Outback Steakhouse — Restaurant in Panama City

On Monday, 5 days before Valentine's day 2020 I made reservations for 5:00. They even assured me several days later that my reservation was put in the system. I really like Outback so was excited.

Much to our disappointment, it took us 20 minutes to find a parking spot (a space for military) entered the restaurant at 4:45 and figured it was fine, because we had reservations. The place was packed and we finally made it to the hostess station. She provided a buzzer, but after an hour it never went off. Checked back twice after that and asked where we were on the list. Number 68 but she said it would be around a 1/2 hours. It was a total madhouse, but we were lucky enough to find two seats at the bar where we ordered two very expensive drinks. When I asked the bartender why, with reservations, we were not seated he said they don't guarantee reservations. Really....why didn't anyone mention that to me. I definitely would have changed my plans. I was able to stop a waitress awhile later and noticed several large areas that were not being used and asked why, and if they were seating people without reservations. One of the times I went to check I heard several people say they did not and were given buzzers. I watched as both of these parties were seated while we were at the bar. : {

At 7:00 we finally left. I wasted a lot of time and was very angry.

I blame the Manager The scheduling was abysmal and he is definitely over his head when it comes to "special holiday" planning. Thank you for ruining our evening.

I can only conclude that Outback doesn't care about anything but the benjamins. Before Bonefish left the area we used to go there on Valentines Day. Never had an issue with our reservations...and they were always at 5:00....

My family and I went here for mother's day. We arrived at 3:45pm. The host said it would be about a half an hour wait. We were actually called to sit down at 5:00pm (1:15 minutes) right at 45 minutes longer than told. Once sat our server (Gabby) greeted us with a smile and was very pleasant. We already knew what we wanted after waiting so long we ordered our appetizers and dinner right then. It took right at 30 minutes to get the apps. Gabby repeatedly checked on them and us giving us more drinks and bread. At 6:40 we finally had our meal brought to us. (1:40 minutes later) yes I said it (1:40 wow) brother in law's chicken was so dry and tough he could not eat it. The rest of our food was good. The manager Madison must have checked on our food 5 or more times before we received it because she saw that other tables came and left before we were even received ours. She was very nice, apologetic and professional. She and Gabby we're the only reason we stayed. My party included my dad(82) mom(81) sister and b.i.l., my son, wife and myself. Like I said if it would have not been for these two ladies we would have left and never dined here again. BTW, on a day like mother's day I would recommend that all to go orders at least delivery business be temporary stopped. I am sure doing this would have helped the production and satisfaction of your dine in guest. Their were many other disappointed guest sitting around us as well so I'm sure you will hear from several. Thank you for reading this and hope you take it as constructive criticism and use it as a learning tool to improve customer service. Again Gabby and Madison deserve an award for the stress the endured with Grace. ...

I've had an issue with pick up before, but never with dine in. Arrived at 6.04pm, 6.45pm, still no food or offered any bread whilst waiting, yet other tables that arrived after us were having bread brought out, and even got their food before us. 6.50pm the blooming onion came, it was so greasy it slid off the plate. We were given no napkins no side plates and still no bread. My hands were full of grease with nothing to wipe them on. I would have went the bathroom for a paper towel but as we discovered there were not any paper towels in either bathrooms. We mentioned this to a member of staff who was like yeah we're out, same answer when I asked for a napkin to wipe the grease from my hands. I was given a small square napkin from the bar Food finally arrived, mine was burnt, and tough, and my childs was the wrong thing. They took entree off my childs plate and left just the fries. I may have had my food but still no silverware. Total nightmare!

I actually used the contact form using the link in the business almost robot like response! No reply! What a joke!

Update

I ordered curbside last week. Steak was dripping with blood, I called and spoke with a manager.

I gave it another go this evening - not dripping but raw, definitely not well done like I ordered. The baked potato - yes I know it is usually salted but this evening it was completely white the whole food container bottom was white with salt had to rub and shake it all off. When I was throwing my food away I noticed my child's food in the trash when I asked why they said because it was pink inside. A whole waste of food. My order clearly stated well done!When are you going to get it...