Very disappointing food. Ribs over cooked, baked potato undercooked, salad limp not crisp, and broccoli very undercooked.

Outback rivals P F Changs for the quality and completeness of their gluten free / celiac safe menu. I've eaten here many many times from the regular menu, but I haven't had the chance to try out the GF menu yet, although not a lot changes if you are getting steak and Outback does a great job with steak. I used to eat here all the time, when they were the first restaurant to offer true curbside takeout and later hours. All the sliced filet options are great choices. I used to love the coconut shrimp and potato soup, but these are probably off the menu now... The wait can be ridiculous on weekends, so I would recommend going during the week or using the curbside service. read more

If I could leave them 0 stars, I would. The service was horrible. Waiter kept forgetting items we requested. Steak was not cooked correctly, I sent it back twice before telling them to keep it. They ran out of bread. Asked for management, who never came. Requested fir servers to sing "Happy Birthday" twice, and they never came. We won't be back. read more

One of the worst dinning experiences I've had. My family called and made reservations prior to arriving, and as there are only 3 of us, we figured this would not be a problem. When we arrived, the place was packed. We went to the front desk and let them know we had a reservation. They said there would still be a wait, and they would have a table ready in 20 minutes. An hour later, we were still not seated. A few times, I spoke with the hostess and asked where we were in the list. Every time, she said 10 to 15 minutes. When we were finally seated, we ordered drinks and dinner at the same time so not to delay our dinner any further. Another 30 minutes later, we get our drinks, but the server never brought waters. We were also missing our appetizer, and the server said she would bring it out shortly. When we finally got our food, the asparagus on each of our plates were ice cold. A manager came by and asked how we were doing, and we mentioned we never received our appetizer, and that our asparagus was cold. He apologized and said he would bring us out some more asparagus. We never saw him again. After we ate the food that was still warm, we got our check, but the appetizer that we never received was still on our check. We asked for this to be corrected, but had to wait again for them to resolve the bill. I don't think I'd ever been more frustrated at an establishment before. I expect to be seating quickly after arriving if I made a reservation beforehand, but we were moved to the back of the line. There must be something seriously wrong with management for so many things to fail at once. No one was friendly or welcoming. We will never return. read more

I like the steak at outback. What is it about a restaurant that when an employee, or friend of an employee comes in to dine, and you have to sit near them, the level of service falls off the face of the earth. The next booth over was this person and for some reason out waiter got lost there for most of our meal. I have been in this outback before and have had decent service before, not great, but better than this. Still, I like the food and I was close by. All in all I recommend this place to have a beer and steak, just sit at the bar, that way the service is always in front of you. read more

We've always had good service at this location, but over the past three years something dodgy has been happening. The Bushman Shrooms have steadily gone from my favorite appetizer to a passing dish at best. They were originally plated in a heaping pile on a large platter. That was reduced to a plate, but still a decent amount. Now you get the same size plate, but barely enough to cover the surface. This has happened the past two times and I wonder is this some way to just milk more profits? I know we're paying the same price as we used to for just over a third of what this dish used to be. I'll go back because I appreciate the quality of service but when even the baked potatoes aren't as loaded as they used to be, something is definitely wrong. Watch this space true believers. read more

First, Outback is not trying to be a premium, top-tier steakhouse, so it is unfair to hold it to those standards. The chain seems to have moved past the Australia-themed commercials and decorations, and has changed over to dark wood and brushed metal interiors, which is much more appealing. This Durham location is very popular, and is generally quite good. I recommend getting the a sirloin cooked on the wood-fire grill. All the sirloins I have had here were cooked correctly at medium-rare and very flavorful. The $9.99 Outback Special is also a decent steak. The restaurant is always good about preparing very fresh sides (steamed broccoli, mashed potatoes) and salads, and the bread is always good. If you like the blooming onion, you can get some pedals as a (unadvertised) side dish. The draft beers are always great here: $4.25 for a tall 20oz draft is pretty competitive for a chain restaurant. They have light-beer staples, Sam Adams, Red Oak, etc. I've always had great service, particularly in the bar/lounge area. This location is great about getting the food out quickly. Rarely does it take more than 10-12 minutes for my entire meal to arrive, which is pretty impressive. Overall, this Outback Steakhouse is solid chain restaurant with friendly employees and is much better than its immediate, across-the-street competition (Lonestar). *Just a side note in response to some of the other reviews. Apparently the problem is fixed, as the restaurant is not smoky, stuffy or hot.* read more

Love, Love, Love this place especially for lunch, they have all you can eat soup and salad for $7.99 (house or ceaser salad), clam chowder, French onion, or potato soup; yummy. Pared with there always free to die for bread. The ribs fall off the bone as soon as you touch them with your fork so yummy. read more

I went to Outback and had one of the worst dining experience there. I came in and the host told me that I could have a seat at the bar and be served. That didn't happen. I sat down at the bar and the service staff completely ignored me for 15 minutes and then after for the next 10 minutes I tried to get their attention which the staff still ignored me. When I finally got their attention and placed my order the food was substandard and took too long to be delivered, I can honestly say that Outback sucked! I used to patron Outback very regularly, no less than twice a month but their food and service has greatly declined, I spoke to the manager and told her how disappointed I was and not inclined to come back. Sometimes a restaurant can have an off day and the normally do better, I am not inclined to waste my hard earned money. read more

I used to love this place. But tonight was the 4th and last time that'll order curbside. My order has been screwed 4 times. This time they left an entire sirloin out of the box and forgot to load my mashed potatoes. It would be ok if I lived nearby in Durham, but I live in Carrboro. I don't want to give a star. read more

This establishment is not COVID compliant. I was waiting for takeout and they allowed several guests come into the restaurant without a mask on and when I nicely asked them to put a mask on they refused. The hostess did not one ask anyone to put their masks on and I even asked the manager if he would ask the guests to put on a mask while they wait for their table. The manager did ask but when guests refused he let the issue go. If you don't wear a mask into the restaurant you should not be allowed to dine. I explained that it was a mandatory state law and then left. The staff is not concerned with guests wearing masks and it is very concerning. read more

We arrived at 7 pm on a Tuesday, and were seated right away. We got the bloomin petals and coconut shrimp to start. Petals are a great alternative to the blooming onion, we never eat half of one of the onions. Coconut shrimp was delicious as always. I got a 10 ribeye, rare, and my husband got the chicken and ribs combo. My steak came out fatty (what I wanted,) seasoned and perfectly cooked. Husband's ribs were falling-apart-tender and yummy. Best part was the service. Mike was great. Prompt, attentive without interfering. Better service than I've had in much more expensive restaurants. read more

DO NOT come here! Every time I have come to this location, I have had an issue. For some reason, a family friend thinks the food is great. Even they are no longer interested in this location because of the slow service and disorganization. I have worked in the industry before. If I come in and have to wait forty five minutes to seated but I can see open or dirty tables just sitting around the restaurant...you are understaffed! The last time I came here (the last time I will ever come here) our poor server was running around frantically between tables. I could tell they were trying to do their best in the chaos, but waiting five minutes to even be acknowledged, another five minutes for fountains drinks, thirty minutes for our steaks. This place can't for the life of them get a steak temperature right. They even have a handy little photo in the menus of what the steaks SHOULD look like. My "medium" rib eye is almost always medium well or well done. Why bother with the picture? Managers are pushovers...thank you for comping my overcooked steak (NO I don't want to wait thirty minutes for a replacement), but maybe FIX the root issues of your service and poor food quality instead of hemorraging money right and left. Kristen Brigers (your name is on the door, maybe care more about how it operates), get your staff together! Or else you will keep losing customers. read more

Outback has become one of my favorite place to eat in the area. Excellent steak every time! Rebecca was fantastic - anticipated my every need and made some amazing suggestions "try the lobster butter on your broccoli". "Try the Blue Cheese vinaigrette on your salad." She was right on both suggestions. Kudos to Kristen - incredible hostess who created an available table out of thin air. Don't forget the loaded sweet potato - delicious! Delightful evening read more

Just ate here today, and have to say it was very mediocre for the prices. I could have gotten the same or even a better meal from Texas Roadhouse. Steaks were small and tasted mediocre, were over-seared around the outside and edges, corn was not grilled as advertised and when I asked for another side to replace it, I was charged. Dessert was was way smaller than expected. read more

G'day Mates! I can't say that I'm a regular, but when I'm looking for a 'non-fancy' steak dinner, this is a goto place. Over the years they have fixed many of the problems with the dining experience which I appreciate. First, there was always a long wait for a table. They don't take reservations but they do have 'call ahead' seating to get you in the queue before you leave your house. Second, I always felt like they wasted a lot of food with their ridiculous portion sizes. They have scaled back to appropriate portions which may lead some people to think that they are not getting enough value for their money. Finally, consistency. I feel like they have made great strides to make sure that the food quality is consistent. I always get the same thing at Outback and it used to vary from time to time. read more

I have been dining at Outbacks for well over 15 years. There are much better locations and much worse. The difference I find is in the quality of the staff, especially the cooks and the manager. The menu is extensive, time-tested and you know what to expect. The price is reasonable as they appeal to the massed. Our meal on a recent visit was okay, server was good and the manager was excellent. As we ordered more salads and appetizers we did not personally experience the main courses. However both sets of patrons on either side of us experienced problems with the cooking of their food. One party sent the food back and it was redone but still not acceptable. I have seen some difficult customers in my day but the chance of three separate meals over two tables not prepared properly goes to the hear of the kitchen staff. The manager attempted quite well to remedy the problem but I'm sure was handicapped by the cook on duty. I find this is typical across Outback. Medium-Well at one location can be medium-rare or well-done at another. Would find it difficult to return in the near future. read more

This particular franchise is much worse than others. The food is too salty, their steaks taste like grass. The waiters almost never showed up after taking the order, we had to wait forever to ask for a cup of water. Our bill was way to expensive and I regret coming to this place. read more

Outback Steakhouse - Menu - Steakhouses Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Leaving this review because Keon was a wonderful server. Great meal, supper attentive service. We'll be back.

I just wrote a review for the Lone Star just across 15/501 from Outback and was surprised not to see any reviews for Outback. In a nutshell, the steaks seem good quality, are prepared quite well, and are reasonably priced at either place, making me a fan. Outback wins on "salt level," which is a little high at Lone Star. But Lone Star is a little nicer-looking inside, has better sides, and better service -- everything was fast at Lone Star while Outback was just ok, but we have been only once at either place. So while we were planning to be back at Outback for our next steak craving before we ate at Lone Star, the plan changed to Lone Star. read more

This is the first time I have been back since 5 years ago. FOOD: for the appetizer I had: Buffalo wings (mild) = way too salty Coconut shrimp = average, but the coconut batter was quick to separate from the shrimp Blooming onion = they changed the batter and the size. I remember the first few times I went, the blooming onion was extremely large, with a light batter. The sized shrank twice the original size and the batter was pretty thick. The first few bites were fine, but the more you eat, the saltier it gets. My family and I all ordered from the Wednesday special which is such a great deal. It included a house soup/salad, entree, and dessert (cheese cake or carrot cake) Fire cracker salmon = very delicious, sweet sauce and cooked perfectly Parmesan chicken = chicken was tender and well seasoned, but the parmesan on top of the chicken had the same consistence as mashed potatoes. I ate just the chicken and pushed the "mashed potatoes" to the side of my plate. Both dishes came with a side branch of broccoli (you choice of a side). Cooked perfectly and lightly seasoned. Highly recommended. Carrot cake = very thick, I've had better from a box mix. The cake could have passed as a pound cake. Chocolate thunder = basically a brownie, a scoop of ice cream, and a smaller scoop of whipped cream with a chocolate drizzle. Although the name sounds tasty, the actual dessert wasn't. The brownie was warm and so soggy. The environment was very nice and we also had a good server. The lights were too dim which made it hard to read the menu. The menu is also hard to read and a bit disorganized. We did complain about the blooming onions being salty and they took it off our check which was nice. The service was great! But flavors were off. read more

So disappointed. Stopped there cause near hotel and needed our Bloomin Onion and a couple draft beers after a day of traveling and golf. But we were thwarted... their draft system was busted and had zero draft beer. They were also offering no specials to compensate for no draft beers. Look, I understand things break... but offer a similar product and a similar price. Offer some bottle beer incentives. I expected more Outback, so we left to try another restaurant. read more

Love the service .... The hostess was very friendly. Our waitress was wonderful. The food was delicious. I will DEFINITELY be back!!! read more

Outback Steakhouse - Steakhouses Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

My friend and I went here for lunch, she let the server know that the ladies room had an awful smell. Not a great way to start, we both ordered burgers they were good but sure looked like frozen patties. Certainly not as good a burger as Bad Daddy's or even Burger Fi. Outback is just not the quality that it used to be and servers here seemed confused as to who was going to wait on us, i can see why they had little business for lunch, looks like outback needs to get back to their roots and give customer's a reason to return, we just have too many choices that are better read more

Not sure what was going on on, with the bathrooms, but there was a distinct smell of raw sewage coming from the rear of the restaurant. We promptly requested to be re seated at a table closest to the front. Service was just OK, employees all seemed a bit burnt out. Food was served lukewarm, definitely had been sitting on the line too long. This Outback location needs a serious cleanup. read more

OK... I flamed Outback in a Longhorn post. I was headed to Chili's and saw Outback and thought I have not eaten in one in well over a year. I eat out a lot. So a year is a long time. I decided to give them another try. Being from the Tampa Bay area, I can remember when Outback had good food. This Outback had ok food at best. I ate in the bar area. Seriously, clean out behind the bar. The bar should not smell like sewage. The smell of rotten beer is just nasty when trying to eat. I always love it when I have to ask for silverware. It must be to heavy to carry to the table with the bread or soup. Fortunately, I can go another year before I attempt to eat at another Outback. Two stars might be to high for this location. read more

Tried the 12.99 3 course meal they have in Sunday's. Outback sirloin was tough and even hard to cut. Salad, potato and bread were all good though. Dessert was good we had the key lime parfait and carrot cake. Our waitress was very good and attentive. read more

Outback Steakhouse - Outback Special - Steakhouses Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

This is an AWSOME place to get a GREAT MEAL and I can't forget to mention.... the GREAT SERVICE!!WE HAVE BEEN COMING HERE SINCE IT OPENED IN 1996! They go out of their way to make sure you have great food, a good time and an enjoyable experience! Deborah Vaughan read more

My wife and I went to Outback for dinner to celebrate our Anniversary. We had the opportunity to have a great and friendly server, Anija, that provided us with excellent service. She made our dining experience special. We're glad we had her as our server. Excellent service! read more

We have considered this Outback our kitchen - almost like a member of the family - since '95, returning often for their filet mignon, salmon, burgers and salads. And wings. If we miss Outback's rack of lamb, scallops, and the haricots verde veggie option, we now have filet medallions and quesadillas, buttery broccoli florets and fine fries. Above all? The staff. Front of the house, kitchen, and management. Nothing here feels like a chain restaurant. For that experience there's an Applebees within walking distance. read more

Bartender wasn't friendly at all. He didn't even speak to us after we were waiting at the bar for 30 minutes. Everyone else was getting their drinks and food but not us. Definitely will not be returning to this establishment again. He gave us our check before we even had the chance to order appetizers. Need to work more on customer service since we were on vacation we would've order more than one drink. read more

I'm not usually the person to leave reviews but this is necessary. Every time I come here(I usually sit at the bar) the service is wonderful. I always order the 8oz filet and each time it is cooked to absolute perfection. Hands down the best steak I've ever ordered from an outback! read more

Came for steak and shrimps on Saturday...shrimps were good , salad and house dressing good, but....the steak was tougher than a shoe.......not sure what kind of meat it was ....also service was very very slow, so don't go on weekends and Friday's.. read more

15 minutes before asked for drinks. 15 to get the drinks. Made my drink wrong. 10 more before ordering. Soup came out cold. Server was very nice about it. Mash potatoes were cold. Didn't want to complain again. No A1 sauce at a steak house. Lol. Steak was overcooked. Manager went around to every table EXCEPT ours. Wasn't that busy at all. I work in the service industry before and during covid and am extremely understanding. But this was the worst outback dining I've ever had. read more

Waitress was very attentive and nice. Only redeeming part of this experience. Boyfriend and I split a few dishes and both ended up with bad food poisoning. NOT okay. I will never go back to this place. read more

While the Outback is not my favorite steak in the Triangle, and while there have been some lower periods in its history... with regard to quality and service, I have to say that this particular Outback is currently riding a nice wave on both. I'm usually trying to economize, and this is a decent place to do that. I almost always get the Special, and I find it is usually a darn good steak. I usually have the mushrooms and a salad as my sides, and I've been delighted to find that the shrooms can be dusted in the Bloomin' Onion breading and fried. OMG, they're heaven! And the service lately has been quite good. I think OB is on the rise! read more

I was pleased with the food. Outback's quality has changed a little over the years. Hope they can reinvent themselves to keep up with the competition. read more

I honestly don't remember much about the food I had here-- I prefer my steak medium well-done, so I never complain about steak being "too cooked". However, the atmosphere in this restaurant was definitely a deterrent. This was a few years back, so maybe they've corrected the problem by now, but the restaurant was very smokey and had a slightly trashy feel to it. This might have also been due to the fact that I was stupid enough to go here for prom (hint, this is *not* that kind of restaurant). However, if you have any type of respiratory problem, I would try not to come to this Steakhouse. There might be other Outback restaurants that have better air quality. read more

Service has gone down for the price . I got a lunch special 6 oz sirloin (size of fist) soup, tea and a baked potato to go & it was $25. Our waitress gave 1 of us a straw & not the other until we asked, then she dropped off our bread but NO plates to put it on. She didn't come by for awhile so we ate our bread in our hands. She brought a to go box & then 2 min later another box in a tiny bag they had put the to go baked potato in. I had to ask her for a larger bag so as to not carry 2 seperate items out & she looked bothered to have to walk back and get it. She should have asked about a bag for our stuff. When leaving she did say "Have a nice day" but she didn't thank us which would have been nice. They either no longer train their staff or this staff member was not focused on customer service. Then we get out and the baked potato had no sour cream which we had specifically asked for and its her job to check. The french onion soup was delicious and steak was ok. For the price point, I was disappointed as the service could have made up for the over inflated price for a lunch special at 1pm on a Monday. They were not busy. The waitress was Lilly. read more

It started out very slow. Waitress took 10 minutes to come to our table just for the drink order then another 10 minutes to get the drinks. Our waitress seemed spacey and had to be asked multiple times for the same thing. The manager provided a 33% discount after learning a hair was in the ranch they gave us.. had to ask a different waitress to replace the ranch because ours was no where insight. Our alcoholic drinks were not refilled because the waitress did not ask or even notice. After all of this we still wanted to order dessert. Instead the waitress didn't ask if we were finished or if we wanted dessert and just brought our check instead. Overall very disappointed in this Outback. read more