LongHorn Steakhouse — Restaurant in Hinesville

We had a horrible experience here (in Hinesville, GA) on our most recent visit (April 16, 2021)and that’s without even eating here. I called ahead to book a party of 10 to celebrate my daughter’s and brother’s birthdays. I was told we would have to sit at two separate tables due to covid restrictions (which have already been lifted by the governor here in GA). I was fine with that. And I was told to arrive a few minutes early, and that we may have to wait “a few minutes” for two tables to open up. Totally understandable. We arrived 15 minutes prior to our arranged upon “call ahead” time of 6:15pm. We were told it would be a few minutes before they could seat us. No problem. At 6:50, we had still not been seated. I approached the hostess to check on our tables, as every other party that had arrived after us had already been seated. The hostess stated they were still waiting on tables to open up, and that she could not give us an eta on when we would be seated. This is when I asked to speak to a manager. A couple minutes later a man named Dan Tracy appeared. He informed me right away that he was the “managing partner” and would do anything he could to help us. I explained to him that we had been waiting for an hour on our tables and wanted to know why all other parties (with 4-5 people) that arrived after us had already been seated. He stated that he wasn’t up front, so he couldn’t speak on as to why that had happened, but it was probably because they had called ahead. I told him again that we had also called ahead. Then he changes the excuse to “well we only have 3 tables that will fit a party of your size. If you don’t want to wait we would have to split you into 2 tables.” I told him we were initially told that we would HAVE to sit at two separate tables because our party was larger than 6 people. Then he changes tune again and tells me he’s sorry, but he can’t just ask people to get up and leave. I never asked him to do that, and would never expect anyone to do that. I again repeated my question of “Why were all the other parties that arrived after us seated before us, even though we called ahead and arrived early? We’ve been waiting an hour!” This is when the hostess jumps back in to correct me by saying “you’ve only been here for 46 minutes.” Dan Tracy and I go through this same circle of questioning and flip-flopping answers several times. Finally he tells me “It looks like we might not be able to seat you tonight, but maybe we can help you on your next visit with us.” As a local business owner, I would be mortified if one of my employees interacted with one of our customers in such a way. Nonetheless a “managing partner.” If I would have overheard such a conversation the employee would be terminated immediately. Right then and there. I am still in shock as to how we were treated. And I hope someone with corporate sees this...

First let me say I usually enjoy going here so please keep in mind this review is for my last TWO visits ONLY. I was attempting to place an order online but was unable to do so. I was getting the message that there were no take out pick up times available. I went to the restaurant to see if I could place my to go order there. I was told that I could not for the same reason. However when I inquired abt being seated and placing the order I was told yes I could do that. I'm not sure how this makes any sense??? It was still over 2 hours until closing and I know if I walk in 10 minutes before they would still serve me. Also, my order wasn't some huge catering request, it was just over $100.00 so you'd think with 2.5 hours of prep time it could have been accomplished, especially considering a staff member flat out told me that I could be seated at a table, place my order and then ask for to go boxes they apparently would have been able to serve me. Needless to say, I left unhappy. However, I did decide to try again the following evening. I placed my order much earlier than the evening before and the process did go smoothly. My order was correct and all of our sides and 1 steak were delicious and cooked to perfection. However the other 3 steaks were not. Two were edible 1 was NOT!! Because of some dental work that I am undergoing I ordered the filet mignon butterflied and cooked medium rare. After I got home I realized it was neither!! It was cooked past well done, had NO juice on the plate or in the steak at all and was so tough none of us could chew it up to eat it! The other 3 were sirloin steaks and each of them(even those I ordered medium) were cooked less, actually had juices on the plate and still in the meat, were tender, and they were edible!! The price difference is HUGE & for the amount I paid for that filet mignon steak I should've been able to cut it with my fork and most certainly should've been able to eat it!!! Very...

Atmosphere was average for a steak house. Steak was cooked to order. Baked potato was good on the inside, but the outside was tough, which indicates it was an old potato kept warm... the salad... I am not sure what to say here.... I mean, I like to have Tomato and Cucumber in my salad. Most people actually have nice sliced cucumbers and tomatoes... NOT Longhorns... 1 Cucumber and tomato was used for every salad in the house. I've had pico de de gallo that wasn't diced as small as this. I was told, next time I could swap the salad out for an uncharge. About time the place gets new knives. My medium sirloin was tender, but the knife was so dull, I felt like I was trying to cut a 2x4 with a saw.

Server was good. No delays in her bringing food or refills. Host said it would be 20 to 25 minute wait, and it was right on the nose. A lot of empty tables, but seemed to have a very limited wait staff. This obviously cut down on the workload for the staff, which allowed them to focus on the customers seated... that in itself impressed me. Most places would make sure all the seats were filled.

As far as the "next time" ... its been over 3 years since the last time I was in Longhorn (same location). The experience then was horrible. Forgot all about the fine diced salad. Only reason I was back in today, someone had given me a gift card as part of a gift pack that I wanted to use. Unfortunately, Longhorn is not a goto for me, and todays experience hasn't changed that. My return will most likely be because I have another gift card, and there is no telling when...