Outback Steakhouse — Restaurant in Lake Forest

In the tranquil town of Lake Forest, nestled amidst sprawling woodlands and shimmering lakes, stood the Outback Stakehouse. It was a place where the rustic charm of the wilderness met the warmth of a community hub. The Stakehouse was known for its hearty meals, roaring fireplace, and the stories that seemed to seep from its very walls. Among the myriad of tales, one stood out: the story of Kyle.

Kyle was a quiet man with a soul that resonated deeply with nature. He had moved to Lake Forest seeking solace from a world that had grown too loud and too fast. The Outback Stakehouse quickly became his sanctuary, a place where he could blend into the background yet feel a part of something larger.

Every evening, Kyle would take his usual seat by the fireplace, a worn leather armchair that seemed to mold perfectly to his frame. The crackling fire provided a symphony of comfort, and the flickering flames mirrored the tumultuous thoughts that often danced in his mind. It was here that he found the peace he so desperately sought.

Kyle had a gentle presence that drew people in. He wasn’t one to speak much, but when he did, his words were like drops of wisdom, carefully chosen and deeply meaningful. The patrons of the Stakehouse came to appreciate his quiet strength and the way he listened without judgment. He had a way of making everyone feel heard, even when he said very little.

One particularly cold winter evening, the Stakehouse was bustling with activity. The storm outside raged, making the warmth inside even more cherished. Kyle sat in his usual spot, lost in thought, when a young woman named Emily entered, soaked and shivering. She had recently moved to Lake Forest and was struggling to find her footing.

Kyle noticed her discomfort and, in his gentle way, offered her his seat by the fire. He fetched a warm blanket and a cup of hot cocoa, actions that spoke louder than any words could. Emily was touched by his kindness and found herself opening up to him about her fears and the loneliness she felt in this new place.

As the weeks passed, Kyle and Emily formed a bond that was both profound and healing. They would often sit together by the fire, sharing stories of their pasts and dreams for the future. Emily found comfort in Kyle’s presence, and Kyle found a sense of purpose in helping her navigate her new life.

The Outback Stakehouse became a beacon of hope for Emily, much like it had been for Kyle. The community there embraced her, and she began to feel like she belonged. Kyle’s quiet support and the warmth of the Stakehouse had given her the strength to start anew.

One spring morning, as the first light of dawn kissed the forest, Kyle left the Stakehouse for a walk. He had always been drawn to the serenity of the woods, where he felt most at peace. But this time, he didn’t return. Hours turned into days, and the town grew worried.

The community rallied together, searching the forests and lakes for any sign of him. Emily, now a cherished member of the Statehouse family, led the search with a heavy heart. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Kyle had become more than just a friend; he was her anchor.

Days later, a search party found Kyle’s journal near a secluded lakeside spot he often visited. The pages were filled with reflections, dreams, and his profound love for nature. The last entry spoke of finding a place where his soul felt truly at peace, a place where he could finally rest.

Though Kyle was never found, his spirit lingered in the Outback Stakehouse. The community he had touched so deeply carried his memory with them. Emily, inspired by Kyle’s quiet strength, took on the role of the listener and healer at the Statehouse, honoring the legacy of the man who had given her hope.

The Outback Stakehouse remained a sanctuary for many, a place where the echoes of Kyle’s kindness could still be felt. And in the heart of Lake Forest, amidst the whispering trees and gentle lakes, the story of Kyle lived on, a testament to the profound impact one soul can...

I was surprised there were reviews of the service being attentive and knowledgeable. I had been given the opposite. First off, I was a woman, alone. Maybe that’s the reason, that servers want to serve mostly men or big groups that contain men.

Anyway, I arrived at 3 pm, and it took a very long time to get my glass of water. I was pleasant, not demanding or talking loud. That could have made my servers also keep away?

A told three people, may I have a glass of water. The waitress didn’t give me a complete menu. I told her I hadn’t been at Outback for over a decade.

She didn’t explain the menu. I said I saw commercials, wasn’t there a special? She went away and brought me an additional menu. Then disappeared for about 10 min. May I mention, the restaurant was pretty empty, it being after 3 pm, so where did she go? It was after 4 pm when I got my order in.

And I wanted an alcoholic beverage, not just plain water. She came back, I ordered mid-range on the menu. and a mild alcoholic beverage.

She wasn’t aware of that drink. She was totally baffled and didn’t ask me to speak louder. I pointed to the item on the menu. A White Claw. I asked for ice in a separate glass, and some additional water.

Well my appetizer came, and it was too hot. It was soup and I barely ate it. Thank goodness my ice in a separate glass came, and my White Claw in the can, and a frosted mug. I asked for more water, but they never refilled it.

I liked the bread, and how they served it. The bread guy was humorous.

My stead and side was scary, because it had just the meat and the sweet potato. No sauce, no garnish. So dry. I go to steak houses, and they usually try to give better presentation.

I did not get the one check up after one bite “how is your meal” at any time. I did not get an offer for steak sauce either.

I never got my second glass of water. I wanted to order more food, but the waitress was just gone.

I decided I was going to get my dessert, eat and pay. The plates were just piled up around me. Never had that happen before.

The waitress finally came back. I said may I have more water. And I was ready for dessert. She did take away just one plate, and all the cutlery. I have still a mess around me.

She came back with my dessert in a plastic take away box. But no fork. And my check to pay. And still no water.

I told the host station, I needed a fork. He looked at me puzzled. I pointed to the boxed dessert and made eating motions for a fork, drinking motions for a drink. He said ok and walked away.

The waitress came back. I said I wanted a fork. She asked why.

I felt so disrespected. I spoke slowly. “See this dessert? I want a fork for the dessert.”

I never was asked to speak up, and I think this waitress and the host were so confused that I wanted a fork.

I got another 5 minute wait. The waitress came with a plastic fork. I ate my dessert. I took out my credit card. I was looking what now? Will the waitress come to take my payment, or do I go to the host stand?

I gathered my things. I was going to pay at the host stand. It was 5 pm, and people started coming in. I was there since 3 pm.

I have to use a cane, so I slowly pulled myself up. The waitress came to take my payment. I think she didn’t know I was handicapped. I said I wanted my husband to come, but he didn’t want to come here. I wanted a chance to see how this restaurant operated. Why did you give me my dessert in a to go box? Why didn’t I get a refill of water? The restaurant was empty, but I wasn’t given any attention?

She said she forgot about me. I felt like crying. I said I am sorry to burden you with my personal problems. (I was sincere. I felt like a doormat and a burden.).

I gave her a 15% tip. I left. Maybe I should have called for the manager? I didn’t want to be a Karen. I was a sad customer from my experience. I didn’t enjoy my dining experience.

I may try the Outback at another location. I think Stewart Anderson Black Angus would have my business...

I had a paranormal experience at Outback Steakhouse. This is my story. So, I don't usually leave reviews, but this experience has truly changed my life. My grandfather was Australian and loved Outback more than anything in the world, even me. He passed away a few weeks ago and yesterday morning I felt a strange and sudden urge to eat at this establishment. As soon as I walked in the door, the host, Maddie, welcomed me in with the traditional Australian greeting, "G'day mate!" I was nearly moved to tears by this vivacious young woman's dedication to her culture. After I was seated, my server came and took my order. He seemed a little confused about my being there, asking me which host had seated me. When I told him it was Maddie who had helped me, his eyes grew wide and he said, "But... She's... She died here a few hours ago." He was obviously a little prankster, but I found him charming. I asked the yummy young man where the bathroom was and he said, "I don't think you want to do that..." I responded, "I don't think you want me to take a steaming dump on the seat!" Shaking, he pointed to the bathroom door and cryptically warned me not to read anything in there. By now, I was a little nervous but my petite bladder was about to burst, so I went in (I appreciate the accommodations made for me, it's very hard to have a naturally petite tiny frame in this day and age). I was horrified to see something written on the mirror in bloom sauce! I was distracted by the scrumptious scent and read out the writing three times by accident! "MADDIE TON, MADDIE TON, MADDIE TON." The whole bathroom began violently shaking and bloom sauce began squirting out of every orifice in the room! All of a sudden, a supernaturally bodacious figure materialized behind me in the mirror. To my amazement, it was Maddie, my ghost host! I was stunned, and couldn't speak, although I did take the opportunity to sample some delicious bloom sauce from the bathroom counter. The ghost of Maddie put a hand on my shoulder and led me over to the handicapped stall where THE GHOST OF MY GRANDFATHER WAS WAITING FOR ME!! Maddie Ton and Outback Steakhouse helped me have one last special moment with my grandfather and I will be eternally grateful. I would like to apologize to the living staff because I couldn't hold it any longer, runny poop dripping down my leg as I left the restaurant with my...