Planning to visit LongHorn Steakhouse but worried about wait times? Wondering if you need reservations or how to skip the line? You’re about to get the complete guide to Longhorn reservations, exact wait times, best times to visit, and proven strategies to minimize your wait every time.
This is your definitive guide to Longhorn Steakhouse reservations with booking methods, peak hours, wait time estimates, seating strategies, and insider tips that will ensure you get a table without the hassle.
Does LongHorn Steakhouse Take Reservations?
The short answer: No, LongHorn Steakhouse does not accept traditional reservations for dine-in dining. LongHorn operates on a first-come, first-served basis for all seating. However, there ARE workarounds and strategies to minimize your wait time, including online waitlist signup, strategic timing, and takeout options.
What this means for you: You cannot book a table in advance like at fine dining restaurants, but you can still plan your visit to avoid long waits. Understanding peak hours, using the online waitlist, and knowing the best times to visit will save you 20-40 minutes on average.
Alternative to Reservations: LongHorn Online Waitlist
While LongHorn doesn’t take traditional reservations, many locations offer an online waitlist system through their website or mobile app. This is the closest thing to a reservation and can significantly reduce your in-person wait time.
How to Use the Online Waitlist
Step 1: Visit LongHorn Website or App
- Go to LongHornSteakhouse.com
- Click “Find a Restaurant”
- Select your location
- Look for “Join Waitlist” option
Step 2: Enter Your Information
- Number of people in your party
- Your name
- Phone number
- Estimated arrival time
Step 3: Get Notified
- You’ll receive a text when your table is ready
- Typical wait times: 10-30 minutes after joining
- You can wait elsewhere (car, nearby store) instead of standing in the lobby
Benefits of Online Waitlist:
- Reduces in-person wait time by 15-25 minutes
- You can wait elsewhere instead of standing in lobby
- Real-time updates on table status
- No need to arrive 30 minutes early
Limitations:
- Not available at all locations (call ahead to confirm)
- Still first-come, first-served (no guaranteed seating time)
- Works best during off-peak hours
Pro tip: Call your local LongHorn before visiting to confirm they offer the online waitlist. Participation varies by location.
Longhorn Wait Times by Day and Time
Understanding peak hours is crucial for minimizing your wait. Here’s the complete breakdown of wait times by day and time.
Weekday Wait Times (Monday-Friday)
Lunch Hours (11 AM – 2 PM)
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM: 5-10 minute wait | Best time to visit
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: 15-25 minute wait | Peak lunch rush
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: 20-30 minute wait | Highest wait time
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM: 10-15 minute wait | Wait time decreases
Dinner Hours (5 PM – 9 PM)
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM: 10-15 minute wait | Early dinner, low wait
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM: 20-35 minute wait | Peak dinner rush begins
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM: 30-45 minute wait | Highest dinner wait time
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM: 20-30 minute wait | Wait time decreases
8:30 PM – 9:00 PM: 10-15 minute wait | Late dinner, low wait
Weekend Wait Times (Saturday-Sunday)
Saturday
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: 15-25 minute wait | Brunch rush
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM: 25-40 minute wait | Peak lunch/brunch
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: 15-25 minute wait |-between meals
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: 20-30 minute wait | Early dinner
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM: 35-50 minute wait | Peak dinner rush
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM: 20-30 minute wait | Late dinner
Sunday
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: 20-30 minute wait | Brunch rush
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM: 30-45 minute wait | Peak brunch/lunch
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: 20-30 minute wait |-between meals
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: 25-35 minute wait | Early dinner
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM: 40-55 minute wait | Highest Sunday wait
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM: 25-35 minute wait | Late dinner
Wait Time Summary by Day
Lowest Wait Times:
- Tuesday lunch (11 AM): 5-10 minutes
- Wednesday lunch (11 AM): 5-10 minutes
- Monday dinner (5 PM): 10-15 minutes
- Friday dinner (8:30 PM): 10-15 minutes
Highest Wait Times:
- Sunday dinner (6-8 PM): 40-55 minutes
- Saturday dinner (6-8 PM): 35-50 minutes
- Friday dinner (6:30-7:30 PM): 30-45 minutes
- Sunday brunch (12-2 PM): 30-45 minutes
Pro tip: Visit Tuesday or Wednesday at 11 AM for the shortest wait times. You’ll wait 5-10 minutes vs 30-55 minutes during peak times.
Best Times to Visit LongHorn to Avoid Wait Times
Want to minimize your wait? Here are the proven best times to visit.
Best Days to Visit
Tuesday and Wednesday
- Lowest traffic overall
- 15-25 minute shorter waits than weekends
- Faster service, more server attention
- Easier parking
- Best for family dining
Monday
Thursday
Friday and Saturday
- Highest traffic
- Longest wait times (30-50 minutes)
- Avoid if possible
- If you must go, arrive before 5 PM or after 8:30 PM
Sunday
- Very high brunch traffic (12-2 PM)
- Highest dinner traffic (6-8 PM)
- Avoid if you want short waits
- Best: 2-4 PM between meals
Best Times to Visit by Meal
Best Lunch Time: Tuesday or Wednesday at 11:00 AM
Best Dinner Time: Monday or Tuesday at 5:00 PM
Best Weekend Time: Saturday or Sunday at 5:00 PM or 8:30 PM
How Long Does It Take to Be Seated at LongHorn?
Here’s what to expect for seating times in different scenarios.
Typical Seating Times
With No Wait (Off-Peak)
- Time to be seated: 5-10 minutes
- When: Tuesday-Wednesday 11 AM, Monday 5 PM
- Probability: 30% of visits
With Short Wait (Moderate Traffic)
- Time to be seated: 15-25 minutes
- When: Weekday dinner 5:30-6 PM, Weekend 5 PM
- Probability: 40% of visits
With Long Wait (Peak Traffic)
- Time to be seated: 30-50 minutes
- When: Weekend dinner 6-8 PM, Sunday brunch
- Probability: 30% of visits
With Online Waitlist
- Time to be seated: 10-20 minutes after notification
- When: Any time (reduces wait by 15-25 minutes)
- Probability: Available at most locations
Factors That Affect Seating Time
Party Size
- 2 people: 5-15 minutes (easiest to seat)
- 3-4 people: 15-30 minutes (most common)
- 5-6 people: 25-40 minutes (harder to seat)
- 7+ people: 35-55 minutes (may need to split table)
Day of Week
Time of Day
- 11 AM (lunch): 5-15 minutes
- 12-1 PM (lunch peak): 20-30 minutes
- 5 PM (dinner): 10-20 minutes
- 6-7:30 PM (dinner peak): 30-50 minutes
- 8:30 PM+ (late dinner): 10-20 minutes
Special Events/Holidays
- Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Christmas Eve: 45-70 minutes
- Football Sundays: 35-55 minutes
- Bank holidays: 40-60 minutes
- Always plan extra time during holidays
Proven Strategies to Skip or Reduce LongHorn Wait Times
You can’t make reservations, but you CAN use these strategies to minimize your wait.
Strategy 1: Use Online Waitlist
- Sign up online 15-30 minutes before arriving
- Wait elsewhere instead of standing in lobby
- Reduces in-person wait by 15-25 minutes
- Best for: Any time, especially peak hours
Strategy 2: Visit During Off-Peak Hours
- Tuesday-Wednesday at 11 AM: 5-10 minute wait
- Monday or Tuesday at 5 PM: 10-15 minute wait
- Avoid 12-1 PM lunch and 6-7:30 PM dinner
- Best for: Families, people with busy schedules
Strategy 3: Arrive Right When Lunch Starts
- Arrive at 11:00 AM sharp when lunch begins
- First wave of customers gets seated immediately
- Avoids 12-1 PM rush
- Best for: Lunch visits, early eaters
Strategy 4: Arrive Early or Late for Dinner
- Arrive at 5:00 PM (before dinner rush): 10-15 minute wait
- Arrive at 8:30 PM (after dinner rush): 10-15 minute wait
- Avoid 6:00-7:30 PM peak
- Best for: Dinner visits, flexible schedules
Strategy 5: Order Takeout Instead
- No wait time at all
- Order online or by phone
- Pick up in 15-20 minutes
- Eat at home
- Best for: Busy schedules, people who don’t mind eating at home
Strategy 6: Call Ahead to Check Wait Times
- Call your local LongHorn before visiting
- Ask current wait time
- Plan accordingly
- Some locations will give you a verbal estimate
- Best for: Planning, large parties
Strategy 7: Be Flexible with Party Size
- 2-3 people: Easy to seat quickly
- 4+ people: Harder to seat, longer waits
- Offer to split table if needed
- Best for: Large groups, weekends
Common Mistakes That Increase Your Wait Time
Avoid these pitfalls to minimize your wait.
Top 5 Mistakes
1. Arriving During Peak Hours Without Planning
6-7:30 PM dinner and 12-1 PM lunch are peak times. Arriving then without online waitlist means 30-50 minute wait. Plan ahead.
2. Not Using Online Waitlist When Available
Online waitlist reduces wait by 15-25 minutes. Not using it wastes time. Always sign up if available.
3. Showing Up on Weekend Evenings
Weekend dinner (6-8 PM) has 35-55 minute waits. If you must go, arrive before 5 PM or after 8:30 PM.
4. Not Calling Ahead to Check Wait Times
Calling ahead tells you current wait. You can plan accordingly or choose different time. Saves 20-30 minutes.
5. Bringing Large Party Without Notice
7+ people require special seating. May need to split table or wait longer. Call ahead for large parties
Step-by-Step Guide to Minimizing LongHorn Wait Times
Follow this process to always get seated quickly.
The 5-Step Wait Reduction Process
Step 1: Choose Your Day
- Best: Tuesday or Wednesday
- Good: Monday or Thursday
- Avoid: Friday-Sunday (if possible)
- If weekend: Go early (5 PM) or late (8:30 PM)
Step 2: Choose Your Time
- Best lunch: 11:00 AM (5-10 minute wait)
- Best dinner: 5:00 PM or 8:30 PM (10-15 minute wait)
- Avoid: 12-1 PM lunch, 6-7:30 PM dinner
Step 3: Check Online Waitlist Availability
- Visit LongHornSteakhouse.com
- Find your location
- Look for “Join Waitlist” option
- If available, sign up 15-30 minutes before arriving
Step 4: Call Ahead (Optional but Recommended)
- Call your local LongHorn
- Ask current wait time
- Confirm online waitlist availability
- Ask about large party seating if 7+ people
Step 5: Arrive Strategically
- If using online waitlist: Arrive when notified (10-20 minutes after signup)
- If not using waitlist: Arrive at optimal time (11 AM or 5 PM)
- Be flexible with party size if needed
- Have backup plan (takeout) if wait is too long
FAQ: Your Longhorn Reservations Questions Answered
1. Does LongHorn Steakhouse take reservations?
No, LongHorn does not accept traditional reservations. All seating is first-come, first-served. However, online waitlist is available at most locations.
2. How can I skip the line at LongHorn?
Use the online waitlist, visit during off-peak hours (Tuesday-Wednesday 11 AM), arrive early (5 PM) or late (8:30 PM) for dinner, or order takeout instead.
3. What is the best time to visit LongHorn to avoid wait times?
Tuesday or Wednesday at 11:00 AM for lunch. Wait time is 5-10 minutes. Best overall time to avoid crowds.
4. How long is the wait at LongHorn on weekends?
Weekend dinner (6-8 PM) has 35-55 minute waits. Weekend brunch (12-2 PM) has 30-45 minute waits. Avoid these times.
5. Can I call ahead to check wait times at LongHorn?
Yes, call your local LongHorn to ask current wait times. Most locations will give you a verbal estimate. Helps with planning.
6. Does LongHorn have an online waitlist?
Many locations offer online waitlist through LongHornSteakhouse.com. Check your specific location for availability. Reduces wait by 15-25 minutes.
7. What should I do if the wait is too long?
Order takeout instead. No wait time, pick up in 15-20 minutes. Or come back during off-peak hours
Conclusion: Your Complete Guide to Longhorn Steakhouse Reservations and Wait Times
LongHorn Steakhouse does not take traditional reservations and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. However, you can minimize your wait time using the online waitlist (available at most locations), visiting during off-peak hours (Tuesday-Wednesday 11 AM), arriving early or late for dinner (5 PM or 8:30 PM), or ordering takeout instead. Wait times range from 5-10 minutes during off-peak to 30-55 minutes during peak weekend dinner hours.
Remember the key takeaways: LongHorn doesn’t take reservations, use online waitlist when available, visit Tuesday-Wednesday at 11 AM for shortest waits (5-10 minutes), avoid weekend dinner 6-8 PM (35-55 minute waits), call ahead to check current wait times, and order takeout if wait is too long. Avoid arriving during peak hours without planning and not using online waitlist when available.
Your next LongHorn visit is about to have a shorter wait. Now you know exactly when to visit, how to use the online waitlist, and proven strategies to minimize your wait time. Visit Tuesday or Wednesday at 11 AM for the shortest waits, use online waitlist when available, or order takeout for no wait at all. Either way, you’ll get your table faster.
