You're driving down West International Speedway Boulevard, the salt air is mixing with the smell of exhaust from the track, and suddenly, you're hungry. Not just "snack" hungry. You want a massive piece of protein that's been hit with enough fire to make it legendary. That's usually when you find yourself pulling into the lot at 2504 W International Speedway Blvd.
Honestly, LongHorn Steakhouse in Daytona Beach Florida isn't just another chain stop for tourists. It’s a local fixture.
It sits right by the I-95 junction, practically in the shadow of the Daytona International Speedway. If you’ve ever been there during Race Week or Bike Week, you know the vibe is electric—and the wait times are, well, legendary in their own right. But even on a random Tuesday, this place hums. It’s a mix of business professionals doing lunch, families celebrating a graduation from Bethune-Cookman, and travelers who just want a guaranteed good meal before hitting the beach.
The Strategy for Dining at LongHorn Steakhouse in Daytona Beach Florida
Don't just walk in at 7:00 PM on a Friday and expect a seat. You’ll be standing by the bar for forty minutes.
The Daytona location is notoriously busy because of its proximity to the International Speedway Square Mall. Most people don't realize you can join the "Wait List" online before you even leave your hotel or house. It isn't a reservation—they don't really do those—but it puts your name in the queue so you aren't staring at the deer antler chandeliers for an hour.
The hours are pretty standard for the area:
- Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
If you want a quiet meal, go for a late lunch around 2:00 PM. The sunlight filters through those western-themed windows, the "Call of the Wild" vibe is at a low simmer, and the service is usually lightning-fast.
What’s actually on the menu?
People get overwhelmed by the "Legendary Steaks" section. If it's your first time, or you're just starving, you’re looking at two main contenders.
The Outlaw Ribeye is the heavy hitter. It's an 20 oz bone-in cut, seasoned with what they call "char seasoning." It's fatty, it's juicy, and it's probably more calories than you need in a day, but who's counting? On the flip side, if you want something lean that won't make you want to nap immediately, Flo’s Filet is the go-to. It’s consistently the most tender thing on the menu.
Beyond the Beef: Surprising Wins
You'd think a place with "Steakhouse" in the name would fail at everything else. Wrong.
The Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a cult favorite in Daytona. I’ve known people who swear they’ll order a steak, then pivot at the last second because that creamy, crunchy topping is addictive. It’s 9 oz or 12 oz of white meat that actually stays moist, which is a rarity in casual dining.
And let’s talk about the bread.
That honey wheat bread arrives warm on a wooden board with ginger-gold butter. It’s free. It’s dangerous. You’ve got to pace yourself, or you’ll be full before the Wild West Shrimp appetizer even hits the table. Those shrimp are tossed with spicy cherry peppers and garlic butter—standard, but they do them better here than at most other locations I've visited in Central Florida.
The Side Dish Hierarchy
Most entrees come with a side, but there’s a secret tier system here.
- The Loaded Idaho Baked Potato: The gold standard.
- Steakhouse Mac & Cheese: This is a premium upgrade. It has four cheeses and small bits of bacon. It is worth the extra couple of bucks.
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Surprisingly good for a steak joint. They have a honey-whiskey glaze that cuts through the bitterness.
Why This Specific Location Matters
The LongHorn Steakhouse in Daytona Beach Florida has to compete with a lot of noise. You have the high-end spots at One Daytona across the street and the tourist traps closer to the pier.
What keeps this spot 4.4-star rated with thousands of reviews is the consistency. In a town that fluctuates wildly with seasonal crowds, the kitchen here stays steady. It’s a "safe bet" that actually feels like a treat. The staff is used to the high-pressure "race crowd," so they generally don't crack when the lobby is packed 50 people deep.
Is it the cheapest meal in town? No. Expect to spend $20-$40 per person depending on how many margaritas (the Texas Margarita is a solid choice) you knock back. But compared to the prices you'll pay for a mediocre burger inside the track, it's a bargain.
Insider Tips for Your Visit
- Parking is a bit of a maze. The lot is shared with other retailers in the square. If the front is full, don't keep circling; head toward the side near the mall entrance.
- The "Secret" Seasoning. If you like the flavor, you can actually ask about their Prairie Dust. They don't officially sell it in jars at the host stand, but the flavor profile is heavy on cumin, garlic, and onion.
- The Chocolate Stampede. If you are celebrating a birthday, this is the move. It’s six types of chocolate and served with vanilla bean ice cream. It is massive. Do not try to eat this alone unless you have a death wish.
If you’re looking for a formal, white-tablecloth experience, this isn't it. This is loud, it’s rustic, and you can wear flip-flops. That’s Daytona for you.
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When you’re finished, you’re only about ten minutes from the actual beach. It’s the perfect loop: heavy steak, a quick drive east, and a walk on the sand to digest.
To make the most of your trip, check the race schedule at the Speedway before heading out. If there’s a major event like the Daytona 500 or the Rolex 24, International Speedway Blvd becomes a parking lot. In those cases, take the "back way" via Fentress Blvd to avoid the worst of the gridlock. Log into the LongHorn app about 30 minutes before you want to eat to snag your spot on the waitlist. If you’re traveling with a group larger than six, definitely call ahead to the restaurant directly at (386) 258-3313, as the online waitlist system can be finicky with big parties.