Price, Calories, Taste, and Ordering Guide
If you’ve ever scrolled through LongHorn Steakhouse’s Legendary Steaks menu, the New York Strip LongHorn is almost impossible to skip past.
It sits right alongside the Outlaw Ribeye and Flo’s Filet as one of the chain’s most-ordered cuts, and for good reason it delivers that classic, beefy steakhouse bite without the extra richness of a ribeye or the softer texture of a filet.
This guide breaks down everything worth knowing about the New York Strip LongHorn: what makes the cut different, how it’s prepared, current pricing and calorie information, the best sides to pair with it, and practical tips for getting the most out of your order.
“Fire-grilled to enhance its distinctive flavor, this thick cut is a steakhouse classic.”
What Is the New York Strip LongHorn?
The New York Strip LongHorn is a 12-ounce, USDA Choice strip steak, cut from the short loin the same primal section that produces some of the most sought-after steaks in American steakhouses.
Compared to a ribeye, the strip has less internal marbling, which gives it a firmer bite and a slightly leaner profile while still delivering rich, beef-forward flavor.
At LongHorn Steakhouse, the New York Strip is fire-grilled over an open flame, a signature cooking method the chain applies across its entire Legendary Steaks lineup.
This grilling style sears the exterior quickly, locking in juices while building a deep, smoky char on the outside of the cut.
The strip loin itself comes from a section of the cow that doesn’t do a lot of heavy lifting, which is part of why it stays relatively tender despite having less fat than a ribeye.
That combination moderate tenderness paired with a firmer, more substantial chew is exactly what steak lovers mean when they describe a strip steak as having “real bite.”
It’s also why the cut has remained a steakhouse staple for decades, showing up on menus from casual chains like LongHorn to high-end, white-tablecloth restaurants under names like “Kansas City Strip” or simply “strip loin.”
LongHorn sources USDA Choice beef for its steaks, a grading tier that sits just below USDA Prime and is known for a solid balance of marbling, tenderness, and value.
For guests who want to understand exactly what that grading means, the USDA’s own beef grading standards outline how factors like marbling, maturity, and muscle firmness determine a cut’s final designation.
How the Cut Compares to Other LongHorn Steaks
- New York Strip vs. Ribeye: The strip is leaner and firmer, while the ribeye carries more marbling and a softer, richer bite
- New York Strip vs. Flo’s Filet: The strip has noticeably more beefy flavor, while the filet is more tender but milder in taste
- New York Strip vs. Sirloin: The strip is thicker and more marbled than the budget-friendly Renegade Sirloin, making it a step up in richness
- New York Strip vs. Porterhouse/T-Bone: Both of these combination cuts include a strip section, so ordering the standalone New York Strip is a simpler, single-cut version of that same flavor
How LongHorn Prepares the New York Strip
Part of what makes the New York Strip LongHorn stand out is the preparation process. The steak is hand-seasoned edge to edge before hitting the grill, typically with a blend that includes salt, pepper, and garlic, allowing the seasoning to caramelize into the crust as it cooks.
LongHorn’s “Legendary Grill” program trains its grill masters to cook every steak to the guest’s exact requested doneness, from rare to well-done, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
Doneness Guide for Ordering
- Rare: Cool, red center – recommended only for guests who prefer minimal cooking
- Medium-rare: Warm, red center with a hint of pink – widely recommended for strip steaks to preserve juiciness
- Medium: Warm, pink center – a balanced choice for those who want less pink without losing tenderness
- Medium-well to well-done: Little to no pink – results in a firmer, less juicy texture, since strip steaks can dry out at higher temperatures
Because the New York Strip is a leaner cut than the ribeye, ordering it medium-rare to medium is generally the sweet spot for keeping it juicy rather than chewy.
New York Strip LongHorn Price and Calories
Pricing for the New York Strip LongHorn typically falls in the low-to-high $20 range for the standard 12-ounce portion, though exact pricing varies by location, market, and time of year, so it’s worth checking your local LongHorn Steakhouse menu or the official website before visiting.
According to LongHorn’s own nutrition guide, the 12-ounce New York Strip comes in at approximately 630 calories for the steak alone, before adding a side or salad.
What’s Included With the Order
- A hand-chopped salad, with a choice of Mixed Green, Caesar, or Strawberry Salad
- A choice of side, commonly including Loaded Baked Potato, Sweet Potato, or Steamed Broccoli
- Additional or premium sides may be available for an upcharge depending on location
Keep in mind that adding a salad and side typically increases the total calorie count well beyond the steak’s base number, so if you’re tracking intake closely, it’s worth requesting nutrition information directly from your local restaurant, since LongHorn’s published figures can vary slightly by preparation and portion.
Best Sides and Pairings for the New York Strip
Because the New York Strip LongHorn has a bold, savory flavor profile on its own, the best sides tend to complement rather than compete with it.
- Loaded baked potato — a steakhouse classic that balances the lean texture of the strip with rich, creamy toppings
- Sweet potato — adds a touch of natural sweetness that plays well against the steak’s smoky char
- Steamed broccoli — a lighter option for guests who want to offset the richness of the meal
- Seasoned rice — a simple, neutral side that lets the steak’s seasoning take center stage
- Sautéed mushrooms or onions — a popular add-on that enhances the umami flavor of the beef
For drinks, LongHorn’s own pairing guidance suggests a margarita or a light, crisp beer alongside the New York Strip, since its bolder flavor can stand up to a drink with a bit more character than a filet would typically call for.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Order
Ordering a New York Strip LongHorn isn’t complicated, but a few small choices can noticeably improve the experience.
- Order medium-rare to medium to avoid overcooking a leaner cut that can dry out quickly
- Ask about current promotions, since LongHorn frequently runs limited-time deals, lunch specials, and rewards program discounts
- Visit during lunch hours if available in your area, since lunch portions or pricing are sometimes more budget-friendly
- Pair with a lighter side like steamed broccoli if you’re also ordering an appetizer or dessert
- Check for allergen and nutrition guides in-restaurant if you have dietary restrictions, since online figures can vary slightly from official printed guides
Value Considerations
Compared to other Legendary Steaks on the menu, the New York Strip LongHorn tends to sit in a comfortable middle ground pricier than the Renegade Sirloin, but generally more affordable than the Outlaw Ribeye or Porterhouse.
For guests who want a satisfying, full-flavored steak without paying for a premium cut like the Porterhouse or Delmonico, it’s often considered one of the better value picks on the menu.
Who the New York Strip LongHorn Is Best For
Not every steak suits every appetite, and the New York Strip tends to appeal to a fairly specific type of diner. It works well for guests who enjoy a firmer, meatier chew rather than the buttery softness of a filet, and who want a substantial 12-ounce portion without stepping up to the size and price of a ribeye or porterhouse.
It’s also a solid pick for anyone splitting a meal with a lighter side, since its protein content is high relative to its fat content compared with more heavily marbled cuts.
On the other hand, guests who specifically prefer maximum tenderness above all else may still lean toward Flo’s Filet, while those chasing the richest, most marbled bite on the menu will likely find the Outlaw Ribeye a better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in the New York Strip LongHorn?
The 12-ounce New York Strip at LongHorn Steakhouse contains approximately 630 calories for the steak alone, according to the restaurant’s published nutrition information.
Adding a salad and side will increase the total significantly, so check current nutrition guides for the most accurate total.
How much does the New York Strip LongHorn cost?
Pricing typically falls in the low-to-high $20 range for the standard 12-ounce cut, though exact prices vary by location and can change over time. It’s best to check your local LongHorn Steakhouse menu or website for current pricing.
What’s the difference between the New York Strip and the Ribeye at LongHorn?
The New York Strip is leaner and firmer, with a more pronounced beefy flavor, while the ribeye has more marbling, resulting in a richer and more tender bite. Both are fire-grilled using the same cooking method.
What temperature should I order my New York Strip LongHorn?
Most steak experts and steakhouse chefs recommend medium-rare to medium for a strip steak, since this range preserves juiciness while still developing a flavorful, seared crust. Ordering it well-done can result in a drier, tougher texture.
Does the New York Strip LongHorn come with a side?
Yes, the New York Strip LongHorn is typically served with a hand-chopped salad and a choice of side, such as a loaded baked potato, sweet potato, or steamed broccoli, though options can vary slightly by location.
Is the New York Strip a good value compared to other LongHorn steaks?
Many guests consider it a strong middle-ground option more flavorful and substantial than the budget-friendly sirloin, while typically costing less than premium cuts like the Porterhouse or Outlaw Ribeye.
Conclusion
The New York Strip LongHorn earns its spot as a menu staple by delivering exactly what steak lovers expect from the cut: a firm, beefy bite, a smoky fire-grilled crust, and a straightforward preparation that lets the quality of the beef speak for itself.
Whether you’re comparing it against the richer ribeye, the more delicate filet, or the budget-friendly sirloin, the New York Strip strikes a dependable balance of flavor, portion size, and value.
With the right doneness, a well-matched side, and a bit of attention to current pricing, it’s a reliable order for anyone looking for a satisfying steakhouse meal.
References
- LongHorn Steakhouse. “Legendary Steaks Menu.”
- LongHorn Steakhouse. “New York Strip.”
- LongHorn Steakhouse. “Steak and Drink Pairings.”
- LongHorn Steakhouse Official Nutrition Guide (PDF).
- USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. “Beef Grading and Certification.”
- Darden Restaurants, Inc. “Our Brands: LongHorn Steakhouse.”