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Outback Steakhouse

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By JEFF KORBELIK / GZO

Friday, Nov 14, 2008 - 12:21:26 am CST

One of my co-workers asked me why I chose to dine this week at Outback Steakhouse.

Believe it or not, in my 10-plus years writing about Lincoln restaurants, I had not written anything about the city’s most popular steakhouse.

I thought it was about time I ventured to where a lot of Lincoln diners go to eat. The parking lot, after all, is always full.

Story Photo
Manager Josh Warner shows off the Outback's Victoria's Center Cut Filet with dressed baked potato and fresh steamed vegetables. (Eric Gregory)
Outback Steakhouse

633 N. 48th St.

Atmosphere: Casual

Specialty: Steak

Payment: Cash, checks, major credit cards

Cost: Entrees, $9.99 to $21.49

Hours: 4-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 4-11 p.m. Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday

Phone: (402) 465-5050

Web: www.outback.com

Notes: Parking, gluten-free and children’s menus, curbside takeout, call-ahead seating, alcohol, limited-time specials

* * *

Food: 3 stars

Service: 3½ stars

Atmosphere: 3 stars

Vegetarian friendly: 2 stars

The Last Bite: Outback continues to find success after 13 years in Lincoln with steaks, seafood and more.

Rating system: Excellent 4 stars; Good 3 stars; Fair or uneven 2 stars; Poor 1 star

The chain restaurant has been around since 1988 and in Lincoln on North 48th Street since 1995. The current proprietor is Chris Liston.

Since its inception, Outback has been known for its “big, bold flavors,” including its steak seasoning that diners often try to replicate. Do a “Google” search on the seasoning, and you will find hundreds of recipes for it.

The chain also has had one of the most memorable advertising campaigns, often using the melody from the Of Montreal song “Wraith Pinned to the Mist & Other Games,” for its “Let’s Go Outback Tonight” ditty.

 I have my theories why Outback has done so well here, especially in a place where steakhouses are as common as crab shacks on the East Coast.

The first is consistency. Whether you’re dining at an Outback in Boise, Idaho, or one in Lincoln, you know what you will be eating when you order the Outback Special, a center-cut sirloin.

Next is service. Most, if not all, chains hang their hats on this. Outback is no different. They train their kitchen and floor staffs well.

I stopped in with two friends during the dinner hour after the Nebraska-Kansas game. We didn’t use call-ahead seating because I was curious about the wait. It was only about 20 minutes.

For an appetizer, we stayed away from the signature “Bloomin’ Onion” ($5.99) in order to try something different. We settled on the “Aussie Cheese Fries” ($7.49), which were correctly named. It was French fries smothered in Monterey Jack cheese and served with ranch dressing.

For entrees, I had the 8-ounce Outback Special ($12.99). My companions had the 16-ounce prime rib ($19.99) and the new menu item, fresh tilapia with crab meat ($15.99).

Proprietor Liston said favorites are the reasonably priced Outback Specials, the prime rib ($14.99, $17.49 and $19.99) and Atlantic salmon ($12.99 and $15.49).

His favorite is Victoria’s Center Cut Filet ($17.49 and $19.49) because of its flavor and tenderness.

We had no complaints with our food. I’ve had better steaks elsewhere, but I’ve also had worse. Again, with Outback, it’s about the consistency.

We were quite impressed with our service. Game nights, as you can imagine, are quite busy. Our food came out in a timely manner, and our server was friendly and on the ball. It was a good experience.

Outback also merits kudos for its gluten-free menu. The restaurant is one of the few in Lincoln that have a separate menu for those with wheat allergies or celiac disease. A big draw is the “Chocolate Thunder From Down Under” ($4.99), a pecan brownie made without flour.

Will I go back? I prefer locally owned establishments, but I wouldn’t hesitate to do so. There’s a reason why that parking lot is always full.

Reach Jeff Korbelik at 473-7213 or jkorbelik@journalstar.com.


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Mindless Robot wrote on November 14, 2008 5:26 am:
" "The first is consistency. Whether you’re dining at an Outback in Boise, Idaho, or one in Lincoln, you know what you will be eating when you order the Outback Special, a center-cut sirloin."

So in other words you can write reviews of Lincoln restaurants by eating in Boise.
Sweet. "

 Galen wrote on November 14, 2008 6:12 am:
" Hmmmmmm.....
I drive down North 48th all the time.....I've never even KNEW we had and "Outback Steakhouse".......
The ones I have eaten in have been good, but expensive. "

 nah wrote on November 14, 2008 7:41 am:
" overpriced, much better taste and value to be had with the local establishments. "

 overpriced wrote on November 14, 2008 8:07 am:
" not sure i agree with that assessment. i'd be curious to see a comparison of prices between places like outback, misty's, lazlo's, lone star, etc. i'll admit, i've always thought outback was a bit pricey, but it's steak, you know? it's gonna be expensive. and it can't be as expensive as the steak house. "

 Where Nah wrote on November 14, 2008 8:57 am:
" Local places aren't as consistently good. Misty's has become hit and miss, and they are plenty expensive. The Steakhouse wasn't good the one and only time I tried it, plus it was high priced also. "

 Ditto wrote on November 14, 2008 9:05 am:
" Your last paragraph is exactly how I feel. Outback is fine - nothing great, nothing terrible. But, Lincoln has so many other places (locally owned, mainly) that are better. I was at Outback a few months ago. The first time in years. I also believe it'll be a few years 'til I return. "

 Woody7 wrote on November 14, 2008 9:42 am:
" The only reason my family and I go to Outback regularly is because they have a gluten-free menu. Why can't other establishments realize that is a huge draw? Their service is always quite good and the food is usually excellent. "

 Never again wrote on November 14, 2008 11:38 am:
" I used to frequent Outback, until the new owner came in and customer service went out the window. Will never go back to Lincoln Outback, but will go to others. "

 Susan wrote on November 14, 2008 12:25 pm:
" Outback is a safe place that you know you are going to get a good steak at a decent price. I can't think of a local place where I have not been disappointed at least once. Not so with the Outback. I beg anyone to tell me where I can find a better tasting steak than a medium-rare Outback Special. Maybe I'll switch. "

 Never again wrote on November 14, 2008 12:59 pm:
" Susan, may I suggest you try Mistys? Their steaks are fantastic and are not a national chain. "

 J wrote on November 14, 2008 1:10 pm:
" This is stupid. They probably throw frozen steaks right on the grill. I have worked at chain restaurants, and they are all the same. They all get their food frozen from a vendor, just the seasoning is different. I don't like any steakhouses in Lincoln, If I want a great steak, I drive to Omaha and spend more than I ever should for food (Spencer's, Chophouse, Omaha Prime, etc.), which is why I never do. Otherwise I can do this myself for a lot less and at least as good if not usually better. "

 babbs wrote on November 14, 2008 1:49 pm:
" Well I have tried it 2 times within a 6 month period the service sucks, my husband and I walked in and got seated then people came in after us sat right behind us and they were waited on first and they got there food before we got our appitizers. Then it was not busy at all and it took over 45 min. to get our food. I would not go back there if my life depended on it. "

 good grief wrote on November 14, 2008 2:22 pm:
" Outback steaks are the best. Everyone says "eat at a local, not a chain," but I haven't had a local that's any better. My only gripe with Outback? Twice now, I've gone in on a Friday night around 9pm and tried to order the prime rib, only to be told they were all out. You can't run out of prime rib on a Friday night! "

 Roadhouse wrote on November 14, 2008 3:26 pm:
" outback is one of my favorites!

however, now that texas roadhouse is in town... that will win my heart over anyday over outback (even with the much longer wait time). "

 boourns wrote on November 14, 2008 3:53 pm:
" the outback here is not good. I've been several times and it's always bad. It's just that the Mrs. really likes it so I have to go. "

 Chocolate Raspberry Something wrote on November 14, 2008 4:59 pm:
" They have a chocolate raspberry tower cake that is absolutely fantastic. That's the only reason I would go there. There steaks aren't any different that the steaks I grilled all summer. "

 mr. hungry wrote on November 14, 2008 9:26 pm:
" yeah right look at those tiny portions! trying not to bash I love food but that place is a zoo, i swear it stays dirty "

 whatever wrote on November 14, 2008 9:47 pm:
" I'm sure it's good food but I can name a dozen small town operations where the food is to rave about, the service fantastic, the establishment clean, portions bigger and prices cheaper. The "chain" is good for the sake of you'll get what you get wherever you are, but a little homework and you can find excellent dining and support local businessmen that keep the profits local. In today's world it's all about keeping it local as the national chains or any business that relys on "outsiders" simply does not have control over it's own destiny and is very vulnerable to the economic shock that's going to bam us good. "

 former outback customer wrote on November 14, 2008 10:49 pm:
" My husband and I used to eat at Outback once a month but in the past two years service and food quality has fallen off dramatically. We were there two weeks ago and the Bloomin' Onion we were served was fried to a crisp. There was no mistaking it was over-cooked and inedible and yet it was brought to our table as if nothing was wrong. I told our server we weren't eating it and we weren't paying for it. We got a "gee, I'm sorry, that doesn't look good, does it?" and a 'manager' stopped at our table to say "sorry, we're making you another one; new staff in the kitchen, you know". Frankly, I don't care if the staff is new or has been there for years, the fact is, the dish was clearly beyond eating and yet it was brought to the table. Later, we both sat with empty glasses---I had water and my husband had tea. We never used to have empty glasses at Outback; usually, our glasses were topped off before they were half empty. Not anymore. And I'm sorry to say, Mr. Liston, that there is nothing I hate more when paying $50 or more for a meal for two in a restaurant is being served over (or under) cooked food and sitting with an empty glass. Lincoln's Outback has lost our business for good. "

 Carnivore wrote on November 15, 2008 1:06 am:
" Mmmm, steak! My first choice is on the grill at home. When out and about in Lincoln, I like Skeeter Barnes. Hate The Steakhouse (overpriced, outdated, lower quality food, and lousy service). Everything else, local and national, falls in between. "

 Galen wrote on November 15, 2008 10:02 am:
" Since I didn't know it was there, I obviously haven't been to the Lincoln Outback. We have been to the one in Independence MO. The first (only) time was my birthday. We were seated promptly but 30 minutes later we still hadn't evn gotten a glass of water, let alone a visit from one of the several waitresses that walked right by our table. The place was not even busy (it was about 5 pm). We decided to just see how long it would be before we got noticed. FINALLY, after an hour, someone stopped to ask if we had been helped. It was a classic case of "I thought it was YOUR table" among the wait staff. The manager came over and told us the DESSERT would be free. My wife told him that - after an hour, the whole meal should be. We ended up going somewhere else. Since then, we've eaten a a couple other Outbacks in other cities, but won't go back - it's gotten too expensive for what you get. We also like steak EXTRA well done, and it's hard to find anyone willing to cook one that long. We can't stand prime rib because it is always half raw. USA Steak is a better tasting steak - and a better value. "

 Ken Drake wrote on November 15, 2008 10:04 am:
" Managment at this Outback is very Poor. I will not ever go there again its like having children running the place... Never again... Try Misty's or the Texas Roadhouse is good.... better Choices..... "

 Debbie wrote on November 15, 2008 10:35 am:
" If you want consistent quality with the food you eat, then cook it yourself. Every time you enter a place you never know who's cooking that shift. It's going to vary no matter where you go. You'd think some of you fancy yourself as the King or Queen of England. Get over it and try eating at home. It's cheaper! "

 The Wolff wrote on November 15, 2008 12:09 pm:
" I only went to Outback once. About 5 years ago. Probably the worst steak I've ever had. Overdone, tough, no flavor. Just horrible. Server never came around to ask if it was OK. That's just unacceptable in the food service industry.

Remember the adage, "You only get one chance to make a first impression." Well, they blew it.

IHOP has better steak. "

 Very poorly managed... wrote on November 15, 2008 2:04 pm:
" Here's a dinner horror story for you, Lincoln Outback style. My wife and I had ordered the above mentioned cheese fries, and on the first dip into the ranch they are served with - we found a half eaten cherry tomato submerged in the cup. When we flagged down the waiter to ask what the hell it was all about, his answer to "what is this?" was: "it's a tomato". He then scooped it out with a spoon and walked off without a word. Gross. IT GET'S BETTER! We asked to speak to a manager, who preceeded to explain to us that "it wasnt his fault, things happen". Needless to say, we haven't been back since. "

 Ned wrote on November 15, 2008 2:28 pm:
" One thing is for sure. After reading the description of some of the food there, like the fries smothered in cheese and the dressing, I understand why we have so many fat people walking around and so many heart attacks. "

 Randy wrote on November 15, 2008 2:33 pm:
" Worst steak I've ever eaten was at Misty's. It was 90% fat, 10% charred meat. The seafood bisque almost made up for it, though. They are rather hit-or-miss at Misty's. I haven't had any bad luck at Outback, but I don't go their very often. I don't believe in eating local over chain or fighting about what people like, just go to the place that tastes better to you. Lots and lots of people love something about Outback, me included, that's why the lot is always full. Yes we could all make a better steak at home but that defeats the purpose of going to a restaurant. "

 Lincoln Taxpayer wrote on November 15, 2008 3:43 pm:
" Outback is the best steak & potato in town. Get a med. rare sirloin, baked potato, soup & bread and you can't go wrong. I've never had a problem with service and never have waited. If there is a wait, go to the bar and have a beer. All the booths around the bar are considered "in the bar" and are first come first serve.

If it's prime rib I would say Mysty's is the best in town. "

 Does anyone else find wrote on November 17, 2008 3:04 pm:
" it so crazy Lincoln has no GOOD steakhouse? Seriously name one. Mistys is OK at best and very inconsistent. The best steakhouse in Lincoln is at my house off my grill. If you want a good steakhouse you have to go to Omaha. We live in Nebraska there should be NO shortage of good steakhouses to eat at here. "

 Calm Down wrote on November 19, 2008 3:23 pm:
" I have eaten at Outback a long time ago and i know it wasnt that good. But all you people have time in your lives to sit on the computer and complain about food? seriously? i doubt you all cook that well..thats why you all eat out all of the time! why dont you try cooking for once and see how that goes? get a life and stop complaining about something that can easily be fixed!! no one why lincoln has so many fat people, they go out, sit on the computer later to complain about food...jeez! "

 I love people like wrote on November 20, 2008 10:01 am:
" "calm down". They come on here to complain about complainers. Ya that makes sense! Sounds like your the one who needs to relax. Outback is overrated and terrible. Go to Leons pick up a nice cut of meat and you can cook a steak at home that is 10 times better, unless you don't know how to cook a steak. "

 hollister wrote on November 20, 2008 11:35 pm:
" Drive a few blocks North to Randy's Grill and Chill for the best prime rib and down home super frendly service. "

 PT wrote on November 21, 2008 12:37 am:
" Outback's glory years were between '03-06'. "

 OUtback in Lincoln is terrible wrote on November 22, 2008 8:51 am:
" Went there for the first and last time this year. middle of the afternoon place was not busy. Service was very poor and food was slow coming. Steaks were not great for the price. Server never came over and asked about drinks after giving us our food. Waiters spent all their time chatting at the bar with bartender and talking on cell phone. Expensive and ridiculously bad. never again. "

 Pat wrote on November 28, 2008 12:21 pm:
" Are you serious? Just another chain restaurant in Lincoln to keep the residents overweight and happy. The portions are enormous to keep the people coming in again and again. People in Lincoln and Omaha (especially in Lincoln) love their chain restaurants. The reason there are no good local spots is because they have gone downhill and Lincolnites love the chains, so why work to keep a local spot or open a new one when you have to compete with Chili's, Applebee's and Outback. Omaha does it the right way and has for years. "

 Matt wrote on November 29, 2008 1:31 am:
" Are you delirious? "Just another chain restaurant in Lincoln to keep the residents overweight and happy." Operative word being "happy". Last time I went to Outback, there were no kangaroos forcefeeding Bloomin' Onions down peoples' throats. "The portions are enormous to keep the people coming in again and again." Huh. I'll have to remember to mark that up as a negative strike when reading any future restaurant reviews mentioning portion size, value, or price. Those styrofoam take-home boxes are terrible for the environment. "The reason there are no good local spots is because they have gone downhill and Lincolnites love the chains, so why work to keep a local spot or open a new one when you have to compete with Chili's, Applebee's and Outback." You are so right. Competition and free markets are the bane of our American existence. By spending their hard-earned money at the places that they enjoy and not patronizing places that they have bad experiences at, Lincolnites have doomed any and every restaurant that does not inform its customers that it is a chain (as chain restaurants apparently must be doing) to failure. Let's implement a system whereby only businesses deemed "local" by Chairman Gastronomie can operate, pronto. Peace, Land, and non-corporate, eco-conscious, organically-grown, vegan-compatible Bread! "

 redline wrote on December 5, 2008 12:49 pm:
" Jesus you people amaze me! If you negative people don't like it just stay home and grill your own steak! Everyone just loves to complain about something. "

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