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LongHorn Appetizer Tips & Insider Ordering Guide
Happy Hour Savings
- When: Monday–Friday, 4:00–7:00 PM at most locations
- Select appetizers (Texas Tonion, Wild West Shrimp) are discounted during this window
- Always confirm with your location — not all Happy Hours are identical
- Pro tip: Arrive at 3:45 PM to get a table before the after-work rush
Secret Ordering Tips
- Ask for extra dipping sauce — LongHorn will usually provide it free or for a small charge
- Request sauce on the side for Wild West Shrimp if you want to control heat level
- The complimentary fresh-baked bread arrives with starters — eat it fresh, not after it cools
- Ordering for a large party? Ask to stagger the appetizers so the table isn't overwhelmed at once
Building a Full Appetizer Meal
- Lighter meal: White Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms + Side Salad (~600 cal, under $18)
- Satisfying bar meal: Seasoned Wings + Spicy Chicken Bites + drinks (~1,370 cal, under $22)
- Group spread: Texas Tonion + Spinach Dip + Wild West Shrimp — covers 4–6 people before a steak dinner
- Adding appetizers to a lunch special is allowed at regular menu price
Allergen Awareness
- Shellfish: Wild West Shrimp and Redrock Shrimp contain shellfish — cross-contact possible across all apps
- Gluten: Most appetizers contain wheat — Texas Tonion, Chicken Bites, Wraps, and Wings are all breaded
- Dairy: Spinach Dip, Stuffed Mushrooms, and dipping sauces all contain dairy
- Always notify your server of serious allergies — LongHorn kitchens are not allergen-free environments
Ordering for Delivery & Takeout
- All appetizers are available via DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub at most locations
- Crispy items (Texas Tonion, Chicken Bites, Wraps) are best eaten fresh — curbside pickup recommended over delivery for these
- Spinach Dip and Stuffed Mushrooms hold better for delivery — they reheat well at 350°F for 8 minutes
- Check delivery apps for first-order discount codes — often $10–$15 off $25+
Why LongHorn Appetizers Stand Out
- Made to order — not pre-packaged or microwaved like some casual dining chains
- Generous portions — every appetizer is sized to share, not just nibble
- Unique seasoning — LongHorn's proprietary spice blend appears in the wings, chicken bites, and even the Tonion coating
- Price parity — LongHorn appetizers are priced competitively vs. Texas Roadhouse and Outback equivalents
Frequently Asked Questions — LongHorn Steakhouse Appetizers
What is the most popular appetizer at LongHorn Steakhouse?
The Texas Tonion® and Wild West Shrimp® are LongHorn's top two appetizers by sales. The Texas Tonion is the crowd-pleaser for groups — a dramatic, giant crispy onion petal dish for 3–4 people at $13.49 with 1,450 calories. Wild West Shrimp is the top pick for spice and seafood lovers, at $13.49 and 970 calories. Both are regularly featured during Happy Hour promotions.
What is the cheapest appetizer at LongHorn Steakhouse?
The Spicy Chicken Bites at $6.99 are the most affordable item on the LongHorn appetizer menu — nearly half the price of most other starters. At 610 calories, they're also mid-range in calories, making them a solid value pick for solo diners or anyone watching their budget. They pair well with any entrée or as a light bar snack during Happy Hour.
Are any LongHorn Steakhouse appetizers vegetarian?
Yes — Parmesan Crusted Spinach Dip ($11.99, 1,100 cal) and White Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms ($11.49, 450 cal) are both meat-free. Both contain dairy. Vegan modifications are possible (no cheese) but you should confirm preparation methods with your server, as LongHorn kitchens use shared cooking surfaces with meat products.
Does LongHorn Steakhouse have happy hour appetizer specials?
Many LongHorn locations offer Prime Time Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, featuring discounted appetizers — most commonly the Texas Tonion® and Wild West Shrimp®. Happy Hour drink specials run concurrently. Availability and specific discounts vary by location, so always call ahead or check with your local LongHorn before visiting specifically for Happy Hour deals.
How many calories are in the Texas Tonion?
The Texas Tonion® contains approximately 1,450 calories for a full serving. It is designed to serve 3–4 people, so per-person calories are roughly 360–480 cal when shared. The dipping sauce adds approximately 150 cal per serving. This makes it one of the higher-calorie items on the LongHorn menu overall — but shared across a group, it's a very reasonable indulgence.
Can I order LongHorn appetizers for delivery or takeout?
Yes — all LongHorn Steakhouse appetizers are available for takeout and delivery via DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub at most locations. Online ordering for curbside pickup is also available at longhornsteakhouse.com. For best quality on crispy items (Texas Tonion, Chicken Bites, Wraps), curbside pickup is strongly recommended over delivery — these items lose crunch quickly.
Does LongHorn offer a sampler or appetizer platter?
LongHorn does not currently offer an official sampler platter. However, guests regularly order two or three appetizers to share across the table — this is completely accepted and encouraged. A popular combination is Texas Tonion + Spinach Dip + Wild West Shrimp for a group of 4–6, covering crispy, creamy, and spicy options simultaneously.
What dipping sauces come with LongHorn appetizers?
Each appetizer comes with its own signature sauce: the Texas Tonion® comes with a zesty, creamy house dipping sauce; Wild West Shrimp are served with creamy ranch; Seasoned Wings come with a choice of Blue Cheese or Buffalo sauce; Spinach Dip is served with warm tortilla chips; and Firecracker Wraps come with an avocado-lime dip. You can always ask for additional sauces on the side.
Are LongHorn appetizers gluten-free?
Very few LongHorn appetizers are gluten-free in standard preparation. Most are breaded — Texas Tonion, Wild West Shrimp, Spicy Chicken Bites, Firecracker Wraps, and Wings all contain wheat. The White Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms may be the closest to a gluten-sensitive option, but cross-contact in LongHorn kitchens is possible. Always speak directly with your server and manager if you have celiac disease or a serious gluten sensitivity.
Which LongHorn appetizer is best for kids?
The Spicy Chicken Bites (ask for the dipping sauce on the side instead of tossed) and Parmesan Crusted Spinach Dip (served with chips) are the most kid-friendly options. The Texas Tonion is also popular with older children. Wild West Shrimp has significant jalapeño heat and is generally not recommended for children under 10. Always confirm sauce options and heat levels with your server when ordering for kids.