RG
Rick Gonzalez
Jun 19, 2026
This is by no means fact, but personal opinion… right off, after having eaten many a meal a various Outback Steakhouses across the country, I have never been convinced of, nor delighted in almost any offerings of the much-revered steakhouse. Yet returning to prove myself wrong. Recently visiting one these Aussie wannabe restos, the Outback Steakhouse – Tempe, my mind has unfortunately not changed. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not bad, and I won’t criticize folks who like it, to each his/her own tastes, but in spite of their enormous marketing expense, since opening their doors in Tampa and now closing in on 40 years of age, having their ups and downs financially, in my opinion, almost every other corporate lead, chain and franchise steakhouse bunch in America may be a better choice. The Bloomin’ Onion don’t do enough and not a draw! None of the menu offerings are very exceptional, there flavors aren’t extraordinary, their prices barely equitable, their offerings not singular and, last but not least, not much exudes exceptionality to others! Somehow they have not learned or benefitted from their offspring Carrabba’s, and I wish they would. It is virtually impossible nowadays to not find conglomerates operating restaurants that can actually provide 1) amazing service: 3.0, 2) excellent attention to detail especially in hospitality: 3.0, 3) cleanliness, hygiene and comfort in their décor, amenities and lavatories: 4.0, 4) an abundant and/or varied food and/or product menu: 4.0, 5) consistently appetizing offerings: 3.5, 6) a sincere customer service: 4.0, 7) unique, innovative or specialized menus: 3.5, 8) value and price of meals: 3.5, and most of all, 9) the inert desire of one wanting to return, again and again for the experience gained: 3.0. These are some if not most of what my basic requirements are when visiting one of these establishments each time. My wife and I, although not professional reviewers, are connoisseurs of excellent foods whether a fine upscale cuisine, middle of the road common eats, or a low-end fast-food joint. In this way, I have developed a to-the-point method for determining the personal worthiness of each establishment visited as noted in my opening. Simplified, each requisite noted for the establishment visited best scored by my highest score offered. Outback Steakhouse Tempe scores a 3.1 of a potential 5.0.