It used to be a nice outing when you could order a Bloomin' Onion at Outback Steakhouse and enjoy a nice meal with family or friends.
But stretching your budget so you can go out to eat more can be hard to justify when your trips to Outback Steakhouse aren't what they used to be.
It turns out you might not be alone when it comes to why Outback Steakhouse isn't up to your standards anymore. Check out these 10 reasons other former patrons say the chain restaurant isn't worth heading to anymore.
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It's too expensive for many people
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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. Instead, avoid wasting money and try to find better cuts at a local steakhouse or better prices at a different chain restaurant in the area.
The service can be bad
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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 overcooked or overly cooked steaks that take forever to cut.
It's a chain restaurant
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Chain restaurants have been struggling to attract customers in recent years with some companies shutting down completely in recent years.
Outback Steakhouse is showing that it isn't immune to restaurant visitors skipping chain restaurants in favor of local options.
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Dining out isn't the same
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It used to be that customers would take their families out to eat or meet up with friends for a nice dinner.
But more diners are turning to pick-up options and quick trips to grab food and take it home instead. That declining foot traffic makes a place like Outback Steakhouse look less inviting and interesting for a night out when the ambiance hasn't changed much in recent times.
Some items are not very healthy
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Diners may be trying to find healthier options instead of artery-clogging food with heavy calories.
Sure, you can share a Bloomin' Onion with your friends and family as an appetizer, but the fried onion is packed with a whopping 1,900 calories. To avoid the temptation, diners may compare that to a local restaurant with lighter options and skip a trip to the Outback.
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Portion sizes may be smaller
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It can be hard to stretch your dollars when dining out, which could be made worse when you realize you aren't getting the same amount of food but still paying the same price.
Online reviewers have noted that portion sizes have plummeted at Outback, too, with some noting that they've noticed the dish portions getting smaller and smaller every year.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
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April brings not just warmer weather and sunnier days, but also excellent shopping opportunities. With Easter happening on April 20, retailers will offer significant discounts on seasonal items at the end of the month, while also preparing for graduations, weddings, and spring cleaning season.
Here are some of the best deals to watch out for:
- Cookware sets on sale for graduation and wedding season
- Winter clearance items like coats and sweaters at end-of-season prices
- Spring cleaning supplies with potential BOGO offers at stores like Target
- Air conditioners before peak summer demand drives prices higher
- Lawn care equipment as homeowners prepare for the growing season
- Post-Easter candy and ham at deeply discounted prices once the holiday has passed
- For groceries, consider seasonal produce like asparagus, broccoli, and spinach, which will be at their freshest and most affordable.
Remember that retailers are always thinking a season ahead. They're already preparing to get rid of spring merchandise while you're just getting ready to enjoy it. This makes April a great time to find budget-boosting deals of all kinds.
You can likely cook a better steak at home
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Chain restaurants have to deal with bulk quantities of steaks, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're high-quality pieces of meat.
It may surprise you that you can get a better cut of meat at your local grocery store—and for less money—than buying a steak and the same old sides at Outback Steakhouse.
The flavors are questionable
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One of the most important reasons you go out to eat is to have someone else make you good food. Outback Steakhouse, however, could be suffering from subpar offerings that aren't worth the effort.
Several fans online have reported that the flavor of the dishes at the chain restaurant has gone down over the past decade.
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It's not particularly unique
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Can you think of a dish besides the Bloomin' Onion that stands out when you think of Outback Steakhouse?
It could be a bad sign that Outback Steakhouse may not stand out with its menu offerings against other chain restaurants in your area, making you decide to go somewhere else with more memorable dishes instead.
Quick tips: How to travel or dine out without going broke
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When it comes to enjoying things like travel and dining out, thoughtful planning can help you maximize your experience without also draining your wallet. These discretionary expenses often consume a significant portion of many budgets. The key is finding the balance between treating yourself and maintaining your overall financial health.
Here are some tips on how to find that balance:
- Visit restaurants during happy hour or lunch for similar food at lower prices
- Join restaurant loyalty programs and subscribe to email lists for special offers
- Use cashback dining apps like Seated or credit cards with travel/dining rewards
- Consider traveling during shoulder seasons when prices drop but weather is still pleasant
- Use price comparison tools like Hopper or Google Flights to track airfare drops
- Book accommodations with kitchens to prepare some meals yourself while traveling
Some of the most memorable moments can come from a meal shared with friends or a budget travel experience that takes you somewhere truly unique. Consider both the emotional and financial value of an experience so you can find the things that are truly worth your money.
Local places can be better
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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.
Bottom line
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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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