We give this Outback another try from time to time, it's not very far up on the regular list of places to eat when we're deciding though. The main reason is value, and sub par steaks for an establishment with Steakhouse in it's name. I know... I know... The quality of beef at most mid priced restaurants has decreased in the last couple of years due to the price of corn and fuel, but it's still possible to disguise this fact if one uses flavor and proper technique to max out the potential that a particular cut has. To cut to the chase the steaks that I get are cooked to much all the way through. I am not a very picky person, just so long as the thing is not bleeding pink but still cooked all the way through. This indicates too low of a temperature, which leads to too long of a time spent on the cooking surface. Most steaks I get from this place almost make me think they are using a cover on the steak being ""flat cooked"" as one would use for breakfast items. Oh, for most places I usually order my steak medium rare, or sometimes medium if the server gives me a heads up as to how they are coming out of the kitchen that day. I usually have to use too much salt in an attempt to get flavor from the steak. Enough on steak, one of the other things I've noticed is the portion sizes have decreased and sometimes we have to ask for the bread that they used to bring out with the drinks. The side salad is not the best and the baked potatoes while baked well and tasty are not the baked potato size one would expect next to a steak being it's only side, just once I'd like to get enough sour cream the first time. I have pretty much decided to get the Alice Springs Chicken from now on. \r
The other thing is that I have had an experience with a lippy server there, but that's not the norm, and we have had good service most of the time with exceptional service sometimes as well. The place is very clean and the restrooms get attention. We used to eat there a lot but not so much anymore.
Pros: Clean, good service, comfortable atmosphere.
Cons: Poor value, Steaks not cooked properly for a ""Steakhouse"".
more