I'm not sure what's going on with Outback but the service has declined dramatically at both the Poway and El Cajon, CA locations! I've visited both restaurants recently and in each case had to wait at least 15 minutes to be seated in a restaurant that had maybe 3 other tables sat at the time. The places were dead. At Poway there wasn't even a host! Just stood there waiting for someone to emerge from the kitchen. Also at both locations, our first drink order didn't even make it to the table until more than 30 minutes after our arrival. On to the food. It seems like the only thing decent here any more are the proteins. Steaks, etc I've always enjoyed. I tried the new lobster mac & cheese and it was served nearly room temperature and without the crunchy, golden topping. At El Cajon I ordered the steakhouse mac & cheese and it came out stone cold! My broccoli at both locations have consistently been overcooked and tasted like some kind of funk. I don't know how else to describe it. I have to say, with the relatively high prices being charged for meals here, I cannot justify continuing to patronize Outback. It is just not at all worth the serious shortcomings in service and food quality I have recently experienced. read more

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Came here for graduation dinner. The service was great even through they were busy. Had a great steak and it was cooked a perfect medium.

Ordered plenty of time in advance to pull up curb side. Showed up 10 mins before estimated time the food would be ready. BUT What's the point of curb side if they don't bring your food to you curb side and have you waiting for 20 mins???? I'm sure they see the cars waiting too. Then you go inside and you just find your food sitting there when again, you needed curb side ?? read more

Not sure what it is about this location, but I absolutely love coming here for dinner! Between my boyfriend and I, we've tried between 6-7 different entrees and have been impressed with all of them. My favorites so far have been the Bloomin Fried Chicken and the sweet potato - both are SO tasty! They also have such great cocktail options. We've never had an issue with service, and I like that it's still pretty casual for better quality food. So far, this place hasn't missed in my book. read more

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My wife and I ate at the Poway location July 3. The food was good. We sat at the bar. Our bill was around $60 and I always leave a 20% tip. It was all electronic on my card and the bill should have been $83.15. I just got my statement from AM EX and it was marked up $100. Some server is cheating and there is no receipt of it. Be Sure to get a copy of your bill and keep for future reference. An easy trick I'v seen at other restaurants. RJ read more

our quality of food and service was excellent with no wait time for being seated. Weston was our waiter and he was on the ball. He was quick with service and our drinks were never empty over all we couldn't have had a better experience Thanks Team Outback read more

TAKE OUT REVIEW: 4 stars I got a gift card for christmas and decided to give it a shot here. I'd been here before a few times, the bread was so good and you can ask for more if you still hungry haha jk. I walked in for take out and they took my right away to a takeout room and start to order my foods the picture and the real food of course not gonna be the same so i'm here for the taste and my experience. I got the shrimp and steak pasta, the steak cooked perfectly just so salty and the pasta was creamy and good. Definitely come back for another dish and give it another try. Thanks for all the staffs work there being so friendly and professional. Parking is hard to find it was raining last night but overall love the location it's next to target so convinced. overall beside the salty steak it's 4/5. read more

Outback Steakhouse - shrimp and steak pasta - Steakhouses Near Me - Poway, California

Been here a few times lately. Every time they are understaffed and the service is slow. The food is just ok. I want to have a good meal and service but always disappointed read more

Don't listen to the negative reviews. This is by far the best Outback in North County San Diego! I drove 30 minutes east because I had an errand to run in that area and I was hungry and I thought what the heck let's try this outback. It exceeded my expectations!!! The food was incredible!! Cooked to PERFECTION! Better than food I've had at bougey steakhouses that charge four times the cost. Everything was cooked to perfection. I was alone, so I chose to sit at the bar. And the two bartenders (Cami and Michelle) were absolutely lovely. In between managing the entire bar, they made sure to make me feel welcome and wanted. I eat out a lot and this was an absolute 10 out of 10 in my experience. From now on when I want a good glass of wine with a steak and some sides, I'm making the drive. Just sayin. read more

Ordered to-go online. Found a roach cooked into my brocoli. They refunded the order and were very apologetic- but I will never eat at Outback again. read more

Outback Steakhouse - Steamed roach served with steamed brocoli in a to-go order. They refunded the order and were very apologetic- but why risk it. - Steakhouses Near Me - Poway, California

The steak could have been a little more flavorful I added salt and pepper, so it made it just right. I honestly wish the lobster had garlic. It would give it so much more flavor. The service was very exquisite. I got recommended it a very good alcoholic beverage and pretty packed for a Saturday night before closing. read more

Outback Steakhouse - Filet mignon and lobster - Steakhouses Near Me - Poway, California

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Not sure what happened to this place in the last few years....it has gone way down hill. The prime rib used to be fabulous. Now it's chewy, always over cooked, and way over priced. When you request horseradish, they not only bring it, they don't even bring the standard horseradish cream. I recommend you stay away from this place. It's not worth the value. The owner should sell it and make room for a different establishment. My one star is generous! read more

Visited Outback for lunch and there was no wait, restaurant was only about 20% full, and we had a great time. Chalice our waitress was excellent, quick, and the food was cooked correctly. Prices are much higher than they used to be but not extreme. Not sure why the dining crowds have not come back yet but people may still be really cautious about COVID still. Staff and customers did not wear masks but we had no issues. read more

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Upon arrival we were greeted and sat promptly. The hostess was a bit abrupt and didn't say much but it was getting a bit late. The waiter we had was great and he did check on us periodically and the service was on point. We ordered chicken wings for an appetizer and I ordered the new dinner special advertised on their menu insert, "Filet and Shrimp on the Barbie." I purposely did not order rice with the meal but everything else remained the same. The food came out and it did not come close to the portions on the advertised menu insert. I told this to the waiter and he left to talk to someone. He came back and claimed "the fat burned off." Huh? So the other three pieces of steak were charred fat on the menu? I added the photos of what is advertised ...... and what I got. Absolutely not worth the $30 I spent on this meal. Do not waste your time, or money, on this option. Additionally, Outback's remedy of tossing 10% off on a military discount we would have gotten already was even more insult to injury. read more

Outback Steakhouse - New special menu option, Filet and Shrimp on the Barbie - Steakhouses Near Me - Poway, California

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Very disappointing... Not sure whats going on with OutBack Poway. Their service has gotten worst and the food was the worst. 130 bucks later... cold meal and meat not even cooked correctly. Not sure if the manager is tryinng to save money, but his staff and service, including the cook shouldnt even reach the one star I gave them.... Guess I will be looking for a new place to eat!! Step up your game or start loosing customers....like me !!! read more

Food was only ok. They refused to use our Outback gift card cuz it didn't come from then. Despite the fact that Outback was one of the listed restaurants we could use it at they said they did not have to honor it there. This is the second time we've had problems with out back in Poway , trust me it is the very last because we will never return there again . read more

I just ordered delivery fro This outback. They should be ashamed to serve this quality of food and charge these prices. Filet - way over peppered. Couldn't eat all of it. Lobster tail - the lobster this came from must have weighed 1/32 of a pound. It was tin Baked potato - had 4 black spots inside that had to be removed. Don't waste your money. You'll get a better meal at Dennys read more

Came in on a Wednesday night, seated promptly and our server made a point to introduce himself while carrying a tray full of food. Kenny was attentive, quick and stopped by often to check in with us!!! AMAZING SERVICE! Food is as alway good and consistent. Great family dining experience. Thank you ! read more

Today My husband and I decided to go out to eat at Outback Steakhouse. We hadn't been in awhile. There was not a long wait and the ambience was nice. We both ordered prime rib and it was cooked to perfection. Everything on the plate including the bread was all delicious. The quality of service was amazing. Adriana was our server. She was very friendly and attentive. We will definitely be back and hopefully she will be working. We'd love to see her again. Thanks Outback! read more

******SIX STAR NOTEWORTHY REVIEW!!!!!! We love the food and accoutrements etc, at this Outback restaurant!!!!!! However the Super Star more recently is Anthony!!!!!! He is a fast, super friendly and exceedingly efficient, wholesome individual with a super solid handshake. I knew immediately that he is a standout individual. Anthony is also quick on the uptake and he is exceptionally gifted and intelligent. He is pillar of the community and a leader of men and women. Anthony's customer care is absolutely perfect. Anthony enjoys my complete trust and faith in his fidelity and abilities. Anthony is apex pinnacle top talent. I see unlimited potential in Anthony. My recommendation: promote now!!!!!! Anthony reflects notably upon Outback Poway!!!!!! Thanks!!!!!! VRS "JJ" read more

OK, let me start by saying when you go to steakhouse do not order pasta, I get that, but my doctors has me on a new diet where I have to avoid red meat so I needed to order something. That being said never ever, ever get the Tasmanian shrimp and scallop pasta. On top of being served lukewarm, they took what should be a fairly easy Alfredo dish, and I think threw some Tabasco sauce in it?l The pasta was spicier than pretty much anything I've ever had, very disappointing. I had every scallop and every shrimp there which by the way, was very few and then I could not stomach the pasta. To top it off they undercooked my mom's steak twice, she asked for a medium they gave it to it to her so rare it might as well have been mooing! Then they cooked another one and sure enough it was extremely rare again. Fortunately, the manager was nice and comped the stake, but altogether very disappointing experience. Wait staff was nice, ambience was as expected at an outback, the blooming onion was good. Long story short $98 later I'm at home eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for dinner. read more

Understaffed which is why service is always so slow. Underwhelming food for the price. Love this place but gone downhill big time. Won't be back. read more

If you are looking to be disappointed, then look no further. Outback Poway will for sure mess your order up without a doubt. Doesn't matter how many chances I give them. Their quality control is awful and they just don't care. Pretty disappointing because they used to be good. read more

We came here with our dog for dinner on their patio. Friendly service! Food came out quick. Staff were always masked & the tables were distanced far apart. Victoria's Filet Mignon: Garlic butter on top for additional $ but worth it. I asked for medium but unfortunately, it tasted more like well done. read more

I have not written a YELP Review for any business for a long time, basically because I have had a REALLY tough time to be satisfied with a large number of restaurants for a very long time and absolutely did not think that I will start with a restaurant that has been a favorite my my family and mine for some time. I placed an online order with Outback Steakhouse in Poway last night on 8.8.24. I paid $131.00 online and then proceeded to drive to the restaurant and pick up my order from the restaurant. Got into the restaurant and waited for over 5 minutes at the podium with a sigh to wait to be seated. While I was waiting I saw a female server at the bar and caught her eye, she started to walk towards me and then when she got half way, turned around and pointed to a male server in my direction and walked back away from me in the opposite direction as if I had the plague!! Once the male server got to the podium, I informed him that I had placed an online order and was here to pick it up; this individual pointed me to another door down the hall and stated that I should go there and someone will meet me there...... What just happened??? I mean can you not get me my food that I have paid for, why was I being sent to an area as if I was here to pick up yesterday's left overs a If I am a DOG!! Went to the "REJECTS" area and NO ONE was there, I saw a bag of food that had my name on it, I grabbed it and left. Got home and was yet once again annoyed and displeased., My wife's meal came with a side of vegetables - NONE THERE, my son requested blue cheese on his meal, NONE!!! All the butter with the bread was melted, the brown dinner bread which has been my favorite for decades was HARD and dry. The BLOOMIN ONION which is Outback's signature and I have enjoyed for years was burnt and so salty that it could be grown ion the dead sea. SHAME SHAME SHAME on you OUTBACK STAEKHOUSE!!!!!!! read more

Great service from gentleman who was cheerful entire dinner. Perfect salmon was Perfect!! Steak nicely prepared and potatoes were fantastic. This Poway Outback needs to work on ambience and cleanliness. The bench seats are an eyesore and outdated. Please spend some time and update seating. read more

Outback Steakhouse - Outdated eyesore seating. - Steakhouses Near Me - Poway, California

This was a very average meal. Average service. The restaurant was very empty but service still took longer than it should have. The food was ok. A very whatever meh experience read more

Outback Steakhouse - Steakhouses Near Me - Poway, California

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Came here for a family dinner to get some steaks. We got the four course meals! My meal included the baked potato soup, the caesar salad, sirloin topped with a shrimp and mushroom cream sauce, and raspberry cheesecake. The soup was very flavorful and a great start to the meal. My sirloin was very well cooked and seasoned. It was tender and the shrimp complimented it well. We really enjoyed our meals and will probably come back if we're in the area and craving steaks! read more

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This was the first time dining at this location. We were a large party who wanted to watch the football game while dining. The manager Ryan G., made it happen. He and his staff were attentive, effective, and very nice. We had cocktails, appetizers, entrées and dessert. The steak dip, blooming onion, and shrimp appetizers were fantastic. Our server Amanda was top-notch. I will definitely be returning to this location. The customer service was excellent. Thanks to Ryan and his staff for a great night out for our crew. Ps, get the steak dip! read more

I came in on a Saturday night and there was no wait. Not a lot of people inside. Good lighting. I ordered the 6 oz sirloin medium rare and it was good, it needed more flavor. House salad was good but needed more dressings. Fries were good. read more

First- Kenny our server was very kind and upbeat and greeted us very warmly! Our drinks and bread for the table and order were brought and taken promptly. Our chops and steak were very good and prepared as ordered. Portions were much more than adequate for us!! We would come again!! read more

Allison was awesome! very attentive and accommodating. Had a great overall experience with the Family and 4yr old

They had barely any ac, the food took forever,they didn't even give us dessert for our food or even even ask us. Finally, it took like an hour to get a check to pay for our food.Over all I am leaving a ONE STAR review in capital letters. read more

I haven't been to an Outback in over a decade! The prices are very high (maybe $20+pp), even the appetizers were spendy (but they did look like big portions). I had two cocktails and they were weak but tasty! Our server was great; food was okay. read more

I haven't been to an Outback for probably 22+ years, but went Christmas light watching and the neighborhood happened to have an Outback near by, so we decided to go in for some a steak to see if it measured up to past experiences... This place has very bad reviews, and I've graduated to being a restaurant and steak snob (sorry...) , but got to say the service, food and overall experience was great! I'd go back in a second! Had the filet, blooming onion, caesar salad with a fosters. The lived ones I was with had a great food and service experience as well..! read more

I'll start off positive by saying our waitress was extremely nice and always available. I didn't get her name but it was a young girl with blonde hair who was soft spoken. I've ate at this location many times. Each time the quality of the food seems to get worse. Due to tonight's visit, I know I will no longer be coming here to eat. That includes my family as well. We were all very disappointed with our food. Our blooming onion was tasty in the beginning but it was dripping in grease. Usually it's crispy and full of flavor to the last bite. Today we noticed a puddle of oil by the time we ate half. I ordered my steak well done and it was like a rock. It was hard to cut and chew. It was the driest steak I've ever had in my life. The last time I came here i ordered it medium well and my steak was dripping in blood. I also ordered the loaded mashed potatoes and it had raw chucks of potatoes in it. There was at least 4 raw chunks on my plate. My youngest son had the Mac and cheese. I didn't understand why he was only eating his fries until I i tasted his Mac and cheese. It was cold and it had no flavor. The cheese sauce tasted watered down. It was disgusting. My oldest son had a cheeseburger and I swear you could knock someone out with his top bun. He ended up eating his fries and picked apart his burger. Overall the food was horrible in almost every way possible but at least our waitress was nice. read more

Came in for dinner tonight and was more than satisfied with food and service. The seared ahi Weston recommended was great! Our server was phenomenal. Our drinks were always filled and he showed excellent hospitality. Will definitely be going back for the service and food! read more

Food was great, the outback prime rib was flavorful. The clam chowder had good size clams. The service was superb by Kenny. He was attentive and made our Friday night dinner a nice experience. read more

Great service from Vinicino and Ryan!!! Great service and as always amazing food. Ambiance amazing. Would definitely go back again!!! Thank you Vinicino and Ryan for making our date night an amazing one!!!! read more

Had an amazing time! Food was great. Service was friendly and quick! The ambiance was very inviting.