Outback Steakhouse

I've been to this Outback a million times since I was a little kid. Honestly, the food is really good and the servers are always really nice, friendly and helpful. I usually get the prime rib, the filet mignon, or the lobster, and all of these dishes are so amazingly good. The "bloomin' onion" appetizer is delicious, the mashed potatoes are great, the french fries are particularly good. And I always get a house salad with honey mustard dressing on the side. The chocolate thunder down under dessert is really delicious too. Outback really never disappoints. Previously, the restaurant allowed people to smoke cigarettes at the bar, but a few years ago they finally made the whole restaurant smoking-free and that has definitely made for a better family environment. On busy nights, like a Saturday night, you are probably going to have to wait around 20-40 minutes, but that's expected for most nicer restaurants. There is call-ahead seating, but there are no reservations. If you go on an off time, you will be seated right away, as has happened to me dozens of times. Also, if we want to sit in a particular area or want a certain table, the hostess is always accommodating. If there is ever some sort of problem, waiters/waitresses are quick to fix the problem, and managers are very polite and helpful as well. During the recession a couple of years ago, the quality of the food went down slightly, but has gone back up since then. There really are no complaints. You'll get good food and good service, and the food isn't that expensive for what you're getting.

...not goin' back to this Outback!  I don't know about you, but when I know the restaurant's a big box, a dime a dozen in the region, or a national chain, I cringe at the inevitable industrial-strength kitchens, automaton staff, factory-like dish production, over-the-top and get-your-attention outrageous advertising and very impersonal or hyped-up ambience! Usually when I end up visiting one of these pseudo eateries, it's because I'm invited by friends or family, and I do not wish to hurt their feelings by saying no - or get a gift card that should not go to waste! This patron's opinion of dining here has on various tries to this location, both validated my fears, and proven to be an unpleasant overall experience and honestly, not worth the time, effort and money forked out (pardon the pun)! Although I obviously have not tried everything on the menu, what limited portion I and those with me did have, showed that their focus on ambience, preparation, choice of product and overall attention to detail did not hit the mark, and appeared to me to be short of adequate, to say the least! Even their trademark Bloomin' Onions (I used to favor) crashed!. I am sure you'll find better elsewhere when it comes to steak joints and urge you to do your homework if you really want an exceptional beef experience, attentive service and quality, not to mention a price that matches what you get. Bon appétit!

We used to like this restaurant but will not return.  We did the call ahead seating and arrived right at the scheduled hour.  We were told 10 to 15 minute wait and given a buzzer.  Then the person right after us who did not do call ahead was told the same wait time.  We waited 30 minutes and the buzzer never went off.  The entire time we heard the hostess call out names but not ours.  We finally asked what was going on and she claimed the buzzer was broken.  Claimed they called our name out but we did not respond.  Total, complete, rank, incompetence.  Asked for manager who had one of those silly grins the entire time I complained.  Had the audacity to ask, can I do anything else for you sir?  Uhhhhh no, we will never return.

I will point out, we had two recent bad experiences here.  First time they ran out of prime rib.  At six!!!!!  Next time we ordered it, and it was a tough, stringy mess.  I would urge you: do not visit this particular Outback.  You will likely end up very sorry if you do.