Outback Steakhouse — Restaurant in Wilkes-Barre Township

This will be a long review because its a two part story, but its well worth the read if you wanna know how to feel about Outback Steakhouse at the Arena Hub Plaza.

A few weeks ago, while out at a Karaoke Bar I ran into a lovely young woman by the name of Alea. We struck up a conversation and when we got to the point of asking where each other worked, she told me Outback Steakhouse, to which I said something along the lines of "I'm sorry..."

She asked me why I would say that and I explained to her that I havent been to an Outback Steakhouse in at least 20 years. I told her my last 2 experiences at Outback were less than pleasing, with poor quality food, dark, barley lit dining rooms that felt more like a dungeon than a cozy restaurant experience, and lackluster service where the waiters/waitresses seemed more annoyed to have to take orders than anything else. Those bad experiences really took a toll and kept me away from Outback for almost 2 decades.

Alea was shocked and told me thats not at all how her Outback is. It had a cozy atmosphere with a crew of servers and bartenders who treat each other like family and try their best to give customers a nice experience. She said if they give poor service then they get poor tips in return so there is no reason to not give a great experience. So, with such a gleaming review from an off duty Outback employee who had no reason to talk so highly of her work place unless she really believed it, I decided to give Outback a second chance and invited 2 friends to join me.

I just got home and HAD to write this review, first to apologize to Outback for having such awful memories for 20 years. Second because, Alea was 100% correct.

Our waitress tonight was so much fun! Her name was Roxanne (easy to remember because of the Police's hit song by the same name "Roxanne"). Roxanne explained the one deal I had found online, went over some different options, helped us pick the right cut of meat based on our preferences, was on top of our drink refills, never making us have to ask, they were just always full. Roxanne handled our playful conversation with her like a true professional as we joked around with her. All of our order was correct and came out timely. She offered us boxes, and was quite honestly one of the best servers Ive had in a long time, anywhere. My 2 friends agreed.

If Alea didnt win me over with her glowing critisism of Outback, then Roxannes excellent service and wonderful smile sure did!

The food was absolutelt delicious as well. The blooming onion was not greasy and soggy like I remember, my rare steak was perfectly rare, and the loaded baked potato didnt skimp on toppings. My friends food also came out exactly as ordered and hot.

I actually feel rather foolish having avoided Outback for so long, but am glad I have a new-old place to add back into our weekly dinner get-togethers.

5 stars for the food but more importantly, 5 stars for Alea and Roxanne. People truly make or break an experience eating out. And these young ladies sure did leave a...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Outback Steakhouse, and I must say, it was an outstanding experience from start to finish. From the moment I walked through the door, I was greeted with warm smiles and a genuine sense of hospitality. The restaurant's inviting atmosphere and friendly staff set the stage for an unforgettable evening.

First and foremost, the food at Outback Steakhouse was absolutely phenomenal. Every dish we ordered was cooked to perfection, bursting with flavor, and presented beautifully. The steaks were tender and juicy, the seafood was fresh and succulent, and the sides were deliciously seasoned. It was evident that the chefs take great pride in their craft, as each bite was a true delight for the taste buds.

However, what truly stood out during our visit was the impeccable service provided by the entire staff,Especially Jordan our server led by an exceptional manager. They were attentive, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond to ensure our dining experience was nothing short of extraordinary. The manager was visible throughout the restaurant, ensuring that every guest was well taken care of and that the staff was delivering top-notch service. His dedication to creating a positive and memorable experience for each customer was truly commendable.

Now, let's talk about the manager’s shirt. They were not only professional but also stylish and well-fitted. The managers' uniforms exuded a sense of authority and sophistication, perfectly reflecting the high standards set by Outback Steakhouse. The attention to detail in their attire, from the crisp shirts to the well-tailored pants, added an extra touch of elegance to the overall dining experience. It was evident that the managers took pride in their appearance, which further enhanced the restaurant's ambiance.

In conclusion, Outback Steakhouse exceeded my expectations in every aspect. The delectable food, exceptional service, and the managers' impeccable shirt all contributed to an unforgettable dining experience. I highly recommend Outback Steakhouse to anyone seeking a top-notch steakhouse experience with a touch of elegance. Kudos to the entire team, including the managers, for their dedication...

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) I probably should have gone to Ruth's Chris for my steak dinner...my bad. Let's just say they should remove the word "Steakhouse" from their restaurant name and just call it Outback--now there's less of an expectation! A great Steakhouse knows how to cook a bacon-wrapped filet mignon...no quizzical stares like a deer in the headlights, no stuttering, no "let me ask the manager". No other questions need to be asked save for " what temperature would you like for your fillet." A reputable Steakhouse also lists that option, the bacon-wrapped fillet, right on the menu and the recommended crowns for any filet or steak. That being said, I understand an upcharge.... perhaps $2.50...but $5 for one slice of bacon?! 🤢 Come on...it wasn't even thick cut or a specialty slice of bacon, pork belly, or guanciale...that is outrageous even in this economy. As of 2022, a pound of sliced bacon retailed for around 6.96 U.S. dollars. This figure constitutes a decrease of 3.5% compared to the price in 2021. NONE of their steaks were aged to generate the full robust flavor of the cut. Aging beef involves storing meat at refrigerated temperatures to enhance tenderness and flavor. There are two choices for aging beef, wet and dry aging. The sirloins my daughters ordered were almost as tough as shoe leather....sad but true. The circumference had a very fatty gristle which turned the middle daughter off immediately. She asked for a box to take it home to feed the stray cats that visit our property from time to time... Now, the fully loaded brussel sprouts came out fine but were slightly over charred. I did, however, like the touch of jalapeno--it gave the side a rather nice bite. The fully loaded baked potato was delicious as was the lobster tail as part of the surf and turf. Oh, and the Bloomin' Onion was fresh, hot, but the sauce did have a touch too much horseradish ...try smoked paprika and it should kick it up...