LongHorn Kids Menu
What Works at the LongHorn Steakhouse Kids’ Menu: My Honest Opinion
It is hard to forget my first experience of bringing my two kids to LongHorn Steakhouse. My older child was six years old then, very picky except for those chicken nuggets from the yellow box, and my other one was only four and would eat only pasta with the right kind of cheese. I was nervous walking in — steakhouses aren’t exactly known as kid paradises. But that night changed how I think about family dinners out. The kids menu at LongHorn isn’t just a smaller version of adult plates; it’s surprisingly solid, and it has saved many of our weekends since.
Let me walk you through what I’ve learned after dozens of visits over the years with my family, friends’ kids, and even a few birthday parties. If you’re visiting with the whole family, it’s worth exploring the LongHorn Menu Items guide to see all the meals available for both kids and adults.
Why the Kids Menu at LongHorn Stands Out
LongHorn Kids Menu
LongHorn does a job with their kids menu. They do not just throw some chicken tenders and a sad mac and cheese on the kids menu. Instead LongHorn uses the quality ingredients that they use for the adult menu but they make the portions smaller for kids. They do not take any shortcuts. The steak on the LongHorn kids sirloin is beef. They grill it the way as the big Renegade Sirloin that costs a lot more money.
The prices for the kids menu are usually between $6.99 and $10.99. This depends on where you’re what you choose to order. As of mid-2026 every meal comes with a drink and one side. You can get 1% milk or juice. This makes the meal feel like a meal, not just something extra.
Here is what you can usually find on the LongHorn kids menu:
- Kraft Macaroni & Cheese is $6.99
- Cheeseburger costs about $8.49
- Chicken Tenders that are fried are $8.49
- Grilled Chicken Tenders are also $8.49. I like to get the Grilled Chicken Tenders on days when I want something
- Kid’s Sirloin is the best. It costs $9.99 to $10.99. The Kid’s Sirloin is really the star of the show, at LongHorn.
Sides often include steamed broccoli, fries, mashed potatoes, or fresh fruit. Some locations let you upgrade or swap.
The Kid’s Sirloin: Is It Worth It?
This is the one item I always recommend to other parents. A 4–6 oz sirloin (portion size can vary slightly by location), perfectly grilled, juicy, and not overcooked even when my kids ask for “no pink.”
Last summer we went after a long day at the zoo. My son, who normally turns his nose up at anything that isn’t breaded, devoured the whole thing. He even tried the broccoli because the server told him it was “dinosaur trees.” Small wins.
Compared to ordering a full adult sirloin and hoping they eat half, this saves money and reduces waste. If you’re curious about the restaurant’s most-loved dishes, check out the Popular Items page before placing your family’s order.
Adults sometimes quietly order it too when they want something lighter — I’ve done it myself when I wasn’t super hungry. Don’t tell the waiter I said that.
Pro tip from experience: Ask for it grilled medium so it stays tender for little teeth. And request the fresh fruit side if your kid is veggie-averse. The apples and grapes travel well in to-go boxes.
In LongHorn Kids Menu
Chicken Tenders and Burgers: Reliable Classics
Not every kid wants steak. That’s where the tenders and cheeseburger shine.
The fried chicken tenders are crispy outside, juicy inside — nothing like the rubbery ones you sometimes get elsewhere. My daughter loves dipping them in ranch (which they’ll bring without fuss). The grilled version is great if you’re watching oils or your child has a sensitive stomach.
The cheeseburger comes with American cheese and is sized perfectly — not too big that half goes to waste, not too small that they’re still hungry. One time we customized it with just ketchup and pickles, and they accommodated it easily.
Mac and Cheese: The Safe Bet
Kraft Mac & Cheese on a steakhouse menu feels a bit funny, but it works. It’s creamy, has that slight toasted breadcrumb top sometimes, and my kids actually finish the bowl. At $6.99 it’s the cheapest option and perfect for toddlers or super picky eaters.
I’ve seen parents order two of these for younger siblings and pair it with sharing an adult side. Smart move.
Real-Life Family Scenarios Where It Shines
Scenario 1: Weeknight Quick Dinner
After soccer practice, everyone’s tired and hungry. We pull into LongHorn, order two kids sirloins, one mac and cheese, and an adult salad. Total comes under $45 including drinks. The kids eat, we chat, and we’re out in under an hour. Much better than drive-thru guilt.
Scenario 2: Birthday Party
For my daughter’s 7th, we reserved a big table. Each kid picked their own meal. The servers brought crayons and activity sheets (some locations still do). The steak kid was the hero of the night — all the boys wanted to try “real cowboy meat.”
Scenario 3: Dietary Needs
One of my nephews has texture issues. Grilled chicken tenders with plain broccoli worked wonders. Another time a friend’s daughter was gluten-sensitive; they modified the grilled options without drama.
Common Mistakes Parents Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Not Asking About Modifications
Don’t be shy. They’ll hold the seasoning, cut the meat smaller, or swap sides. I once asked for no salt on the grilled chicken for my youngest and they did it happily. Forgetting the Bread
LongHorn’s fresh bread with that cinnamon-honey butter is legendary. Kids love it. Order an extra loaf if you have a big group. Assuming Every Location Is Identical
Menu prices and slight variations happen by region. Check the app or call ahead, especially if you’re traveling. Skipping the Kids Menu for “Value”
Some parents think ordering adult entrees to share is cheaper. Often it’s not, especially with the included drink and side on kids meals. Plus, the portions on kids plates are actually generous for most under-12s.
Nutrition and Health Angle (Keeping It Real)
I’m not pretending everything is health food. The fried tenders and mac are treats. But the grilled options and broccoli side give you better choices than most fast food. The kid’s sirloin with broccoli and milk is probably one of the better balanced restaurant meals a child can get.
We balance it by ordering fruit sides half the time and encouraging water or milk over soda (though they do have kid-friendly juices).Parents looking for more beverage choices can also browse the LongHorn Drinks Menu before their visit.
This is balanced out through ordering fruit platters half the time and pushing water or milk drinks over soda (they do offer children’s juice).
Tips to Ensure the Best Experience Possible
- Use the App or Order Online: No need to queue up during busy days. You can customize easily.
- Arrive Early: Weekends get crowded, especially around 5–7 pm.
- Allergies: Mention them upfront. Staff are usually well-trained.
- Leftovers: The portions are kid-sized but adults can share sides. We often take home extra bread.
- Special Occasions: Many locations do free desserts or small celebrations for birthdays. Just ask.
One funny story: My son once tried to order the adult Outlaw Ribeye “because I’m big now.” The server laughed, gently steered him back to the kids sirloin, and he was perfectly happy. Moments like that make family dinners memorable.
When It Might Not Be Perfect
Not every visit is flawless. Occasionally the wait for food can be longer if the kitchen is slammed with adult steaks. Some locations are better than others — the suburban ones near us tend to be more family-oriented with faster service.
Prices have crept up a bit over the years, like everything else, but it still feels like good value compared to other sit-down places.
Final Thoughts from One Tired Parent
The LongHorn kids menu isn’t trying to be gourmet kids cuisine with smiley-face veggies. It’s honest, straightforward food that actual children enjoy, served in a nice environment where parents can relax too. In a world of chicken nugget burnout, having real steak, good grilled chicken, and reliable classics makes a difference.
Next time you’re craving a steak but have the whole family in tow, give their kids menu a real shot.And if the adults at the table are planning something sweet afterward, don’t miss the LongHorn Dessert Menu for popular dessert options.
Start with the sirloin if your kid is adventurous, or stick with tenders if they’re not. Either way, you’ll probably walk out happier than you expected — and with leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.
What’s your go-to order when you take kids to LongHorn? I’d love to hear in the comments if you’ve tried the sirloin trick or have your own family hacks. Happy dining!
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This website is like a guide that provides information. It is not connected to supported by or paid by LongHorn Steakhouse or its parent company. All brand names, logos and trademarks belong to their owners.
Menu prices nutrition facts and other details are here for reference. They might change over time.
We suggest visitors check the LongHorn Steakhouse website https://m.longhornsteakhouse.com/home for the latest information, before making any choices.