Review of LongHorn Steakhouse

This location is very new. We went there around 2pm to miss any crowds. I knew going on an off hour would probably mean slow service and I was right, but I won't hold that against them :) I asked the hostess for a gluten free menu and she cheerfully said I had to use the phone app. For whatever reason, the powers that be decided something a customer can hold in their hands wasn't important. So, points off for someone who doesn't own or know how to "speak smartphone" could be out of Luck.( I am 62 and am not a great smart phone user.). The cellphone information is dated from 2022, which gives me pause since the world of food changes recipes and suppliers regularly. The server and the hostess at least acknowledged Gluten Free eating is a concern. I ordered the shrimp and lobster bisque and a yummy, juicy burger no bun. I thought about a salad, but the small print said, beyond order No Croutons to also ask the salad be mixed in a clean bowl. I didn't want to bother with extra instructions. (Such a pain sometimes being the problem child) The soup was great.

But here's something else. The regular menu offered grilled lamb chops, but after I ordered my bunless burger I asked why they were NOT gluten free, the manager on duty was clueless. That makes me feel like Longhorn staff is reading a script about gluten free but aren't actually trained in the nitty gritty of what gluten really is. I may make an effort to go back and ask to read some ingredients, maybe try to make the store manager my best friend. The lamb chops are served with a sauce that could be the culprit or come pre-rubbed with "poison <==my code word for gluten)

Again, this location hasn't been open long (months?weeks? Didn't ask)and I took my husband there on an off hour. I know, as a former restaurant manager how hard it is to get a good crew trained and that was waaay back in the day before Gluten was an Issue. But, but BUT! Corporate Longhorn is failing in their training and should step up. (Yeah, right and is anyone interested in buying some swampland in Florida?)

My bottom line gut best wise advice? Be vigilant! I seldom eat out, maybe once or twice a year because I do feel like a fool and manage to exasperate most of the people around me (especially my cute non-celiac husband) by my endless questions that JUST fail short of demanding a tour of the kitchen. I don't think I was poisoned today because I avoided some of the obvious traps. If I do end up turning into Yankee Karen and demanding that kitchen tour, I cross my heart I will do another review,

Gosh, sorry if this turned into a real rant instead of just a review. My life B.C. (before Celiac) used to be me cooking once a month and eating out the other 29 days. Now I am stuck with my own cooking just about every day of the year in my old age, so I'm a little bit cranky.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout