Outback Steakhouse — Restaurant in Gastonia

Birthday Dinner with my son- I went for the advertised steak and lobster on the television but I didn’t find it at the restaurant so I ordered the steak and BBQ ribs with loaded baked potato and salad but they gave me the potato soup instead ? the fried mushrooms with ranch? I expected a spicey ranch but was salad ranch, unsweet tea and Diet Coke and chicken tenders with broccoli and potato soup. The steak had a kind of pepper spice that was so overwhelming I couldn’t swallow it- they remade it taking 45 minutes and it was a smaller piece like 1/3 of my original piece, she had me cut it, I did and it was enough meat for possibly three bites, but I was disappointed and they had tried to somewhat make it without the pepper seasoning? But My son had already finished eating so I couldn’t eat now since my loaded potato was cold, dry and hard, i tried the taste but similar taste to the first just not as much. The mushrooms should have had the blooming onion dip but it was plain ranch that wasn’t up to par to match the spice the mushrooms were fried in, not to mention the amount of burning grease that released in your mouth with every chew (I surely had blisters on the roof of my mouth and tonsils.) When did outback turn into an esophageal burning experience? The spare ribs looked presentable and yummy but all I bit was greasy fat smothered with a horrible sauce. I was displeased with my meal at around $30 + $4 unsweet tea drink (no refill) $9 mushrooms, the chicken tender were not eye appealing they were the smallest slices of chicken ever and fried together like an octopus by accident I’m hoping because for $27 it was Not a kids meal but it looked like it (my son is 20) the broccoli was mushy and brown shriveled looked old and not ate! But both of us quite enjoyed the potato soup in its ultra tiny finger bowl plate! He did drink 3 sodas. And the Bread rather small sized was yummy. I did use the bathroom to wash my hands and get some wet paper towels because all they offered was cloth at the table and had to walk across the whole restaurant (I didn’t know where the bathroom was at front so I walked toward back and had to go all the way upfront.) let me tell you the FLOORS are wood, no rugs and there is a OIL coating them and I wear a brace on my leg with a sneaker shoe! I almost fell 3 times because the floor is so slippery- I walked on my toes as best I could! Be careful! All in all I did eat pieces and tastes of what normally is considered a great meal in my head. It ruined my birthday dinner sort of but I did have the time alone with my son and that was a plus and laughter because once one thing went wrong it seemingly proved the roll down hill continued for us. But good news the restaurant was pretty busy for a Thursday night before closing. I am assuming that means other people have had a great experience. I am confident that the staff was what keeps the customers coming because they were pleasant and more than one took care of the tables at a time. Still Not worth the cost in taste alone $100.00. Sorry not sorry I was wishing I had chose a different...

I have tried this location again and again as a reprieve and still the dinner services haven't been up to the "standard" that I feel Outback Steakhouse tries to impress upon people. I have dined at the Gastonia location on many occasions and on most of those occasions the food hasn't been cooked to order and when returned to the kitchen to be redone has come back wrong again.

However, I would like to write about my latest dining experience tonight. I ordered for myself and my family the Outback Special with steamed vegetables, Filet and Grilled Shrimp, Kid Burger and one Chicken finger. My order came with the Caesar salad which had light dressing on it and the waiter didn't come by in time for me to have the salad fixed. My steak wasn't cooked to order and had a negligible amount of flavor to it, also the steak was slightly warm and very tough to cut. My son's burger was very dry and lukewarm and his fries were cool so he didn't eat his entire meal.

When the waiter came by I informed him about my steak and he notified the Service Manager, she came over and asked if there was anything else they could do for me or if I would like a replacement but I didn't feel like waiting for a replacement and also I've gotten tired of the food being returned constantly and not knowing what to expect when the food arrives again. So, I told her no and she removed my entree from the bill.

I would like to think that my experiences are atypical and other diners are having a more enjoyable experience but I don't feel that is the case with this location. I have been to the Outback Steakhouse in Huntersville on several occasions and not once had an issue with the food or the service but Gastonia is closer to me.

So in closing I wanted to share with you one diner's experience from many that used to frequent this establishment. But no more, I'm done because this location is as bad as it gets. Save your time and money and go to the Longhorn in Gastonia if you're in this area and looking for great customer service and steaks...

Update 1/10/25✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

I felt that it was only right that I come back to update you all from my previous post!! Not only did I get a follow-up email but the Manager Ms. Gwen also called Me!! 🥰🥰 In the midst of our 1st Winter storm of the season, I can honestly say that she went waaaaaaay above and beyond to make things right! My heart is full and I am truly grateful and thankful for Outback! Her actions spoke volumes about how they value their customers. Thank you again Ms.Gwen, as my husband and I watch the snow fall...we will be enjoying our yummy dinner from Outback. ❤️❤️

01/04/25*Outback missed the mark today!! 😢 They are usually on it every step of the way! Ordered wings tonight as a take-out. I get ther, and the young Lady brings my food out and I immediately noticed the bag was too light. My wings a day Cucumbers was all that was in the bag. There was no Blu cheese, there was no bread, there was no butter, no napkins or utensils. 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ I tell the young lady and she comes back with cold bread, and a teeny tiny cup of blue cheese. I also ordered ranch. I asked if I could purchase a larger cup. She said that she would go to get my items herself. She comes back, "this is her 3rd trip to my car mind you" 🥴 The cup had spillage on the side, I didn't want it all in my car, so before I could reach in my glove compartment for a napkin SHE HAD TAKEN THE SLEEVE OF HER JACKET AND WIPED THE DRESSING OFF!! 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️😒😒🤔 At this point I was just done. I will have to wait for a while before I go back! I was very disappointed. If working the take-outs, the person running should always make sure that the items in the bag matches the ticket! Save some steps and time. We should all practice working smart and not hard!! Her tip could have been much larger... I was actually considering not tipping at all but my conscience would not allow it, not to mention she kept at it till I had what I ordered. Sorry Outback 😞😔 but it wI'll be a while before I come...