The food overall was good but the service was horrible, waitress rarely came by, left us hanging with empty glasses, and our gift card's balance magically disappeared once our waitress entered it in and it took off nothing. In order for us to get out we had to ask for the waitress multiple times. She was checking her tip and cleaning off the table blocking us from getting out. It was clean and the steak was delicious. The blooming onion was bland at best, teenage boy ordered and didn't eat but a few bites. read more

Overall my order was good but the salad was 60% to many tomatoes. Get it together Outback

We went there at 9pm on Friday night. The restaurant was half empty and we were told it would be 25 minutes for a table for 2. When we asked why the hostess told us they were cutting servers because they close in two hours. We got a warm greeting at Texas Roadhouse and are enjoying our dinner. read more

Mason did a great job for us. The manager was kind enough to stay open to take care of our group after a basketball game when most restaurants won't accommodate us nearly as much. Food, drinks and service was spot on!! read more

Went here on a Thursday night at 8pm and it was very slow and we had a coupon for a free steak dinner. The manager introduced herself and sat us at a table around a few other people. My GF and I were very hungry, and about 10-15 min went by and no waiter came to greet us. Very frustrated by this, and seeing this as a bad sign of the service to come.. we just ended up walking out and going across the street to our goto restaurant.. Chilli's, where I've never had bad service and the food is good. To add to the insult, the manager and hostess that opened the door both saw us walk out and thanked us for coming in and to come back and see them soon. I'm pretty sure we were about the last couple to walk in.. it was pretty funny how bad the service is. read more

Thursday evening dinner was excellent. We started with Alice Chicken Mushroom Quesadilla appetizer and I ordered a Rum Punch. My wife then ordered a 6oz. filet and I ordered a 6 oz. sirloin. We had grilled asparagus, broccoli, mashed potato, baked potato and everything was absolutely perfect. read more

Outback Steakhouse - Steakhouses Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

I've always liked outback, perfectly cooked filet. Service was excellent but food was a little slow to come out. Coconut shrimp and bloomin onion were as good as ever. read more

I like supporting local businesses, but sometimes I just want a cheap and delicious corporate steak. Of the family-style chains in town, Outback Steakhouse is probably my favorite. I'm a big fan of the $10 6-oz. steak meal, which is the right portion for me. Ironically, the dish I love the most here is one of their specialty side salads (the one with candied pecans and bleu cheese). Below, I've detailed some complaints, but these problems are rare incidents. I'm usually very satisfied with my visits. While I've mostly had good steaks here, the quality of cooking kind of varies (especially on busy nights). For example, on a crowded Saturday night, my friends and I all got our steaks cooked to different degrees, though everyone ordered their meat medium-rare. Lesson: avoid popular nights and go for quieter weekdays, if you can. Before our meals arrive, my friends always want to share a Blooming Onion, Outback's delightfully salty snack that has proven deadly to one's cardiac health (no, seriously, there are always news stories about America's fatal attraction to the Blooming Onion). Because of its popularity, the cooks usually keep an onion in the fryer (especially during dinner rush hour), so sometimes we get it within 30 seconds of placing our order. Most of the onion is tasty, but 50% of the time, we receive an onion that is still partially raw...no fun. On one occasion, my friends and I ordered a few alcoholic beverages. I bought a peach-flavored cocktail and my friends all got 22-oz. beers (Sam Adams, I believe). I openly admit that I am a lightweight (I usually get drunk off a 16-oz. beer), but I felt nothing from my cocktail, even on an empty stomach. While I can understand the low alcoholic content of my girly drink, none of my friends got even slightly buzzed off their sizable beers. Weird...and kind of unfortunate considering the $5 price on most drinks. read more

Not too shabby. I went with some gift cards, and lowered expectations (chains usually underwhelm this local food partisan) to soften the blow, but in the end I was pretty happy. The martinis could have been bigger, but my lobster was better than expected. The lady's steak, a 'victoria filet', was perfect. The standout was the rare tuna app. Prices were high for what you get, and the ambiance and location sucked, but service was friendly and skilled. Probably my favorite thing about dining at corporate chain hell restaurants is their renaming of standard dishes/drinks in line with the chain's theme. Outback's Bellini is called the 'Wallaby Darned'. Flair. read more

We went last night, 7/7/12. We don't usually frequent chain restaurants, but we had a gift certificate. We went early to beat the rush and were immediately sat. The hostess was friendly and out waitress greeted us warmly. The service wasn't bad, honestly. For an appetizer we ordered the Awesome Blossom, the big onion. It was awful. Very disappointing. I had been years ago and I remember them being awesome. I was bummed. It seemed like the onion still had skin on it and many of the onion petals were only thin skin, not bites of onion. It was really bad. I barely ate any. Luckily, the salads followed quickly and they were good. I got the small sirloin with sweet potato fries. My husband got a bigger sirloin and a baked potato. The steaks were cooked perfectly, mine was a perfect medium and my husband's was a perfect med. rare. However...the steaks had no flavor. I had to ask for A-1 and I don't even really like the stuff. Another disappointment. The potatoes were fine though. I had some blackberry cocktail and that was super awesome. Sweet cocktails aren't usually my thing, but it looked awesome on the menu and tasted just as great. My husband asked for a draft beer (forget which one exactly) and he got a bottle. He wasn't thrilled about that, but he was happy about the cold mug that came with it. Overall, the food isn't enough to bring me back, but at least the service was good. read more

Came here for lunch right as they opened. The service was great. Our waiter checked in frequently and our drinks were always filled. Of course they weren't busy at all, but he did a great job. The onion was perfect. My salad was uninspiring, but it's a side salad. At least the lettuce was fresh. I had the shrimp. It was a little too oily for me. But the flavor was good. My daughter had the sirloin, and it was perfect. One of the best steaks from a chain we've had in a long time. Overall, good experience. It was my daughter's birthday. So the waiter went out of his way to thank her for choosing to have lunch here. We will totally come back. read more

This particular restaurant only gets 2 stars because of the quality of food they have. But it's about the entire experience, not just the food. Food: just about always good as you would expect it. Steaks are well seasoned (sometimes you can eat without A-1 sauce. Sides are great and desserts are good too. Service: hit or miss, just depends on who you get and how busy they are. Management: Horrible. Everyone who has worked or still works for the owner knows he is a prick can't stand him. I had a bad experience there 1 time (mind you I worked there in 2005-2007, still a non biased review) but needless to say I know the rules. No ones food is supposed to run past 12 minutes from the time it's put in without a manager speaking to the guest. My food ran 25 minutes and he did not want to compensate me in any way, neither come out and talk to me to explain anything. And the restaurant was not busy at all. If you're looking for good food, come here. If it's great service you are after, go somewhere else read more

It's weird, I used to hate outback steakhouse at home in MT, but I've always really liked this one. I'm not sure the service is any better, the food is obviously the same, and I think this one is older so it's not as sparkly, but there's just something about it. Maybe it's as simple as only ever going here with my friends instead of being marched out by my family for steaks? Anyway, yeah, it's a nice outback steak house. I've never had any illnesses or horrific service experiences. The person that opens the door and the person that answers the phone both actually say "G'day Mate." **Shudder** It's amazing what 19 year olds will do for a paycheck. read more

1/16/2016 7:30pm Having worked in the service industry in one fashion or another in the past twenty-eight years, I have become accustomed to tipping at least something no matter what. I can count on one hand how many times I have been disappointed to the point of not tipping. My wife on the other hand rarely tips more than more than five percent. Our visit Saturday night resulted in an hour and forty-two minute waste of time with the waiter receiving no tip on a fifty dollar and ten cent bill. Being Saturday night, I realize that we would have to wait a short time due to how busy the restaurant was at the time. A thirty minute wait time was actually forty-two minutes, we were finally seated and handed menus. Almost ten minutes later, we had our waiter arrive, he did not introduce himself, and proceeded to ask what we would like to drink. Sensing that we probably would not be seeing our waiter anytime soon, we ordered our food with our drinks. We received our drinks, bread and salads but had to ask for silverware to eat our salads. Add in asking for refills on our drinks and bread while we waited for our entrees. Not happy. Finally got our entrees, my wife's hamburger was super greasy to the point that the bun and the toppings were falling out and her fries needed salt. As for my porterhouse steak and baked potato, the filet side of the steak was so tender but the strip steak part of it was as tough as shoe leather. The waiter did not even ask if I would like some type of steak sauce. After one hour and forty-two minutes, I used a gift card that we had received at Christmas and paid the balance without leaving a tip for the first time in a handful of years. Probably will never go back unless we receive a gift card again. Will make sure to tell our family to get us a gift card to the Texas Roadhouse next time. read more

The husband and I had a previous experience and after that said we would never be back. Decided to give it a second try and left with a different outlook. Came at 5 o'clock on a Saturday night, were able to be sat immediately, and our server, Julia, greeted us promptly. Got our drinks and appetizer within 10 minutes of being seated. And food was on point. Julia was wonderful at keeping contact with us throughout the whole experience. We will be returning, and requesting Julia to be our server in the future. And the fired mushrooms are fresh and delicious. read more

I'm from Chicago and needed a place where I could get some lobster and shrimp and I was very happy with the service as well as the food by the way they had endless shrimp! I had been stopped by a train and I still received excellent service and I'm glad I came! Matt the manager and Mike our hospitable server, made our dinner a memorable experience, thanks! read more

Inevitably I end up here when a family member wishes to have a steak. Unfortunately, the cooks cannot for some reason cook a steak to proper temp. It only takes a thermocouple that most cooks have in their kitchen (instant reads only take 2-3 seconds to measure proper internal temp). So, I've given up expecting my steak to be cooked to perfection- it won't be. Went back tonight upon request, and I was shocked at just how salty everything was. And, let me tell you, I'm a salt fiend- especially sea-salt. [Others look at me with disgust as I lick the deer salt-lick- ok, mostly joking here, but I love salt.] But, salt and syrup on my sweet potato fries? A bit much. Salt all over my burger? and the bun? it's a bit much. For the price, I'd say there are better places in town for a better steak. At least the manager won't argue with you that you are incorrect on the steak cooking. [Seriously, someone buy these guys an instant read thermometer...] [and it appears the upset stomach around 8 hours later is yet another feature of my visits - this happened last time as well] read more

Outback Steakhouse is one of the best darn steakhouses I have been to. This establishment is a boon to any community and people should be proud that they have chosen to be a part their town. The steak taste like chicken tikka and mutton curry mixed with aloo gopi. Larry and Pedro are my favorite waiters. Especially since they're both multi lingual and have an IQ of 150+. I love how they can explain everything about the steak including if it was grass fed or gluten free or free from salmonella. Being a vegetarian all my life I couldn't believe what I have been missing out on. I have heard they're coming out with the vegan steak that taste like hummus. Larry explained the new recipe very well as he was part of the team that developed it and kariappala was one of the most important ingredients. Thank you so much Outback. read more

Service was good- drinks refilled before empty, plates taken when done with them, orders were all correct. However, the food was slow to come out. I tried the tortilla soup for the first time and it was surprisingly good- will definitely have it again. read more

The restaurant forgot to include the potato toppings on our to go order, when I went to complain I was pleasantly surprised when the manager offered to remake our whole order, and personally bring it to our house (20min drive) and make sure it was right. This is more than I expected, I was expecting maybe a discount on next visit, but he made sure to make it right. The food tasted great, and the service was spectacular. read more

Revisited the restaurant again and I have to say I saw some improvement in the food I had the ribs with fries my sister had a petite filet with steamed Broccoli and a salad , we both enjoyed the food, the only thing was the waiter , he was non existent , we had to flag down another waiter to get anything for our meal, he finally showed up to bring the check , needless to say his tip reflected his performance. Had to be the smallest tip I have ever left. It was very nice that the management sent a gift card for the poor food I was served last trip. To bad waiters can give a restaurant a bad name. read more

Ordered the $$27.99 18 oz. Bone-in-Ribeye like I always do. Guess what, No bone (which adds tremendous flavor to the meat). It was just a regular Ribeye. I complained to my waitress, (she was cool by the way) Amber the manager and another manager bloke and explained to them, that I ordered the bone in, they said thats how their steaks are coming in. Well, sorry to hear that, but that's your problem not mine. If you don't have them as advertised then tell customers that your out. They are cutting costs by selling you a lower quality bone-in Ribeye with no bone that probabably weighed closer to 13 ounces (because no bone). Lol. The two managers didn't offer any discount, no dessert, no free appetizer, nothing except sorry plus they acted like idiots. Lower quality meat to increase their profits and horrible management response. Never ever going back. now I'll just go to Texas Roadhouse or Longhorn. read more

This is like the 5th visit in 2 months always perfection. I light have upset a manager. I am sorry for that, but managers need to know when to say great and walk away. But still a great place to dine at. Best Steakhouse experience around. read more

Outback Steakhouse is a nice place to dine if you are hungry. They offer generous portions in pleasant, clean surroundings. The wings(mild) are spice coated and not dipped in some drippy, messy goo. The wait staff can be friendly and the food can be cooked perfectly. As mentioned in other reviews, it's hit and miss. Recently our visits have been enjoyable experiences, with properly prepared dishes. However, in the past, the wait staff can be slow during peak hours or near closing. The wait staff is gratuity motivated, so looking nice and ordering appetizers can greatly influence your experience. The more you spend the more attention they will lavish on you. But then, that's the same with most restaurants. Overall, The Champaign, IL Outback is worth a visit if you are out for a hearty meal and able to avoid the peak rush hours. read more

Awful, just awful, first a plate of food was dumped all over me. Then the bread was hard as a rock, my wife was to get cheesecake for desert, we were so happy to leave, we were totally in a hurry to get out of this place. Manager knew what had happened, manager did not offer a thing, then she (the waitress) spilled water all over my guest, the french fries remained all over the floor. Never again, never again...I will see this place close down! read more

Service wasn't the best, the manager ended up getting more stuff for our table than the actual server. Food tasted great though, everything came out perfect, and had an overall good experience with then. read more

**Gluten-Free**I would give 10 star if I could! I'm hyper-sensitive to gluten and our waiter, Joshua, was beyond outstanding with my Celiac Disease...very knowledgeable! The Manager made my salad from a fresh batch of lettuce and even cooked my steak separately from other orders. I really can't compliment them enough! Their GF menu was amazing as well! read more

The service here was great!! I went for lunch on a Sunday and they serve their lunch menu on the weekends too. A lot of places do not do that. I had the endless soup and salad. The potato soup is fabulous!! I mentioned that I would like to take some for my lunch tomorrow and my server said he would get me some. Because it is endless after all. He also packed the cheese and bacon bits in separate containers. That was great! Love this place. read more

The service was great. The food was awful. The over priced steak was undercooked, the mushrooms tasted spoiled, and the baked potato looked like it sat under a heat lamp most of the day. I would recommend Mcdonalds over this place. read more

I've been going to this Outback for over 8 years now and I gladly keep coming back. Never had a bad steak there. My wife loves their lobster tails. Many tasty appetizers to choose from and the soups and sides are all great. Staff is very friendly which is another big reason we always go back. I always leave this place satisfied read more

We love outback. This is one of the worst. Waitress was slow. To the point other customers in her area left without food. Unfortunately we didn't take their hint. When the food arrived my husbands and daughters noodles in the chicken pasta we cold. Not warm. Cold. Avoid this place. read more

We were in Champaign on business Thursday evening and went to Outback for supper. The hostess was able to seat us right away and even moved us to a different table because there was a very large group beside us with several small children. The server we got was GREAT! Sorry I don't remember her name, but we were sitting in a booth in the bar area. My husband ordered the small filet, medium-rare to medium, and it was perfect. His side was the baked sweet potato. He asked for brown sugar only, no butter because he's lactose intolerant. The little cup holding the brown sugar has a big ball of butter right on top, but he was able to take it off and the brown sugar was fine. I ordered the grilled salmon with steamed veggies and it was perfect. I like that choice better than the Firecracker salmon with mango salsa. It was cooked correctly and not overdone. We don't always have great success with restaurants in the Champaign/Urbana area, but Outback was great. read more

I ordered the grilled chicken on the barbie and a margarita. The margarita had enough alcohol so that I could taste it, but wasn't too powerful to the point where it tasted like straight tequila. The chicken was great. The service was great too. Everything came out of the kitchen quickly. I'll be returning frequently. read more

I came to visit from California with my family . We got seated next to these African American girls that were mad because they're food wasn't cooked right so they were giving the waiter and manager a hard time . After the manager started serving us and we thought she was upset over the incident that had occurred . After a while she was being very blah to us . The food was great but she shouldn't take it out on other people . If this isn't what you can deal with you shouldn't work in the food industry . read more

Actually gave it another chance. Went back to have a hamburger and fried mushrooms. The mushrooms are great. But the hamburgers...well I have had a lot better... tasteless, the lettuce on it had brown spots, there was hardly any onion on it. read more

Yikes. Had a horrible meal here 8/21/11. Ribs and chicken with fries. Nothing was appetizing. Chicken breast smaller than my palm, ribs were dried out and gummy, fries were limp and gross. Bad bad news. Beer was good. Service was passable. Management does those annoying take visits. read more

Very disappointed with the call ahead seating that doesn't put you in the queue until you check in at the door. Called at 11am for 1:30 seating. When arrived told the wait would be 40 minutes because several large parties were waiting ahead of us. A table large enough to seat our party set empty for almost 30 minutes. We were ultimately set at that table and the manager told me when we were seated that he still had 4 minutes on the time they told us when we checked in at the door. As if that was supposed to appease me. NOT! The prime rib advertised on the "Mums Day" special was not available until after 3pm. No napkins or silverware after finally getting seated. read more

Had a great experience here. We did a call ahead, and we had 9 of us. Our waiter was wonderful. I got a filet and some got other types of steaks and the lobster. Everything was cooked perfectly. They went out of their way to make us feel comfortable and important. I had not been here in a while. I recommend this to anyone. Just make sure you call ahead. read more

When we arrived, we were told that it was an about ten minute wait, then handed us a pager. We seated ourselves on the waiting benches and watched party after party escorted to their tables. After thirty minutes, I asked the hostess how long she thought it might be. She said she was sorry and assured us that we would be seated at the next available table. Then for another thirty minutes, we watched party after party escorted to their tables. With an hour wasted, we handed back our pager and went down the road to find another place to eat. The whole incident was very annoying. read more

Hopefully the food is worth the wait....lots of empty tables and a very crowded lobby of people waiting for tables. There are about 35 people waiting in the lobby. They say they are short on servers so leaving every one in the lobby and tables empty. Some patrons are leaving after waiting a while. **update** ....after commenting to the manager he came out and started seating patrons much more quickly. The food was good and the service was excellent. read more