Outback Steakhouse โ Is It Really Aussie? Read On To Find Out, Mate! ๐ฆ
No rules just right they say. Let’s see about that. ๐
Visit the website ๐ here
So we’ve been to Outback a few times now and when they rolled out their new slogan โ No Rules Just Right โ we decided to stop in and see what’s changed. As actual Australians living in the US, we feel uniquely qualified to weigh in on this one. ๐
The theming is fun classic American chain restaurant layout with Aussie themed stuff on the walls. Some of it great, some of it very much a “what are ya thinkin mate” moment. The place was clean and tidy, lighting was pleasantly dim, and our server was absolutely killing it perfect attitude, just the right amount of checking in without hovering over the table every five seconds while you’ve got a mouth full of food. She was fantastic and absolutely deserved her tip. ๐
What We Ordered ๐
Fiona went for the Bloomin’ Chicken Sammie with fries. Roy had the Aussie Steak Sammie with a loaded baked potato. We grabbed a couple of drinks each and finished off with dessert Fiona had the Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet and Roy went for the Triple Layer Carrot Cake. We’ve had steaks at Outback before and were less than impressed, so we decided to branch out this visit.
Bloomin’ Chicken Sammie ๐ โ โ โ โ โ
Let’s start with the fries perfect snap, crispy outside, soft in the middle, just the right amount of salt. Fiona was very reluctant to share and honestly we don’t blame her. ๐ The chicken sammie itself was really good nicely cooked chicken, decent breading, plenty of sauce (a touch too much but we’ll always take a saucy sammie over a dry one). The bun tasted great but its structural integrity began to fail towards the end resulting in a few minor spillage incidents all part of the fun. Better than expected, thumbs up. ๐
Aussie Steak Sammie ๐ฅฉ โ โ โ โโ
The bun was toasted just right not overdone, just a nice crisp on top. The shredded steak was nicely seasoned with good flavour, and the aioli was present but not overwhelming. All round a solid steak sammie. Nothing earth shattering but genuinely enjoyable.
The Loaded Baked Potato ๐ฅโ โ โ โโ
Roy has a soft spot for baked potatoes going back to childhood a wood fire roasted potato loaded with toppings was a proper treat growing up. Outback did a solid job. Skin baked perfectly, inside soft and fluffy, plenty of butter and toppings. Yes the bacon was pre-packaged it’s a chain, we’re not expecting freshly chopped. Was it the best ever? No. Was it really good? Absolutely.
Triple Layer Carrot Cake ๐ โ โ โ โ โ
Looked great, tasted great moist cake with really good cream cheese frosting. A touch sweet but for America it was surprisingly restrained, which we appreciated. Great flavour and genuinely a pleasant surprise. Roy was happy.
The Cookie Skillet ๐ช โ โ โ โ โ โ Deserves a 6/5
Stop. Everything. This was stupid good and we are not using that phrase lightly. Soft in the middle, just a touch crispy on the outside, loaded with chocolate chips beginning to melt, with ice cream and caramel sauce melting all the way through. It was easily the best thing at Outback and one of those desserts that makes you stop mid bite and just stare at it. If you go to Outback and don’t order the Cookie Skillet you are making a serious mistake. Easily a must order even if you just get it to take home. ๐
The Drinks ๐น
Roy had the Smoked Old Fashioned personal favorite and this one did not disappoint. It arrived with a little lid trapping the smoke inside, slowly swirling and curling around the glass. Lifting it let that smoke pour out slowly and it smelled absolutely incredible. Tasted great, beautifully balanced with a touch of sweetness, and boy was it strong. Roy had not eaten much that day and paid the price. Totally worth it. ๐
Fiona had what was probably the wrong drink a Cherry Limeade that arrived with blackberries but honestly it was really good. Not too heavy on the syrup, just enough booze to be tasty. Happy accident. ๐
โญ Quick Glance Ratings
| Item | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomin’ Chicken Sammie | โ โ โ โ โ | Great chicken, structurally challenged bun ๐ |
| Aussie Steak Sammie | โ โ โ โโ | Solid, well seasoned, good aioli |
| Carrot Cake | โ โ โ โ โ | Moist, great frosting, pleasantly not too sweet |
| Cookie Skillet | โ โ โ โ โ | Deserves a 6/5 ORDER IT |
| Smoked Old Fashioned | โ โ โ โ โ | Smoky, strong, absolutely stunning |
| Overall | โ โ โ โ โ | Good food, great server, Cookie Skillet alone is worth the trip |
The Verdict
Outback isn’t a bad place at all the food is good, the staff are great and the atmosphere is warm and fun. We’ve never had a terrible meal here and we usually leave with leftovers for the next day.
For overseas visitors we’d give it a miss, there are better places to spend your dining dollars. For locals it’s a fun reliable night out. For Aussies and expats look, it’s a laugh and the food is decent BUT we have one major complaint. No fish and chips. You’re supposed to be an Australian themed restaurant mate. No fish and chips should be an actual crime. Sort it out Outback. ๐ค๐ฆ
And regardless of who you are or where you’re from order the Cookie Skillet. That is not a request. ๐ช
Have you been to Outback lately? Drop a comment below and please tell us you got the Cookie Skillet. ๐
Want to see more? ๐ธ We post all our food adventures over on Instagram and TikTok come hang out with us! Search @theleveluplife and follow along for more. Tag us if you visit Outback! ๐ฆ๐ช
