4 Texas Steakhouse Chains Serving Classic Steaks & 4 That Locals Say Are Truly Next-Level
When it comes to steak, nobody does it quite like Texas. I’ve spent years traveling the Lone Star State in search of the perfect cut, and let me tell you, the competition is fierce.
From well-established chains that deliver reliable quality to independent gems that have locals raving, Texas offers a carnivore’s paradise unlike anywhere else.
Join me as we explore four beloved steakhouse chains and four extraordinary establishments that Texans swear will change your relationship with beef forever.
1. Texas Roadhouse: Where Country Charm Meets Perfectly Grilled Steaks
The moment you walk into Texas Roadhouse, those buckets of peanut shells and country music set the tone for a down-home experience. I still remember my first visit in Dallas—my server brought out a tray of steaks for me to choose from, a personal touch that made me feel like a VIP.
Their hand-cut steaks, particularly the 16-ounce bone-in ribeye, strike that perfect balance between quality and affordability. The fall-off-the-bone ribs ain’t too shabby either!
What keeps me coming back isn’t just the food but the lively atmosphere. Between the line dancers breaking out moves between tables and those addictive fresh-baked rolls with cinnamon butter, Texas Roadhouse delivers a genuine slice of Texas hospitality without breaking the bank.
2. LongHorn Steakhouse: The Bold Flavors Of Western Ranching Tradition
Y’all won’t believe how LongHorn transformed my perception of chain steakhouses! Last summer, I stumbled into their San Antonio location after a long day at the River Walk, expecting nothing special. Boy, was I wrong.
Their Outlaw Ribeye—a 20-ounce bone-in beauty seasoned with their secret spice blend—knocked my boots off. The exterior develops this incredible char while keeping the inside perfectly pink. Their Flo’s Filet wrapped in bacon deserves an honorable mention too.
What separates LongHorn from the herd is their commitment to bold flavors and generous portions. The Western-themed interiors might seem kitschy to some, but the quality of their steaks and those legendary Steakhouse Mac & Cheese sides speak for themselves. No wonder they’ve earned their spurs in the competitive Texas steakhouse scene.
3. Saltgrass Steak House: Gulf Coast Tradition With Certified Angus Beef
The legend behind Saltgrass has always fascinated me—named after the Salt Grass Trail where cattle grazed on the way to market, absorbing minerals that enhanced their flavor. My cousin from Houston first brought me here, insisting I hadn’t truly experienced Texas beef until I’d tried their steaks.
Their Certified Angus Beef is aged and seasoned with their signature Saltgrass-7 spice, then cooked over an open flame. The mouthwatering aroma hits you the second you walk through the door! Their Two-Fork Cheesecake makes for a perfect finale after demolishing their Center-Cut Top Sirloin.
What truly sets Saltgrass apart is their butter—that famous Shiner Bock beer bread with honey butter could be a meal itself. With locations sprinkled throughout Texas like bluebonnets in spring, this chain delivers consistent quality that keeps locals coming back generation after generation.
4. Fogo de Chão: Brazilian Rodizio Meets Texas-Sized Appetite
My first experience at Fogo de Chão’s Dallas location left me speechless—and not just because my mouth was constantly full! This Brazilian steakhouse chain has won Texans’ hearts by speaking our language: unlimited premium meat.
The concept is brilliantly simple yet endlessly satisfying. Flip your coaster to green, and gaucho chefs appear tableside with skewers of fire-roasted meats—from picanha (their signature sirloin) to filet mignon wrapped in bacon. The Market Table buffet offers a gorgeous spread of salads and sides, but let’s be honest—we’re here for the meat parade!
What makes Fogo special in Texas is how they’ve adapted to local tastes while maintaining Brazilian authenticity. Their locations in Houston, Austin, and Dallas have become celebration destinations where the spectacle of carving at your table creates memories as rich as their perfectly medium-rare offerings.
5. Taste Of Texas: Houston’s Legendary Temple To Texas Beef
Forget everything you thought you knew about steakhouses! My first visit to Taste of Texas in Houston had me picking my jaw up off the floor. The experience starts with a trip to their in-house butcher shop where you personally select your cut—I’m talking USDA Prime steaks so marbled they look like works of art.
Their Tomahawk Ribeye (feed two hungry cowboys with this beast!) comes with a side of Texas history—the restaurant doubles as a museum with authentic Texas artifacts decorating every wall. The crab fingers appetizer and their famous salad bar complete with house-made dressings aren’t afterthoughts—they’re destination-worthy themselves.
Family-owned since 1977, Taste of Texas embodies Texan hospitality with a level of personal service chain restaurants simply can’t match. When the owner, Nina, still walks the floor greeting guests by name after four decades, you know you’ve found something special.
6. Knife Dallas: Chef John Tesar’s Modern Steakhouse Revolution
Holy smokes, folks! Knife isn’t just a steakhouse—it’s Chef John Tesar’s love letter to beef. After winning my foodie heart at his Highland Park location, I’ve become something of an evangelist for his 240-day dry-aged ribeye that tastes like beef concentrated into its purest form.
Unlike traditional steakhouses, Knife embraces nose-to-tail philosophy with uncommon cuts like culotte and chuck flap. Their bacon tasting with five varieties will make you question everything you thought you knew about this breakfast staple. The sleek, minimalist interior lets the food take center stage.
What truly elevates Knife to next-level status is Tesar’s obsession with dry-aging. His climate-controlled aging room (which you can peek into!) houses steaks aging anywhere from 45 to 240 days. When a James Beard-nominated chef treats beef with such reverence, the result isn’t just dinner—it’s a religious experience that’s converted countless Texans into devoted followers.
7. Nuri Steakhouse: Dallas’ Hidden Spot Blending Korean And Texas Traditions
The first time my buddy dragged me to Nuri in Dallas, I was skeptical. Korean-influenced Texas steakhouse? Get outta here! Ninety minutes later, I was planning my next visit while still working on their 32-ounce Tomahawk.
Nuri has revolutionized the Dallas steak scene by marrying Korean BBQ techniques with premium Texas beef. Their signature tableside preparation involves searing A5 Wagyu on hot stones with garlic butter and finishing with truffle salt. The banchan (small side dishes) that accompany each steak order provide perfect palate cleansers between bites of beefy perfection.
What makes locals rave about Nuri isn’t just the innovative fusion—it’s the intimate atmosphere. With only 12 tables, scoring a reservation feels like winning the lottery. Chef Moon personally visits each table, often bringing complimentary bites from his latest experiments. This personalized touch transforms dinner into an interactive experience you’ll be texting friends about before dessert arrives.
8. Jeffrey’s Austin: Old-School Elegance Meets Modern Culinary Mastery
Jeffrey’s has been Austin’s special occasion destination since 1975, but when chef Larry McGuire revamped it in 2013, this classic entered a whole new stratosphere. I celebrated my anniversary there last year, and the tableside martini cart alone was worth the splurge!
Their dry-aged prime beef comes from specific ranches they partner with, cooked in their specially designed 1,200-degree broiler. The result? A mineral-rich crust that gives way to butter-tender interior. Their bone-in ribeye for two, carved tableside with ceremonial precision, transforms dinner into theater.
What separates Jeffrey’s from other high-end steakhouses is their perfect balance of old-world service and contemporary technique. The waitstaff in formal attire know the provenance of every ingredient, while the mid-century modern decor creates an atmosphere of understated luxury. When locals talk about “next-level” dining experiences in Texas, Jeffrey’s is invariably the first name mentioned.