7 Outback Steakhouse Dishes Floridians Should Skip & 7 That Are Actually Worth Ordering

As a Florida native who’s spent countless evenings at Outback Steakhouse (there’s practically one on every corner here!), I’ve learned the hard way which menu items deliver and which fall flat.
Nothing ruins a night out faster than food regret, especially when you’re dropping good money at a steakhouse.
I’ve eaten my way through their menu multiple times and compiled this ultimate guide to help fellow Floridians navigate the highs and lows of our beloved Aussie-themed chain.
1. SKIP: The Blooming Onion’s Greasy Disappointment

I remember my first Blooming Onion experience—the anticipation as that massive fried flower arrived at our table, only to feel my arteries protesting after three bites. While iconic, this appetizer packs a whopping 1,950 calories and enough grease to lubricate a car engine.
The outer petals often arrive crispy, but dig deeper and you’ll find soggy, undercooked layers that leave an unpleasant aftertaste. Plus, the dipping sauce is overwhelmingly salty, masking any natural onion flavor.
For Floridians living in our perpetual summer heat, this heavy starter sits in your stomach like a brick. Save your appetite (and your heartburn medication) for something more worthwhile on the menu that won’t leave you feeling sluggish before your main course even arrives.
2. SKIP: Alice Springs Chicken Quesadillas That Fall Flat

Honey mustard and quesadillas should never be in the same sentence, yet here we are with this misguided fusion attempt. Last month, I ordered these thinking they’d be a lighter option—boy, was I wrong!
The quesadilla arrives drowning in a strange honey mustard sauce that completely overpowers any other flavor. Inside, you’ll find dry chicken pieces that somehow manage to be both overcooked and flavorless, alongside bacon bits that taste more like artificial bacon flavoring than the real thing.
The cheese, which should be the star in any respectable quesadilla, barely makes an appearance. At $13.99, you’re paying premium prices for what amounts to a confused appetizer that can’t decide what cuisine it belongs to. Your taste buds and wallet deserve better treatment.
3. SKIP: Steakhouse Mac & Cheese’s Bland Betrayal

Mac and cheese should be a comfort food slam-dunk, but Outback somehow transforms this simple pleasure into a forgettable side dish. During my last visit with my cheese-loving nephew, we both left disappointed by this lackluster offering.
The pasta often arrives overcooked to the point of mushiness, swimming in a sauce that’s surprisingly bland despite claiming to contain multiple cheeses. That signature crunchy topping you expect? It’s more of a sprinkle than a proper crust, and frequently arrives soggy rather than crisp.
For $7.99, you’re essentially paying for glorified boxed mac with a few breadcrumbs halfheartedly tossed on top. In a state with so many excellent Southern-inspired restaurants, Floridians can find infinitely better mac and cheese elsewhere without the steakhouse markup.
4. SKIP: Chicken Tender Platter’s Boring Basics

Chicken tenders are my guilty pleasure, but Outback’s version fails to justify its $16.99 price tag. These glorified frozen tenders could come from any chain restaurant or grocery store freezer section—there’s absolutely nothing special about them.
The breading lacks seasoning beyond salt, and the chicken inside is often stringy and dry. My teenage daughter, who normally inhales chicken tenders, actually left two on her plate during our last visit—a true testament to their mediocrity.
The accompanying fries are usually lukewarm by the time they reach your table, and the honey mustard dipping sauce tastes suspiciously similar to the bottled kind. When visiting a steakhouse, especially one with “Outback” in the name, why settle for such a basic, overpriced dish that any fast food joint does better and cheaper?
5. SKIP: Aussie Cheese Fries’ Caloric Catastrophe

My first encounter with these fries left me with instant regret and a food coma that lasted until the next morning. Outback’s Aussie Cheese Fries are essentially a heart attack on a plate—a mountain of mediocre fries buried under congealed cheese, bacon bits, and ranch dressing.
The fries themselves rarely maintain their crispness under this avalanche of toppings, resulting in a soggy mess that requires a fork to eat. At a jaw-dropping 2,140 calories per serving, you’re consuming more than a day’s worth of calories before your main course even arrives.
The worst part? The cheese sauce has that unmistakable processed flavor that leaves a film on the roof of your mouth. Florida’s hot climate already has us battling lethargy—why add to it with this heavy, unimaginative appetizer that leaves you feeling weighed down rather than satisfied?
6. SKIP: Outbacker Burger’s Mediocre Attempt

Florida has no shortage of amazing burger joints, which makes the Outbacker Burger’s mediocrity all the more apparent. Last summer, I made the mistake of ordering this instead of a steak, and I’m still kicking myself.
The patty comes overcooked despite requesting medium, with a texture suggesting it was frozen not long before hitting the grill. The toppings—lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles—lack freshness and seem like an afterthought. Even the brioche bun, which should be a saving grace, often arrives either too dry or squished flat.
At $15.99 plus extra for cheese or bacon, you’re paying premium prices for a burger that wouldn’t stand out in a fast-food lineup. When visiting a steakhouse, stick to what they supposedly do best—steaks—and save your burger cravings for establishments that specialize in them.
7. SKIP: Salted Caramel Cookie Skillet’s Sugar Overload

Sweet endings should leave you satisfied, not suffering from sugar shock! The Salted Caramel Cookie Skillet initially caught my eye during a celebration dinner, but the reality fell embarrassingly short of the menu description.
The cookie base arrives either undercooked and doughy in the center or burnt around the edges—rarely achieving that perfect cookie consistency. The “salted” caramel lacks any discernible salt to balance the sweetness, resulting in a one-dimensional sugar bomb that becomes cloying after two bites.
The vanilla ice cream melts instantly on the too-hot skillet, creating a soupy mess rather than a delightful contrast of temperatures. At $8.99, this dessert represents poor value compared to the superior sweet treats available throughout Florida’s vibrant dessert scene. Save room in your stomach and budget for a stop at a local ice cream shop afterward instead.
8. ORDER: Victoria’s Filet Mignon’s Buttery Perfection

Finally, something Outback gets spectacularly right! The Victoria’s Filet Mignon has been my birthday dinner choice three years running, and it never disappoints. This 8oz center-cut tenderloin achieves that perfect balance of melt-in-your-mouth texture with a properly seasoned exterior crust.
Unlike some steakhouses that rely too heavily on butter to mask mediocre meat, Outback’s filet stands on its own merits. The quality of the beef consistently surprises me for a chain restaurant—it’s genuinely tender without being mushy, and flavorful without overwhelming seasoning.
Pair it with a properly prepared baked potato and a side salad for a classic steakhouse experience that won’t break the bank at around $29. For special occasions or when you’re craving a reliable steak dinner in Florida’s relaxed atmosphere, this is the standout menu item worth every penny.
9. ORDER: Outback Center-Cut Sirloin’s Flavorful Value

Not looking to splurge but still want a proper steak experience? The 6oz Center-Cut Sirloin has saved many of my weeknight dinner cravings without emptying my wallet. While not as naturally tender as the filet, this leaner cut delivers impressive flavor when ordered medium-rare.
The seasoning blend Outback uses on their sirloins deserves special mention—it creates a beautiful crust that locks in juices without overwhelming the beef’s natural taste. I’ve found the quality remarkably consistent across multiple Florida locations, something that can’t be said for all chain restaurant steaks.
At around $17 with two sides, it’s one of the best value propositions on the menu. The portion size is perfect for those who don’t want leftovers or who are watching their portions but still want to enjoy a real steakhouse experience. This is my go-to recommendation for friends who want the Outback experience without the premium price tag.
10. ORDER: Grilled Salmon’s Surprising Freshness

Who would have thought an Australian-themed steakhouse in Florida would nail seafood? The Perfectly Grilled Salmon has rescued me from menu indecision countless times when I’m craving something lighter than beef but still substantial.
The salmon arrives with a beautiful grill-marked exterior while maintaining a moist, flaky interior—a delicate balance many restaurants fail to achieve. The seasoning is subtle but effective, enhancing rather than masking the fish’s natural flavor. Even more impressive is the consistency—I’ve ordered this at three different Florida Outbacks and received equally excellent preparations each time.
Served with fresh seasonal veggies that aren’t cooked to mush (a rare restaurant victory), this dish feels almost virtuous compared to some of the menu’s heavier options. At around $20, it’s a reliable choice when you want something that feels both indulgent and somewhat healthy during Florida’s steamier months.
11. ORDER: Baby Back Ribs’ Fall-Off-The-Bone Glory

Sometimes only ribs will satisfy, and Outback’s Baby Back version delivers with impressive consistency. Last Father’s Day, I watched my dad’s eyes light up when these arrived at our table—a full rack of tender ribs where the meat genuinely does fall off the bone without being mushy or overcooked.
The tangy-sweet BBQ sauce achieves that perfect balance without drowning the pork, allowing the smokiness to shine through. Unlike some chain restaurants that rely on pre-cooking and microwave reheating, these ribs taste freshly prepared, with that distinctive slow-cooked texture you crave.
The accompanying Aussie fries are consistently crispy, making for the perfect vehicle to scoop up any sauce that escapes the ribs. At around $22 for a full rack with two sides, it’s actually one of the better rib values in Florida’s restaurant scene. When you’re in the mood for satisfying BBQ without the fuss of a dedicated smokehouse, these ribs won’t let you down.
12. ORDER: Kookaburra Wings’ Addictive Crunch

Wing lovers, rejoice! After trying wings at practically every chain in Florida, I can confidently say Outback’s Kookaburra Wings are legitimate contenders for the best around. These aren’t your typical soggy, sauce-drenched afterthoughts—they’re consistently crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside.
The secret seems to be in their double-cooking method that creates that satisfying crunch without drying out the meat. I prefer the medium sauce, which delivers actual flavor complexity rather than just heat—there are notes of garlic, butter, and vinegar that elevate these beyond standard buffalo wings.
The accompanying blue cheese dressing tastes house-made rather than from a bottle, with actual cheese chunks and a tangy depth. At $13.99 for a generous portion, they’re perfect for sharing or as a meal for one hungry wing enthusiast. When wing cravings strike during your Florida adventures, these won’t disappoint.
13. ORDER: Brisbane Caesar Salad With Shrimp’s Refreshing Twist

Florida’s heat calls for lighter options sometimes, and the Brisbane Caesar with Grilled Shrimp has been my summertime salvation. Unlike many restaurant Caesars that drown in dressing, Outback’s version shows admirable restraint, allowing the crisp romaine to maintain its texture.
The dressing itself deserves praise—it’s creamy with distinct notes of garlic, anchovy, and parmesan without being overpowering or too fishy. The croutons actually taste homemade, with a satisfying crunch and proper seasoning that elevates the entire salad.
But the real star is the grilled shrimp topping—consistently plump, properly cleaned, and cooked just right with a slight char that adds smokiness. At around $16, it’s a satisfying meal that won’t leave you feeling weighed down in our Florida humidity. When you need something lighter but still flavorful, this surprising menu standout delivers every time.
14. ORDER: Chocolate Thunder From Down Under’s Decadent Delight

Despite its cheesy name, this dessert has earned its status as Outback’s signature sweet finale. During my sister’s birthday celebration last month, our entire table fell silent as we devoured this masterpiece—a warm pecan brownie topped with vanilla ice cream, warm chocolate sauce, and fresh whipped cream.
The brownie achieves that perfect texture—crisp edges with a fudgy center that hasn’t crossed into undercooked territory. The contrast between the hot brownie and cold ice cream creates that magical temperature interplay that makes dessert so satisfying.
What elevates this above similar desserts elsewhere is the quality of the components—the chocolate sauce tastes like actual melted chocolate rather than syrup, and the whipped cream is legitimately fresh. At $8.99, it’s sized perfectly for sharing after a heavy meal. When you need a reliable crowd-pleaser to end your Florida Outback adventure, this thunder never fails to bring the lightning.