Outback Steakhouse — Restaurant in Jacksonville

I’m sitting here this morning with my coffee and breakfast, reflecting on my birthday dinner, which was an absolute train wreck. I received an Outback Steakhouse gift card from my employer for my birthday. It is Friday night; my wife and I rarely go out to dinner due to the economic downturn many of us face. We shake off the working day blahs and head out for a celebratory dinner. I should have checked the reviews before choosing this location, but I wasn’t convinced it was necessary. This place has been here alongside Carraba’s for years. We arrived and proceeded through the doors, and my situational awareness immediately noticed the restaurant was not busy for a Friday night. The bar area had the most attendees, and maybe six tables in the dining area were in use. I peeked out at the outdoor dining area and saw just one couple present. We were seated and presented with our menus. Our server arrived to take our appetizer and drink orders and then fiddled with this large-faced electronic menu, which was a massive distraction as it glared brightly in my direction while I was trying to hold conversations with my wife. I finally grabbed it and laid it face-down on the shelf beside me. We bypassed the appetizers as nothing appealed to us and placed our orders; the server brought out a small loaf of bread and what was equivalent to a tablespoon of butter for the entire loaf of bread. I dispensed it to the end and waited for the server to return and request a butter replenishment. As mentioned earlier, the restaurant wasn’t busy, and we could observe all the servers just congregating in the kitchen doorways. By this time, 40 minutes had elapsed, and we hadn’t yet received our first course of salads and soups. It would not have been easy to make room for our meals and sides with the small table if everything had come out at once. We tried to get our server's attention to no avail; she was in deep conversation with her colleagues. When the server finally came to the table, we asked for a manager and expressed our concerns. When the manager arrived, we expressed our concerns, she looked into our concerns. Our soups and salads arrived after the extensive wait, and as dreadful expected, our meals with sides arrived, crowding the table. We maneuvered to the best possible solution and tried to enjoy our meal. The first issue we found was the potato soup; you can look at it and see it was grayish and watery; one spoonful was enough. It wasn't enjoyable. If your clientele can see a problem, a trained chef/cook should be able to identify the issue before serving it. Let me just make this one Point of view: This is Outback Steakhouse, with an emphasis on Steak being your featured dish. The sirloin that was cooked Medium Rare has to have been the worst cut of meat I have ever attempted to eat, where is Gordon Ramsay when you need him. It was tough and chewy and unpleasant. The manager stopped by and asked how it was going, and I was at a loss for words. She said that she saw my body language and expressions. At that point, I voiced my opinion and surrendered my meal as it was not up to my expectation. She asked if I would like something else, and by this time, I had already had enough of the tomfoolery, so I politely declined. She insisted, and I said I had lost my appetite with all that had occurred; while awkward, my wife continued with her meal as we tried to salvage the night. The manager returned to the table, again expressing her apologies, and then stated that the meals were comped and handed us a gift card for our troubles. I truthfully will not return to this location. We gathered our items and proceeded to depart when my wife said,” It was an odd situation leaving without even tipping the server.” My reply was that we can’t give out participation trophies; tips are only for exemplary service. The red flags 🚩 were all over this experience, and we hoped for course correction once we expressed ourselves. Happy...

Title: A Memorable Culinary Journey: My Experience at Outback Steakhouse in Jacksonville, FL

Embarking on a culinary adventure is akin to exploring uncharted territories, where flavors and aromas transport us to new realms of gastronomic delight. One such memorable experience unfolded during my visit to Outback Steakhouse in Jacksonville, FL. Nestled amidst the vibrant cityscape, this renowned establishment offered an exquisite blend of delectable cuisine, warm hospitality, and an ambiance that left an indelible mark on my senses.

I. The Alluring Ambiance: As I stepped into Outback Steakhouse, I was immediately captivated by the inviting atmosphere that enveloped the restaurant. The rustic yet modern décor, adorned with Australian-themed memorabilia, created a unique and immersive dining experience. The dim lighting and cozy seating arrangements exuded an air of intimacy, making it an ideal setting for a memorable evening.

II. The Gastronomic Delights: Outback Steakhouse's menu boasted an impressive array of succulent steaks, seafood delicacies, and mouthwatering appetizers. The tantalizing aroma of sizzling steaks wafted through the air, further piquing my curiosity and anticipation. The knowledgeable and attentive staff guided me through the menu, ensuring that my dining experience would be nothing short of exceptional.

III. The Culinary Masterpieces: The highlight of my visit to Outback Steakhouse was undoubtedly the culinary masterpieces that graced my table. The perfectly cooked, tender steaks were a testament to the expertise of the chefs, who skillfully transformed prime cuts of meat into succulent works of art. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, as the rich juices mingled with the carefully selected seasonings, leaving an unforgettable impression on my palate.

IV. Impeccable Service: Beyond the delectable cuisine, the impeccable service at Outback Steakhouse elevated my dining experience to new heights. The staff's genuine warmth and attentiveness were evident from the moment I entered the restaurant. They catered to my every need, ensuring that my dining experience was seamless and enjoyable. Their knowledge of the menu and willingness to offer recommendations further enhanced my appreciation for the establishment.

V. A Memorable Culinary Journey: My experience at Outback Steakhouse in Jacksonville, FL, was not merely a meal but a journey of culinary discovery. The combination of the inviting ambiance, gastronomic delights, and impeccable service created an unforgettable experience that will forever be etched...

Received a phone call from the owner to remedy the situation. He was very receptive and polite. His reaction to handling the situation below has changed my impression of the restaurant to 5 stars. Thank you!

Our server was rude and made our experience uncomfortable. Once sat, at least ten minutes passed prior to anyone approaching our table. Once visited, the female server did not introduce herself, she just barked what do you want to drink. My husband ordered a Coke and water and I ordered the alcoholic drink flight and water. In response to my flight order she huffed, rolled her eyes, and said, “sure, but that’ll take me a minute.” Her tone was not apologetic, it sounded annoyed and inconvenience. As if she was put out to make me a drink. When ordering our food, we were rushed during our exchange. Before we could finish the word “ribeye” or “filet”, she would cut us off mid word and ask “temperature,” and again before we could tell her the temperature she would then say “side?” Moreover, she had the audacity to snap at my husband when he asked a question about sides, she physically snatched the menu and flipped it open to the page with the sides. I understand feeling rushed, but our bill was $100 so I’m expecting some level of decorum to match the cost of the experience. She could have approached our table initially and opened with an explanation for her rushed/rude behavior. We may have sympathized more. But instead, there was no explanation she just came off as abrasive and unhappy.

I do have to say the hostess was very kind. I think she handled the upfront area very well.

As for the food, the steak was good. But we were disappointed by the blooming onion. The onion was burnt.

Our server just really spoiled the whole experience and why I can only give this...