I have always enjoyed dining at this Outback Steakhouse because the food is consistently very good…read more Unfortunately, our experience on August 6, 2026, completely overshadowed what should have been an enjoyable dinner.
Visit Details
* Date: August 6, 2026
* Arrival/Order Time: 7:35 PM
* Receipt Closed: 8:24 PM
* Server: Amani A.
* Table: 65
* Check: 0110b-1
* Total: $86.86
The problems started almost immediately.
After we had been seated for several minutes, Amani A. approached our table and simply asked what we wanted to drink. There was no greeting, welcome, or introduction. She never asked if we wanted appetizers and instead immediately asked if we were ready to order dinner. We told her we'd wait until after our drinks arrived.
When I ordered, I requested mushroom gravy on my potatoes. Amani insisted there was no gravy in the restaurant until I pointed to it on the menu. From that point on, the interaction went downhill.
Before bringing the check, we informed Amani that we were Dine Rewards members. She never asked for our phone number to apply the rewards. Instead, she had the hostess remove the tabletop ordering, payment, and survey device from only our table.
When I asked Amani why it had been removed, she claimed she was closing her section and all of the devices had been taken away. That was simply not true. The table directly behind us still had theirs, as did several empty tables in the same section. I have photographs proving this.
Other issues included:
* It took about 20 minutes to receive bread, and only after we asked.
* Amani tossed the bread onto the end of the table without saying a word.
* She delivered our meals without speaking.
* She cleared our plates without speaking.
* She was nearly as rude to the table behind us.
After several poor interactions, I asked Amani to stop arguing and get a manager. Instead, she turned her back to me and continued arguing with my spouse.
When the manager arrived, Amani came with him. I politely told her she did not need to be present while we discussed our concerns. Instead of stepping away, Amani laughed.
Rather than addressing my concerns, the manager told me not to speak to his staff that way. I again explained that I simply wanted to speak privately with him. Amani then moved to the table behind us and began clearing dishes that had been sitting there for some time, appearing to remain nearby so she could hear our conversation.
After our discussion, both Amani and the manager stood together at the register laughing while we were still seated in the dining room. Whether they were laughing about our complaint or something else, the timing and appearance were extremely unprofessional and made us feel our concerns were not being taken seriously.
The manager also claimed there had been issues with the Dine Rewards system all day. If that was true, why was only our tabletop device removed while every surrounding table still had theirs? It certainly created the impression that the device was removed so we could not conveniently complete the survey and provide honest feedback.
The food was excellent, as it almost always is, and the kitchen deserves full credit. Unfortunately, great food cannot overcome poor customer service and a lack of professionalism.
A server's attitude affects not only one table but everyone around them. Other guests witnessed these interactions, and management sets the example for the entire staff. When rude behavior, dismissive attitudes, and apparent ridicule of customer concerns are tolerated, it reflects poorly on the entire restaurant.
I hope Outback management reviews this visit carefully, including Amani A.'s conduct, the removal of our tabletop device, the failure to properly apply our Dine Rewards account, and the manager's handling of our complaint. I also encourage them to review any available security footage, which should verify much of what occurred. The front-of-house staff should be held to the same high standard as the kitchen because both are equally important to the overall dining experience.