By Jeanni Ritchie
I went with my parents to Outback one night, a random weeknight where no one felt like cooking but we were all hungry.
I snapped photos, as I always do when going to a restaurant I want to feature in this column, and took a few notes. Originally it was going to run while I was on my cross-country summer road trip.
Then, as many of you know, my mom had a stroke and my trip was cut short. After she died, I had a few restaurants that hadn’t yet run and it was too heartbreaking to revisit the ones where she’d been with me. I visited new restaurants that didn’t carry the emotional weight.
But there were some great meals and some treasured memories, and I still want to share them. Outback is one of them.
I remember when Outback opened in Alexandria. The sizzling steaks, the Shrimp on the Barbie, the warm loaf of brown bread with a side of butter while you waited… we all lived that little slice of Australia in our own little corner of the world.
The consistency of both its delicious food and stellar service is what has kept Outback’s doors open when so many others have closed. The consistency in quality, whether it’s some of their newer dishes or longtime menu favorites, has led to its longevity.
Mom had the fried shrimp and Dad had a steak and baked potato, along with a Bloomin’ Onion—Dad always gets the Bloomin’ Onion! I had the Teriyaki Filet Skewers with their new Parmesan Creamed Corn. I love that corn dish—it’s like a buttery, cheesy personal corn casserole in a mini cast iron skillet. We ate like royals that evening!
Other menu items include signature steaks, steak combos, seafood, burgers and sandwiches, entrée salads, soups, side salads, freshly made sides, kids meals, desserts, non-alcoholic beverages, and shareable options for groups.
The Aussie-Approved & Protein Forward section includes choices like Victoria’s Filet Mignon & Lobster, Sirloin & Alice Springs Chicken, Rockhampton Ribeye & Choice of Shrimp, Sirloin & Ribs, and Sirloin & Grilled Chicken.
Down Under Favorites include classics and comfort food like Alice Springs Chicken, Queensland Chicken & Shrimp Pasta, Kingsland Steak & Shrimp Pasta, Bloomin’ Fried Chicken, Outback Ribs, Drovers Ribs & Chicken Platter, Grilled Chicken on the Barbie, and several chicken tender options.
Outback Steakhouse is located at 3217 S. MacArthur Drive in Alexandria. They can be reached at 318-442-0303.
Hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Whether you’re looking for a family dinner, group luncheon, work meeting, birthday gathering, or after-work hangout, Outback is ready to take you down under for a great time!
