Outback Steakhouse vs Red Lobster: Menu Prices Compared (2026)
The short answer
Outback Steakhouse is the cheaper of the two. Of the 3 directly comparable items we could match across both menus, Outback Steakhouse is cheaper on 2 of them, by an average of $2.60 per item.
Make Outback Steakhouse and Red Lobster at Home
Whichever of the two wins on price, cooking the favorites at home beats both. These are the sauces, mixes and kitchen tools that get closest to the real thing.
Deals Worth Knowing at Both
Outback Steakhouse
- The 6 oz. Center-Cut Sirloin with two sides at about $17 is the cheapest complete steak dinner at any national steakhouse chain.
- Outback regularly runs an Aussie 3-Course deal — soup or salad, an entrée and a dessert — for around $20 to $25.
- Dine Rewards gives 50% off your fourth visit after three qualifying visits within six months.
Red Lobster
- Order before 3:00 PM on a weekday — the lunch menu serves the same signature shrimp dishes for roughly $9 less than dinner.
- Cheddar Bay Biscuits are unlimited and free with any dine-in entree, so skip paid appetizers if you are watching the total.
- Join My Red Lobster Rewards for a free appetizer or dessert on signup plus a birthday reward.
Outback Steakhouse vs Red Lobster — FAQ
Is Outback Steakhouse cheaper than Red Lobster in 2026?
Outback Steakhouse is cheaper on most matched items — 2 of 3. Across the whole menu Red Lobster is the lower-priced of the two, at $15.49 for a typical item against $15.99 at Outback Steakhouse.
What is the price difference between Outback Steakhouse and Red Lobster?
On matched items the average difference is $2.60, or about 15% overall. Outback Steakhouse averages $17.05 across 38 priced items; Red Lobster averages $20.04 across 37.
Which has the cheaper entry price, Outback Steakhouse or Red Lobster?
Outback Steakhouse starts at $3.79 (Fountain Soda) and Red Lobster at $4.49 (Baked Potato).
Are these prices the same at every location?
No. Both chains let franchise owners set prices, so figures move by a dollar or more between markets and run highest at airport, stadium and highway locations. Treat these as the typical U.S. price, not a quote.