Outback Steakhouse — Restaurant in Columbus

There are reasons I dislike Outback, mainly from two bad experiences in Texas. So tonight was our first time going back to the restaurant here in Columbus. Not busy, so that was nice. We were seated promptly. However, it took probably 5 minutes for anyone to come to our table to assist us in ordering drinks. Finally, our waitress, who was friendly and nice came and took our drink order, which was just a soda and iced tea. That arrived with bread, within a few minutes. Of course, it was not delivered by our waitress. No biggie. We ate our bread, and waited another 10 minutes before our friendly waitress came back. Asked if we were ready to order, said yes. And just as I was about to tell her what I wanted, she excused herself and told us she’d be right back. Well five minutes later we were still waiting for her to return, we saw her roaming around the restaurant but then it took her another 3-5 minutes to come back to finally take our order. She put it right in. About 5 minutes later our salads arrive (delivered by another person, a very nice man and I wish I had gotten his name), I also asked him for silverware which he promptly brought to us. We finished our salads and waited probably 15 minutes for our meal. Our waitress did stop by to tell us that it would be up shortly. Our steaks arrive, delivered again by the same friendly young man. (I really thought he was deserving of the tip, but we didn’t see him again.) We ate our meal, our waitress, Amelia, came by and checked on us again. My husband ordered a refill on his soda. Again, delivered by someone else. Keep in mind, it was not busy at all tonight. The steaks were cooked perfectly, could have used some salt and less pepper but the cook did well. Our food was good. Our waitress came by to see if we wanted boxes and if we were ready for the check. She came back with the check and put it on the table. We put our card down and waited for her to pick it up, she did a few minutes later. Then came back to the table with the card reader, left it on the table along with a pen. And said just to sign the slip afterwards. So we had to check ourselves out. I did notice the suggested tip percentages. But what exactly did my waitress do for us? She took our order and brought us the bill. I ended up leaving her just about 10%. I seriously urge the management to stay on top of how some of their waitstaff are working and managing their time. I did observe the majority of the other waitstaff, handling their tables by delivering food etc. I really think the young man was more deserving of a tip and would have given him 15% just because he did more work for us. Just disappointing and I really don’t know if I’ll try it again… least not for awhile. Service everywhere in Columbus sucks and I’m getting frustrated with dining out. I’m sorry Amelia for leaving you a small tip, you were very nice but I didn’t feel like 18-20% for nothing was appropriate. I do blame the management for not training people properly. In the beginning, I did give her the benefit of the doubt but clearly she really...

A Disappointing Experience at Outback Steakhouse**

I recently attempted to dine at Outback Steakhouse for an evening dinner, and unfortunately, my experience left much to be desired. Let me share the details:

Lack of Acknowledgment: Upon arriving, I settled into my seat in a high-traffic area near the bar. Surprisingly, despite the bustling surroundings, no staff member acknowledged my presence for a staggering 20 minutes. As a guest, I expected prompt attention, especially given my visible location. However, the lack of acknowledgment was disheartening.

Cleanliness Concerns: The establishment's cleanliness was a major disappointment. Food remnants on the floor indicated a lack of proper maintenance. Walking on the greasy and slippery surface made me question the hygiene standards. It felt as though the floor hadn't been thoroughly cleaned in quite some time.

Service Misstep: Just as I was about to leave, the server assigned to my area suddenly appeared. It seemed intentional, as if they wanted to avoid serving additional customers. This final interaction added to my overall dissatisfaction.

Consistent Decline: Over the past year, I've frequented this restaurant several times. Regrettably, each visit has revealed a decline in service quality. The subpar food offerings further compounded my disappointment.

Local Influence vs. Corporate Standards: It appears that the restaurant's corporate influence has waned. The current management, likely locals, now dictate the food quality and service. Unfortunately, this shift has not been in favor of patrons like myself.

In summary, my recent experience at Outback Steakhouse was far from satisfactory. I hope the management takes steps to address these issues and restore the restaurant's reputation. As a diner, I value both quality cuisine and attentive service, and I hope future guests receive a better experience.

Note: Always consider that individual experiences may vary, and it's possible that my visit coincided with an off day for the restaurant. However, the consistent decline over multiple visits...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Outback and let me tell you, it was an absolutely fantastic experience from start to finish! From the moment I stepped foot inside the restaurant, I knew I was in for a treat. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the staff were incredibly friendly. However, what truly made my visit exceptional was the exceptional service provided by my waitress, Kiley.

Kiley went above and beyond to ensure that my dining experience was nothing short of perfect. She greeted me with a genuine smile and made me feel right at home. Her knowledge of the menu was impressive, and she patiently answered all of my questions and made wonderful recommendations. Kiley's attention to detail and her ability to anticipate my needs truly stood out, and I felt like a valued guest throughout the entire evening.

Now, let's talk about the food. I had the pleasure of trying the meatloaf, and it was simply outstanding. It was cooked to perfection, with a rich, savory flavor that left me craving for more. The portion size was generous, and it was served with a delicious side of mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. Every bite was a delight, and I could tell that the dish was prepared with care and expertise.

The overall dining experience at Outback, complemented by Kiley's exceptional service, left a lasting impression on me. The atmosphere was lively, the food was delicious, and the service was second to none. Kiley's professionalism, friendliness, and attentiveness truly made me feel like a VIP, and she deserves all the praise for her outstanding performance.

I highly recommend Outback to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience. Whether you're craving their famous steaks, mouthwatering seafood, or in my case, the delectable meatloaf, you're guaranteed to leave satisfied. And if you're lucky enough to have Kiley as your waitress, you're in for an extra special treat!

Thank you, Outback, for an unforgettable evening, and a huge shout-out to Kiley for her exceptional service. I can't wait to return for another fantastic...