5 Outback Steakhouse Dishes Ohio Diners Regret & 10 They Actually Love
Outback Steakhouse has long been a go-to for Buckeye State diners, whether for family dinners, game-day fuel, or casual celebrations. But not every dish earns applause.
Some have become legends in the worst way: greasy, bland, or simply not worth the forkful. Others, however, keep winning repeat orders with bold flavors and reliable comfort. In Ohio, where food memories run deep, diners don’t hesitate to say what hits and what misses.
Here’s a look at five plates locals regret ordering and ten that keep them coming back.
15. The Bloomin’ Onion
This deep-fried giant may be the most recognizable Outback appetizer, yet many Ohioans feel it has lost its spark. Diners complain that the batter slips off too easily, leaving limp onion strands drowning in grease.
The mess factor doesn’t help, as fingers and napkins often take more heat than the taste buds. For many, the calorie count and price just don’t match the payoff.
14. Aussie Cheese Fries
Despite the promise of indulgence, these fries too often arrive limp and oversaturated with toppings. Cheese cools into a gummy sheet while the fries beneath collapse under the weight.
Ohio diners call them more of a chore than a treat, with portion sizes so large that waste becomes inevitable. Flavor rarely lives up to the hype.
13. Alice Springs Chicken
The idea sounds inviting, grilled chicken, bacon, mushrooms, and cheese with a creamy honey-mustard style sauce. In reality, it often falls short.
Many diners describe the chicken as dry, only to be drowned by an overly heavy sauce. The paradox leaves the dish both too dry and too wet.
12. Queensland Chicken And Shrimp Pasta
Comfort food should deliver warmth and satisfaction, but this side often fails to impress. Pasta is reported overcooked, drowning in a sauce too rich yet somehow bland.
Ohio diners often swap it out for more dependable sides. For mac lovers, it’s a letdown that rarely justifies the order.
11. Steakhouse Mac And Cheese
Comfort food should deliver warmth and satisfaction, but this side often fails to impress. Pasta is reported overcooked, drowning in a sauce too rich yet somehow bland.
Ohio diners often swap it out for more dependable sides. For mac lovers, it’s a letdown that rarely justifies the order.
10. Gold Coast Coconut Shrimp
Crisp coconut coating locks in juicy shrimp, and the marmalade-horseradish dip provides a sweet-spicy kick. It’s a dish that consistently charms Ohio diners.
The balance of crunch, sweetness, and tang makes it feel like more than just an appetizer. It’s indulgent without being overwhelming.
9. Kookaburra Wings
Kookaburra Wings earn high marks from Ohio diners for their robust flavor and quality. Available from mild to hot, these wings outshine other starters with their perfectly executed dry rub. Diners in Ohio enjoy the consistent taste and the ability to customize the heat level. These wings are a favorite, often surpassing expectations and outperforming other appetizers. The attention to seasoning and quality makes them a must-try for wing lovers visiting Outback Steakhouse in Ohio.
8. Bloomin’ Fried Shrimp
Taking the Bloomin’ breading and applying it to shrimp created one of Outback’s smartest twists. The result is crisp, juicy, and memorable.
Diners especially appreciate the horseradish aioli that ties the dish together. For many Ohio fans, it’s the perfect bar-side companion.
7. Homestyle Mashed Potatoes
Few sides are as universally beloved as these creamy, buttery potatoes. Bits of skin add texture, making them taste freshly mashed.
They complement nearly any entrée and remind diners of holiday comfort. In Ohio, they’re often considered the most reliable side dish.
6. Dressed Baked Potato
With bacon, cheese, chives, and a dollop of sour cream, this potato always feels like a complete dish of its own.
The toppings are generous, and when prepared well, it’s hearty enough to rival smaller entrées. Diners consistently put it high on the list of sides.
5. Sweet Potato With Honey & Brown Sugar
This dish tastes almost like dessert, with its honey glaze and sugar bringing a warm sweetness to the table. Ohio diners adore it.
It feels like comfort in a baked skin, often outshining the main course. For many, it’s Outback’s single best side.
4. Center-Cut Sirloin
This dish tastes almost like dessert, with its honey glaze and sugar bringing a warm sweetness to the table. Ohio diners adore it.
It feels like comfort in a baked skin, often outshining the main course. For many, it’s Outback’s single best side.
3. Queensland Chicken & Shrimp Pasta
Though often criticized, some diners still find comfort in its creamy sauce and seasoned proteins. For pasta lovers, it scratches the itch.
It may not be the star of the menu, but loyalists defend it as a satisfying choice. Opinions remain split, but love is love.
2. Victoria’s Filet Mignon
Tender, buttery, and refined, this filet is considered the crown jewel by many Ohio diners. It’s a celebratory cut with dependable seasoning.
Special occasions often call for it, and Outback delivers. Diners consistently call it the chain’s most upscale and rewarding steak.
1. Outback Ribs
Slow-cooked until the meat nearly slides from the bone, these ribs carry the kind of flavor that lingers in memory.
The house barbecue sauce adds tang, sweetness, and just enough heat. Paired with classic sides or enjoyed alone, the ribs embody Outback’s heartiest comfort food.
