This used to be our favorite family spot growing up. We would always get the No Rules Pasta with chicken (now called the Queensland Pasta), paired with cheese fries and ranch and steak. It was our go-to place for birthdays and family nights out, and we have a lot of great memories here. Over the past, I'd say, five years we've still continued to go, but it's been pretty hit or miss and the food just tastes different than it used to. This last time we went for date night and I ordered the same pasta. It came out almost soupy and very watery. I gave it about three bites and just couldn't finish it because it had almost no flavor. We also ordered a steak medium rare, but it came out overcooked and really salty, almost like a hamburger. Service is always great, food is just lacking read more

We love outback steak house especially the blooming onion We will be there tomorrow night. The Coronel's read more

First time at This location in El Cajon. My birthday dinner. Blake was our server. We ate like kings. There was no more room on our table. I've always loved the coconut shrimp appetizer. I thought I remembered the marmalade dipping sauce being a bit more spicy, though it was still delicious. The shrimp were huge. My dinner companion and I chose 16 oz prime rib entrees w mac n cheese, potatoes, mushrooms and onions. We finished the bread and took cheesecake home. The bill was $152 before tip, but worth every penny. Blake was so efficient and friendly. He got every detail of our feast correct. Right down to the surprise bd ice cream scoop after dinner. Wheelchair friendly, plenty of parking. You can call ahead for a table. read more

Our server, Blake, was OUTSTANDING! It's been a LOOOONG time since we've had service like this! He was very attentive, genuinely cared about our experience and had excellent menu knowledge and recommended the Filet Mignon/Lobster tail combo in which I wound up getting. It was a very generous portion, the steak was cooked perfectly to my liking and the lobster tail was a grilled one that was just OUTSTANDING as well! The loaded baked potato was on-point as well as the blue cheese side salad. Oh and also, the Australian beer on tap is a very good beer! Cheers! We will be back! read more

Our visit to Outback was bizarre because almost every part of our order had an issue. We ordered two 3-course meals, and started off with the wrong salad. For the entrees, a side dish was forgotten entirely, and the fry portion was surprisingly small. We requested the burger toppings on the side, but it arrived missing the main components and sauce. The steak was tough, although cooked correctly , and we never got any water refills. Finally, only one of our two desserts was brought out, and without clean plates, so we had to wait even longer. It was honestly weird how many mistakes happened in a single meal. read more

I normally come alone after class at 4pm, 2 weeks ago I went in and the service was fine. A bit unfriendly and point, but otherwise fine. I came in on Superbowl Sunday around 4 expecting it to be super busy, to my surprise it was somewhat empty. I sat at the bar and ordered a prime rib rare, which when I received it was thoroughly cooked through. I grew up as a vegetarian, so sending meat back is hard for me because I hate to waste it, my bartender was nice enough to reassure me to have it taken back, and when I did and received a new one, it was even worse. Jose, my bartender, was very kind and attentive about the situation and did everything in his power to get them returned and new plates to me out despite not being a runner. Not only that, he personally checked on me and each of the steaks and at some point seemed just upset about them as I was, haha. At the end, I ended up taking a Ribeye and the steak was cooked to my liking. When I went to pay, Jose had told me my bill was 0$ because of the multiple inconveniences that occurred. If Jose hadn't helped me that night I would definitely not be back and this review would be surely different as well. I did not mind paying for a different steak, but his attentiveness and kindness to reassure me it was ok to take it back when I told him I'd eat it regardless really stood out. My only negative about the whole experience was how long it took to wait for 3 steaks. Definitely would recommend sitting at the bar for friendlier service, maybe you'll get lucky and have Jose! read more

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Great service at the bar. Great management stopping by and checking in. Coconut shrimp for the win! Thanks Stefan and Derrick!

I called expecting the kitchen to be closed, but they were still willing to accommodate me. They were incredibly quick and friendly.

This location always comes in clutch for quick easy and fun hangouts especially since its in a very convenient space for alot of us, hussein and Joshua M were definitely the stars of this attraction, very great at welcoming with a smile you cannot miss, they definitely deserve a raise ;) read more

Outback / this review is to hands down give a HUGE five-star shoutout to your waitress / server Destiny! And shame on you guys as a big corporation for having QR flyers for the public to scan & give kudos to your employees, BUT only be able to do so if you have a Gmail account!! We were a large party celebrating a birthday & while here I was (mom) anxious & worried about people getting there on time and other people having to sit next to birthday boys crazy grandma, Destiny was on point; checking in asking about what she could do for us. At all the right times. All questions we had about the menu expertly answered, drinks thoughtfully suggested & delivered expeditiously for the 21yr old birthday boy & even a fresh pot of decaf decaf for grandma who couldn't eat birthday cake without it. Enter single Mom exhaustion here. She even took a group photo. As for food-everyone enjoyed what they got - no complaints there. So I hope this counts as a positive QR code review and *then some* for Ms Destiny. She was amazing! read more

Meeting with friends, so nice to go someplace where people actually are happy to serve you and the whole place worked together. Manager stopped by our table several times, server made amazing drinks and Brandi, your service was appreciated, made our evening so great. read more

Adam was an amazing server during an incredibly busy shift today. He kept checking on us and made our meal time so pleasant. I'd like to thank the manager as well for resolving our small issue we had. read more

GET THE WINGS I was very happily surprised about the Kookaburra Wings. I am not a frequent diner at Outback because I've always thought the quality of food for the price was too low. The wings, however, were fantastic. The food came out hot and large pieces. I chose the drive up pick up since it was a lunch order pickup and they were out to my car in just a couple minutes. Thank you for not making me wait and having a clear view to your drive up spots for prompt service. read more

When we returned to San Diego 3 years ago, we went to the Outback restaurant in Mission Valley. It was a horrible experience with inattentive staff, mistakes on our order and the server dropping my wife's shrimp on the table and picking it up with his hands and putting them back on her plate and serving it to her. Because of this, we haven't been to Outback until last night when we gave the El Cajon location a visit. When we lived out that way, we used to regularly go there and never had a bad experience or meal. Last night will be our last: GOOD - our server, the awesome blossom and our salads BAD - my rib eye looked more like an oversized hockey puck than a ribeye steak. It was cooked perfectly (medium rare) but it was tough and hard to chew. It also didn't taste like it had any seasoning. When I have to pay almost $35.00 for a ribeye, it better be tasty, this was not. My wife ordered the filet and had the same issue. Filet is supposed to be tender and almost melt in your mouth but it was also tough to chew. You have to do better Outback to get us back. There are plenty of restaurants that serve good food at a reasonable price in the San Diego area. read more

Stefan was our waiter this time, we've had him before. He takes good care of his customers. Karen ordered shrimp on the Barbie, grilled, and I ordered a prime rib, rare, with sautéed mushrooms. I also ordered the blue cheese glazing that they have for the meats. We never get my steak cooked perfectly, I should've gotten a fairly bloody prime rib, but there was none of that. It was more medium, rare toward medium. Which didn't taste bad, but it wasn't what I ordered. Karen shrimp was basically burnt on one side. So she sent it back and then they brought her some fairly raw shrimp. So they ended up comping her meal, but it wasn't something you could really eat she didn't really eat anything but a little salad and some bread. Obviously ruined the dinner.. There's something wrong with the chef back there. My prime rib tasted fine, but more rare, but I wasn't about to send it back and wait to get something that probably wouldn't be cooked properly the second time. It's too bad. This place has a nice atmosphere. and I always enjoy sitting there eating my meal, but we've had to send our meats back several times, and we've only been here four or five times. I mean, maybe they should make the chefs look at the meat samples they show in the pictures in the menus or send them back to cooking school wherever that was. Anyway, our meal was pretty much kind of ruined and I still gave a decent tip to the waiter because he did take good care of us and did the best he could. He didn't cook the meal so it wasn't really his fault. Three stars this time, and charging me $7.50 for a corona extra when they're probably buying the beer for a dollar or less, seems like a little bit of an overcharge to me, but hey, what do I know? read more

Outback Steakhouse - Grilled shrimp on the Barbie, with mashed potatoes - Steakhouses Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Ordered from DoorDash and after waiting an hour we got our food but definitely didn't get what we ordered. We ordered the 9oz steak and it was smaller than my 4oz steak. My steamed veggies came as a side salad instead. Paid a lot through DoorDash to still be hungry. read more

Outback Steakhouse - This was the 9oz steak we ordered. My 4oz steak measured 3.9oz. - Steakhouses Near Me - El Cajon, California

Food was too salty. Service was ok. La Mesa location is now closed. . . . .

Olivia was probably one of the best waitresses they have. She was attentive and friendly! Honestly everything you could want and more.

We visited Outback tonight for my dad's 92nd birthday, which is as challenging as you can envision. Our server, Blake, was THE BEST. He was kind and patient with my parents, was attentive and lovely, and made our entire experience fantastic. The food at Outback is usually dependable, and it was really good tonight, but having Blake as our waiter was the cherry on top. Never underestimate the quality of service. Thank you for an unforgettable night. read more

Outback Steakhouse - Dad's 92nd birthday - Steakhouses Near Me - El Cajon, California

On Saturday night, our family went out to celebrate a birthday. A few of us ordered steak. I ordered steak and shrimp pasta and my brother-in-law ordered a sirloin, both Medium Well. His steak came out rare, as did my steak skewer. I complained and they brought out another skewer. It was also rare. My family was about done eating, so I wasn't going to wait AGAIN for another refire. They took it off my bill. Question: Shouldn't a STEAKhouse know how to cook steak? The manager said the cook had been there many years too. I was wondering why it was a pretty small crowd when we went in. By the time I left, I knew why. It's a shame. That was a nice place years ago. No longer.... read more

Went in for lunch today and was immediately seated. I ordered the blue cheese wedge salad (yum) and a loaded baked potato. Both were really good and I left full and happy. The new manager seems really attentive and the place seems to have a really positive vibe. I will be back. Outback that is. lol. read more

I like this place I always recommend this restaurant for your event such as birthday or promise or anything else. It is very clean and good price and delicious food. Thank you for your service. Go forward. read more

Outback Steakhouse - Steakhouses Near Me - El Cajon, California

We waited a long time this evening for service. It was difficult to get our needs met at this restaurant. I ordered filet mignon and lobster. Filet was way overcooked. I ordered medium. I didn't get a new filet until after my husband was finished eating. I had to take mine home. The manager only took $10 off my $52.88 meal. Not nearly enough for the inconvenience. Very disappointing, read more

We ordered prime rib well done came out rare also order 6 Oz steak suppose to be medium came out well done they made it ok but it took a long time to get the food back also they have pay system that sucks read more

I have not been a huge fan of Outback in the past but coming here we have to revaluate our decision. Our steak and shrimp that we shared was very delicious and fairly priced. The rib-eye was very well prepared and we had a couple of drinks. Our drinks were not great, my wife had an old fashion that was ok. The service was very good and for a chain, they do a good job. read more

Outback Steakhouse - Smoked and Root Beer Old Fashion. Oh yeah, there were 2 loaves :) - Steakhouses Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Food was great. The waitress was not. I went in for the lunch, Alice Springs Chicken for 12.99 and ended up having to pay 23.99 for the same thing. Waitress was impatient when I was asking questions about my order and whipped open then menu, it dropped onto my utensils as she pushed us through our order. Don't know if that menu was clean or dirty but I would rather it didn't touch my fork and knife. I think she rushed us to serve the more expensive version of my dish. Not happy. She used up every last dime in our pockets. Would not recommend it to friends. ​ read more

So good enjoining my leftovers for lunch Can't wait to go back and do it again happy Friday the 13th read more

Mary was our server and was fantastic. Made the whole experience very special and we will definitely return because of her. Food was great and had a great time. Thanks Mary and Outback. read more

Our waiter was super friendly and the food came out pretty quickly. The blooming onion is amazing and so was the rest of the meal! read more

Outback Steakhouse - Steakhouses Near Me - El Cajon, California

Bad food no flavor so bland not like what the picture portrays!!! Never again will I go to Outback Steakhouse in El Cajon or any of thier other locations!! Never!! ! I'll go to my favorite place Texas Roadhouse in El Cajon that have hot bread, great food and great service!!!! The best in town! read more

Outback Steakhouse - Steakhouses Near Me - El Cajon, California

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A "Prime Rib French Dip" that had about 2 ounces of beef, and a slice or two of cheese for $19,99!!! Never going back! Service was just okay, but hardly makes up for a horrible meal! read more

Both the steaks and sides are delicious. They cook their steaks on point as well. The ribeye is very tender. The potato soup is very flavorful and soothing. read more

This hit the spot today!!! I haven't been here in about 6 years, it's been remodeled and it's even better than I remember! Had the Blooming burger, kids chicken fingers, steak and chicken sandwich. Everything was just excellent. It gets 4 stars because they ran out of baked potatoes but the service made up for it! We're already making plans to come back soon!! Thanks mate! read more

Really disappointed in tonights visit. My 14 yo daughter wanted to use some of her hard earned money to take me out for my birthday. However we decided just to do takeout this time. Salads were flat out wrong, after I made sure to tell her TWICE I didnt want side salads. I wanted cesar. Was given 2 house salads which were gross because we were barely given any dressing. Then they upcharged her $2.99 on some garlic sauce/paste for the steak - never mentioning that it was more $. But ok, whatever. Then, my daughters entre was so skimpy the food didnt even taste good. Just felt like a huge rip off, for almost $90 worth of food. Super disappointed in this trip & not really sure I want to take the chance on wasting money here in the future if this is their standards for to-go orders. Everytime weve eaten in, has been polar opposite. read more

Destiny P was the best waitress we have ever had! She was so kind and attentive it really made our dinner special. Definitely coming back soon. read more

Been in SD 10 years, yesterday was my second visit to this location and when i say the food was OUTSTANDING! I literally don't know who the cook is but KEEP THEM! Food was brought out to perfection, all cuts of meat were the perfect temperature, and customer service was amazing. This is my new favorite location! read more

Some of the best service I've ever had for dinner hours but you gotta get lucky and get the right server. Went for lunch though and the service was terrible food was great .worst service I've ever had. So fifty fifty chance of good or bad service. Food is always amazing though. 5 stars for food and 5 stars if u get the right server. read more

Honestly the fact that this place is three stars gave me total shock. I come here alot and the waiter always remembers me and my family asks what my phone number is for the rewards which half of the time i honestly forget. I know alot of places who try to decrease on discounts so the fact this place in my area asks about my rewards remembers me has delicious food. They really go all out to make your stay the best and it always is. So the fact that it says three stars well don't even pay attention to stars anymore because all that is meaningless I recommend the outback. read more

Recently went into the Outback in El Cajon for a visit and was pleasantly surprised. I haven't been in since the remodel and it is amazing inside, great job! The wait was a little long, but luckily I was able to score a couple seats at the bar for me and my friend. Two men were working, I believe their names were Jose and Yobani, and they were working so hard! I was immediately greeted with a menu and a smile with my drink following shortly after. They checked on us a few times and we only ordered appetizers, the coconut shrimp was to die for. Overall, fantastic experience and the bartenders made me feel well taken care of and more than welcome to come back! I'll be happy to be back to sit at the bar for sure. read more

Outback Steakhouse - Gold Coast Coconut Shrimp** - Steakhouses Near Me - El Cajon, California

Nicole made mine and my husband's night! She was knowledgeable on her cocktails and kept us laughing all night. 10/10 Amazing Food & Drinks!! Looking forward to our next date night. read more