Dining out shouldn't feel like guessing in the dark. When you're planning a meal at Outback Steakhouse, you want to know what's on the menu, how much it costs, and what's actually worth ordering before you step through the doors. This guide breaks down the Outback Steakhouse menu, highlighting iconic staples, realistic pricing, and lesser-known options so you can navigate your next visit with absolute confidence.
Since its founding in the late 1980s, Outback Steakhouse has built its reputation on Australian-themed hospitality, hefty portions, and signature cuts of beef. While steak remains the anchor of the menu, the restaurant has evolved to include a wide array of chicken, seafood, ribs, and shareable appetizers. Whether you're looking for a casual weeknight dinner or celebrating a milestone, understanding the menu structure helps you order smarter.
Understanding the Outback Menu Structure
The menu is organized into distinct categories designed to take you from a shared starter to a sweet finish. Knowing how these sections fit together makes ordering smoother, especially when dining with a group that has varied dietary preferences.
- Appetizers: Fried favorites, cheeses, and shareable plates.
- Steaks and Chops: Signature cuts seasoned and grilled over wood fire or flat top.
- Entrees and Classics: Chicken, ribs, seafood, and pasta combinations.
- Burgers and Sandwiches: Handheld options served with fries.
- Sides and Add-ons: Customizable accompaniments like loaded potatoes and seasonal veggies.
- Desserts: Decadent, shareable sweets.
Iconic Appetizers and Starters
No meal here is complete without looking at the starter section. These dishes are notoriously generous, often large enough to share across a table of four.
The Bloomin' Onion stands as the undisputed king of the appetizer list. It's a colossal, whole onion that's hand-breaded, fried until crispy, and served with a spicy signature bloom sauce. Expect to pay around $10.99 to $12.99 depending on your location.
If you prefer something cheesy and savory, the Aussie Cheese Fries deliver a heavy combination of seasoned fries topped with melted Monterey Jack and Cheddar, chopped bacon, and house-made ranch dressing. A full order generally runs about $11.99.
For seafood lovers, the Gold Coast Coconut Shrimp offers dipped-and-breaded jumbo shrimp fried golden brown and served with Creole marmalade, priced around $12.49.
Signature Steaks and Pricing
Steaks form the core of the experience, with cuts ranging from lean and tender to rich and marbled. Every steak dinner typically includes a choice of two sides, such as a house salad, Caesar salad, or fresh seasonal vegetables.
The Outback Special is the most popular sirloin option. It's center-cut for tenderness, seasoned with a bold blend of spices, and grilled to order.
- 6 oz. cut: ~$16.99
- 8 oz. cut: ~$19.99
- 11 oz. cut: ~$23.99
For ribeye fans, the Ribeye offers heavier marbling that delivers rich flavor and juiciness.
- 12 oz. cut: ~$26.99
- 15 oz. cut: ~$30.99
If you want the ultimate tender cut, the Victoria's Filet Mignon provides a melt-in-your-mouth texture with less fat.
- 6 oz. cut: ~$24.99
- 8 oz. cut: ~$29.99
For those who want extra richness, you can upgrade any steak with a topping like roasted garlic butter, grilled shrimp, or a mushroom and onion complement for an additional $3.00 to $6.00.
Chicken, Ribs, and Seafood Mains
If you're dining with someone who doesn't eat red meat, or if you simply want a change of pace, the non-steak mains hold their own on the plate.
The Alice Springs Chicken is a fan favorite featuring a grilled chicken breast topped with crisp bacon, melted Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses, and honey mustard sauce, usually served with side items for about $19.99.
If you're craving barbecue, the Baby Back Ribs are smoked, brushed with a tangy BBQ sauce, and grilled. A full rack costs around $27.99, while a half rack sits closer to $21.99.
For seafood enthusiasts, the Toowoomba Salmon features a pan-seared salmon filet topped with grilled shrimp and mushrooms in a creamy Creole sauce, priced near $24.99.
Burgers and Handhelds
For a more casual meal, the burger and sandwich section offers filling alternatives that rival the steak plates in portion size.
The Outback Burger comes with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and mustard or mayo on a toasted brioche bun, priced around $14.99. You can customize it with cheese or bacon for a small additional charge.
Another standout is the Bloomin' Burger, which tops the beef patty with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a generous heap of crispy Bloomin' Onion petals drizzled with bloom sauce. This hearty option typically runs about $16.49.
Customizing Your Sides
One of the best parts of dining here is building your plate with classic sides. Standard accompaniments include seasoned fries, baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, or seasonal rice. However, you can upgrade standard sides to premium options for a small fee:
- Loaded Baked Potato: Topped with sour cream, cheese, bacon, and green onions (~$2.50 upgrade).
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Blended with cheese, bacon, and chives (~$2.50 upgrade).
- Sweet Potato with Honey and Brown Sugar: A great savory-sweet alternative (~$2.00 upgrade).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ordering at a major steakhouse chain can sometimes lead to choice overload or disappointing results if you don't know the kitchen's habits. Here are a few pitfalls to dodge during your visit:
- Underestimating portion sizes: Appetizers like the Bloomin' Onion are massive. Ordering multiple starters for a small party will leave you too full to enjoy your main entree.
- Skipping the steak temperature check: If you prefer your steak juicy and red in the center, order medium-rare. Well-done cuts on thick ribeyes or filets can lose their tenderness due to the extended grill time.
- Ignoring daily specials: Many locations run seasonal or weekday specials that bundle soups, salads, and entrees at a lower price point than ordering items individually. Always ask your server what's featured today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Outback steaks come with sides?
Yes. All signature steaks and classic entrees include a choice of two freshly made sides, which typically include a side salad or soup alongside a potato or vegetable.
Can I substitute sides on my meal order?
You can easily swap standard sides for premium options like loaded mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes for a small upgrade fee.
What is the most popular item on the menu?
The Bloomin' Onion remains the most iconic and frequently ordered appetizer, while the Outback Special sirloin is the top-selling steak.
Are there gluten-free menu options available?
The restaurant offers a dedicated gluten-conscious menu featuring naturally gluten-free steak cuts, grilled chicken, and specific side items. Be sure to inform your server of any allergies so the kitchen can take proper precautions.
Does Outback offer lunch menus?
Many locations offer specific lunch menus or early dining specials with smaller portions and reduced pricing, though hours and availability vary by franchise location. You can check current hours and local details directly on the Outback Steakhouse Official Website.
