7 Outback Steakhouse Dishes North Carolinians Avoid & 7 That Are Totally Worth Trying
Outback Steakhouse has a mix of hits and misses, and North Carolinians know which dishes leave them disappointed and which ones keep them coming back.
Some menu items fall flat, lacking the flavor or excitement diners expect, while others deliver bold taste, hearty portions, and that satisfying comfort food feeling.
Exploring the menu with local insight shows where the real flavor lives and which plates make a meal worth savoring every single time.
1. Toowoomba Pasta
Pasta at a steakhouse? North Carolinians know better! The Toowoomba Pasta often arrives disappointingly lukewarm with a cream sauce that’s way too heavy even for comfort food enthusiasts.
The shrimp tends to be overcooked and rubbery, while the mushrooms soak up too much oil.
For a state that appreciates authentic Italian food from places like Charlotte’s historic Italian district, this Aussie-Italian fusion simply falls flat.
2. Brisbane Caesar Salad
Salad lovers beware! The Brisbane Caesar consistently underwhelms with its wilted romaine and sparse toppings.
Many locals report receiving soggy croutons that clearly sat in dressing too long. The dressing itself lacks the garlicky punch that makes a Caesar worth ordering.
North Carolina has fantastic farm-fresh produce available year-round, so locals know they can find much better salads elsewhere for less money than this disappointing starter.
3. Bloomin’ Fried Chicken
Don’t be fooled by the Bloomin’ branding! This chicken dish promises the flavors of their famous onion but delivers a confusing mess instead.
The breading often separates from the chicken, creating a disappointing eating experience. The sauce lacks the distinctive Bloomin’ Onion taste that made you order it in the first place.
In a state known for excellent fried chicken traditions, North Carolinians recognize this as a poor imitation that’s not worth the calories or cost.
4. Aussie Cheese Fries
Greasy disappointment alert! These fries quickly turn soggy under the weight of melted cheese, bacon bits, and ranch dressing.
What starts as promising comfort food becomes an unappetizing mess halfway through. The portion size is excessive even for sharing, and the cheese sauce lacks flavor depth.
North Carolinians who enjoy the loaded fries at local sports bars find these pale in comparison, with the ranch dressing often making everything uncomfortably wet and lukewarm.
5. Queensland Chicken & Shrimp Pasta
Another pasta miss! The Queensland combination sounds promising but consistently disappoints with its bland cream sauce and skimpy protein portions.
The pasta itself often arrives overcooked, while the vegetables seem like an afterthought.
North Carolinians who appreciate the state’s thriving food scene know that if you’re craving pasta, you’re better off visiting a dedicated Italian restaurant where pasta isn’t just a menu afterthought.
6. Steakhouse Mac & Cheese
Skip this lackluster side dish that fails to deliver on its promising name. The pasta often arrives overcooked and mushy, swimming in a bland cheese sauce that lacks depth or complexity.
For a state that takes its comfort food seriously, this mac & cheese is a major letdown.
North Carolina barbecue joints serve mac & cheese with more flavor and character. The breadcrumb topping typically arrives soggy rather than crispy, making this a definite pass.
7. The Bloomin’ Burger®
Sounds exciting, tastes disappointing! This burger topped with Bloomin’ Onion petals and spicy sauce often arrives with a dry, overcooked patty that no amount of toppings can save.
The Bloomin’ Onion pieces get soggy quickly, losing their signature crunch.
In a state with amazing burger joints from Asheville to Wilmington, North Carolinians know they can find juicier, more flavorful options elsewhere without the steep chain restaurant price tag.
8. Alice Springs Chicken®
Cheese lovers rejoice! This grilled chicken breast smothered in mushrooms, crispy bacon, and melted Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses hits all the right notes.
The honey mustard sauce adds a perfect sweet-tangy balance. Even picky eaters clean their plates when this dish arrives.
North Carolinians appreciate that it’s consistently well-executed across locations, making it a reliable choice when you’re not in the mood for steak but still want something satisfying.
9. Kookaburra Wings®
Finger-licking good! These wings arrive perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside.
The mild version packs plenty of flavor without overwhelming heat, but brave souls should try the hot option for a serious kick.
North Carolinians know good wings, and these hold their own against local favorites.
The blue cheese dressing served alongside is creamy and tangy, making these an excellent starter to share or even a meal on their own with a cold beer.
10. Bone-In Ribeye
Carnivores unite! This 18-ounce masterpiece delivers everything you want in a steakhouse experience. The marbling creates a buttery texture that practically melts in your mouth with each bite.
Seasoned perfectly and cooked exactly to order, this cut impresses even North Carolina’s most discerning meat lovers.
The bone enhances flavor during cooking, resulting in a rich, beefy taste that rivals much pricier steakhouses. Worth every penny for special occasions!
11. Bloomin’ Onion®
Crispy, golden, and absolutely enormous, this iconic appetizer lives up to its legendary status!
The petals pull apart effortlessly, revealing a perfectly cooked interior that strikes the ideal balance between soft and firm. North Carolinians who appreciate good value love that one Bloomin’ Onion feeds the whole table.
The spicy signature dipping sauce has just enough kick without overwhelming your taste buds before the main course arrives.
12. Outback Center-Cut Sirloin
Budget-friendly excellence! This leaner cut delivers impressive flavor without breaking the bank.
Seasoned with Outback’s signature blend and seared to perfection, it satisfies steak cravings without the ribeye price tag.
North Carolinians appreciate that it’s consistently tender despite being a leaner cut.
Paired with a baked potato and fresh steamed veggies, it’s a solid meal that leaves you satisfied but not stuffed. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something nice without going overboard.
13. Gold Coast Coconut Shrimp
Tropical paradise on a plate! These plump shrimp wear a golden coconut crust that delivers the perfect crunch with every bite. The coconut flavor is present but not overwhelming, striking an ideal balance.
The Marmalade dipping sauce adds a sweet-tangy contrast that North Carolinians find addictive.
Even seafood skeptics enjoy this appetizer, making it perfect for sharing with the table. Just be prepared to order a second round because they disappear quickly!
14. Chocolate Thunder From Down Under®
Sweet tooth satisfaction guaranteed! This warm pecan brownie topped with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge sauce, and chocolate shavings creates the perfect temperature contrast in every spoonful.
The brownie maintains its chewy texture without being underbaked. North Carolinians appreciate that it’s consistently excellent across locations, making it a reliable choice to end your meal on a high note.
Large enough to share but so good you might want your own!