Outback Steakhouse is an Australian-themed casual dining chain focused on grilled steaks, ribs, and seafood
Outback Steakhouse operates as a full-service restaurant where you sit at a table, order from a server, and pay after your meal. The chain has over 600 locations across the United States and several other countries. The restaurant's design uses Australian imagery and décor, though the menu and service model are standard American casual dining.
The core menu centers on beef: steaks in various cuts and sizes, grilled ribs, and seafood items like shrimp and fish. Most entrées come with two sides — typically a choice of baked potato, fries, rice, or vegetables. Outback also serves burgers, chicken dishes, and appetizers. Prices for entrées generally range from $12 to $30 depending on the cut and size of meat you order.
The restaurant operates on a walk-in and reservation basis. During peak hours (dinner on Friday and Saturday), wait times can extend beyond an hour if you do not have a reservation. Outback's website and phone line allow you to reserve a table in advance or check current wait times at your nearest location.
Key Takeaways
- Outback Steakhouse specializes in grilled steaks and ribs served with two sides, with entrée prices typically between $12 and $30.
- The restaurant is full-service with table seating, a server who takes your order, and payment after your meal — not counter-service or fast casual.
- Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends, because walk-in wait times often exceed one hour during peak hours.
- The menu includes appetizers, soups, salads, and desserts in addition to the main entrée selections.
- Outback locations vary in hours and may have different specials or promotions, so checking your local restaurant's details before visiting is useful.
How the ordering and payment process works
When you arrive, a host or hostess seats you at a table. A server brings water and bread (usually complimentary) and takes your drink and appetizer order. You then order your entrée from the menu. The server brings your food when it is ready and checks on you during the meal.
At the end, the server brings your check to the table. You pay either by handing cash or a card to the server, or by using a digital payment device at the table if the location has one. Tipping is customary in the United States and is typically 15 to 20 percent of the bill before tax. Unlike fast-casual restaurants, you do not order at a counter or pick up your own food.
Entrée options and what comes with them
Outback's entrée menu is built around grilled beef. Steak cuts include ribeye, filet mignon, New York strip, and sirloin, offered in different sizes. Rib options include baby back ribs and bone-in ribs, sold as a full rack or half rack. Prices increase with the size and cut of meat — a smaller sirloin costs less than a larger ribeye.
Each entrée comes with your choice of two sides. Standard sides include a baked potato, French fries, a loaded baked potato, rice pilaf, seasonal vegetables, or a house salad. Some entrées come with a specific side included, and you choose the second one. The menu also lists chicken dishes, fish and shrimp options, and burgers, which follow the same two-sides format.
Appetizers are ordered separately and arrive before your entrée. Common appetizers include Bloomin' Onion (a fried onion flower), shrimp, calamari, and dips. Soups and salads are also available as starters. Desserts include items like chocolate cake, cheesecake, and seasonal offerings, and are ordered after your meal if you want them.
Making a reservation and managing wait times
Outback accepts reservations through its website, by phone at the individual restaurant location, or through third-party reservation platforms. You provide your name, party size, and preferred time. The restaurant holds the reservation for a set window — typically 15 minutes — so arriving close to your reserved time is important.
If you walk in without a reservation, a host will give you an estimated wait time. During slow periods (lunch on weekdays, early dinner), waits are often 15 to 30 minutes or none at all. During peak times (Friday and Saturday dinner, holidays), waits frequently exceed one hour. The host can add you to the waitlist and give you a buzzer or text you when your table is ready.
Outback's website shows wait times at many locations in real time, which can help you decide whether to visit now or come back later. Some locations also allow you to join the waitlist online before you arrive, reducing the time you spend in the lobby.
Pricing and what affects the total cost
Entrée prices at Outback typically fall between $12 and $30. A smaller sirloin steak or chicken dish might cost $14 to $18, while a larger ribeye or filet mignon can cost $24 to $30. Appetizers range from $8 to $15. Soups and salads are usually $6 to $12. Desserts typically cost $6 to $9.
Your total bill includes the cost of food, any drinks you order (soft drinks, alcohol, coffee), tax, and tip. Tax varies by state and location but is typically 7 to 10 percent of the subtotal. Tip is added on top of the after-tax total. A meal for one person with an entrée, one appetizer, and a soft drink might total $35 to $50 before tip; with tip, the total could reach $40 to $60.
Outback occasionally runs promotions or early-bird specials at certain times of day, which can lower the price of specific entrées. Checking the restaurant's website or calling ahead can tell you whether a promotion is active on the day you plan to visit.
Dietary restrictions and menu modifications
Outback's menu includes options for common dietary needs. Grilled chicken and fish are available for those avoiding red meat. Vegetable sides can be substituted for the standard sides, and salads are listed on the menu. The restaurant can prepare dishes without certain ingredients if you inform your server — for example, a steak without butter or a dish prepared without garlic.
If you have a severe food allergy, inform your server before ordering. The server can tell you which dishes contain the allergen or connect you with a manager who has access to ingredient information. Outback does not maintain a published allergen menu on its website, so speaking directly with staff is the most reliable way to confirm whether a dish is safe for you.
The restaurant does not specialize in vegan or gluten-free cooking, though some items can be modified. A baked potato with vegetables and no butter, or a grilled protein with steamed vegetables, are possible, but the menu is not designed around these restrictions.
Atmosphere and what to wear
Outback's interior uses Australian décor — wood, animal imagery, and themed artwork — but the overall atmosphere is casual and family-friendly. The noise level is typically moderate to loud, especially during busy times. The restaurant welcomes families with children and has a kids' menu with smaller portions and lower prices.
Dress code is casual. Jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers are standard. Business casual or nicer casual clothing is also appropriate. The restaurant does not enforce a formal dress code, though extremely casual clothing (beachwear, athletic wear) may feel out of place during dinner hours.
Outback locations vary in size and layout. Some are larger with multiple dining rooms; others are smaller with a single main dining area. All have a bar area separate from the dining room, where you can sit if you prefer, though this area is typically louder and more crowded during peak hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation, or can I just walk in?
You can walk in without a reservation, but expect a wait during dinner hours, especially on weekends. A reservation guarantees you a table at your chosen time and is recommended if you want to avoid waiting. Many locations show real-time wait times online, so you can check before you arrive.
What is the Bloomin' Onion and is it worth ordering?
The Bloomin' Onion is a large fried onion cut to look like a flower, served with a dipping sauce. It is Outback's signature appetizer and is designed to be shared. Whether it is worth ordering depends on whether you enjoy fried appetizers; it is high in calories and salt, so it is not a light option.
Can I bring my own alcohol or is there a corkage fee?
Outback does not allow outside alcohol. The restaurant has a full bar and serves beer, wine, and cocktails. Prices for drinks vary by location but typically range from $5 to $12 for beer or wine and $8 to $14 for cocktails.
How long does a typical meal take from arrival to leaving?
If you have a reservation or no wait, expect 60 to 90 minutes from the time you sit down to the time you leave. This includes time for ordering, food preparation, eating, and paying. If you add an appetizer and dessert, the meal may take closer to two hours.
Does Outback offer takeout or delivery?
Most Outback locations offer takeout through their website or by phone. Some locations partner with third-party delivery services like DoorDash or Uber Eats. Takeout prices are the same as dine-in prices, though the quality of grilled items may differ when transported. Check your local restaurant's website to confirm which options are available.