8 Outback Steakhouse Plates Pennsylvanians Skip and 8 They Can’t Get Enough Of
Pennsylvania diners have strong opinions about Outback Steakhouse’s menu offerings. From sizzling steaks to seafood specialties, some dishes are routinely passed over while others fly out of the kitchen.
Outback plates that Keystone State residents skip and the ones they can’t resist ordering time after time reveal clear favorites.
1. Alice Springs Chicken
Many PA diners pass on this honey mustard-bacon-cheese topped chicken breast. Perhaps it’s the combination that seems a bit too busy for traditional Pennsylvania palates.
Local taste preferences lean toward simpler preparations with fewer competing flavors. While popular elsewhere, this Australian-inspired creation often sits lonely on menus across Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
2. Kookaburra Wings
Wing aficionados across Pennsylvania often overlook these offerings in favor of local favorites. Buffalo, after all, is just a short drive away!
Pennsylvania’s rich tradition of hometown wing spots means Outback’s version faces stiff competition. When Pennsylvanians crave wings, they typically head to beloved local joints that have perfected their recipes over decades.
3. Blooming Onion
Surprisingly, the chain’s signature appetizer doesn’t always bloom in popularity across Pennsylvania. Locals frequently skip this calorie-laden starter.
Health-conscious Pennsylvanians often opt for lighter beginnings to their meals. Additionally, the sheer size intimidates solo diners or small groups who know they won’t finish it and still have room for their main courses.
4. Victoria’s Filet Mignon
Despite its premium status, this tender cut often gets bypassed in favor of more robust steak options. Pennsylvania’s hearty eaters frequently seek bigger, more substantial cuts.
Value-minded customers sometimes question the smaller portion size relative to the price point. When spending on a steakhouse experience, many Pennsylvanians prefer options that deliver more heft for their hard-earned dollars.
5. Grilled Salmon
Fresh seafood seekers in Pennsylvania rarely choose this option when visiting Outback. Living relatively close to coastal waters, locals know where to find superior fish dishes.
Landlocked locations struggle to compete with Pennsylvania’s authentic seafood restaurants. When craving salmon, most residents prefer establishments that specialize in ocean fare rather than a steakhouse chain known primarily for its beef.
6. Baby Back Ribs
Across Pennsylvania, barbecue enthusiasts typically snub Outback’s take on this classic. With amazing local smokehouse options in cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, the competition is fierce.
Regional BBQ pride runs deep in Pennsylvania communities. Locals who know their smoke rings and bark textures generally save their rib cravings for dedicated barbecue joints where pitmasters have spent years perfecting their craft.
7. Steakhouse Salad
Salad as a main course at a steakhouse? Most Pennsylvanians say no thanks! When visiting Outback, diners generally want hearty, indulgent options rather than leafy greens.
Going out for a special meal typically means treating yourself. People here usually save their calorie-conscious choices for home cooking or dedicated health-food spots, preferring to splurge on more substantial offerings when dining at Outback.
8. Parmesan-Herb Crusted Chicken
Fancy chicken dishes rarely make the cut when Pennsylvanians visit Outback. Something about this particular preparation fails to excite local palates.
Italian-American influences run strong throughout Pennsylvania cuisine. Many diners feel they can get superior parmesan-crusted dishes at authentic Italian restaurants that dot the state’s culinary landscape, making this Outback offering seem less appealing by comparison.
9. Outback Special Sirloin
Nothing satisfies Pennsylvania’s meat lovers quite like this perfectly seasoned steak. Affordable yet flavorful, it hits the sweet spot for value-conscious diners across the Keystone State.
When craving a reliable steak experience without breaking the bank, Pennsylvanians keep coming back to this signature offering.
10. Aussie Cheese Fries
Melted cheese, crispy bacon, and ranch dressing transform ordinary fries into an irresistible treat that Pennsylvania diners absolutely adore. Sharing platters of these indulgent spuds has become a beloved tradition.
Friend groups across Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and everywhere between start their Outback meals with this crowd-pleaser. Something about the combination perfectly matches Pennsylvania’s comfort food sensibilities.
11. Queensland Chicken & Shrimp Pasta
Carb lovers throughout Pennsylvania gravitate toward this creamy, satisfying pasta dish. Combining two protein favorites with a rich sauce creates an unbeatable comfort food experience.
Cold Pennsylvania winters make hearty pasta dishes especially appealing. We all appreciate the generous portion size that often provides enough for lunch the next day, making it a practical choice for value-minded diners.
12. Gold Coast Coconut Shrimp
Sweet, crunchy, and perfectly paired with Outback’s marmalade sauce, this seafood starter wins fans across Pennsylvania. Even in landlocked parts of the state, diners crave this tropical-inspired appetizer.
Family celebrations often feature platters of these golden-fried delights being passed around. Something about the contrast between crispy coating and tender shrimp keeps Pennsylvania customers ordering them again and again.
13. Alice Springs Chicken Quesadilla
Curiously, while the original chicken dish gets skipped, its quesadilla version flies off plates across Pennsylvania. Something about the handheld format transforms these ingredients into an irresistible choice.
Shareable and perfect with cold beer, this appetizer bridges the gap between casual and special occasion dining.
College towns like State College and university areas in Philadelphia see particularly high orders of this crowd-pleasing starter.
14. Chocolate Thunder from Down Under
Pennsylvania’s sweet tooth comes alive for this decadent chocolate brownie dessert. No matter how full from dinner, locals somehow find room for this indulgent finale.
Birthday celebrations across the state often culminate with this showstopper dessert. Something about the warm brownie, cold ice cream, and rich chocolate sauce combination perfectly satisfies Pennsylvania’s dessert cravings in all seasons.
15. Bloomin’ Fried Shrimp
While Pennsylvanians often skip the famous onion, they can’t resist its shrimp-based cousin. Crispy, spicy coating on tender shrimp creates an appetizer that disappears quickly from Pennsylvania tables.
Happy hour gatherings across the state frequently feature these shareable bites.
Paired with cold drinks after work, they’ve become a reliable favorite for friend groups and colleagues unwinding after busy days in offices from Erie to Allentown.
16. Aussie Cobb Salad
Bucking the trend of skipping salads, Pennsylvanians make an exception for this hearty, protein-packed option. Loaded with satisfying ingredients, it offers the perfect balance of healthy and indulgent.
Lunch crowds particularly favor this complete meal-in-a-bowl. Working professionals in Philadelphia’s business district and Pittsburgh’s downtown area appreciate how it satisfies without the heaviness that might make afternoon meetings difficult.
