6 Outback Steakhouse Picks Coloradans Should Skip And 6 That Are Worth Every Calorie

As a Colorado native who’s spent more nights at Outback Steakhouse than I’d like to admit, I’ve become something of an unofficial menu expert.

That Aussie-themed restaurant, with its boomerangs on the wall and endless baskets of bread, has been my go-to spot for celebrating everything from job promotions to those Tuesday nights when cooking feels impossible.

But not all menu items are created equal. Some dishes will leave your taste buds dancing, while others might make your wallet and waistline wish you’d made a different choice. Let’s take a deep dive into the good, the bad, and the downright delicious at Outback!

1. SKIP: Bloomin’ Onion

SKIP: Bloomin' Onion
© Outback Steakhouse

The iconic appetizer that launched a thousand copycats sadly falls into my ‘skip’ category. Last summer, I ordered this beast for our table of four, and we barely made a dent before our entrees arrived.

While visually impressive, this 1,950-calorie monster packs an entire day’s worth of calories into one appetizer. The crispy exterior quickly turns soggy, and the dipping sauce, though tasty, can’t save it from feeling like a grease bomb.

Colorado’s active lifestyle demands fuel that energizes rather than weighs you down. Trust me, your hiking plans for tomorrow will thank you for passing on this one!

2. WORTH IT: Victoria’s Filet Mignon

WORTH IT: Victoria's Filet Mignon
© Mashed

Butter-knife tender and perfectly seasoned, this steak consistently knocks my boots off. During my last birthday dinner, the server didn’t even ask if I needed steak sauce – they knew better!

The 8oz center-cut filet delivers melt-in-your-mouth texture with that beautiful wood-fired flavor that complements rather than overwhelms the beef. Outback’s seasoning blend creates a delicious crust while maintaining a juicy interior that keeps Colorado carnivores coming back.

For protein-loving mountain dwellers who need quality fuel for tomorrow’s adventures, this splurge delivers satisfaction without the food coma that follows lesser cuts.

3. SKIP: Loaded Bloomin’ Onion

SKIP: Loaded Bloomin' Onion
© Reddit

Whoever thought, “Let’s take our already calorie-packed Bloomin’ Onion and add cheese and bacon” needs a serious talking-to! My friends convinced me to try this monstrosity during our girls’ night, and we all regretted it immediately.

The regular version already tips the scales at nearly 2,000 calories, but this loaded variation cranks it up with unnecessary additions. The cheese congeals quickly, creating an unappetizing texture, while the bacon bits add more salt than flavor.

Colorado’s stunning mountain views are best enjoyed without the food hangover this appetizer guarantees. Save those calories for something that delivers more satisfaction per bite!

4. WORTH IT: Queensland Chicken & Shrimp Pasta

WORTH IT: Queensland Chicken & Shrimp Pasta
© Outback Steakhouse Menu

Carb-loading has never tasted so divine! Before tackling a fourteener last month, I fueled up with this pasta dish and practically floated up the mountain the next day.

The creamy Alfredo sauce strikes that perfect balance – rich without being overwhelming. Tender chicken and plump shrimp provide protein variety, while the linguine serves as the ideal canvas. The light touch of garlic and herbs elevates this dish beyond standard pasta fare.

For Coloradans seeking comfort food with actual nutritional merit, this pasta delivers satisfaction without the heavy, processed feeling of many restaurant pasta dishes. The portion size also guarantees tomorrow’s lunch is sorted!

5. SKIP: Aussie Cheese Fries

SKIP: Aussie Cheese Fries
© Flickr

My hiking buddies and I once ordered these as a post-trail reward, thinking we’d earned it. Even after conquering a 12-mile route, we couldn’t justify finishing this caloric catastrophe.

These seemingly innocent fries arrive drowning under a mountain of melted cheese, bacon bits, and ranch dressing. While the first few bites deliver that salty-fatty satisfaction, the appeal quickly fades as everything congeals into a lukewarm mess.

Colorado’s reputation for health-consciousness exists for good reason. These fries, packing nearly 2,000 calories, contradict everything our active state stands for. Your body deserves better fuel than this, even on cheat days!

6. WORTH IT: The Outbacker Burger

WORTH IT: The Outbacker Burger
© Outback Steakhouse

Burger perfection exists, and I found it hiding on Outback’s menu! After a long day exploring Rocky Mountain National Park, this burger satisfied my hunger in ways I didn’t think possible.

The half-pound patty comes perfectly seasoned and flame-grilled, developing those irresistible charred edges while maintaining a juicy center. Lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles provide fresh crunch, while the special sauce adds tangy complexity without drowning the beef flavor.

The toasted bun somehow manages to contain this masterpiece without disintegrating – a rare feat in burger engineering. For Colorado’s burger enthusiasts seeking quality over gimmicks, this straightforward option delivers consistent satisfaction.

7. SKIP: Sydney’s Sinful Sundae

SKIP: Sydney's Sinful Sundae
© The Coconut Mama

Chocolate overload alert! My sweet tooth practically begged me to order this dessert last winter, but even I couldn’t handle the sugar tsunami that followed.

This mountain of vanilla ice cream buried under rivers of chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and various toppings looks impressive on Instagram but disappoints in reality. The ice cream quality is mediocre at best, and the chocolate sauce tastes more artificial than indulgent.

Colorado offers so many exceptional local ice cream shops that this chain restaurant dessert feels particularly disappointing. Save your dessert calories for artisanal ice cream at one of our state’s amazing creameries instead of settling for this underwhelming sugar bomb!

8. WORTH IT: Prime Rib

WORTH IT: Prime Rib
© Outback Steakhouse Menu

Carnivore heaven awaits in this slow-roasted masterpiece! After conquering the Manitou Incline last weekend, I treated myself to Outback’s prime rib and practically melted into my seat with each bite.

The 12-hour slow-roasting process creates tender, flavorful beef with a seasoned edge that complements the rich, juicy center. That signature horseradish sauce provides the perfect spicy counterpoint without overwhelming the meat’s natural flavors.

Colorado’s ranching heritage gives us a special appreciation for quality beef done right. For special occasions when protein cravings hit hard after mountain adventures, this indulgence satisfies in ways a basic steak simply can’t. The leftovers make incredible sandwiches, too!

9. SKIP: Crispy Honey Mustard Chicken Sandwich

SKIP: Crispy Honey Mustard Chicken Sandwich
© DoorDash

Marketing magic strikes again with this misleadingly named sandwich! My coworker raved about it, so I gave it a try during our lunch break and found myself wishing I’d ordered literally anything else.

Despite promising crispy chicken, the breading often arrives soggy from too much honey mustard sauce. The chicken itself tends toward dry and flavorless, relying entirely on the excessive sauce for taste. The bun-to-meat ratio skews heavily toward bread, creating a carb-heavy experience without enough protein satisfaction.

Colorado’s sandwich game is strong, with local delis offering far superior options. Skip this disappointing option and save your chicken sandwich cravings for a local spot instead!

10. WORTH IT: Seared Peppered Ahi Tuna

WORTH IT: Seared Peppered Ahi Tuna
© Outback Steakhouse

Surprise! Outback’s seafood game shines brightest with this unexpected menu star. My pescatarian friend convinced me to try this dish last month, and I’ve ordered it twice since then.

The tuna arrives perfectly seared – crisp pepper crust outside, gorgeous rare center that melts on your tongue. The ginger-soy sauce provides umami depth without masking the fish’s natural flavor. Accompanied by fresh wasabi and crisp Asian slaw, this dish delivers a sophisticated flavor profile you wouldn’t expect from a steakhouse chain.

For health-conscious Coloradans seeking lean protein without sacrificing flavor, this dish delivers restaurant-quality satisfaction without the heavy feeling afterward. A genuine hidden gem worth discovering!

11. SKIP: Baby Back Ribs

SKIP: Baby Back Ribs
© Tripadvisor

Barbecue disappointment strikes in the form of these lackluster ribs! After a day of rock climbing in Boulder Canyon, my friends and I stopped at Outback craving serious protein, and these ribs left us seriously underwhelmed.

While the menu promises “fall-off-the-bone tenderness,” reality often delivers tough meat requiring Olympic-level jaw strength. The BBQ sauce tastes overly sweet and one-dimensional compared to Colorado’s excellent local barbecue joints. The portion size seems generous until you realize how much is bone and fat.

Colorado’s flourishing barbecue scene means there’s no excuse for mediocre ribs. Save your BBQ cravings for local pitmasters who respect the craft rather than settling for these chain restaurant pretenders!

12. WORTH IT: Chocolate Thunder From Down Under

WORTH IT: Chocolate Thunder From Down Under
© Mashed

Dessert perfection exists, and it comes with an over-the-top Australian name! After finishing a 10K race last month, I justified this indulgence and have zero regrets about that decision.

This warm pecan brownie topped with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge sauce, and chocolate shavings delivers that perfect temperature contrast between warm and cold. The brownie maintains a slightly gooey center while the pecans add textural interest and nutty depth to balance the sweetness.

Even sharing with friends, this dessert provides enough decadence to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. For Coloradans celebrating special occasions or simply surviving Monday, this reliable chocolate masterpiece delivers consistent pleasure worth every delicious calorie!