Outback Steakhouse — Restaurant in Fort Wayne

Reviewing for the Coventry Location (If there are any others in Fort Wayne or Indiana, I'm not sure).

I've officially become so irritated, I'm leaving my first restaurant review.

I labeled this as reviewing for, "Takeaway", service, but at this point, I may as well be reviewing for the establishment as a whole.

Previously, I'd never had a problem with Outback. I hadn't had much opportunity to eat their food, but when I did, I found it to be flavorful and filling. Not to mention, generous when it came to the portions. Price? Hmm fair-ish for the kind of food that was being served and the ingredients that were being used. I can't say I remember much about the wait time or staff, but from I do remember, it was always busy, and consistently short staffed. To me, not always a deal breaker if I'm in good company, the establishment is clean, the atmosphere is pleasurable, and the food is worth the wait...to an extent.

Now...the takeaway service and online ordering.

Let's start with the fact that online ordering isn't an option apparently after 7:30 until close, which is 9:00 pm. This was Sunday I was calling them, so they had opened at 11 am, which is the same for Friday and Saturday. Then it's 4 pm Monday - Thursday. Prime dining hours for many younger restaurant goers is around 7 pm...but okay. However, it also seems like you can't order takeaway during those hours because for SOME reason each time, they've closed early! No indication on Google, or their website, or for that particular location. Mother's Day? No postings. Simply not busy enough? Nuh-uh. Staff Appreciation Party? Nada. Which for this, I'm sorry, but anywhere I've worked, they have done this kind of event AFTER HOURS! 🤦🏻 I called an hour before close... Yet they answered the phone, saying it was Outback, AFTER the automated, faux Australian accented automated message told me they were open!

I've been let down multiple times now, wanting to indulge in food I believe to be fairly priced and quite good. I just can't understand how time after, they'd want to lose business like this. Those who answer the phone hardly even show that they care for a business they're supposed to be representing while on the clock. I understand they're at a job they hate, believe me I've had my fair share of loathsome jobs, but this is starting to become ridiculous.

Today isn't even a holiday...there is no national reason to close early, and then still, not apologize for the inconvenience.

Two stars for their food but...if this continues to happen, I just don't see that my taste buds and pallet will be enough to keep me going to this...

There are times in life when something happens that is so extraordinary that it’s hard to put into words. Friday 9/12/2025 was one of those times. My wife and I have enjoyed Outback for quite some time. The food is good and consistent, and the service is exceptional. So, as we were contemplating where to go to celebrate our wedding anniversary, we decided on the Ft. Wayne Outback Steak House. Wanting to make it a special occasion, I called early in the day to see if we could make a reservation and to make a special request. I asked the young lady who took my call if I could have them order a dozen roses and have them on our table. An unusual request for sure. She, likely was relatively new, and didn’t know how to answer, so said she would ask someone else. Shortly after, Mark, the manager, came on the phone and was not only encouraging but totally accommodating. When we arrived, the entire staff was aware of our event. Mark met us at the door and took us to a private table in a ‘less traveled’ area, and on our table were the roses and a candle. As I said, the entire staff was extra attentive, and so congratulatory of our marriage success. I had not told them, but it was our 50th anniversary. Being married to an angel for 50 years is special but Mark and the staff of the Outback Steak House made our day a day we’ll never forget. Thanks Mark and the staff of the Ft. Wayne Outback Steak House. Chuck...

It was good a year ago when I first reviewed it but today it was not. To start with I was greater by someone who I guess was trying to aboriginal by the piercings and white tribal makeup. After being ushered into the bar mind you not a busy day OK. Took our order brought out bread and drinks OK so far. Now the waiting finished the bread and the salads show up. Now the waiting for the entrees a burger and steak and shrimp nothing unusual finished my coke. Quite a while later they show up from my guess was the busboy OK, told him we needed a coke and mustard that was supposed to be on burger. Waited and waited no followup from server. Ended up calling on the phone to get the coke and mustard. Burger was burned beyond recognition steak was ordered medium came out burnt. Expressed disappointment with the meal no manager followup. Finally got the check and waited and waited for pickup. I hope they don't work on tips because I can deal bad food or bad service but not both. All I require is you keep my coke full and stop by every once in a while but that was not the case today. Would not recommend if it was busy or something I could understand but watched the hostess on her phone completely clueless and had to call for service. The restaurant was empty for a reason I...