Outback Steakhouse, the chain best known for its Aussie-themed menu, is a popular destination for those craving a taste of the down-under experience. However, not every item on the menu lives up to expectations. While the restaurant boasts some stellar offerings like the iconic Bloomin’ Onion, certain dishes fall short and are best avoided. Based on a combination of personal experience and social media insights, here’s a list of the top 10 dishes you might want to skip at Outback Steakhouse.
1. Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie: Although synonymous with Australian cuisine, the version served at Outback leaves much to be desired. The shrimp are often overcooked and lack the charred flavor you’d expect from something purportedly grilled. Opt instead for the seared pepper ahi, which is one of the healthiest and tastiest appetizers available.
2. Tasmanian Chili: Despite its bold claims of being spicy and meaty, this chili is often watery and bland. If you’re looking for a warm, hearty dish, the French onion soup is a much better choice, offering robust flavor with its gooey cheese and thick bread.
3. Grilled Chicken on the Barbie: This dish tends to be dry and flavorless, with the barbecue sauce doing little to enhance the overall taste. For a better poultry option, try the Bloomin’ fried chicken, which is juicy and infused with the same delightful batter as the Bloomin’ Onion.
4. Gold Coast Coconut Shrimp: Overloaded with sugar, these shrimp skew too sweet, overwhelming the natural flavors. Instead, sample the Bloomin’ fried shrimp, which maintains the beloved taste profile of the Bloomin’ Onion.
5. Aussie Cobb Salad: Misleadingly named, this salad lacks several traditional Cobb ingredients and fails to deliver the expected flavors and textures. The Brisbane Caesar salad, topped generously with chicken, is a far superior salad choice.
6. Salted Caramel Cookie Skillet: This dessert promises much but delivers little, with a greasy cookie that tastes overwhelmingly of the pan it was cooked in. Switch it out for the Chocolate Thunder from Down Under, a rich brownie dessert that truly satisfies.
7. 13-ounce Ribeye: Often overcooked and under-seasoned, the standard ribeye at Outback doesn’t do justice to this normally succulent cut of beef. Consider upgrading to the bone-in ribeye for a more flavorful steak experience.
8. Aussie Cheese Fries: These fries are typically soggy and bland. If you’re craving something crispy and cheesy, ask for extra cheese with your order or simply dive into a Bloomin’ Onion instead.
9. Kingsland Pasta: This surf and turf pasta dish suffers from overcooked steak and a lackluster Alfredo sauce. For a more decadent option, go for the Victoria’s filet mignon and lobster tail, which offers both high-quality steak and seafood.
10. Steakhouse Mac and Cheese: A disappointing rendition of a classic, the mac and cheese at Outback is often watery and unbalanced. The mashed potatoes, on the other hand, are creamy and well-seasoned, making for a better side dish.
When dining at Outback, it’s crucial to know which dishes to avoid to ensure a satisfying meal. While some offerings may disappoint, there are plenty of delicious alternatives that capture the spirit and flavor Outback strives to deliver.
