Outback Steakhouse — Restaurant in Town of Hempstead

My sons and I had dinner on Friday, March 14th. Since this was an unplanned night out, I forgot to make a reservation anywhere else. We had a bad experience at this location pre-pandemic and we still have yet to use the free Bloomin’ Onion voucher. I hesitated going to this location because I don’t normally like to go back to places that have soured my experience but it was a Friday night during Lent and I figured a steakhouse shouldn’t be packed and this location was 5 minutes from where we were.

I was wrong. They were packed! We were seated all the way to the back where the kitchen is located. We were also seated next to a big family that were loud. Very loud. They complained about everything.

Brad came to introduce himself with a very sunny disposition. He gave us the usual spiel with the specials and the new and exciting additions to their menu. He took our drink orders and came right back with our drinks. After taking our order, he was intercepted by the boisterous bunch who complained that he took one of the orders wrong. Brad handled it calmly and with grace without sacrificing the chance of letting these people know that he did not make a mistake. He showed them the pad he wrote their order on. Thankfully, the confrontational woman accepted fault.

Our meal came in perfect time. We just finished our Bloomin’ Onion (sadly didn’t have the free voucher card on me.) We asked Brad for extra bread and he gave us more without making us feel like we’ve inconvenienced him nor did he make us feel like we were taking more than what each table should be served.

I never finish my meal so we asked for a box to take my food home. He let me know that he gave me a freshly baked bread to take home too. That very act alone turned my experience around. But obviously it was more than that. He handled a complaint from another table quickly and quietly so that the nearby tables did not have a shared bad experience. He also did not allow it to delay our orders.

Brad, I hope your managers can see this. I hope the corporate office can too. You deserve an award AND/OR a reward for the way you work. My sons and I could tell that you were being genuinely hospitable. We felt welcomed and none of our interaction felt fake. Because of you, we are going back to dine at Outback and that’s no small feat. I worked in F&B in very nice high class hotels. I have high expectations and you met them all. Thank you for the experience. My kids and I...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 A Truly Memorable First Visit to Outback Steakhouse – Island Park

We recently stopped by Outback Steakhouse in Island Park for the first time, and I have to say—it exceeded our expectations in every way. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm hospitality and welcoming smiles from the staff. Even though it was our first time dining there, we felt right at home.

One of the best surprises? We were treated to a FREE Bloomin’ Onion, just for being first-time guests! What a great way to start the meal—it was golden, crispy, and seasoned perfectly. It arrived hot and fresh, with that signature Outback dipping sauce that took it over the top. A generous portion, too!

For our mains, we ordered the Ribeye Steak with Grilled Shrimp and added the Coconut Shrimp on the side. The ribeye was cooked exactly how we asked (medium rare), beautifully seared with that chargrilled crust that steak lovers dream about. The inside was juicy, tender, and full of flavor. The grilled shrimp added a delicious, slightly smoky seafood complement to the steak—just the right balance of surf and turf.

But the Coconut Shrimp deserves its own moment of praise: large, perfectly fried, and not greasy at all. The sweet and tangy dipping sauce paired perfectly with the coconut crust, making it one of the standout bites of the night.

The sides were equally satisfying—we had the garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables, both cooked just right. Everything came out promptly, fresh, and beautifully plated.

Service was another big highlight. Our server was attentive without being overbearing, gave great recommendations, and made sure our drinks were always topped off. You could tell they genuinely cared that we had a great experience.

The restaurant itself was clean, with a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere—ideal for both casual dinners and special nights out. Even though Outback is a chain, this location had its own charm, and the staff really went the extra mile to make it feel like a special experience.

We’re already planning to come back and try more of the menu—especially that prime rib we saw going to another table!

Bottom line: If you’re in the Island Park area and craving a satisfying steak dinner in a friendly setting, definitely check out Outback Steakhouse. And if it’s your first time, don’t miss that Bloomin’ Onion—it’s a...

I am an international executive recruiter and I’m always recommending excellent medical facilities, professional organizations and restaurants to people who move to a specific area that I relocate them to for their professional careers. Personally, I happen to love great food and one of my favorite restaurants for many years has been “The Outback Steakhouse”. I have been to over 25 Outback locations over the years and in about 12 different U.S. states and three different countries. There are some really excellent ones, but the best Outback I’ve been to is the one right near where I grew up which is the Outback Steakhouse on Long Beach Rd. in Island Park, New York which is run by the proprietor, Brian who is a perfectionist in serving great food at a great price and providing excellent service by the great people that he hires and trains to make it a very enjoyable and relaxing experience. I was there tonight and the bartender, Vita who has been there for many years makes some phenomenal drinks with a smile and wonderful personality . She made me a phenomenal Pina Colada and my favorite drink that Outback makes which is their own famous “Wallaby Darned” (if you like peach 🍑, you will love this drink) Vita makes it in the blender and I’ve never tasted a drink that I loved more than this one . I highly recommend the Outback Steakhouse in Island Park. I am very selective and it is of the best consistently great restaurants that I’ve gone to since moving back to the greater New York Metropolitan area and the prices for delicious great quality food and drinks are more than reasonable. It also has a great atmosphere and just a very relaxing place to go to with the family, a business associate, a friend or even alone… When you go in there, ask for Vita. She makes the best drinks, but the entire staff there is also excellent Including one of their managers, Brittany and...