10 Reasons to Never Eat at Outback Steakhouse

Outback Steakhouse may be known for its steaks, Aussie-inspired menu, and iconic Bloomin' Onion, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's the best place to go out to eat more and spend your dining-out budget.

From calorie-packed menu items to steaks you may be able to make for less at home, there are several reasons you might want to think twice before heading to the popular chain. And with plenty of other steakhouses and local restaurants competing for your money, Outback may not always come out on top.

Here are 10 reasons you may want to skip Outback Steakhouse the next time you're deciding where to eat

Some menu items can get expensive

It can be hard to justify the cost of some of the menu items at Outback Steakhouse, especially when you're on a budget.

Steak and seafood options can cost more than $30 for some plates. And once you add an appetizer, drinks, dessert, tax, and tip, your total bill can climb even higher. If you're trying to avoid wasting money, you may find better value at another restaurant in your area.

Your experience can depend on the location

Service can vary from restaurant to restaurant, but it may not be what you expect for a place with expensive dishes.

It can also be disappointing if your steak, seafood, or other meat isn't cooked to the level you ordered, with some customers reporting medium-rare steaks that came out raw or overly cooked steaks that take forever to cut. That potential inconsistency may be reason enough to choose a restaurant where you already know what kind of experience to expect.

You may prefer spending your money at a local steakhouse

Outback gives diners the familiarity of a national chain, but that may not be what you're looking for when spending money on a steak dinner.

A locally owned steakhouse may offer different cuts, locally inspired dishes, or an atmosphere you can't get at a restaurant with hundreds of locations. Prices and quality vary, but if you're going to spend steakhouse prices anyway, it may be worth seeing what independent restaurants in your area have to offer first.

The restaurant experience may not feel special enough

Going out for steak can be an occasion in itself, particularly when you're spending significantly more than you would on a typical fast-food or fast-casual meal.

Outback offers a familiar casual-dining experience, but that may also be its downside. If you're looking for a memorable atmosphere for a birthday, anniversary, or other night out, you might decide your dining budget is better spent somewhere that feels more distinctive.

Some popular dishes pack a lot of calories

If you're watching your calorie intake, some of Outback's signature dishes may give you pause.

Sure, you can share a Bloomin' Onion with your friends and family as an appetizer, but the fried onion is packed with a whopping 1,920 calories. And that's before your entree, sides, drinks, or dessert. While Outback does offer lighter choices, you may prefer eating somewhere that makes sticking to your nutrition goals easier.

You may not get the value you expect from your meal

It can be hard to stretch your dollars when dining out, especially if you don't feel like you're getting enough food for what you're paying.

Online reviewers have complained about portion sizes at Outback, though experiences can vary depending on the dish and location. If getting a generous amount of food for your money is a priority, you may want to compare your options before choosing Outback.

You can cook your steak exactly how you like it at home

One of the biggest reasons to skip a steakhouse altogether is that you can prepare steak at home exactly the way you like it.

Buying steak from your local supermarket, butcher, Costco, or another retailer allows you to choose the cut yourself and pair it with homemade sides without paying restaurant markups. Cooking requires more effort, but if you're primarily going to Outback for the steak, staying home could give you more control over both your meal and your budget.

The flavors are questionable

One of the most important reasons you go out to eat is to have someone else make you good food. But Outback's distinctive seasonings and preparations may not appeal to every diner.

Several fans online have reported that the flavor of the dishes at the chain restaurant has gone down over the past decade. Taste is subjective, but if you've found yourself consistently underwhelmed by Outback's food, there may be little reason to keep spending your dining-out dollars there.

It's not particularly unique

Can you think of a dish besides the Bloomin' Onion that stands out when you think of Outback Steakhouse?

Beyond its signature appetizer, much of Outback's menu competes with familiar steakhouse fare available elsewhere, including steaks, ribs, burgers, chicken, seafood, and salads. If you're going out specifically because you want something you couldn't easily order at another restaurant, Outback's menu may not give you enough reason to choose it over the competition.

You may find better options close to home

Sometimes, it's better to skip the chain restaurants like Outback Steakhouse and try your local restaurants or steakhouses to see how they compare.

You may pay a little more, and your local mom-and-pop spot might not have a Bloomin' Onion, but you could end up with better quality food and service and know you're helping a small business. Depending on where you live, you may also have other national steakhouses or neighborhood restaurants competing for your dining dollars, so it could pay to compare your options before defaulting to Outback.

Bottom line

It's okay if you decide it's time to cut Outback Steakhouse out of your dining rotation, especially if you're trying to keep some cash in your pocket.

Instead, it might be a good idea to find ways to save money on groceries so you can make dinner at home without busting your wallet for a possibly subpar dinner at Outback Steakhouse.

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