I should start out by saying that each of the three times I’ve visited the Outback Steakhouse, it has been to celebrate a happy occasion: my birthday, my sixth wedding anniversary and a University of Alabama victory over Auburn. That doesn’t change the fact that I do not like the place. Sure, the food is good, but my husband will have to drag me through the door to get me into that place another time. What really floors me is that there are people I know, love and trust that absolutely love this place. They think that this is the only place to get a decent steak. I couldn’t disagree more!

I have visited three different Outbacks and at every single one, the wait is always unbelievable. Our anniversary fell on a Sunday this year, so we decided to use the $35 gift certificate given to us for the occasion. It was a decision based on budget concerns, I assure you. After taking in a matinee movie, Dustin and I made it to the Outback on Sunday at 6pm. After not being greeted by the hostess, we were informed that we had an hour wait in front of us. We, being starved, headed to the bar for drinks and an appetizer.

If you’ve ever seen the layout of one Outback, you have seen them all. The bar, though separate, is accessible and easily viewed by every part of the restaurant. It was so noisy and smoky that we were both miserable. I realize this is our own mistake since Outback does not purport itself to be a “romantic” restaurant and we were in the bar, but these are both negatives to me. I can’t ever see myself being in the mood to eat and scream simultaneously.

When we did finally snag a table, our waitress was nice if not scarce. One of my pet peeves is having to ask for a refill on my drink. If you see the glass is empty, bring something to put inside of it. We had to hail the waitress several times during our meal for refills.

Let me get to the only good thing about this restaurant as far as I’m concerned: the food. I wouldn’t get too excited, though, because it is only just worth eating. It’s not something I’d ever crave or even want seconds of, it just seems so “chain” to me. I have personally sampled 2 appetizers from Outback. The first one, Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie, was good and would make a great meal with a side salad. The second one, Aussie Cheese Fries, was fairly good, but oh-so-heavy. It is a large plate of fries covered with Monterrey Jack cheese, bacon and scallions and served with a side of Ranch dressing for dipping. Get this to share with the group. I haven’t had the Outback’s Bloomin’ Onion, but I have had similar treats elsewhere, and they are fine if you like onion rings.

The entrées are filling but a bit bland by my standards, but maybe I’ve just missed the boat on what to order. I’ve been admonished for not ordering the Alice Springs Chicken, so if I am ever forced through those wooden doors again, I will try it. I have sampled the Toowoomba Pasta, though I was hesitant to order something that sounded so ridiculous. It is a plate of fettuccine covered with alfredo sauce with shrimp, crawfish, mushrooms, chives and Parmesan cheese. Sounds wonderful, right? I certainly thought so, but I found it lacking in flavor and a bit too heavy. The shrimp and crawfish were so small you could barely distinguish them from the bits of chive and the mushrooms. My husband got the Drover’s Platter and he was quite happy with it. It comes with barbecued ribs, chicken breast and a side of cinnamon apples. I’ve also sampled the filet mignon, which I found to be too thick and very undercooked. I know I’m beginning to sound like a brat, so I will talk about the one thing I can truly recommend with a glad heart: the Cheesecake Olivia! This is one hunk of cheesecake, not a sliver like you’d get at some other places. It is covered with a raspberry puree that I could drink. Truly, Outback makes the best cheesecake I’ve ever eaten and I might be persuaded to go back just for dessert with a girlfriend.

Another feather in their proverbial cap is that Outback welcomes children with open arms, and with the din of the restaurant clocking in at just under 70 decibels, they will not even be noticed if they begin to cry.

People look for different things while dining. Some prefer fast foods, others want to hear a live band and still others want to find a place that is quiet enough to enjoy a conversation with their dining companions. You should pick a restaurant that fits your dining desires, and if you enjoy a boisterous restaurant that places emphasis on quantity, then this is a great place for you.




Recommended: No

Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: No
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations If you hang out in the bar, you can snag a table there before your name is called. Beware of the smoke and the embarrassing pick-up lines.
Best Suited For: Kids and Families