What Grade Steak Does Outback Use? Revealed

What Steak Grade Does Outback Actually Use?

Here's the deal: Outback Steakhouse uses USDA Choice beef for the majority of their steaks. Not Prime. Not Select. Choice.

This isn't some secret they hide. It's standard practice for most mid-tier steakhouses. Prime costs more, and most chains can't charge enough to make it worth the squeeze on their margins.

Outback has built their reputation on consistency and value, not on serving elite-grade beef. If you're expecting a Prime cut experience, you'll be disappointed. If you go in knowing what to expect, you'll probably enjoy it.

Why Choice, Not Prime?

Choice grade beef has marbling scores between modest and good. It's the middle tier—above Select, below Prime. For a restaurant serving thousands of steaks weekly across hundreds of locations, Choice makes financial sense.

Prime beef is typically reserved for high-end steakhouses where a single steak might run you $60+. Outback's whole business model is built around affordable steaks. Using Prime would either tank their profits or make their prices uncompetitive.

What Cuts Are We Talking About?

Outback's menu features several cuts. Most fall under the Choice designation:

• Outback Special — Their signature 12oz center cut sirloin
• Victoria's Filet — Center-cut tenderloin
• Bone-in Ribeye — Usually a solid Choice cut with decent marbling
• New York Strip — Generally Choice grade

The exact grade can vary slightly by location and supplier shipments, but Choice is the baseline standard across the chain.

Choice vs. Prime: What's the Actual Difference?

Let me break this down plainly:

For everyday dining, Choice is perfectly acceptable. It's not premium, but it's not garbage either. Most people can't tell the difference in a blind taste test anyway—marbling differences matter most when you're cooking at high levels.

Does Outback Ever Use Prime?

Occasionally, some Outback locations may feature Prime cuts as special items or limited-time offerings. This isn't standard practice, though.

If you're dying for Prime beef at Outback, your best bet is calling ahead to check with your local store about current offerings. Seasonal or regional specials sometimes bump up to Prime tier.

How Does Outback Compare to Other Chains?

Outback sits right where you'd expect among competitors:

• LongHorn Steakhouse — Also uses Choice-grade beef
• Texas Roadhouse — Choice for most cuts, some Prime on special items
• Logan's Roadhouse — Select and Choice primarily
• Ruth's Chris Steak House — 100% USDA Prime

Outback isn't slumming it, but they're not trying to compete with upscale steakhouses either. They're playing in the family-dining-middle-market, and Choice fits that lane perfectly.

The Bottom Line

Outback uses USDA Choice beef. That's the honest answer. It's not Prime, it's not Select—it's the middle ground that allows them to keep prices reasonable while still serving a decent steak.

If you want Prime, go to a high-end steakhouse and pay accordingly. If you want solid, consistent beef without breaking the bank, Outback's Choice cuts will do the job. 🎯