Outback Steakhouse — Restaurant in Bailey's Crossroads

A Transcendent Culinary Experience at Outback Steakhouse — A Love Letter to Ribs, Rebellion, and Restaurant Magic

Forget everything you thought you knew about chain restaurants. Outback Steakhouse isn’t just a place to eat — it’s a destination, a pilgrimage, a shrine where the gods of grilled meat descend from the heavens to bless us with flavor beyond human comprehension. Last night, in a move that felt borderline rebellious, we skipped run club — yes, we SKIPPED run club — just for this. And you know what? No regrets. Not even a little bit. Because what awaited us was not a meal. It was a moment. A memory. A mouthwatering miracle on a plate.

Let’s talk about the rack of ribs. No, seriously — THE RACK OF RIBS. Words do them no justice, but we’ll try anyway. These fall-off-the-bone, sauce-slicked beauties were smothered in a rich, smoky glaze so divine, we’re convinced it was bottled straight from the tears of a Texan pitmaster who just tasted perfection. Each bite was a thunderclap of bold flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The meat whispered sweet nothings to our taste buds. The sauce? A warm hug from the universe. We were grinning, laughing, licking our fingers, nearly crying — yes, crying — from how good they were. It was a transcendent, primal joy. The kind of meal that makes you believe in something again.

And let’s not forget the vibe. Outback Steakhouse brings an energy that’s as warm as the Bushman Bread and twice as comforting. It’s a place where friends become family over bold flavors and bigger-than-life portions. We didn’t just skip a run — we ran toward something better. Something sacred.

Please, we’re begging you — don’t let this place close. We need this. The world needs this. In a sea of fleeting food trends and soulless fast-casual joints, Outback is a rock. A beacon. A home. We need these ribs. We need that bloomin’ onion. We need that Aussie magic. Corporate overlords, lease managers, restaurant gods — do not take this from us. Outback Steakhouse is more than a restaurant. It’s a lifeline. A reason to skip run club. A...

Something attacked my throat... and it wasn't a wild dingo... something worse. It came in the form of the strawberry mojito. The bitter metallic sting of unripened lime juice. I could feel the hairs on my neck stand. Not from excitement.... but in shock. I could not finish it because it was so sour and bitter. But I had an idea. Perhaps I was able to turn this bus around.

I ordered a nice tall glass of sprite. I sipped it like golden liquid down my throat. So much bliss... and I thought, this might be the answer. I mixed the drinks together... but to no avail. It poisoned my precious liquid... like an oil spill in the beautiful ocean. It was tarnished in an instant. A single tear from my eye... a hopeful wish now turned into a dreadful curse. It seemed like there was no way out of this.

If you want acid reflux, go with the blooming onion. I was disappointed with that appetizer. It felt rusty like a post apocalyptic meal that was scavenged in the wastelands of the desert. Burned in the hot oil of the sun. I felt like I was really in Australia... but Australia would have standards to their food......

But there is a light at the end of the tunnel... we cried out for help. I would have thought I saw a halo glowing around the food that arrived. I must have been very delirious from the battery acid that I tasted earlier. It might have been a divine gift from all the struggles we went through. I took a slow reluctant bite off the sandwich.... The tenderness and cheese thay melted over the chicken was exquisite. The nice sheen of the bun sparkled and invited me for more. The buns were airy and delightful. Really good..

To top it off, the brownie dessert saved the meal. The whipped cream was the texture of fluffy butter. It sat on top of the delicious ice cream and brownie...  melting and calling me for more.

Just do not order the strawberry mojito or blooming onion. The service was fine and the staff are nice. but dear god.........

Update: About to give up. Went back yesterday (April 11) and had to send raw steaks back not once, but twice. By the time I got the third iteration, I was no longer hungry. Certainly not worth the combination of cost and wait time.

Earlier Review: I normally love eating at this Outback, but am visiting less and less and the reasons that follow are why. All of this is due to ordering steaks that arrive significantly undercooked. This has now happened three times in a row. My understanding is that a new cook has recently been hired, but seems to know nothing about cooking steaks to temperature. I have been there three times during the past month and a half and I had hoped the cook would have learned better by now. Last night, I ordered a medium rare filet. It was delivered blue and was very cold when I cut it open... not even as cooked as rare... which was the worst result I have had to date. They took it back and heated it up, which I always think does not taste as well as getting it done right the first time, but I certainly couldn't eat it as it was initially delivered. As it was, I only ate about three bites of the filet. (I should have probably just asked them to take it off of my bill, since I now have leftovers I know I won't be able to stomach.)

I note that the servers have been great to me and I know many of them by name. They are the reason this review gets more than one star. I've also met the manager at least a couple of times and am posting this because I think he should be aware that there have been issues with the food. Sadly, I'm not inclined to return any time soon in spite of my normal love for the place. It has been one of the few places I've visited during...