas Roadhouse] sides feel like Sysco specials and [LongHorn] sides taste like there was some thought put into them."

As far as prices go, both establishments are fairly comparable. But some of LongHorn's sides are a little pricier. Take the Mac & Cheese, for example: At LongHorn, it's $5.99, but at Texas Roadhouse, it's $4.48. The LongHorn Corn on the Cob is also $5.99, compared to Texas Roadhouse's Seasoned Corn for $3.49. These prices are based on locations in Arkansas, though, so they may vary by location and state. All in all, you're often paying more for more ingredients, seasonings, and a heftier portion, but it may be worth it.