I’m a longtime fan of Golden Corral – it’s good food at a great price.
I mean, seriously, where else can you get steak and shrimp in an endless buffet?
And with that in mind…
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Even with buffets as a category suffering…
Golden Corral is actually flourishing.
In fact, they’re growing to new locations!
Of course, all that buffet steak and shrimp does come with some trade-offs…
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Namely, with loads of other chains stepping up their steak game, there are plenty who would argue that Golden Corral’s steaks have fallen sadly behind.
Now, I want to be clear here – I’m not talking about “fancy” steak places like Capital Grille, Morton’s, and Ruth’s Chris.
Obviously their steak (and the price point) is on a whole different level.
But the fact of the matter is…
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There are plenty of chains with great steaks at great prices these days.
Some are still more expensive than Golden Corral, for sure, but a lot of them are surprisingly competitive.
Here are a few whose fans would claim they’re definitely better at this point:
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Where you’ll find them: Chili’s is in every state. And is first in many of our hearts, as well.
Let’s talk steak: Honestly, Chili’s options are pretty good. Their surf & turf sirloin is a classic favorite (and you can go ribeye if you like that bigger, beefier flavor), and if you’re looking to save on calories, their guiltless sirloin is a great option.
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Where you’ll find them: Mostly in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic.
Let’s talk steak: Ponderosa has a great 10-oz ribeye, and their center-cut sirloin (7 or 10 oz) is solid as well. If you’re price-sensitive, consider the chopped steak instead.
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Where you’ll find them: A West Coast brand, there are a ton of Sizzlers in California, Washington, and Oregon, plus a fair number on Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Idaho. And Puerto Rico.
Let’s talk steak: Get the New York Strip (12 oz) and thank me later. It’s excellent, and you can combine it with a lobster tail for an elevated surf & turf.
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Where you’ll find them: Applebee’s is everywhere. As you already knew.
Let’s talk steak: You can get a standard top sirloin, but I really like the shrimp ‘n parmesan sirloin (cheese, shrimp, steak, what’s not to like?) and their Bourbon Street steak, with a beautiful garlic butter sauce.
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Where you’ll find them: 49 states (just missing North Dakota).
Let’s talk steak: Ok, it’s in the name, and also it’s in the price point – Outback is a little more expensive than the other options on this list, but it’s absolutely fantastic. Their filet mignon is a classic, and the Melbourne Porterhouse (22 oz!) is the best option there if you’re really, really hungry.
And get a Bloomin’ Onion, just because.
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Where you’ll find them: Cheesecake Factory is wherever there are lots of people – generally the big metros have multiple – and they have a preference in 41 states.
Let’s talk steak: Obviously Cheesecake Factory is known for, well, not their steak…but it’s still quite good! Their petite filet is tender and delicious, and their carne asada steak medallions remind me of Southern California tacos whenever I get them.
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Where you’ll find them: Texas Roadhouse has grown a ton – they’re now in all 50 states and have over 650 locations.
Let’s talk steak: Honestly, I’d recommend their bone-in ribeye or their Dallas filet. Also, all of their appetizers are great, get several so you can create your own “elevated” buffet experience!
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Where you’ll find them: O’Charley’s is in 13 states, primarily in the South and Midwest.
Let’s talk steak: I’ve always loved O’Charley’s Louisiana sirloin and their country-style steak. (Plus those incredible soft rolls. If you know, you know!)
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I couldn’t leave without saying something nice about Golden Corral. Let’s face it – it’s a great amount of food, and good quality at the price point.
Where you’ll find them: Golden Corral is in 39 states.
Let’s talk steak: Golden Corral’s steak options are limited to the sirloin steak, but they make up for it with everything else! Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, dessert bar, any and everything you could want.
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So there you have it – eight chains with steaks that can reasonably argue they’re better than Golden Corral at this point.
And all without being, you know, super ridiculously fancy (and expensive!) like a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.
Of course, here’s the big question…
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Are they right?
Are these steaks better than Golden Corral’s?
Or is Golden Corral still #1 from your perspective?
Or is there anyone else I should have added to the list?
Let us know in the comments!
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