Ms. Karen had ordered us some wine from Total Wines and it was my job to pick it up. So when Neighbor Roy and I were headed out to lunch one Friday in mid-December 2022, I chose a place that was near the wine store. As it turned out, it was a restaurant that Roy and I had been to a year earlier, Longhorn Steakhouse on Oracle Road in Tucson. Although we like to patronize local restaurants rather than national chains, we could not resist, as you will learn why.

We parked right in front of the entrance. Once inside, we were seated immediately, just like last time. Although the place had considerably more patrons this time. Soon, a young gentleman introduced himself as our server and brought a loaf of fresh bread and butter to our table.

Roy of course ordered his usual hot tea. I of course ordered my usual margarita with salt. Then he ordered a half-pound cheeseburger with fries. I ordered the chopped steak with grilled mushrooms ($11.99) and a baked potato with sour cream, cheese, and bacon.

Our orders came up quickly. Here’s Roy’s take on his experience.

“Today, we returned to an old favorite, the Longhorn Steakhouse on N. Oracle. We had last been there during the pandemic, when we were almost the only patrons. Today the restaurant was more normally well-patronized. We were shown to our booth promptly, menus were provided and our drink orders were taken. Service was fast and smooth. I ordered my usual hot tea and chose the 1/2-pound cheeseburger and fries. They do provide a small loaf of bread and butter while waiting. My tea arrived, 1/2 cup but they did refresh it upon request.

I was not particularly hungry, so requested and got a box to take it home. It remains one of the best bargains in Tucson. A half-pound of hamburger, with a choice of 4 different kinds of cheese, and a small mountain of fries all for $9.95, the same price as it was during the pandemic, a first in Tucson. The atmosphere reminds one of an upper-class gentleman’s club. Service was acceptable and “where else in Tucson can you get a half pound of hamburger with fries for $9.95?”. I continue to give it 4 saguaros based on food, price, service, and atmosphere.”

My chopped steak with mushrooms and baked potato was excellent, as was my margarita. Like Roy, I rate Longhorn Steakhouse a four-Saguaro restaurant, very good indeed.

Longhorn Steakhouse
4421 N. Oracle Road
Tucson, AZ 85705
(520) 293-7942
Hours:
Lunch: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Dinner: 3:10 PM – 10:00 PM
Curbside: 11:10 AM – 9:50 PM
Online Pickup: 11:10 AM – 9:50 PM