LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE MANILA: First Impressions

LongHorn Steakhouse is an American casual dining restaurant chain known for its rustic, cowboy-inspired interiors and relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Since its founding in 1981 in Atlanta, Georgia, it has lived by the promise of “Steaks Done Right.” Now owned by Darden Restaurants—the same group behind Olive Garden—LongHorn offers an upscale alternative to Texas Roadhouse and a steak-focused option compared to places like TGI Friday’s. It serves great-value steaks made from USDA Choice Beef. It opened its first branch in Manila, brought in by The Bistro Group, with its flagship store located at the Streetscape of Edsa Shangri-La Mall.


LONGHORN PHILIPPINES

It was my first time at LongHorn Steakhouse, so I wasn’t sure what to expect during the sneak peek of its Manila opening — especially with the American trainers preparing the store for its April 11 launch. It’s an affordable steakhouse chain that offers an upscale ambiance, perfect for everyday celebratory dining.

The LongHorn and cowboy-themed interiors, paired with country music vibes, set the mood for sipping margaritas and getting ready for steaks.

The LongHorn menu features legendary steaks with its signature seasonings including:
• the bone-in Outlaw Ribeye® – well-marbled, fire-grilled, juicy, and delicious.  No trying it would be a crime!
• Flo’s Filet® – exceptionally tender, center cut with our signature seasoning.
• New York Strip – thick cut and fire-grilled, a steakhouse classic.
• Fire-Grilled T-Bone – Bold flavor of a strip with the tenderness of a filet.

Steaks ranges from 2,755 for 6oz Flo’s Filet up to 4,850 for 20oz Outlaw Ribeye.

Along with their famous steaks, you can enjoy Baby Back Ribs, Parmesan-Crusted Chicken, Bourbon-Marinated Grilled Salmon, and Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders. There are also fresh salads, appetizers to share, tasty sides, and delicious desserts like the Chocolate Stampede. Guests can also choose from a variety of margaritas, cocktails, wine, and draft beer at the full bar.

LongHorn Steakhouse
📍Streetscape, Shangrila Plaza Mall
You don’t need a reason to eat steak. Just a place that gets it right.
@longhornphilippines


FIRST IMPRESSIONS

WILD WEST SHRIMP ® 695
A generous portion of our signature crispy, hand-breaded shrimp tossed with spicy cherry peppers and garlic butter, served with ranch dip. (good for 4-5 persons)

This is our favorite! The shrimp is fried perfectly — not too oily or dry, with just the right crunch. We also love the slices of jalapeño paired with the ranch dip. It’s perfect for sharing and enough for everyone while waiting for the steaks. It’s a better and more substantial option than the usual nachos for chi cha.

THE PERFECT Single Pour 295 | Long Pour 395
HAND-CRAFTED MARGARITAS Served on the rocks.
Our signature margarita! A refreshing combination of Tequila, triple sec, and all-natural sweet & sour.

I was skeptical about this, but the margarita was perfect — not too sweet, with just the right amount of sourness and a nice salted rim. Definitely go for the long pour, as a single pour just isn’t enough. Perfect pairing for the Wild West Shrimp.

GRILLED CHICKEN & STRAWBERRY SALAD 795
Grilled chicken, strawberries, grapes, mandarin oranges, candied pecans, feta, and raspberry vinaigrette.

If you’re looking for a break from the usual Caesar salad or ranch dressing, try the grilled chicken with strawberries and a fruity, sweet vinaigrette.

FRENCH ONION SOUP 295
A steakhouse classic topped with melted Swiss, provolone, and toasted Parmesan cheese.

This was a fail. The onion soup was served luke warm, not as hot with melting cheese as it should have been, even after we asked the server to replace it. On the third attempt, they just reheated it with a mash of onions instead of giving us a fresh serving.

SPARKLING CALAMANSI TEA 195
MANGO MAGIC 195

The drinks are refreshing, well-balanced, and leave you feeling good — not bloated.

FLO’S FILET® 6 OZ. 2,755
Exceptionally tender center-cut filet grilled with our signature seasoning.

The steak is flavorful enough on its own — no extra sauces needed. Be sure to order it medium-rare to keep it juicy and avoid overcooking. While the 6oz is a bit pricey for its size, the 20oz Ribeye or 22oz Porterhouse offers better value.

LONGHORN® SALMON 7 OZ. 1,195
Hand-cut, Atlantic salmon marinated in our housemade bourbon marinade and served over rice.

The salmon was cooked well-done and turned out a bit dry — be sure to request it medium for a more tender and juicy texture.

CHOP STEAK 845
10 oz. of freshly ground beef smothered with grilled mushrooms, caramelized onions and savory garlic herb sauce.

The burger steak is a solid choice if you’re looking for something simple and budget-friendly.

CHOCOLATE STAMPEDE® 695
Six kinds of chocolate with vanilla bean ice cream.
You’ll need the whole herd.

Skip the dessert — the chocolate didn’t hit the mark and it just felt like empty calories.


FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall, LongHorn is a solid everyday steakhouse — ideal for casual dining and celebrating life’s little wins over a good steak. It delivers better quality than Friday’s and is a great upscale alternative to Texas Roadhouse. While it doesn’t quite match the USDA Prime cuts at Morton’s or Wolfgang’s, the USDA Choice beef here is well-seasoned and satisfying. I’d come back for the Wild West Shrimp paired with The Perfect Margarita, and definitely for the Ribeye or Porterhouse. Expect to spend around ₱1,500 per head when ordering steaks — best enjoyed with friends or family for a fun, relaxed meal.

Longhorn Steakhouse official opens on April 11. Congratulations to The Bistro Group!

LongHorn Steakhouse
📍Streetscape, Shangrila Plaza Mall
You don’t need a reason to eat steak. Just a place that gets it right.
@longhornphilippines

Live an Awesome Life with Christ,

Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet

Disclosure: This article was written entirely by 100% human, with my own biases, opinions, and insights. We were invited to a sneak peek — a restaurant simulation ahead of the official opening of Longhorn Steakhouse by our friends from The Bistro Group.

P.S. LongHorn is located where Brotzeit used to be in Shangri-La Plaza Mall.

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