6 Outback Steakhouse Dishes Georgians Should Skip & 6 That Are Perfect For Southern Palates

As a Georgia native who’s dined at Outback Steakhouse more times than I can count, I’ve developed strong opinions about their menu.
Y’all know we Southerners take our food seriously! While this Australian-themed chain offers plenty of hearty options, not everything hits the mark for those of us raised on true Southern cooking.
I’ve rounded up six dishes that miss the mark for Georgian taste buds and six that’ll make you feel right at home.
1. Skip: Bloomin’ Fried Chicken – A Disappointing Take on a Southern Classic

I remember my first bite of Outback’s Bloomin’ Fried Chicken thinking it would satisfy my Southern fried chicken craving. Boy, was I mistaken! The breading lacks that perfect crispy-yet-light texture we Georgians expect from properly fried chicken.
Instead, you’re left with a greasy, heavy coating that overwhelms the meat underneath. The seasoning blend misses the mark too – it’s trying too hard to be unique rather than honoring the simple perfection of salt, pepper, and maybe a touch of cayenne.
The chicken itself often comes out slightly dry, compensating with excess oil rather than natural juiciness. For folks raised on grandma’s Sunday chicken dinner, this dish will leave you longing for the real thing.
2. Skip: Alice Springs Chicken – Too Much of Everything

The Alice Springs Chicken seemed promising on my last visit – I mean, chicken, bacon, mushrooms and cheese sounds like a winning combo, right? Unfortunately, this dish commits the cardinal sin of Southern cooking: it doesn’t let quality ingredients speak for themselves.
Smothered under an avalanche of honey mustard and melted cheese, the chicken becomes merely a vehicle for overwhelming flavors. The bacon loses its crispy texture, turning soggy beneath the heavy toppings.
What could be a balanced dish ends up tasting one-note and salty. True Southern cooking celebrates the harmony of flavors rather than competing ones. This dish might satisfy some, but those with Georgia-trained taste buds will find it lacks the nuance we appreciate.
3. Skip: Lobster Tails – Not Worth the Splurge

Growing up near the Georgia coast, I developed a particular appreciation for quality seafood. Outback’s lobster tails, unfortunately, fall short of what seafood-savvy Southerners expect. The portion size alone raises eyebrows – these small tails hardly justify their premium price tag.
The texture varies wildly from visit to visit. Sometimes they’re perfectly tender, but more often they’re rubbery or overcooked. The accompanying drawn butter can’t salvage the inconsistent quality.
For the same price, coastal Georgians know you could enjoy significantly better seafood at local establishments. Save your seafood splurge for somewhere that specializes in ocean fare rather than a steakhouse chain that treats lobster as an afterthought.
4. Skip: Queensland Chicken & Shrimp Pasta – Bland and Heavy

My aunt convinced me to try the Queensland Chicken & Shrimp Pasta during a family dinner, insisting it was “just like her homemade pasta.” Bless her heart, but this dish couldn’t be further from the vibrant flavors of a proper Southern pasta.
The Alfredo sauce weighs everything down with its thick, creamy consistency, yet somehow manages to taste surprisingly bland. The chicken and shrimp get lost in the heavy sauce, their flavors muted rather than enhanced.
Southern cooking may be rich, but it’s never one-dimensional. We expect bright notes, subtle spices, and distinct textures. This pasta misses those marks completely, offering calories without the complexity that makes indulgence worthwhile. Your taste buds deserve better!
5. Skip: Brussels Sprouts – Too Sweet for Their Own Good

Now, I’m all for converting veggie skeptics with creative preparations, but Outback’s Brussels sprouts miss what makes Southern vegetable cooking special. These little green globes arrive swimming in a cloyingly sweet glaze that masks their natural flavor instead of enhancing it.
The texture problem compounds the sweetness issue. Often overcooked to mushiness, they lack the satisfying bite that properly prepared Brussels sprouts should have. The caramelization crosses into burnt territory too frequently.
Southern vegetable cooking traditionally respects the produce while adding complementary flavors – think a touch of bacon fat or a splash of vinegar. These Brussels sprouts, however, seem determined to make you forget you’re eating a vegetable at all. Skip these and save room for a side that honors its ingredients.
6. Skip: Chocolate Thunder from Down Under – Overwhelmingly Rich

My sweet tooth has never met a dessert it didn’t like – until it encountered the Chocolate Thunder from Down Under. This massive creation exemplifies excess without refinement, a quality that doesn’t sit well with Southerners who appreciate nuanced sweetness.
The brownie base often arrives either too dry or undercooked, while the ice cream melts rapidly into a soup around it. The chocolate sauce poured liberally over everything pushes the dessert into territory so sweet your teeth might hurt.
Southern dessert traditions celebrate balance – think perfectly tart-sweet peach cobbler or delicate pecan pie. This Australian thunder brings only a chocolate storm that overwhelms rather than delights. Georgia palates accustomed to desserts with character and contrast will find this one-note sugar bomb disappointing.
7. Perfect: Victoria’s Filet Mignon – Tender Simplicity Done Right

Last month, I treated myself to Victoria’s Filet Mignon after a long work week, and it reminded me why some classics never go out of style. This steak speaks the language of Southern dining perfectly – quality ingredients prepared with respect and minimal fuss.
The tender cut arrives with a beautifully seared exterior giving way to a juicy interior cooked precisely to order. The seasoning enhances rather than masks the natural beef flavor, letting the quality meat take center stage.
Paired with their seasoned green beans (always ask for these slightly crisp), it creates a meal that feels special while remaining unpretentious. Georgian diners who appreciate straightforward excellence will find this filet satisfies that desire for simple food done exceptionally well – a cornerstone of Southern culinary philosophy.
8. Perfect: Outback Center-Cut Sirloin – Bold Flavor for Meat Lovers

My daddy always said a good steak needs nothing but fire, salt, and pepper – and Outback’s Center-Cut Sirloin honors that philosophy beautifully. Unlike some leaner cuts that sacrifice flavor for tenderness, this sirloin delivers robust beef flavor that stands up to bold seasoning.
The distinctive sear creates a flavorful crust that gives way to a juicy interior. Southerners raised on hearty, flavorful meals will appreciate how this steak doesn’t shy away from character.
I recommend ordering it medium-rare to medium for the perfect balance of texture and taste. Pair it with their Outback Special Seasoning (which reminds me of the spice blends my grandmother kept secret) for an extra layer of flavor that feels right at home on a Georgian dinner table. This sirloin proves sometimes the simple classics truly satisfy best.
9. Perfect: Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie – Coastal Comfort

The first time I ordered Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie, I was instantly transported to summer cookouts on Tybee Island. These plump shrimp come lightly seasoned with a smoky char that enhances their natural sweetness without overwhelming it.
Unlike many chain restaurant seafood options, these shrimp maintain their proper texture – tender with just the right amount of snap when you bite into them. The seasoning has subtle heat and brightness that complements rather than competes with the seafood.
Georgians who appreciate our state’s coastal bounty will recognize the respectful treatment these shrimp receive. Ask for extra lemon to squeeze over top for a bright finish that cuts through the smokiness. This dish proves Outback understands that sometimes the best approach is to let quality ingredients shine with minimal intervention.
10. Perfect: Loaded Baked Potato – Southern Comfort in Side Form

There’s something about a properly executed loaded baked potato that feels like a warm hug, and Outback’s version delivers that comfort in spades. The potato itself arrives with crispy skin and fluffy interior – the foundation any good loaded potato needs.
Topped with a generous but not excessive amount of sour cream, cheese, bacon, and green onions, each bite offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The cheese melts just right, and the bacon maintains its crispness rather than turning chewy or soft.
As someone who grew up with potatoes at nearly every family gathering, I appreciate how this side honors the humble spud’s potential. It’s familiar enough to satisfy traditional Southern expectations while being executed with attention to detail that elevates it beyond basic. A perfect companion to any main dish.
11. Perfect: House Salad with Tangy Tomato Dressing – Fresh with Southern Zip

Finding a remarkable salad at a steakhouse might seem unlikely, but Outback’s House Salad with Tangy Tomato Dressing is a hidden gem that resonates with Southern taste preferences. The fresh, crisp greens provide the perfect canvas for that distinctive tangy tomato dressing that reminds me of my grandmother’s secret recipe.
The salad includes just the right amount of crunchy croutons, red onions, and Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese – enough to add interest without overwhelming the greens. The tomato wedges are consistently fresh and flavorful, even off-season.
What makes this salad special is that tangy dressing with its perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. It offers that characteristic Southern “twang” that we expect from our favorite vinegar-based preparations. A refreshing starter that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
12. Perfect: Honey Wheat Bread with Whipped Butter – Homestyle Heaven

The moment that basket of dark, sweet Honey Wheat Bread lands on your table, you know you’re in for a treat that feels genuinely Southern despite the Australian theme. Steam rises from these freshly baked loaves, filling the air with a molasses-rich aroma that reminds me of my mama’s kitchen on Sunday mornings.
The bread strikes that perfect balance between hearty density and soft tenderness. Its slight sweetness comes from honey and molasses rather than refined sugar, giving it that authentic homemade quality that Southerners recognize immediately.
The whipped butter that accompanies it spreads easily even on warm bread, melting just enough without making the bread soggy. This simple starter has converted many of my pickiest Georgia relatives into Outback fans – it’s that good!