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Table rolls, peanuts and dry-aged beef: what sets 10 U.S. steakhouse chains apart

These 10 steakhouse chains in the U.S. range from casual roadhouses known for table rolls and peanuts to upscale dining rooms built around dry-aged beef and wine lists

Every steakhouse chain sells steak, which means the beef alone rarely separates one brand from another. What sets them apart is usually something around the meat. It might be a habit at the table, a theme in the dining room, a signature appetizer or the size of the wine list.

The steakhouse chains in the U.S. covered here fall into two broad tiers. The casual group includes Texas Roadhouse, LongHorn Steakhouse, Outback Steakhouse, Black Angus Steakhouse and Logan's Roadhouse. Their identities tend to rest on themes, starters and table traditions. The upscale group includes Ruth's Chris Steak House, The Capital Grille, Morton's The Steakhouse, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar and Smith & Wollensky. Their identities rest more on how the beef is aged, plated and paired with wine.

In the casual tier, the signatures are easy to name. Texas Roadhouse is known for hand-cut steaks and rolls brought to the table. Outback Steakhouse built its brand on an Australian theme and the Bloomin' Onion. Logan's Roadhouse leans on a Southern roadhouse look and sets out peanuts in the shell. Black Angus Steakhouse has its strongest presence in the western U.S.

The upscale tier competes on preparation and pairing. Ruth's Chris Steak House serves its steaks on very hot plates. The Capital Grille is known for dry-aged steaks. Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar puts a large wine list at the center of the meal, as its name suggests.

Several of these names share a corporate parent. Darden $DRI Restaurants owns both LongHorn Steakhouse and The Capital Grille. Bloomin' Brands owns Outback Steakhouse and Fleming's. In each case, one company runs a casual steakhouse and an upscale one side by side.

Geography shapes the list too. Ruth's Chris Steak House began in New Orleans. Morton's The Steakhouse started in Chicago. Smith & Wollensky got its start in New York City. Texas Roadhouse, despite its name, is based in Louisville, Kentucky.

The 10 chains that follow are........

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