Editor’s Note: Wes Hennings never met a meal he walked away from and is an opinionated eater! Each Monday he shares the results of a business lunch he’s had with a colleague as a way to advise our business community on the good, bad and the tasty across the CSRA. He doesn’t let ABD or the restaurant know where he is going and his opinions are his own. He grades the restaurants he visits on a 1-5 scale with “5” being outstanding. We call this our “Real Business Lunch Review”.
Food Quality: 5
Service: 5
Business Meeting: 5
Value: 4
Average Score: 4.75 of 5 (Best ever)
While I definitely have a preference for finding the best local flavor for you, our loyal readers, sometimes lunch calls for the quality and consistency of a national brand. And for a business lunch in Augusta, you won’t find much better from the big players than a meal from Longhorn Steakhouse.
Such was the case when I needed to go to lunch with a former colleague and great friend. He hit a milestone birthday, and he also needed a favor from me, so the occasion certainly called for steak. Neither of us opted for the full blown ribeye or strip dinners, though they are available at lunch, and so our lunches were a bit more on the value end of the menu, though certainly not inexpensive.
While the music is definitely present in the establishment, the seating is fairly private and conversations flow easily. It’s great for catching up, pitching deals, or asking favors. Previously, you had to travel to Washington Road for our local Longhorn, but Grovetown has recently provided another location, and Aiken offers up this delicious meal as well.
The chop steak was good, and definitely a filling lunch. It’s a fairly standard meal so not all that exciting. It’s a great way to get a taste of red meat while not blowing a 20 spot for the midday meal. The ribeye sandwich will go on my list as one of the best lunch options around, and you can get it with a side, a salad, or some soup for $12. Despite it being one of the hottest days of the year, I opted for the lobster and shrimp bisque, and didn’t regret it. 
That sandwich is actually the most expensive of the lunch deals, so don’t think that this is only a special occasion spot, it’s a nice break from a hectic day at the office or a spot to meet friends or prospects.
I am not changing my tune about shopping local, especially in the current economic environment when our local entrepreneurs need every dollar they can get. But if you’re gonna hit one of the big names, Longhorn is a can’t miss.
Longhorn Steakhouse
3241 Washington Rd
longhornsteakhouse.com