Outback is by far one of my very favorite restaurants. It offers the best in foods, the warmest atmosphere, and friendliness 'every' time I go there. You have a choice...eat inside or out. Please...at least go once if you haven't been, and see for yourself. First, though, I'll give you some hints. Read on...

It's rather expensive, but it's worth it in every way. I treat myself every two weeks at Outback. (Can't stay away from the Bloomin' Onions.)

A couple of years ago when my best friend would ask, "Where do you want to meet for dinner?" I'd always respond, "Outback."

Terry has ceased that question, and reworded it. Instead, she says, "I'll see you there between 4:30 and 5:00." We both know where 'there' is. I might add that Terry craves the food and pleasurable environment as much as I do.

More frequently we visit outback for dinner, but we have gone there for many other reasons, every indication that Outback can fit into one's restaurant life, with the best in everything at anytime.

Sometimes we must talk immediately, though we may not be hungry. Therefore, we will meet at Outback simply for a drink and/or appetizer. The specialty drinks are wonderful, especially for women, although men are invited to select many choices of the best in beers and alcoholic drinks of their liking. Again, Outback offers the best in foods and environment from kids to the elderly.

If you simply desire a drink and an appetizer, you can choose my favorite appetizer..the Bloomin' Onion' or Terry's favorite...Kookaburra Wings (Buffalo chicken wings, ordered to your liking--Mild, Medium, or HOT...and I do mean 'HOT'). So...be careful on this selection. Think before you eat.

Another favorite is the Aussie Cheese Fries. These are hard to beat, especially if you are a cheese lover. They are topped with blended cheeses and bacon and served with Ranch dressing. (By the way the dressing is served in a small container as a dip.)

If you cannot decide whether you want seafood or steak for your evening entree...no problem. Have one of the shrimp appetizers. OutBack has more than one choice of shrimp as appetizers.

Or, perhaps you'd enjoy a cup of soup prior to your entree. It is ALL offered at Outback. You have more than one choice in soups. I like the French Onion, topped with Gruyere cheese. It's to die for. In fact, sometimes, I'll just meet Terry 'there' for a drink and a cup or bowl of Onion Soup...again, you have a choice.

The alcoholic beverages are special, indeed. I like the Gold Coast 'Rita,' which is a fruity frozen drink, including strawberries and cranberries. This is especially delicious and refreshing in the summer months, but it suits the taste buds, even if snow is on the ground.

Terry is not one to try different drinks...always sticking with the Margaritas, which are served on the rocks with 'all-natural' juice. But, you can ask, and they will serve them to your liking. Terry has done this on occasion. I haven't had the Margarita, but Terry is outspoken and opinionated, so you Margarita lovers can bank on its goodness. Remember...wines and beers are available, too.

One doesn't have to, by any means, select drinks with alcohol. There are many choices without it. So...not to worry. I'm simply mentioning a few for those of you who wish to indulge in a sip or two from time to time.

Dinner entrees consist of chicken breasts and ribs, with Aussie chips and apples. I do not know how Outback cook their apples, but what a side order...'very' flavorful. Outback's grilled chicken is served with an exquisite Bar-be-cue sauce, and the freshest of vegetables. A crispier chicken is served with garlic mashed potatoes.

Once Terry ordered these potatoes because she is a strong believer in 'garlic' from a health food context. I had a taste, and the next time I ordered these delicious potatoes with my entree. If you ask, they will add 'extra' garlic.

You have a choice of the Steak and Veggie Griller or the Chicken and Veggie Griller--both served with delectable medallions. I've had the Chicken.

I have already mentioned some of the side orders served with entrees, but there are more. To name a few, sauteed mushrooms are on the menu (which I have not tried, but understand they are delish, too), a house salad, Caesar Salad, and, of course, the baked potato.

On occasion, I will have lunch at Outback. They always have a soup of the day, a Caesar Salad with chicken (a lot of chicken), and another salad (probably called a chef salad), which is served with fresh greens, a variety of cheese, tomatoes, onions, and more. A shrimp salad is on the menu. I have enjoyed this Caesar salad topped with shrimp.

I have mentioned above some of the lite items served at lunch, but those Aussie burgers are tempting when one is really hungry. There is no extra charge for added cheese. The burgers can be ordered with the cheese of your choice, and toppings of your choice....anywhere from grilled onions to sauteed mushrooms.

Naturally, the popular foods such as lettuce and tomato, pickles, mustard, mayonnaise, and ketchup are available, too.

A tender chicken breast is a great choice at lunch, for men and women. It's tender, and the chicken is served with Swiss cheese and some of the above choices that are served on the burgers.

Outback is for EVERYONE --- for young and old. Little kids get tickled when they hear, "Get ready, we're going to Outback." That is, if they have been there.

Why? Because for children under 10 years old, there is a special menu suiting their little taste buds, including a drink of their choice. They can have a burger (plain or with cheese), chicken fingers (Terry's granddaughter loves these), and the spotted dog sundae. This sundae comes with delicious ice cream and a choice of toppings.

Speaking of desserts...Guess what? Outback's cheesecake is not the norm. You know...the kind with cherries on top, or blueberries? Don't get me wrong...I like those flavors, too, but Outback's cheesecake adds new flavors, such as delicious 'raspberries'on top. If you do not prefer a raspberry flavor, not to worry...order the cheesecake with 'caramel' sauce. I've tried both (before going to the gym, that is). 'Incredible' is the description.

Should you be an ice cream lover, by all means order the hot fudge sundae, which is called something else at OutBack. Just say, "Hot Fudge Sundae," and the wait staff will tell you about it. The chocolate sauce is 'homemade.' Yes, I've had this once also--again, before going to the gym. The calories really argue with my taste buds on this one.

Should you desire a simpler ice cream dessert, try the vanilla, covered with pecans and cinnamon apples.

As you know by now, when I think, "OutBack," I think, "Gym." That is because I tend to overeat when there, unless I decide to select some of the 'lite' foods.

Lite dishes are indeed available for the dieter. Do not miss OutBack simply because you may view everything as fattening. That is not the case, with the many selections of fresh vegetables, soups, and salads on the menu.

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE DOES NOT BEGIN AND END WITH FOOD, WONDERFUL ENVIRONMENT, AND FRIENDLINESS. Here's more...

We all know that CHRISTMAS TIME is coming, and it arrives faster every single year. Here's a 'good news' flash. You can order Gift Certificates at OutBack. Make it easy on yourself, and simply order them online, if you prefer. Go to www.OutbackRestaurant.com, enter name and address, how many you desire, and VOILA, you'll receive them in the mail.

Additionally, you can order gifts such as t-shirts, with "OutBack" written on them. Kids, especially, love these.

I bought one for my nephew. He loves it. I had to finally ask him to quit 'bragging' to his buddies all the time about eating at Outback so much.

I'm one who doesn't tolerate braggers well, and although I love Josh, he becomes one when he tells buddies about Outback.

We were grilling dinner at my house the other night and kids were here, including Josh. He wore his Outback t-shirt, and said, "Aunt Bev's steaks are almost as good as Outback's."

Bless his heart. Josh is not only a braggart, he's becoming a liar. (Just kiddin'-- I love him.) Of course, my steaks do not come close to the flavorful ones at OutBack. I cook them at home occasionally, even times I'd rather be at OutBack.

One more thing...last but not the least. Outback has raised over 8 million dollars to help all the people affected by the September 11TH, tragedy.

This mission resulted from the nationwide fund-raising event held on October 11TH, one month after America's heartache began. I visited Outback that night, and the wait was longer than normal.

The parking lot at OutBack was filled with cars, and it was, in fact, difficult to find a parking space. But that was a small price to pay considering America's recent tragedy. People young and old were at the restaurant that night, enjoying meals in the midst of good folks, with 'service' in mind and heart.

Monies were raised by many Outback restaurants in our nation. Owners and customers contributed, and on this particular night even the wait staff tips were sacrificed for the cause.

In essence, there is nothing shallow about OutBack. There is no arrogance with with owners and/or the wait staff. There are no 'turned-up' noses from customers as they enjoy eating the meals...only 'opened' mouths, with smiles when shut. There is cleanliness, good service, and the best in flavors, with variety galore.

If you are wondering what restaurant to go to for lunch, dinner, an appetizer, or simply a cup of coffee...you will NEVER go wrong with Outback.

Simply try to go at an earlier time than the norm, or you may be in for a long wait. For example, for dinner...do not wait until 6:00. I'd go at 4:30, and make an evening of good food and good conversation with friends.

Treat yourself to an extraordinarily pleasant experience. Just be sure you have plenty of money. You may have previous thoughts of what you plan to order, but once you're inside OUTBACK, your desires may change...simply as a result of being in a great atmosphere with your buddies, not to mention having a hunger pain or two.

ENJOY!!!!!!!











Recommended: Yes

Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations You'll see lots of cars in front of OUTBACK. That says it all. Go early for lunch, dinner, or simply to meet for a drink. That way...you solve any 'waiting' problem.
Best Suited For: Friends