Ah, LongHorn Steakhouse on International Drive in Orlando – a favorite spot for many and definitely a regular haunt for our Saucy Family! As much as I try to find new places to dine in Orlando, there’s something comforting about the familiar atmosphere of LongHorn Steakhouse, especially after a long day of shopping, park-hopping, or simply enjoying the city. This visit, as usual, had us indulging in the savory steaks, hearty sides, and a touch of that Texan hospitality. But let’s talk about what went down in our most recent visit in October 2024.
LongHorn Steakhouse might be a chain, but it’s always one that offers a consistent dining experience. Located right on International Drive, this spot is a popular choice for locals and tourists alike. Now, I have to warn you – it’s always busy. International Drive is a hotspot for Disney-goers, so if you’re planning a visit during peak times, make sure to get there early. Otherwise, you may find yourself waiting for over an hour for a table. But once you’re seated, you’re welcomed by the warm ambiance, rustic décor, and the signature LongHorn atmosphere.
It’s nothing too fancy, but that’s the charm of it – cozy, casual, and always ready to serve up some great food.
Before diving into the food, let’s talk about the drinks. We started with a vodka-based strawberry cocktail, a Budweiser for my Saucy King, and a glass of Pinot Grigio for me. Now, I’ll admit, I was a little disappointed when I saw that there was no Rosé option on the menu – I mean, it’s 2024, folks, can we get some Rosé, please? But the Pinot Grigio was refreshing enough for a warm evening in Orlando.
The vodka cocktail was deliciously fruity and refreshing, perfect for sipping while waiting for the food to arrive. My Saucy King, of course, stuck to his trusted Budweiser, because you can’t really go wrong with a classic beer to accompany a hearty meal.
And the soda? Oh, let me tell you about the soda. It’s unlimited. And when they say unlimited, they mean it – the refills just keep coming. For only $3.50, you can enjoy an endless flow of soda, and to make it even better, they offer to pack you up a to-go cup of soda. It’s definitely an unbeatable deal, though I’ll admit, I was a little too full of soda by the time we left.
Alright, now let’s talk about the real reason we go to LongHorn – the food! As always, we started with some appetizers, and it’s safe to say we had a bit of a mixed experience.
Wild West Shrimp – $13 We shared the Wild West Shrimp, which was perfectly tasty, no complaints here. Crispy, lightly battered shrimp with a nice kick to it, perfect for snacking while we sipped our drinks and chatted. The shrimp were tender, and the seasoning was just right. My Saucy Prince, on the other hand, wasn’t too keen on them. He’s quite the picky eater – doesn’t like much beyond the basics – but I’ve learned to live with it! Moms, can you relate?
I went for the classic 6oz filet with a 4oz lobster tail and a loaded baked potato. The steak was delicious, tender, and flavorful, though I do have one little piece of advice: ask for light seasoning. As tasty as it was, the salt was a little too much for me. I found myself tossing and turning at night, feeling like I’d overdone it on the sodium. However, the lobster tail was cooked well, and the loaded baked potato was exactly what you’d want it to be – cheesy, warm, and comforting.
What stole the show, though, was the side salad with the honey and mustard dressing. Oh. My. Word. That dressing should be bottled and sold in stores! It was the best salad dressing I’ve ever had in my life – no exaggeration! If only they sold it, I’d be slathering it on everything I eat.
My Saucy King, as usual, opted for the burger. Nothing fancy here – just a classic beef patty with all the usual fixings. Unfortunately, we ran into a little issue here. The sauce was missing, and as the Saucy Family knows, we’re all about the sauce! My king wasn’t too happy about this oversight and rated it a 6/10. The beef patty was tasty enough, but without the burger sauce, it was just a little bland. It’s the little details like this that can make or break a meal.
Now, the Saucy Prince is a simple guy. Give him chicken tenders, and he’s in heaven. And LongHorn did not disappoint. The chicken tenders were crispy, juicy, and exactly what you’d expect. He loved every bite, and I’m not kidding when I say he’s asked for them at least once a week since then. As far as he’s concerned, it was a 10/10, and frankly, I can’t argue with him. When something’s that simple and delicious, why mess with perfection?
We also got a side of fries to go with the chicken tenders, but after Max demolished his tenders, the fries didn’t get much attention. As for me and the king, we both had our delicious side salads, which was crisp, fresh, and flavorful. It was the perfect accompaniment to our hearty mains.
By the time dessert rolled around, we were all stuffed to the brim. I’d love to say we had room for a slice of the delicious-sounding desserts, but we just couldn’t manage it. However, I’ve had dessert at LongHorn in the past, and I can highly recommend the Chocolate Stampede if you’ve got room. It’s rich, decadent, and indulgent – perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth after a big meal.
All in all, LongHorn Steakhouse on International Drive is a solid option for a casual, hearty meal. The food was generally good, but there were a few hiccups, particularly with the burger. The service was efficient, though not exceptional, and the atmosphere was as inviting as always.
For me, the highlight of the meal was the honey and mustard dressing (seriously, bottle that stuff, LongHorn!). As for my Saucy Prince, he was in heaven with his chicken tenders.
I’ll definitely return for a casual meal when we’re in the mood for a comforting, filling meal. But LongHorn, next time, don’t forget the sauce!
Until next time
Stay saucy, Saucy Meal Queen!
PS – If you’re looking for other great dining options off Disney property, check out Bella Italia at Winter Garden.
