Think about it, A family of four strolling down the street, erstwhile fans of trendy, independent restaurants, venturing into the territory of chain restaurants. My husband, two teenagers, and I would ridicule places such as Outback Steakhouse, assuming that only standalone restaurants could produce culinary magic. But our teens, spurred on by the endless procession of food videos on TikTok, begged us to visit chains. So, we tested the waters, trying restaurants such as LongHorn Steakhouse and Bahama Breeze. Then, one evening in Melbourne, Florida, on a Friday evening, we went into Outback Steakhouse both skeptical and questioning. Then there was a dinner that flipped our perceptions on their head, costing just $165 for a banquet that included an appetizer, drinks, and desserts. Here’s why our first Outback experience was a true game-changer.
1. The Total Worth: A $165 Meal for Four
Let’s start with the jaw-dropper: $165 for a family of four, covering an appetizer, two glasses of wine, four entrees, and two desserts. That’s about $41 per person for a steakhouse meal that felt like a special occasion. I’ve paid more for far less at local spots that didn’t deliver half the satisfaction. The value hit us like a pleasant surprise, turning our skepticism into excitement.
This wasn’t about stuffing; it was the whole ambiance generous portions, decent chow, and not a wallet-breaking bill. We’d gorged without the usual wallet cramp. Sure, $165 ain’t cheap, but for a Friday night on the town with all the trimmings, it was a bargain. We were already making plans to come back before we even signed the check.
2. The Irresistible Welcome: Free Bushman Bread
The minute we took our seats, Outback did us proud with their Bushman honey-wheat bread. I need to say that I’d seen versions of this recipe popping up on the internet, so I was really looking forward to it, and warm, molasses-infused loaf did not disappoint me. With a sliver of butter, it was restrainedly sweet and richly flavored, and we tore it into chunks like we’d been famine-stricken for months. Bonus? It’s free, which set the tone for this meal that, from the beginning, felt like a splurge.
My daughter, who’s usually glued to her phone, put it down to focus on the bread. That’s how good it was. It vanished quickly, leaving us eager for what was next. This small touch made us feel welcomed, like Outback was saying, “Relax, you’re in for a treat.”
3. Sipping Smart: Value-Packed Wine and Kids’ Drinks
Drinks can make or break a meal’s budget, but Outback hit the ball out of the park with something for everyone. My husband and I, red wine drinkers, were ecstatic with their selection rosé, chardonnay, cabernet, name it. We had 9-ounce servings of shiraz for $11 a pop, a generous serving that complemented our steaks without breaking the bank.
The kids were not left out either. My daughter enjoyed a $3.50 kiwi-strawberry lemonade, rich in flavor, and my son chose a $3.50 soda with refills. Everyone had something they could enjoy, and the prices appeared to be fair. It is all about such little things that add a specialness and sense of welcome to a family dinner.
4. The Legendary Appetizer: The Bloomin’ Onion Phenomenon
We couldn’t resist ordering the Bloomin’ Onion, Outback’s iconic appetizer. I’d heard about it forever, and its TikTok fame sealed the deal. This massive, hand-cut onion, battered and fried to golden perfection, arrived with a spicy dipping sauce that was pure magic. At $10, it was a showstopper crispy, flavorful, and big enough for three of us (my picky son opted out).
My husband and I were stealing petals at all times, dipping them in this sauce, and badmouthing coming back just for this during happy hour. It was a group dining experience that made everyone laugh and make the dinner an occasion. For ten dollars, it was a steal that set the rest of the night up.
5. Sides Done Right: Crispy Salads and French Onion Soup
Outback’s entrées come with two sides, and we mixed them up. I had a simple, fresh side salad with ranch dressing on the side, which was surprisingly satisfying. My husband replaced one of his sides with a $3 bowl of French onion soup, which we shared. That soup was a revelation: rich broth, melted cheese, all the things you want in a classic.
These sides weren’t just afterthoughts; they complemented our mains perfectly. The salad’s crunch balanced my steak, and the soup added warmth to the meal. I’m already daydreaming about popping in for a soup-and-salad lunch affordable and delicious.
6. The Perfect Steak: My Filet Mignon Experience
A steak lover, I struggled with the menu but settled on the 6-ounce barrel-cut filet mignon for $26. A hearty, tender cut of meat, it was seared to a divine medium-rare, juicy and bursting with flavor. Paired with a loaded baked potato (bacon and cheese galore), it did not fail.
The slice was so large that I had leftovers, and they tasted just as good the next day. As a prime cut, the cost appeared reasonable for the quality. It was the kind of steak that you close your eyes and savor every bite of.
7. TikTok Famous: The Alice Springs Chicken
My daughter, the TikTok foodie of the family, had the Alice Springs Chicken ($21.50 with a loaded mashed potato upgrade). Sautéed mushrooms, bacon, melted cheese, and honey-mustard sauce top this grilled chicken breast, a social media sensation for good reason. It looked as good as those online hits promised, and she devoured every bite.
The loaded mashed potatoes with cheese and bacon for $2 extra were just as satisfying. Her empty plate was all the proof this meal did not let anyone down, mixing sweet, savory, and tangy so close to decadence without costing an arm and a leg.
8. My Son’s Outback Burger: A Steakhouse Patty That Hits Different
My teenage boy, who loves burgers, chose the $13 Outback burger with fries. He’s not an easy one to please, but this medium-cooked, juicy burger with just the right amount of salt and cheese raved about it. “Top-notch,” he told me, the highest praise from a kid who’s had burgers everywhere.
The fries were crispy and plentiful, adding to a meal that proved that you don’t necessarily need steak in order to shine at a steakhouse. Outback’s attention to detail, even on a “plain” burger, was why it was a favorite of his.
9. My Husband’s Gigantic Rib-Eye: A Steak Lover’s Dream
My husband, being the thrill-seeker that he is, ordered the 18-ounce bone-in rib-eye for $31. This gigantic, expertly cooked steak was tender and flavorful, exactly what a rib-eye should be. He had fries and a side salad with it, but after bread and Bloomin’ Onion, he took some home.
The leftovers were just as fine the next day, a compliment to Outback’s freshness. For the quality and quantity of food, $31 was a steal. It was a steak lover’s dream come true.
10. Decadent Desserts: Chocolate Thunder & Tim Tam Brownie Magic
We couldn’t resist having dessert, so we indulged in both: the $10 Chocolate Thunder From Down Under and the $10.50 Tim Tam Brownie Cake. The Chocolate Thunder was a pecan brownie smothered in vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream and was pure bliss. The Tim Tam, with a brownie, peanut butter, chocolate mousse, and caramel-drizzled Tim Tam cookies, was the runner-up.
The Chocolate Thunder stole our hearts with its flawless combination of rich and creamy. At a total price of $20, these desserts were like a rich conclusion to already sensational dinner.
11. The Unforgettable Value: A Meal That Felt Like a Steal
Our $165 bill for all this bread, appetizer, drinks, entrees, sides, and desserts was a shock in the best way. At $41 per person, it was a full-on steakhouse experience without the usual price tag. We’ve spent more on lackluster meals elsewhere, so this felt like hitting the dining jackpot.
12. Reshaping Our View of Chain Restaurants
We were cynics on chains who were outback believers in a night’s worth of dinners. Food, value, and service were all so good we were calling to make our reservations for the next visit when we left. Outback showed that chains can deliver quality and character equal to any local gem.
13. Plans for Future Visits: Happy Hours and Light Lunches
We’re already dreaming of happy hour Bloomin’ Onions and soup-and-salad lunches. Outback’s affordability makes it easy to pop in for casual bites or full feasts, ensuring it’s a new staple in our dining rotation.
14. Outback: Our Go-To for Affordable Indulgence
Outback Steakhouse converted my family into believers. It’s where we now go for high-end steakhouse taste without the splurge. From the tasty Bushman bread to the decadent desserts, every bite was a delight. We can’t wait to go back for more “splurge without the splurge” visits.
