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.
Review Source:...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!
Review Source:We used to like this restaurant but will not return. Â We did the call ahead seating and arrived right at the scheduled hour. Â We were told 10 to 15 minute wait and given a buzzer. Â Then the person right after us who did not do call ahead was told the same wait time. Â We waited 30 minutes and the buzzer never went off. Â The entire time we heard the hostess call out names but not ours. Â We finally asked what was going on and she claimed the buzzer was broken. Â Claimed they called our name out but we did not respond. Â Total, complete, rank, incompetence. Â Asked for manager who had one of those silly grins the entire time I complained. Â Had the audacity to ask, can I do anything else for you sir? Â Uhhhhh no, we will never return.
I will point out, we had two recent bad experiences here. Â First time they ran out of prime rib. Â At six!!!!! Â Next time we ordered it, and it was a tough, stringy mess. Â I would urge you: do not visit this particular Outback. Â You will likely end up very sorry if you do.
These folks are super nice but they just aren't well trained for the dining experience. Â Sat at a bar booth for dinner and had to listen the entire time to a bar tender speaking very loudly about everything from how to divide the tips with the other bartender to complaining about how involved some of the drink recipes were to shouting to a bar patron at the other end of the bar "know what you want?" and it never ended. Â He was not competing against a loud tv or music. Â The bussers stand in the bar area waiting for something to do and are sort of left to stare at nearby dining patrons. Â This is likely not their fault and they're told to wait there. The young guy serving the bar tables was so nice but couldn't keep up with demands. Â Over all, seemed like the place was run by a bunch of teenagers, nice teenagers though.
Review Source:I love Outback in general but I especially find that I am never disappointed when I go to this location. There is this one server there that every time I go she has the whole table laughing and having a good time. The bartenders are pretty fast and attentive there too. Of course the food is always delicious for the price that you pay. I am an outback special girl for life.... but then again they are taunting me with steak AND seafood... tough choices.
Review Source:Outback Steakhouse does not sell the tastiest steak that I have ever tasted (surprisingly, that was on a cruise ship), but the steak--I always order the Victoria's Filet--is still thick, juicy, and well-flavored. Their appetizers--or Aussie-tizers, as they call them--are a good size and price. Sometimes I act like an oddball and order fish at this steakhouse, but the fish tastes good. I do think that you should go elsewhere if you are in the mood for crab, as their crab legs are just so-so. It would be nice if their dessert menu were bigger... As for service, their front desk staff always warmly welcome me, and I am seated promptly without a wait even during dinnertime although I never call ahead for a reservation. Our orders have never been messed up, and the wait time for the arrival of the food and drink refills is never long. I felt a little bummed when I wanted to eat lunch here on a Saturday, but they didn't open until 2 PM.
Review Source:Good meal, well prepared and tasty. First time I've had a disappointing experience at an Outback. The portion size for the steak and shrimp was disappointing with only three small shrimp accompanying the steak. Â While I've never been a fan of over-sized American sized portions, this was even smaller than the just right sized portions typically seen in fine European restaurants. Â The Golden Hearts of Mahi was excellent.
Review Source:As someone who has only worked in independent restaurants and understands the struggles of small businesses, I avoid chains whenever possible....but Dad mentioned Outback and said he wanted a steak. Â Dad is 88, rarely goes out, never asks for anything, and has had a really rough year. Â So when Dad says he wants to try Outback (he'd never been in) for a steak, that's what we do.
I was very favorably impressed. Â The service was friendly, fast, and efficient, the cocktails were delicious, and the food was very good. Â Portion sizes were perfect. Â Dad loved the bloomin onion, ate his entire 12-oz steak (and he hardly eats anything these days), and declared the lobster the best he's ever had in his life. Â My prime rib was cooked perfectly, and the New England clam chowder offered that day was one of the better ones I've tried.
The only negatives, which are minor, were that it was so cold inside (and I like cold) that we couldn't remove our bulky coats, and the rest room was not clean. Â
But Outback made Dad happy, and that gets an A in my book.
As all the "good" chain restaurants of the 90's  has gone downhill (ex: red lobster, ruby tuesday, olive garden) , Outback stays on top.
I've always received good service, prompt attention, perfectly cooked steaks and a delicious platter of bloomin' onions.
Outback is perfect for a very casual date night, or even in the company of children who might enjoy their pasta.
Thanks for stayin on top of things, Outback of Springfield ,VA =)
I came here on a busy night. However, the whole experience was a lot better than the one in Arlington. We were greeted right away; but, the host forgot our utensils, in which wasn't a big deal. The steak here was amazing. The porterhouse is a must-get! It's so worth it. Whoever grilled the steak must have been so skilled. Our server, Kevin was awesome. He kept our drinks refilled and our bread refilled. Although the restaurant was busy, the food came out perfectly and it didn't take too long either. Parking sucks but it's possible to find parking spaces. This has become my favorite Outback spot in NorthernVA!
Review Source:You can't go wrong with Outback - EVER.
I went here with two mates - it was one's birthday. Â We had a Bloomin Onion and wings to start. Â I had the pasta with Chicken - it was super yummy. Â My mates had Alice Springs and Ribs. Â They enjoyed theirs as well. Â
We had a lovely waiter - his name was David. Â He was very nice and made us feel right at home. Â He was very conversational and we really appreciate the extra attention because nobody else paid us any attention.
I need to admit one thing before I begin this review. I never expect very much from chain restaurants. I imagine that something, somewhere during the evening will be "off". Â I expect I will have lack luster service, or improperly cooked food. I never expect to say the evening was... just perfect.
We didn't wait for a table, which is always a plus. Our waiter was attentive, pleasant and extremely courteous. We never had time to want or need anything. He was not intrusive, but always accessible. I haven't had service this good at a chain...well...ever! 5 stars on service alone!
The food was just right on every front. This really surprised me, because the Outback we normally frequent does the steak well, but not much else. We had wings as an appetizer. Perfect. I was surprised that even the salad was fresh, presented well and properly portioned.
I ordered the prime rib, lobster combo on the seasonal menu. I had green beans on the side. Let me say, that as soon as I tried the green beans, I knew it would be a good meal. The green beans were perfectly al dente! The prime rib was succulent and a perfect medium rare. The lobster was the biggest surprise. I have never had anything other than a piece of rubber at chains. Even at well know seafood chains that you would think should know how to cook a lobster don't seem to know how to cook lobster. This evening, the lobster was just right; tender, sweet just fabulous! *sigh* Lovely!
With a meal this good, I had to see how they would handle dessert. I tried a dessert from their seasonal menu; an oreo chocolate waffle. Holy Cow! It was just right! The waffle was crisp and warm. The vanilla ice cream was a perfect compliment. A little cloud of whip cream on the side was just fabulous added to the ice cream and waffle.
I hope it is always this good, because I plan on going back very soon.
Been here many times before. Most recently was on a Monday and it was pretty quiet. Not many diners, but we did arrive late. Ironically, when I dine out and it's dead in the restaurant, service is quite slow as well. But not here. We were seated and greeted right away. Our server, Steven was excellent. He was helpful in making suggestions on drinks and food. Also, he made sure to check up on us often and our drinks were never empty!
Review Source:Went recently to have dinner with my wife. Â It was 4:30PM so the place wasn't busy. Â We were seated and sat there for 15 minutes without being served. Â No water, no bread, nothing. Â I would guess about 10 different employees walked by our table during that time, no one said a word to us. Â We finally got up and left. Â It's the 2nd time I've had awful service at this location, and after this last time I don't think we'll be back.
Review Source:Totally hit or miss here.
I used to go to this one (even though it is further away from me than other locations) because I believed their service was better, but recently I have realized it is very hit or miss. The last time (yesterday evening) my husband and I went to have dinner and it was great. The waiter was nice, and on top of things. The time before last, the waitress forgot to ask me how I would like my burger and so it came back pretty pink in the middle. She also didn't bring me fries with my burger. She said the people in the kitchen forgot. That very may well be, but it was a little annoying not having a whole meal and having to wait for them to make me fries and then bring them out. (Especially since I always share my fries with my son. He can't eat a whole lot of food -- he is little-- so he had to wait, too.)
Awesome environment, newly remodeled, great atmosphere and the best steak and good beer for the buck! Donna (Purveyor) is a great people person and really makes the experience personal by visiting our table, talking about anything, remembering our names as well as the girls and inviting us back everytime. The lighting and seating are great as well and makes you wanna stay for a while when you go!
Review Source:Went here for dinner Sat night. Ordered the ribs w/loaded sweet potato. Best ribs I've had, fall off the bone, not too much sauce. Sweet potato was loaded w/butter, cinnamon, sugar. AWESOME. Don't eat this if you want a healthy meal :). Will definitely go back. Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was the restroom needed to be attended to.
Review Source:CliffsNotes: Â Criticizing Outback Steakhouse is like shooting fish in a barrel while stealing a candy from a baby. Â The steak is just awful - dry, heavily seasoned, and simply bad for your health. Â Â Anytime you need to add your own steak sauce, that's a bad sign. Â Anytime you have to order rare to get medium rare, that's another bad sign. Â Anytime that you order beer and it comes out flat and waiter doesn't notice, that's just troubling. Â Why do people bother coming here? Â Beats me. Â I only came because Cindy's dad wanted to come for Father's Day and somebody else was paying. Â 2 Stars - because at least I'll come if its free food. Â [Original Visit: June 21, 2010]
Review Source:Solid 4 star.
I've been here numerous times(25+ in the last 10 years) and I've always had incredible service. The hostesses are always pleasant on the phone, the waits are within the time frame described and they accept call aheads(huge plus= call before you go, get on the list, shorten your wait) and the service always come with a smile, which is surprising and refreshing coming from such a young staff.
The bread is delicious as is the wipped butter. The coconut shrimp(huge shrimp, well cooked with a delicious and cool sauce) and the bushman mushroooms( battered, plump button mushrooms with ranch on the side) are highlights as well as the famous bloomin' onion.
I usually get soup and salad. My Mother always get the filet, which is well cooked, nicely portioned and comes with sides( the backed potato and veggies are yummy). My boyfriend has tried all sorts of entrees from burgers to the  grillers: chicken specifically which came with veggies, pineapples, rice and was a beautifully grilled, moist piece of chicken- never a disappointment in all of the meals.
The Sidney's Sinful Sundae is incredible, like beyond words incredible. It's a beautiful and large portion of the best vanilla ice cream I've ever had topped with warm. thick chocolate sauce and then rolled in coconut with strawberries. They took it off the menu and I was OUTRAGED, but it's back, so go get it while you can.
Here's a quick review that says something about this place:
I got one of the new items (boomerang bullet point on the menu) teriyaki sirloin, which was okay. Â But my girlfriend's filet was just not at all to her liking (seemed to just be a subpar cut and very rarish when she likes straight medium but err on the medium rare side...I know...I don't understand it either). Â BUT!....
The manager was great and came over, unasked (our server told him)...and took it off the bill, made all the right moves, was genuinely service-oriented. Â Then our server had a separate, very gracious chat with us (p.s. and take note that we weren't outraged difficult customers, just drew their attention to the fact that one of our five dishes including apps and salads were not up to snuff). Â Her wine and my Aussie Cooper's Sparkling Ale (why can't I find this anywhere outside of Outback?) were perfect. Â Veg was over-steamed but, yes, they were slammed...even at 6 PM.
But anyway, the manager knocked it right off, and gave us his card...our server was also great about it...so sure I'll go back, again, at least for Cooper's Sparkling Ale and an app. Â We figured we go there about two or three times a year but after the way we were treated we may be back in early 2010.
Believe me, a lot of places would not give a ____ if you got a bad filet.
I've always enjoyed my juicy, bloody steak here! I like when my meat MOO's and the Outback chefs never fail me. I used to order pasta dishes but have since learned that steak is always a better choice - go somewhere else (an Italian restaurant, I suppose) for pasta, my pasta dishes here have always been extremely oily, which I find disgusting. Their sides are always pretty delicious (I love the salad and steamed brocolli). My boyfried is pretty happy with their steamed lobster tail too, and he's very picky so it must be good (I, on the other hand, don't like seafood).
It's always packed on weekends, so I try to avoid that. No one likes to wait for an hour on an empty stomach! As for customer service, it's OK. I've had better, but nothing to really complain about here. The place seems clean, too.
Stick to the steaks, and you'll be safe!
My father and I came around 6pm for dinner. I was surprised there wasn't a long wait because I always remember coming and having to leave because we couldn't stand the wait time. We were seated in less than 5 minutes to a nearby booth. The booth looked clean; It was so "clean" that the seats were still wet from being wiped before we sat down. A little grossed out by this, my father had to ask the server (before he even got the chance to ask what we wanted to drink) for a napkin to dry the seat with.
Other than that, no complains with the service. However, I am disappointed with the food. My Prime Rib wasn't juicy at all. It was actually very dry. I only ate more than half of it because it was the only thing I could do while my father continued to lecture me for 20 minutes straight. Eh, just thinking about this meal now makes me feel agitated.