PHOTOS: LongHorn Steakhouse Opens Monday in Bailey's Crossroads

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- The new LongHorn Steakhouse in Bailey's Crossroads was packed Saturday night with a preview crowd when Patch stopped by before it opens Monday. The place was buzzing with friends and family, as well as a long table filled with firefighters from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue.

The restaurant, located just behind Olive Garden, serves up appetizers, steaks, seafood, salads, sandwiches, desserts and offers beverages from a full bar. See the full menu here. The decor is a rustic Western theme, with comfortable booths and tables.

The eatery appears to be fully staffed with plenty of hosts, waiters and busboys keeping customers happy. Our server, Julio, is a college student who was both attentive and personable. (There may still be positions available.)

The restaurant was offering free meals to invited guests Friday and Saturday night to give their new employees a chance to get their feet wet before the big day Monday at 4 p.m., when doors open to the public for the first dinner service.

Saturday night, in addition to hosting a table filled with Fairfax County firefighters from Bailey's Crossroads, the restaurant was also donating proceeds from sales of items off the free menu during the preview to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

A "lasso cutting," in keeping with the Western theme of the restaurant, is scheduled for Monday with local dignitaries.

The doors open for dinner Monday at 4 p.m. and the restaurant will open for lunch and regular hours on Tuesday at 11 a.m. Located at 3562 S. Jefferson St., the restaurant will be led by Frank Vasquez as Managing Partner, according to a news release from the company. The restaurant hours will be:

• Sunday through Thursday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The restaurant will open featuring LongHorn’s spring Peak Season and Chef’s Showcase menus, as well as the "Prime Time menu."

• Summer Peak Season – LongHorn’s Peak Season menu changes four times a year and features fresh seasonal flavors. This summer, guests can enjoy items like Fried Green Tomatoes as an appetizer, the Fire Grilled Corn on the Cob as a side, the Beefsteak Tomato & Bacon Salad, the Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, and the Mixed Berry Lava Cake as a dessert.

• Chef’s Showcase – The Chef’s Showcase menu celebrates LongHorn's Executive Chefs' culinary creativity. This summer, the menu features Pepper Crusted Filet and Shrimp, and a Grilled Hawaiian Salmon.

• Prime Time – LongHorn’s Prime Time menu features late afternoon specials, including a variety of $3, $4 and $5 drinks and appetizers. Prime Time is offered Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.

PHOTOS: Exterior and interior of LongHorn Steakhouse at Bailey's Crossroads; Patch photos