A plate of food with meat and a knife.

Perry’s & LongHorn | Steakhouses that taste more and cost less

By Jim Ayres

Want a steak dinner tonight? Without spending a fortune? Breakaway from the Outback/Saltgrass rut and try two higher-quality alternatives without big spending Mastro’s-level cash. Jacket and tie not required!

I’ve written about Perry’s on these pages before. But that was a dine-in experience focused on their famous Pork Chop. And the newest location on West Gray was still serving BBQ Chicken Pizza.

This time, it was just me. I didn’t feel like leaving the house and Perry’s was running a three-course takeout special for $45. (They still are.)

My order was mundane, but the food was spectacular! A cool and crispy Wedge Salad with double-thick slab bacon was as fresh as dine-in when it got to my door.

It came with a mini loaf of warm, nutty bread with plenty of whipped butter to spread around. I felt no guilt after using it all.

My 14-ounce New York Strip was cooked a perfect medium-rare, yet it was still warm by the time it reached my plate. So tender and so deeply flavorful. Perry’s thoughtfully included bacon marmalade and bleu cheese with the steak, normally a $5 upcharge.

I like sweet bacon jam as a counterpoint to savory dishes, and it elevated this steak as well. The cheese was kept for later use.

The special gives you a choice of a side dish or a dessert. I broke out of the box and chose a sweet ending. And Perry’s Rocky Road Bread Pudding did not disappoint! It’s topped in four flavors of sin — chocolate chips, caramel sauce, candied walnuts, and toasted marshmallows.

The following week was a small and “virusponsible†birthday celebration. My friend Sandi loves LongHorn Steakhouse on Katy Freeway near Bunker Hill, and it’s easy to see why. Sit in a comfy booth and savor a Fleming’s-like experience for less money.

Service here is first-rate. In their vests and white shirts, servers cordially offer menu and wine advice, mix cocktails tableside, and coddle you all around.

Sadly, LongHorn doesn’t offer a wedge salad. Time for me to get out of that rut! I got a Caesar. A particularly good Caesar Salad, I might add. Impeccably fresh, the dressing was light, and the croutons nicely toasted and seasoned.

It was a great starter choice, but Sandi knew she wouldn’t be able to order a baked potato with her main dish. She got the Loaded Potato Soup instead. Fewer carbs and she relished every drop.

From there, we all ordered 12-ounce ribeyes. These were quality cuts cooked perfectly to order, well-seasoned, and satisfying to the last bite. Only the $22 price tag (which includes a side dish) belies the fact that the steak isn’t from a more expensive restaurant.

As for the sides, two of us got loaded baked potatoes – couldn’t have asked for better – while Sandi ordered Crispy Brussels Sprouts. Odor-free, Sandi devoured every bulb.

We shared a dessert of angel food cake bites in whipped cream and fudge sauce, served in a giant martini glass. Now that’s an ending anyone would be happy about!

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grill
1997 West Gray, Houston, TX 77019
346-293-8400
PerrysSteakhouse.com
LongHorn Steakhouse
9401-A Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77024
713-463-3734
LongHornSteakhouse.com

Related Posts

About author

Related Posts

Comments are closed.

Do not miss